In the bay of the Italian city of Naples lie three islands: Capri, Procida and Ischia. Capri is by far the most visited of the three. Ischia is also a popular destination, thanks in part to its many hot springs. Procida, with an area of just 4.1 square kilometers, is the smallest and also the least visited island, even though it’s the closest to the mainland. A true hidden gem! On Procida, you can still experience authentic Italian island life and easily imagine that not much has changed over the past few decades.
How many days should you spend on Procida?
Procida is easy to visit as a day trip from Naples, the boat ride takes less than an hour. However, I recommend staying at least one or two nights on the island. Procida has so much to offer! You can enjoy great food, explore countless beautiful spots and stay in lovely, high-end accommodations. I ended up spending six days on the island myself; three more than planned due to a canceled flight. Six days on 4.1 square kilometers may seem like a long time, but it was actually wonderful. I had all the time I needed to explore every corner of the island.
Things to do and see on Procida
As mentioned above, Procida is full of beautiful places to explore. But like every destination, there are certain highlights and activities that stand out and Procida is no exception. In this article, I’ll share some of the things to do and must-see sights on the island, as well as a few things you definitely shouldn’t miss and some of the best places to eat.
Visit the viewpoint overlooking Marina di Corricella
Only spending a day on Procida? Be sure to walk up to the viewpoint that offers a stunning view of Marina di Corricella. The viewpoint is located just below Terra Murata, the fortified medieval village at the island’s highest point. From Marina Grande, where the boat arrives, it’s only about a 15-minute walk. From here, you’ll have a perfect view of the colorful houses, the fishing boats gently bobbing in the water and the waterfront lined with charming restaurants. This is the iconic image of Procida you’ll see in most photos! On Google Maps, the viewpoint is marked as Panoramica sulla Corricella.
Stroll along the waterfront of Marina di Corricella
Marina di Corricella, the harbor you see from the viewpoint mentioned above, is a must-visit while you’re on Procida. This 17th-century harbor is the island’s oldest fishing village. The waterfront is lively and full of atmosphere. You’ll find bars and small restaurants with outdoor seating right along the quay. In between the terraces, local fishermen are busy mending their nets and cleaning their boats. It’s the perfect place to soak up the local life while enjoying some delicious culinary specialties.
Marina di Corricella is about a 15-minute walk from Marina Grande. Keep in mind that the alleys leading down to the harbor are narrow and steep, often with staircases. If you’re walking down from Panoramica sulla Corricella, consider stopping at La Lampara; this restaurant not only serves excellent food but also offers a beautiful view of the harbor.
Step inside one (or more) of Procida’s beautiful churches
Procida is home to several churches and it’s well worth stepping inside a few of them during your visit. One of the first to catch your eye as you arrive on the island is Chiesa Parrocchiale di Maria SS. della Pietà e di S. Giovanni Battista, a baroque-style church with stunning ceiling frescoes. Another notable church is Chiesa di Santa Margherita Nuova, located at the highest point of Procida next to Terra Murata. Also striking is Santuario S. Maria delle Grazie Incoronata, which stands on the square where you’ll find the post office featured in the film Il Postino. Both the church and the square also appear in The Talented Mr. Ripley. Want to visit more places where famous movies were filmed? Then be sure to check out the article on Procida’s film locations.
Walk to the bridge near the island of Vivara
If you have some extra time, it’s worth walking to the southwestern tip of Procida. Here you’ll find the crescent-shaped islet of Vivara, a protected nature reserve. Its shape comes from being part of the rim of a volcanic crater, most of which now lies underwater. Vivara is connected to Procida by a pedestrian bridge and can only be visited with a guide. Simply follow Via Santa Margherita and you’ll eventually reach the bridge. Even if you can’t enter the island, it’s still nice to take a look and enjoy the view.
Admire the rock formations Faraglioni di Procida
Just off the coast of Spiaggia di Ciraccio, the longest beach on Procida, you’ll find two impressive rock formations known as the Faraglioni di Procida. These sea stacks were once part of the mainland cliffs, but erosion eventually separated them. Since this is the island’s longest beach, you’ll find plenty of facilities here, including beach clubs, bars and small restaurants.
Climb the famous Terra Murata
We already mentioned it briefly above: Terra Murata, a fortified village built in the Middle Ages. It’s definitely worth taking your time to wander through this unique part of the island. The atmosphere here is very different from the harbors of Procida and the architecture has its own distinct character. Terra Murata is much quieter, many visitors stay below or go no further than the viewpoint.
