Procida is the smallest island within the Bay of Naples, Italy, with a place of 4.1 square kilometers and a population of 10,000. It is the smallest island close to the Amalfi Coast. Procida Island continues to thrive at the rhythm of its islanders and fishing sports.
In 2022, Procida was selected as the Italian Capital of Culture; for that reason, it has been tremendously secluded and guarded from the effect of mass tourism, in contrast to other areas in the region. Like its pals, Ischia Island and the well-known Capri Island, Procida is a haven of unspoiled nature, wherein crystalline blue waves mingle with lemon timber.
The island additionally boasts architectural splendor with its charming fishing villages and colorful houses. This fortified city showcases a few high-quality ancient buildings, which symbolize the background deeply rooted within the lives of the Procida people.
Map of Procida Island
| Name | Procida Island |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Campania |
| Coordinates | 40°45′30″N 14°01′00″E |
| Area | 4.1 km2 (1.6 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC +1 |
| Population | 10,596 |
| Heliport | Eliporto "Antonio Meglio" |
How to Get to Procida Island
Due to its proximity to the metropolis of Naples, various ferries journey to the capital of Campania. The quickest ferry takes the most straightforward 30 minutes to reach Procida. Most vessels then hold directly to Ischia. Several companies like SNAV and Caremar function year-spherically between Naples and Procida. Departures are also available from Pozzuoli throughout the peak season.
You can check the schedules and expenses and book ferry tickets to Procida on Direct Ferries. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets online at Molo Beverello port in Naples (contact info), from where the ferries go away.
Prices and timings vary depending on the enterprise and the time of 12 months. Caremar buses cost approximately 18 euros in step with man or woman, even as SNAV prices are around 15 euros per person.
Getting Around Prochida Island
The island is not very large, and you can make it convenient to explore Procida on foot, especially between Marina Grande, Marina Corricella, and Terra Murata.
If you have luggage, you can also take minibusses that connect the main attractions on the island. Taking a bus to Marina Chiaiolella is even more practical and convenient.
There are six bus routes (L1, C1, L2, C2, L7, and L3) that can take you to any destination on the island. You can consult the timetable on procida.it.
Things to See and Do on Procida Island
Marina Grande
It is the island's most crucial harbor, where boats from Naples and Ischia arrive. Marina Grande serves as the financial and social middle of Procida, bustling with numerous shops, bars, and restaurants. If you arrive early, you will have the opportunity to wait for the public sale of freshly stuck fish from the returning boats.
From the ferry, go out and take a stroll eastwards. You may come across the Baroque-style Chiesa Parrocchiale di Maria SS della Pietà e di S. Giovanni Battista with its grey dome. Starting from the church rectangular, comply with Via Vittorio Emanuele, and you'll reach Marina Corricella. The bus station is positioned on Via Roma, west of Marina Grande when leaving the ferry.
Marina Corricella
This is the long-lasting postcard image of Procida, showcasing the maximum picturesque surroundings on the island. If you do not have much time to discover Procida, I could extraordinarily propose prioritizing a visit to Marina Corricella. Each residence inside the village is painted in exclusive tender colorations, allowing sailors to without difficulty spot their homes from the ocean. There are no roads or automobiles here, making it best for strolls and admiring the everyday structure, including arches, domes, entrances, and stairs.
To attain Marina Corricella from Marina Grande, follow Via Vittorio Emanuele southwards after which continue along Via Principe Umberto (about 10 minutes). A terrace subsequent to the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà offers a beautiful panoramic view, but it's not the most stunning one. The first unmissable viewpoint is placed on the staircase (coordinates), corresponding to the primary photo. For a much broader angle of the whole harbor, you have to head to the viewpoint located at the top of Salita Castello Street (coordinates). From this platform, you can see the outstanding vista of the entire bay and village.
If walking is difficult for you, you may take the C2 bus to Marina Corricella. The bus forestall is placed in the back of the fishing village on Via S. Rocco. From there, you'll ought to continue on foot closer to the sea. It's additionally viable to take the bus to the standpoint.
Marina Corricella won a reputation as the filming area for 2 films: "Le Facteur" (Massimo Troisi) and "Le Talentueux Mr Ripley" (Jude Law and Matt Damon).
Terra Murata
The village of Terra Murata is situated on a small hill inside the northeastern part of Procida, with its houses adorned in white and shades of orange. It stands as the very best factor on the island, accomplishing an elevation of 90 meters. Due to its strategic region, it remained covered from barbarian attacks and Saracen invasions, making it the primary inhabited village on the island.
To reach Terra Murata, you must retain along Via Salita Castello after passing the point of view in Marina Corricella. It is a 20-minute stroll from the ferry port. Alternatively, you can take the C2 bus and disembark in front of the Palazzo d'Avalos.
Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo
The history of this monastery dates back to 1026 when a small temple dedicated to the Archangel St. Michael was built in the village of Terra Murata. In the 12th century, it was transformed right into a Benedictine monastery. It wasn't until the 15th century that the church became dedicated to the island's purchaser saint, Saint Michael the Archangel, after enduring numerous assaults and fortifications.
The church consists of three naves and chapels, and its origins are traced back to the nineteenth century. One of the chapels houses a statue of San Michele Arcangelo (Archangel Michael) carved in 1727. Among the exquisite features of the church are the seventeenth-century wood and gilded coffered ceiling, as well as several paintings with the aid of famous artists.
Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo is open every day from 10:00 am to 12:45 pm and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm (on Sundays from 10:30 am to 12:45 pm). It is closed on Sunday and Monday afternoons. Admission is free. Be careful if you are requested to pay for entry, as it could be a scam.
Palazzo d'Avalos
This palace was constructed in 1554 by the Avalos family, who held the position of governor of the island at that time. In 1830, it was converted into a prison, a role it served until its closure in 1988. The now-abandoned Palazzo d'Avalos can be visited either through guided tours (10 euros) or by self-guided exploration of the former prison rooms. If you prefer to travel from the comfort of your sofa, you can access a virtual tour of the palace through this site.
Palazzo d'Avalos is open daily from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays from October to March). Guided tours are available at 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 3:00 pm, and 5:00 pm.
Marina Chiaiolella
Marina Chiaiolella isn't always the most frequented vacation spot for passing travelers, as it is slightly off-center in comparison to the points of interest within the northeastern part of the island. The ideal way to reach it is by taking the L1 or L2 bus from Marina Grande, as the walking distance is pretty far (a 40-minute stroll).
In this fishing village, you may discover similar architecture to Marina Grande and Marina Corricella, but the environment right here is much calmer. Aside from the Neapolitans who go to the island in July and August, Procida stays quite tranquil for the rest of the 12 months. You may not stumble upon cruise groups like you'll on the island of Capri.
There isn't always much to do in Marina Chiaiolella apart from savoring the attraction of the vicinity, taking part in a cup of espresso, or having lunch on the terrace of a restaurant. It is an excellent destination for strolls and recharging for folks who recognize a slower pace.
To the west of the harbor lies the Vivara island, which may be reached through a pedestrian-only bridge. Since 2002, it's been a special national nature reserve that offers hiking trails for observing flora and fauna. Usually, guided tours by naturalists are to be had on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. If you wish to visit, you can make reservations through their website.
Procida Island Beaches
The options for swimming on the island of Procida are pretty limited. There are the simplest three real sandy seashores, while the relaxation is rocky coves.
La Capannina Lido: This black sandy seashore is placed above the Chiaiolella harbor. The establishment has a private vicinity with solar loungers and an eating place bar. It can be reached via taking the L1 or L2 bus from Marina Grande. There are two different contiguous beaches, particularly Spiaggia di Ciraccio and Spiaggia Libera della Chiaiolella.
Spiaggia Chiaia: Situated 1 kilometer south of Marina Corricella, this black sandy beach is more easily accessible for strolling while arriving with the aid of a ferry. It has an eating place bar and a non-public beach area with solar loungers. Spiaggia Chiaia is narrower; however, it provides superb views of Corricella Harbor and Terra Murata.
Spiaggia di Silurenza: On the northern facet of the island, there is a small black sandy seashore unique to Procida because of its volcanic origins. This seashore is the most with no trouble placed, being best 450 meters away from the port in which the ferry arrives.
What to Eat on Procida Island
Il Gazebo: This restaurant is highly acclaimed for its authentic Italian cuisine and delectable seafood offerings. It has gained immense popularity among discerning diners.
Bar Ristorante La Graziella: Situated in a picturesque location overlooking the harbor, this restaurant offers magnificent views. Open on a weekly basis, it serves a variety of Italian dishes to satisfy every palate.
Ristorante Pizzeria Fuego: Renowned for its international and Italian culinary delights, this restaurant has earned a reputation for its exceptional pizzas. Its grand ambiance and welcoming atmosphere make it a genuinely unmissable dining destination.
Bar Gelateria Chiaro Di Luna Procida: The gelato here is exquisitely delicious and handcrafted to perfection, making it an absolute must-visit destination.
Bar Ristorante La Graziella: While not strictly an ice cream parlor, this restaurant located on Via Marina di Corricella offers a delightful array of desserts, including mouthwatering gelato. Indulge in a scoop of ice cream while relishing the magnificent views of the harbor.
Accommodation on Procida Island
Although it's far viable to discover Procida effortlessly within a day, the island is a tremendous vacation spot for a laid-lower-back seashore holiday. One benefit of Procida over Capri and Ischia is the significantly fewer vacationers, except in August. Since visiting by bus is handy and the island is small, it's far more beneficial to pick out lodges in Procida that are nice in shape your possibilities.
- $104: Hotel Celeste, a 3-big name lodge, is one of the most expensive accommodations in Procida and has acquired tremendous critiques. Breakfast is protected in the room price. It is located within the southern part of the island, simply 700 meters from Chiaiolella Beach.
- $115: La Casa Azzurra, located in Marina di Corricella, is an 80-square-meter two-bedroom condo that can accommodate 2 to 5 people. It is a superb cost for big households or organizations of friends.
- $129: Lido Di Procida Guest House, located on La Capannina Lido Beach, gives sea-view double rooms with breakfast covered—the establishment also capabilities a restaurant and a bar.
- $131: Casa vacanzeIL TRAMONTO, a condo positioned in Marina Grande wherein the ferry arrives from Naples. It affords all of the facilities and offers a stunning view of the harbor. The Pozzo Vecchio Beach is 500 meters away, making it an excellent place to explore Procida.
- $182: Casa Claudia, a 40-square-meter apartment located inside the impressive Marina di Corricella, offers stunning views of the ocean and the harbor. It is absolutely ready with a kitchen and a showering device. The seaside is within an 800-meter on-foot distance from the property.
