This small Italian island in the Bay of Naples draws visitors with its pastel-colored fishing houses, steep limestone cliffs, and clear Mediterranean waters.
Procida, a small island in the Bay of Naples, covers just under two square miles. You'll find fishermen mending their nets at Marina Corricella, locals swimming at the black sand beach of Pozzo Vecchio, and monks still living in the medieval Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo. The island has three main marinas, with pastel-colored houses lining the waterfront and narrow streets leading up to Terra Murata fortress.
Getting to Procida from Naples
Ferries and hydrofoils depart daily from Naples' Molo Beverello and Porta di Massa piers. The hydrofoil takes 40 minutes while the regular ferry takes about an hour. You can also reach Procida from Ischia in 15-25 minutes. When you arrive at Marina Grande, you'll find the bus terminal, taxi stand, and several bike rental shops.
Marina Corricella
A 15-minute walk from Marina Grande brings you to Marina Corricella, where fishing boats line the waterfront. The neighborhood curves along the bay, with houses in pink, yellow, and blue colors stacked on the rocky shore. Visit in the morning to see fishermen working on their nets, or in the evening when restaurants serve fresh sea bass, octopus, and other local catches.
Terra Murata District
From Terra Murata, 91 meters above sea level, you can see across the entire island. The streets here are just two meters wide. Inside the district, you'll find the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, built in the 11th century with baroque decorations inside. The Palazzo D'Avalos, which served as a prison until 1988, sits at the highest point.
Beaches
Pozzo Vecchio beach has dark volcanic sand and clear water - you might recognize it from the 1994 film "Il Postino". At Spiaggia Chiaia, the water remains shallow for 50 meters from shore, making it good for families. Ciraccio beach stretches for 400 meters along the western coast and tends to be quiet due to its distance from Marina Grande.
Getting Around
You can walk across Procida in 40 minutes. Buses run every 20 minutes between Marina Grande and main spots, with tickets sold in local shops. Cycling around the island takes about an hour, while a scooter takes 30 minutes. From April through October, the island restricts car access.
When to Visit
May, June, and September see temperatures around 24°C (75°F) with little rain. July and August temperatures reach 30°C (86°F), and Italian tourists fill the island. Ferry services increase from Easter through early October, with departures every 30-45 minutes during busy times.
Isola di Vivara Nature Reserve
Cross a 100-meter bridge to reach Vivara, a crescent-shaped island open three days weekly. Walking paths wind through Mediterranean pines and wild olive trees. The highest point rises 109 meters, with views extending to Ischia and Capri.