Within the walls of Terra Murata, you’ll find an impressive abbey: Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo. This 15th-century abbey was built on a site that is believed to have housed a Benedictine monastery as early as the 7th or 8th century. The views from the edge of Terra Murata are spectacular. On a clear day, you can see a large stretch of the Amalfi Coast, as well as Mount Vesuvius, Naples, Capri and Ischia.
Visit the former prison Palazzo D’Avalos
While you’re in Terra Murata, be sure to stop by Palazzo D’Avalos. Built in the 1500s as a palace, it later served various roles: a royal hunting lodge, a military academy and from 1830 to 1988, a prison. After the prison closed, the building remained closed to the public for many years. Today, it functions as a museum, where you can take a look inside the former prison cells. Also worth seeing is a short film about the future of Terra Murata. There are plans to transform the area into a brand-new center with hotels, conference venues and high-end restaurants.
Go on the hunt for a vintage Fiat 500
It’s an icon of Italy: the Fiat 500. And spotting one on Procida is such a fun surprise! Though it may sound easy, it can actually be quite a challenge. During my six-day stay on the island, I came across just four Fiat 500s and two of them were tucked away in a shed or hidden courtyard. So yes, it might take some effort. What you will see more often are Vespacars (Piaggio Ape). Most of them are painted in a dull dark green, but every now and then you might be lucky enough to spot a light blue gem racing by. So make sure to keep your camera ready at all times!
Have lunch in Marina Chiaiolella
Procida has a total of three harbors. In addition to Marina Grande and Marina di Corricella, you’ll find Marina Chiaiolella in the southwest of the island. This harbor is lined with pastel-colored houses, some showing hints of Arabic influence. There are several great restaurants here, including Hotel Ristorante Crescenzo, which is known for its excellent food. On a sunny day, it’s a lovely place to sit out on the terrace and enjoy the view of the harbor. From Marina Chiaiolella, it’s also just a short walk to the small island of Vivara mentioned earlier.
Find the hidden Casale Vascello
Casale Vascello is a type of courtyard complex that was built in the 16th century. It’s well hidden – and that was intentional. It was designed to offer protection from invading forces. Since the island’s coastline didn’t provide enough security, people moved inland and built their homes tightly together, leaving only narrow passageways between them. Casale Vascello has two entrances: one from Via Largo Castello and the other from Via Principessa Margherita. Inside the courtyard, you’ll find traditional houses with external staircases and arches; a characteristic architectural style you’ll also see in other parts of Procida.
Watch the fishermen at work in the harbor
If you’re staying on Procida for a few nights and enjoy photography, it’s well worth getting up early and heading to one of the harbors. Fishermen bring in their catch at sunrise, creating beautiful scenes in the soft morning light. If early mornings aren’t really your thing, don’t worry; there’s still plenty of activity in Marina di Corricella throughout the day. While you’re enjoying lunch or a drink by the waterfront, you can watch fishermen mending their nets and tidying up their boats.
Discover the beaches of Procida
Procida is home to several beaches. Mentioned earlier is Spiaggia Chiaiolella, the island’s longest sandy beach. It’s also one of the best spots to watch the sunset, as the sun disappears directly into the sea here. Spiaggia della Chiaia lies to the west of Marina di Corricella. From this beach, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Marina di Corricella, Terra Murata and, on a clear day, Mount Vesuvius and Capri. There’s a beach club here where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. The wooden pier, which often appears in the Netflix series Generazione 56K (filmed largely on Procida), makes this spot easy to recognize.
Another beach featured in a film, the classic Il Postino, is Spiaggia Cala del Pozzo Vecchio, also known as Il Postino Beach. Here too, you’ll find a beach bar offering sunbeds and umbrellas. Just north of this beach lies Spiaggia di Punta Ottimo, a much quieter beach that’s a bit harder to reach.
Spiaggia Lingua, located east of Marina Grande, has more pebbles than most of the island’s other beaches. It’s a lovely spot in the early morning, especially at sunrise with Mount Vesuvius in the foreground. Finally, Spiaggia Silurenza lies west of Marina Grande and also has a lively beach club.
Shop for fun souvenirs
You can’t leave Procida without picking up a few fun souvenirs. Want something truly typical of the island? Then be sure to take something lemon-themed home with you. Procida is known as the island of lemons. You’ll see them everywhere: in dishes, printed on souvenirs and growing in gardens. You’ll find charming souvenir shops along the waterfront in Marina Grande, as well as in the streets Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Principe Umberto.
