Baia di Cartaromana (Cartaromana Bay)

About Baia di Cartaromana (Cartaromana Bay)

Cartaromana Bay opens up opposite the Aragonese Castle, on the eastern side of the island of Ischia, and it's one of the most famous views in Campania. Besides the view of the castle and the Sant'Anna rocks, the bay hides a surprise: small hot springs rise among the rocks and warm the sea water, creating natural thermal pools where you can bathe without paying.

Sources describe the water as warm, without giving a precise temperature: don't expect hot pools like those at Sorgeto, but a sea that is pleasantly warmer in some spots. Access is free with no opening hours all year round, which makes Cartaromana an interesting destination out of season too, when the island empties and the bay is peaceful again.

The bottom is rocky and there are no facilities, so water shoes are essential, and the bay isn't the most convenient choice for small children. You get there on foot from Ischia Ponte, starting from Via del Seminario, or by sea on the boats running from the port or the nearby beach.

Cartaromana is also full of history: on the seabed of the bay lie the remains of ancient Aenaria, a submerged Roman settlement, and with a mask and snorkel you can see some archaeological traces. One more reason to bring your snorkelling gear.

The best time is late afternoon, when the sun sets behind the castle and the light turns golden. After your swim, the village of Ischia Ponte with its lanes and a visit to the Aragonese Castle round off a perfect day.

As at all marine hot springs, the water temperature here changes with the tides, the waves and the season: the same spot can be pleasantly warm one day and almost cold the next. Rather than looking for a hot soak, enjoy Cartaromana as a special swim, with the castle in front of you and the heat of the earth surfacing here and there among the rocks.