Campania · Forio (hamlet of Panza), island of Ischia
Baia di Sorgeto (Sorgeto Bay)
- Temperaturesprings at about 90 °C on the seabed; pools between 30 and 37 °C where the water mixes with the sea
- WaterMarine thermal (hot water rising from the seabed)
- CostFree (parking at the top may be charged in peak months).
- Opening timesAccessible all year round, at night too.
About Baia di Sorgeto (Sorgeto Bay)
Sorgeto Bay is a small cove on the south-west coast of Ischia, in the municipality of Forio, and one of the most atmospheric free hot springs in Italy. Here hot water rises straight from the seabed and mixes with the sea, creating natural pools among the rocks where you can bathe for free, in any season and at any hour.
The springs come out of the seabed at very high temperatures, around 90 °C, but as they mix with the sea water they form natural pools where the temperature drops to roughly 30-37 °C. The rule is simple: move in slowly, test the water with your hand and find the spot where the heat of the spring and the coolness of the sea balance out. Near the vents the water really does scald, and by tradition some people cook eggs in it.
You reach the bay from Panza by going down a long flight of more than two hundred steps: easy on the way down, but you'll need some puff on the way back up. In summer there is also a water taxi service from Sant'Angelo. For this reason we haven't classified Sorgeto as reachable by car, and it isn't the ideal choice for people who find walking difficult or for small children, partly because of the rocks.
Sorgeto is at its best out of season: in autumn and winter, with a rough sea and steam rising among the rocks, the experience is extraordinary. Many people also come at night, under the moon, by torchlight. In summer, on the other hand, the bay fills up and can become chaotic: the evening hours are a better bet.
Bring water shoes, a towel, drinking water and nothing you don't need. The car park at the top charges in the busiest months. Ischia offers many other thermal experiences, but Sorgeto remains the most authentic: the sea, the volcanic rock and the hot water of the earth, with no tickets or turnstiles.
Access, opening times and rules
Status: Open. The sources we checked describe free access.
- Type of access
- Free
- Cost
- Free (parking at the top may be charged in peak months).
- Opening times
- Accessible all year round, at night too.
- Rules and warnings
- Beware of the spots where the water comes out boiling. No soap and no rubbish.
- Open at night
- Yes
- Suitable for children
- Not recommended
Getting there and parking
From Panza (Forio) you go down to the bay by a long flight of more than 200 steps. In summer there is also a water taxi from Sant'Angelo.
- Parking
- At the top, where the steps begin; charged in peak months.
- Reachable by car
- No: you need a demanding walk, a long staircase or a ferry
- Coordinates
40.69925, 13.87839
Tips for your visit
- Best time to goAutumn, winter and spring; in summer, the evening.
- What to bringWater shoes, a towel, drinking water, a torch for the evening.
- CrowdsHigh in summer, pleasant out of season.
Before you go, read our safety tips for natural hot pools.
Where to stay nearby
Places to stay near Baia di Sorgeto (Sorgeto Bay)
To enjoy the springs at dawn or in the evening, when they are quieter, it pays to stay nearby. Look for hotels, B&Bs and farm stays in and around Forio Ischia.
See places to stay in Forio IschiaAffiliate links: if you book, we earn a small commission
Map
Free Small fee To be checked / closed
Nearby hot springs
Campania · Serrara Fontana / Barano d'Ischia
Spiaggia delle Fumarole and Maronti
about 2 km as the crow flies
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Sorgente di Olmitello (Olmitello spring)
about 3 km as the crow flies
Campania · Ischia
Baia di Cartaromana (Cartaromana Bay)
about 7 km as the crow flies
Campania · Telese Terme
Parco delle Antiche Terme Jacobelli
about 80 km as the crow flies
Frequently asked questions
Is Baia di Sorgeto (Sorgeto Bay) free to visit?
Yes, according to the sources we checked, access is free. Free (parking at the top may be charged in peak months).
How hot is the water?
Springs at about 90 °C on the seabed; pools between 30 and 37 °C where the water mixes with the sea. Type of water: Marine thermal (hot water rising from the seabed).
Can you bathe at night?
Yes, according to our sources it is accessible at night too. Accessible all year round, at night too. Bring a torch and move carefully.
How do you get there and where can you park?
From Panza (Forio) you go down to the bay by a long flight of more than 200 steps. In summer there is also a water taxi from Sant'Angelo. Parking: At the top, where the steps begin; charged in peak months.
Is it suitable for children?
We don't recommend it for young children, because of the water temperature, the type of access or safety.
When is the best time to go?
Autumn, winter and spring; in summer, the evening. Crowds: High in summer, pleasant out of season.
Sources and checks
Last checked: . Main source: napolike.it. Other sources: greenme.it, travel.thewom.it.
Conditions at free hot springs change often. Have more recent news? Let us know.