Sorgeto Hot Springs & Delicious Lunch (Ischia, Italy)

It’ve been living a happy life in Campania, one that has been lush with the simple things that bring me that peaceful, easy feeling each and every day. I am grateful for all the good, real people in my life—the lively, local food culture that makes my work resemble a dream—and the pristine, green environment in which my family lives that provides us with many pathways and activities to connect with nature —and reap the benefits of happy, healthy days in return.

Whenever we feel inspired to do something spontaneous to spice up our daily routines, replenish, and unwind, we usually head to the lush green island of Ischia, the largest island in the Bay of Naples. After a short drive to Naples and a scenic ferry ride across the bay, we arrive in our “happy place,” where the pathways and activities to connect with nature are gloriously boundless.

Between the stunning stretches of rugged coastline, pristine bays and beaches, mountain slopes covered in lush greenery and vineyards, tropical gardens, thermal spas and hot springs (some of the fruits of the island’s natural volcanic activity), we could stay on the island for months at a time and never be without an awesome new, green plan.

The Hot Springs of Sorgeto, one of Ischia’s most amazing natural wonders, is a favorite spot of ours to relax amidst the simple beauty of nature, bathe leisurely in the sea, and enjoy a more than delicious lunch. To arrive, we usually head to the village of Panza, then make our way down the 230 or something cobblestone steps to the sea. But it’s also reachable by boat from the port of the pretty, picturesque village of Sant’Agnelo, for those who are not inclined to take the steps.

Sorgeto’s Hot Springs flow into the sea and create natural mineral-rich water pools in various sizes and temperatures, ranging from the coolness of the sea at the moment up to as hot as 90 degrees, due to the islands deep underground volcanic activity. Not surprisingly, locals and tourists flock to this relaxing spot to nourish themselves with the beneficial therapeutic and medicinal properties of some of Ischia’s best thermal waters. Here, you also have the option to compliment the unique, natural experience with a volcanic mud mask to deep cleanse and nourish your skin, and leave it with a healthy, radiant glow, Italian style, if you like.

After we have spent a few hours bathing in the various rock pools and have had a good, soothing dose of the thermal mineral waters, from the coolest to the most tolerably hot, we are always more than ready for a delicious lunch. We head over to La Sorgente, the restaurant (bar and solarium) we just love —which is perched right over the rocks on the shoreline in the center of the bay.

Meet my friends Marco Polito, the proprietor of the restaurant, and Natalia Kitsul, his lovely hostess – whom are always ready to welcome customers with a warm and friendly greeting to begin their dining experience in the restaurant.

La Sorgente’s menu features primarily the local specialty dishes with an emphasis on fish and seafood. For starters, try the marinated swordfish, salmon, and anchovies (antipasto misto di mare) or the octopus and cuttlefish braised in tomatoes (polipo e seppioline affogate), which are both delicious choices. They also offer a wonderful selection of bruschetta, little crusty slices of bread with a variety of savory toppings. One of my favorites is the bruschetta topped with a cold octopus and potato salad. For a first course, spaghetti with either clams, mussels, or shrimp, the simple local specialties are always the best. For a second course, I like the simple grilled assorted fresh fish and seafood (grigliata mista di pesce) or the whole fresh sea bass cooked in its own juices  (spigola all’acqua pazza). You can also opt for the daily price fix menu that is composed of an antipasto, first course, and dessert, which is always a good deal and immensely satisfying.

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A Delicious Taste of Ristorante La Sorgente 

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  Bruschetta al Totano 

(Crusty Slices of Bread Topped with Braised Cuttlefish in Tomato Sauce)

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Bruschetta con Insalata di Polipo e Patate 

(Crusty Slices of Bread Topped with Cold Octopus and Potato Salad)

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Spaghetti con Vongole e Friggitelli 

 (Spaghetti with Clams and Green Peppers)

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Sorbettino al Limone 

(Homemade Lemon Sorbet)

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Ristorante La Sorgente 

Address: Via Sorceto, 80075 Forio NA

Telephone: 39 081 907837

Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner from 12:30PM to 11:30PM, and the Bar and Solarium from 9AM

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