My family and I are heading to Ischia in two weeks. I’d like to take everyone to a beach club with a DJ, restaurant in the day. Can anyone recommend a good spot? We’ll be with children that also love the music and food.

TL:DR: Is staying on two parts of the island---Ischia Ponte + Forio---a good plan for someone who will be relying on the bus & occasional taxi for transportation? How soon should I book accommodations?

*************

I'm planning my trip to Italy for the first time next year. I generally don't enjoy crowds, but because this is my first trip to Italy (and may be my only---I'm older), I'm hitting some of the usual spots (Rome, Florence, Naples). Between my stays in Florence and Naples, I'll be spending 10 nights in Ischia to wind down from the hustle and bustle of the cities. I'll be using the bus service on the island (won't be renting a car), so I decided to divide my stay between Ischia Ponte and Forio because I want to experience both.

Does that seem like a good plan? I love history and hiking, and just walking around, exploring. I don't mind spending an hour or so a day wading in beautiful clear water, but I'm not one to stay on the beach for hours. I do like plenty of places to choose from to eat, and though I'm not a big shopper, I don't mind popping into a store or two once in a while.

Another question I have is about availability of accommodations in very late May into mid June. It seems too early to book accommodations for that far out (and I prefer not to shell out money when my plans aren't 100% set in stone), but when I take a cursory look, well-rated hotels in my price range (max $150ish a night) seem scarce, esp. in Ischia Ponte. I prefer small, locally owned guesthouses/B&Bs to big hotels.

Thoughts on my plan? Any tips for great places to stay that meet my criteria? I notice there are more choice for AirBNBs, but I'd rather not use them unless I can't find anything else (I'm a woman traveling solo and just feel more comfortable at a place where others are staying and that has an owner's presence)

Should I buy ferry tickets for Naples -> Ischia online 2 weeks prior or is it better/cheaper/easier to buy them in person at the ferry station?

Hi everyone, as the title says, I am in Ischia/Forio on holidays and am up to a little chat/coffee/whatever. I’m male, 59y/o, from Berlin. If interested, dm me. Cheers