A Day Trip to Procida Island, Italy
Procida Island, Italy (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4.0, 1/1000 s)
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Procida island is one of my favorite places in Italy. It is not as popular as Capri or Ischia islands that you can also access from Naples, which makes it even more enjoyable. It is thought that Greeks first came to the island in the 8th century BC and some Mycenaean objects have also been unearthed on Procida dating back to the 15/16th centuries BC.
Procida was honored with the the Italian Capital of Culture award in 2022. Comprising just 3.7 square kilometers, it is often discussed with the nearby islet of Vivara which is a nature reserve. They are connected by a single bridge. These two islands were created by volcanoes, whose cratered remnants are semi submerged int the sea.
Upon arrival to Procida, you will find it is so much quieter than other parts of Italy. It is also a very walkable island, though transport with a bike is probably more enjoyable. You can navigate the alleyways quite easily and make your way around without a map. The vibe we got from the island was that it felt like such a comfortable, tight knit community, where everyone seemed to know each other.
Although we went on a day trip there, it would be worth it to spend one night to even a full 24 hours. Also, it seemed a little bit cheaper with regards to eating out when compared to the Italy mainland and especially the Amalfi Coast. This blog post outlines some of the places we recommend seeing on Procida Island, Italy.
Check out my drone video of Procida Island, Italy below!
How to get to Procida
The closest and most convenient international airport to Procida is Naples-Capodichino International Airport (NAP).
You can get to Procida island by taking a ferry from Naples. Specifically, the ports of Molo Beverello as well as Calata Porta di Massa offer ferry service to Procida, depending on the ferry company. The trips to the island are more frequent from April to October but ferries go there year round. Typically, ferries that go to Ischia also stopover on Procida. We were able to buy our ferry tickets 5 minutes before departure but you can also get them in advance online. The latter may in fact be the better option if you intend on coming during peak tourist season in the warm weather months.
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Procida Island, Italy (ISO 100, 4.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/80 s)
Here is a list of some cool things to check out while on Procida Island:
Marina Grande
This is the first sight you see upon disembarking on Procida. The seafront is composed of a variety of pastel color buildings, most of which are accommodations. One in particular is the Palazzo Montefusco which has a pink facade and has origins dating back to the 12th century as a convent.
Church of Santa Maria della PietΓ
This church sits a bit further down along the harbor of Procida. It is a pastel yellow and was created in 1600 by sailors coming to the island. The inside is rather ordinary but possesses interesting frescoes.
Palazzo Montefusco, Procida Island, Italy (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4, 1/800 s)
SeaBar
After seeing most of the island during the day and waiting for our ferry to take us back to Naples, we stopped by at a restaurant for a light dinner called SeaBar. We really enjoyed the chill vibe here as the outdoor furniture was very comfortable and the music was chill. The food was also delicious. Be sure to walk a little further down the harbor, away from the main places and give this place a try.
Santuario S. maria delle Grazie Incoronata
As you start walking through the small streets of the island, if you keep walking uphill to the East of the island, you will eventually arrive as the Santuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie Incoronata. This church is hard to miss since it has a bright yellow facade and is situated above the Sammarezio square with great views of the beaches and piers below. The church dates back to 1521 with a number of restorations along the years and altar additions. This is the starting point before the climb going up to Terra Murata, on top of the hill.
Santuario S. Maria delle Grazie Incoronata, Procida, Italy (ISO 100, 28 mm, f/4.0, 1/2000 s)
Belvedere dei Cannoni
For one of the best views of Procida, you cannot miss the Belvedere dei Cannoni. You will know you have reached here when you see two cannons facing the sea on a small platform, which themselves date back to 1799. This gives amazing views of the colorful pastel facade of the marina buildings below (Marina della Corricella), what Procida is known for. These buildings, juxtaposed with the narrow black sand beaches on the coastline, provides for an incredibly beautiful scene.
Belvedere dei Cannoni, Procida Island, Italy (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4, 1/800 s)
Terre Murata
This area describes the Eastern tip of the island, which itself has a number of worthwhile attractions. As you get to the Belvedere dei Cannoni, you have reached the perimeter of Terre Murata and should keep continuing to explore the area. You will be able to find great views of the Gulf of Naples as well as a number of medieval fortifications and a church or two.
Palazzo dβAvalos
This palace is one of the main attractions at Terra Murata. It was constructed in 1500 but was converted to a military school centuries later in 1815, and then a prison in 1830. Only recently, as soon as 1988 (in my lifetime!), was the prison closed. You are welcome to see the Palazzo/prison, but only with advance bookings online. The complex is composed of the Palazzo dβAvalos itself, a courtyard, barracks, prison cells, medical center, house director, and an esplanade. You can get a great view of the Palazzo from the Punta dei Monaci.
Procida Island, Italy (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4, 1/400 s)
Santa Margherita Nuova Monastery
This small monastery dates back to the 16th century. Friars that were located elsewhere moved to this current location to avoid the danger from Saracen invasions. Unfortunately the church was substantially damaged in the winter of 1956 due to collapsing archways. It was only under September 2012 that the church hall was restored and is now used for exhibitions.
Marina Corricella
This is the must see place in Procida. You have seen it in photos and it is most likely what has drawn you to the island in the first place. This is the oldest seaside village in Procida. There is no vehicle traffic allowed in the area, making it very peaceful and quiet. The term βCorricellaβ itself is of Greek origin, meaning βbeautiful districtβ. From the Santuario S. maria delle Grazie Incoronata church, you can walk down the street enjoying the sea waves and ocean breeze.
Belvedere di Callia (near beach)
This is another viewpoint of the coastline of Procida island. You can also get great views of Terra Murata on the cliffside but perhaps by this point, you have walked enough and are ready to go to the beachβ¦
Procida Island, Italy (ISO 100, 24 mm, f/4, 1/1000 s)
Spiaggia Chiaia
This is a public beach with black sand. From here you can see Terre Murata in the distance. What was particularly interesting about this beach was just how warm the water was. I always love going to the beach regardless of the water temperature (except super cold), and this place was just as wonderful but as a matter of personal preference, I like my beach water a little colder than it was.
