Procida: A Mediterranean Gem
Located just 35 minutes from mainland Italy, Procida offers pristine volcanic beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, secluded coves, and breathtaking coastlines. Despite these attractions, the tiny fishing island remains surprisingly under the radar for international holidaymakers, overshadowed by its chic neighbor Capri.
Procida provides a much slower pace of life, with restricted car numbers and a majority of domestic visitors, preserving an authentic feel. Summer temperatures peak around 30°C, and the island is a foodie's paradise, featuring fresh seafood, regional pasta dishes, specialty pastries, and locally-made limoncello.
Top Attractions on Procida
The first stop for any visitor is Marina di Corricella, with pastel, mismatched homes that are among the most photographed sights on the island. The area's steep steps and cobblestone streets offer tough but rewarding exploration. According to a tour operator, the rainbow of colors helped fishermen find their way home after long mornings of work—a local legend that adds charm.
The village above is the busiest part of the island but offers stunning viewpoints, buzzy piazzas, and unbeatable people-watching opportunities. Scenes from the 1999 film The Talented Mr. Ripley, starring Jude Law, Matt Damon, and Gwyneth Paltrow, were shot here.
For dining, Ristorante Pizzeria Fuego serves Coniglio alla Procidana, a fragrant braised rabbit sauce over fresh pasta. La Lampara offers seafood with tables overlooking the glistening water.
Historical and Natural Sites
A short walk away is Terra Murata, a medieval fortified village that recalls the region's history of sea-faring conflicts. Controlled by the d’Avalos family in the 16th century, it faced pirate raids, leading to the construction of their palazzo. Later a Royal palace and then a prison (closed in the 1980s due to poor conditions), visitors can explore the semi-crumbling remains, with part of the space now used for art exhibitions.
Boat tours from the main harbor take about two hours, including snorkeling, underwater photos, and a guide. Tours pass the working Punta Pioppeto Lighthouse and uninhabited Vivara Island State Nature Reserve, both inaccessible by foot.
Procida's Best Beaches
Spiaggia Lingua is a fine pebble beach near the main port, popular with families and tourists. One lido rents sunbeds and offers small meals, while the rest is free.
Chiaiolella and Ciraccio, made of dark volcanic sand, form the island's longest beach. Separated by rocky sea stacks, they boast extremely shallow waters ideal for relaxed dips, with adjacent bars and restaurants. The all-day lounge Maresia offers the best sunset views, with staff serving apéritif snacks and Aperol spritz.
Pozzo Vecchio is the best-known beach, featured in the Oscar-winning 1994 film Il Postino, a comedy-drama about a shy fisherman's son delivering mail to exiled poet Pablo Neruda.
How to Get to Procida
Procida is easily accessible via a short ferry ride from Naples. Londoners can fly to Naples from around £100 in September from Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton. From the airport, a bus costing €5 per person takes about 20 minutes to the ferry port. Alternatively, ferries are available from Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, and Pozzuoli, though these take longer.
