When is Sant’Anna celebrated in Ischia?
The traditional date is 26 July every year. The Festa a mare agli scogli di Sant’Anna takes place around Ischia Ponte, framed by the Castello Aragonese and the Sant’Anna rocks. It brings together popular devotion, creativity and a celebration on the sea.
The programme is set for each edition: evening arrangements, changes and fireworks times must be checked in official announcements. We therefore agree the outing and return without stating a fixed fireworks time in advance.
A little history: a celebration rooted in the sea
The festival has its roots in local devotion to Saint Anne and the bond between Ischia, fishing communities and the sea. Local tradition is also associated with the little church of Sant’Anna in Cartaromana and the island community’s boat outings.
Over time, it has become one of Ischia’s most recognisable events. Allegorical boats, with scenery and stories inspired by different themes, animate the sea festival. Highlights include the atmospheric staged illumination suggesting the Castello Aragonese is on fire and fireworks, according to that edition’s programme.
Watch the celebration and fireworks from a private boat
Ischia Ponte and the castle offer a special perspective from the sea. As daylight gives way to night, your group can enjoy the atmosphere and wait for the fireworks aboard, with the skipper handling navigation and remaining within permitted areas.
The skipper chooses the boat’s position, approach and return according to official instructions, boat traffic and sea conditions. The experience concerns the boat outing; any access ashore is agreed separately.
Option 1 · A day at sea continuing until the fireworks
Spend the day along Ischia’s coast, alternating cruising, views and swimming stops in suitable places. In the evening, the programme can continue towards the festival area to enjoy Sant’Anna from the sea and stay until the scheduled fireworks.
This is a tailor-made outing with an evening extension, with dedicated times and conditions. Departure, route, total duration, inclusions, any extras and return are agreed in a personalised quote. Discuss meal breaks or other needs with the team before confirmation.
Option 2 · From sunset to the end of the celebration
If the evening is your main interest, plan to board at sunset. The coast changes colour, Ischia Ponte lights up and your outing continues through the celebration until the fireworks and the conclusion agreed with the team.
This is also an experience dedicated to the Feast of Sant’Anna, distinct from ordinary Golden Hour. Departure is set for that evening and the return depends on the official programme, sea conditions and the skipper’s directions. Duration, availability and price require confirmation.
Salpa 33 or Fratelli Aprea 750: choose your boat
Request either option on Salpa 33, for up to ten guests, or the Fratelli Aprea 750 gozzo, for up to seven. Outings are private and skippered. Choose according to your group and tell us whether you prefer a full day continuing into the evening or a sunset departure.
Sant’Anna availability and outing conditions must be confirmed before you organise the rest of your day. The price and list of included services are stated in your dedicated quote.
Coming from Naples? Arrange the outward and return journeys too
If you are staying in Naples, discuss a private Salpa 33 transfer with our team to reach Ischia and return after the Feast of Sant’Anna. The skippered connection is reserved for your group and arranged around the departure harbour, festival programme and availability.
Request a programme including the outward journey, time for the evening celebration and return to Naples after the fireworks. The return may be at night, including after midnight: boarding, arrival, timings and arrangements are agreed before confirmation. If you want to watch aboard Fratelli Aprea 750, connections with Naples are assessed separately.
The transfer and festival outing are not automatically included in the same price. The team proposes clear inclusions, extras and a quote without assuming connections or guaranteeing a return time.
How to plan your Feast of Sant’Anna
In the form, select 26 July in your chosen year, your guest count and complete contact details. The buttons below carry the boat and outing type into your enquiry; add needs and preferences in the message.
The enquiry does not confirm a booking. We contact you with availability, arrangements and a quote. Before confirmation, we check that edition’s programme and navigation rules around the festival. Institutional updates are available on the Municipality of Ischia website.
Let’s plan your Sant’Anna evening
Check availability →All articles
America’s Cup 2027 in Naples: why not continue your trip to Ischia? →
An anniversary in Ischia: finding each other again, by the sea. →
Your birthday in Ischia: this year, leave the rush behind. →