Ischia, the green island in the Gulf of Naples, enchants visitors with its hot thermal springs, picturesque villages, and that Mediterranean lightness that sneaks into every vacation moment. Those who book a hotel with half-board here – as we did – have made a smart choice. Breakfast and dinner are included; everything else is up to the individual. And that is far from a problem – if one knows what to expect.
Half-board: what does that actually mean?
Our hotel offers half-board, meaning breakfast and dinner are included in the price – and at a high standard. The breakfast is truly outstanding: a wide selection, fresh ingredients, both sweet and savory, along with coffee just the way it is loved in Italy. The perfect start to the day. Dinner is also a genuine highlight – multi-course menus, varied, prepared with care, and often rooted in regional cuisine. Culinarily speaking, guests are in good hands, and after a long day of excursions, that is a real pleasure.
Between meals: fending for oneself
What half-board does not cover, however, is lunch. Anyone who gets hungry at midday – which is hard to avoid during long beach days or hikes through Ischia's hilly landscape – will need to arrange their own food. The good news: the hotel offers small lunch snacks for those looking to recharge during the day. The less good news: these snacks are not particularly cheap. Anyone who regularly eats lunch at the hotel will quickly find the cost creeping toward full-board territory.
Alternatively, picking up a few groceries is a perfectly good option – there are plenty of supermarkets and small food shops around. Water, fruit, a piece of cheese, or a panino for in-between meals can carry one comfortably through the day without blowing the budget . We were lucky enough to have a small supermercato right across from the main entrance of our hotel.
Drinks at dinner – separate
One thing worth knowing: drinks are not included with dinner . Even water must be ordered and paid for separately. This is entirely common on Ischia and should come as no surprise – it is simply part of how many hotels in the region operate.
Half-board on Ischia: enjoyment with room to explore
Those who book half-board on Ischia enjoy a wonderful breakfast and a high-quality dinner – both at a level well worth recommending. During the day, there is the freedom (and also the small task) of taking care of one's own meals. Whether through the hotel's offerings or the nearest supermarket , there are plenty of options. This makes half-board on Ischia a well-balanced arrangement: plenty of comfort, but also room for personal choices – and that may be exactly what makes the vacation feel just a little more authentic.