Enjoy Procida’s culinary specialties
While Procida may be famous for its lemons, the local cuisine offers so much more. Popular dishes you’ll often find on menus include coniglio alla procidana (rabbit), spaghetti ai ricci di mare (spaghetti with sea urchin), spaghetti al pesto di limone (spaghetti with lemon pesto), spaghetti con le cannochie (spaghetti with mantis shrimp), calamari alla procidana (squid) and the delicious polpette di pesce spada e melanzane (fried balls filled with eggplant and swordfish). You can try these dishes in local restaurants or opt for a more authentic experience by dining in the home of an Italian family. Procida is known as a true culinary island; it’s no surprise that celebrity chefs come here to film cooking shows!
Look for hidden street altars
Catholicism plays a major role on Procida and you’ll notice its presence everywhere. In addition to the many churches on the island, you’ll also come across numerous small street altars. Most of them feature images or statues of the Virgin Mary, though you’ll occasionally spot one with an image of Jesus. They’re not always easy to find, which makes it a fun little quest to go looking for them as you wander the island.
Wander around lively Marina Grande
If there’s one place on Procida that feels truly bustling, it’s Marina Grande. This is the island’s main harbor: the place where supplies arrive, locals commute and tourists disembark. It’s always busy and full of life. It’s the perfect spot to sit on a low wall and simply watch the world go by.
You’ll find bars, restaurants, small neighborhood supermarkets and souvenir shops here. Compared to Marina di Corricella, Marina Grande feels less charming. The buildings are taller and not built in the same stepped style as on the other side of the island. Also, much of Marina Grande remains in the shade throughout the day, which can make it seem a little less inviting.
That said, it’s a fantastic place to enjoy the sunset. The pier at the harbor is the place to be, with boats in the foreground, a church nearby and the sun dipping below the horizon. I absolutely love it.
Visit filming locations on Procida
Procida is a popular setting for films, series and documentaries. Several filming locations have already been mentioned above, but there are of course many more. If you’re a movie or TV series enthusiast, it’s definitely worth seeking out some of the spots where scenes were shot on the isle of Procida.
Try the pastry Lingua di Procida
A true delicacy on Procida is Lingua di Procida, a puff pastry treat filled with (you guessed it) lemon cream. You can enjoy these pastries in several places around the island, including cafés where you can pair them with a good cup of coffee. Of course, there are also local bakeries where you can pick some up to take with you. It’s definitely something you should try while visiting Procida!
Enjoy the sunset
Procida offers several beautiful spots to enjoy the sunset. Want to see the sun dip directly into the sea? Then make sure you’re at Spiaggia Chiaiolella at the end of the day. In my opinion, the best places to be during golden hour are Panoramica sulla Corricella (with a view over Marina di Corricella) and Marina Grande (either standing or sitting somewhere along the pier). The setting sun casts a warm glow over the island and the pastel-colored buildings make the scene even more magical. There’s nothing better than watching it all unfold while sitting at the edge of the quay, legs dangling above the water.
Snap away with your camera
Love photography? Then Procida is an absolute paradise. From scenic viewpoints and rugged coastlines to charming alleyways; there’s something photogenic around every corner. Look out for scooters, locals, laundry hanging from balconies, cozy corners and unexpected street scenes that capture everyday life on the island. Below is a glimpse of daily life on Procida!
How to get to Procida
Planning to visit Procida? First, fly into Naples. From there, you have several options to reach the island. In Naples, boats to Procida depart from two main piers: Calata di Massa and Molo Beverello. There’s also a pier just outside the city in Pozzuoli, which offers the shortest crossing time at around 35 minutes.
From Naples, you can choose between the ferry and the hydrofoil. Time-wise, there’s not a huge difference; about 60 minutes by ferry and 45 minutes by hydrofoil. Personally, I prefer the ferry for the outbound trip: you can sit on deck, enjoy the fresh air and fully experience the approach to Procida. The hydrofoil doesn’t offer that, as you must remain seated indoors for the duration of the journey.
I took the ferry to the island and the hydrofoil back, in my opinion, the perfect combination. Both types of boats run several times a day. Check the current schedule. From Naples Airport, both piers are easily reachable by bus.
Where to stay on Procida
There are plenty of lovely places to stay on Procida. I personally stayed at two different accommodations: B&B Mediterraneo and B&B Prochytea. I also visited the beautiful Calacala Rooms & Farm Experience (a great place to eat, by the way) and San Michele, an absolutely stunning property with views over the waterfront of Marina di Corricella and Terra Murata.
