The colorful island of Procida is the tiniest in the Naples gulf, and still remains pretty undiscovered. Most of tourists choose either Amalfi Coast, Capri or Ischia for their vacations, but I decided to visit Procida: a rainbowlike hidden gem that instantly caught my attention when I saw the pictures of Corricella via instagram.
Regardless Procida’s reduced size (around 4 square km) this volcanic island is highly populated – also by tons of beautiful cats. Actually, Procida is famous for being the island of the cats, the island of the cinema – The talented Mr. Ripley and Il Postino were filmed here – and the island of the mysteries.
Places to visit in Procida
Marina Corricella
Marina Corricella it’s the most picturesque place in Procida. It’s like if Santorini and Burano mixed together to create this dreamy place. Colorful houses painted in pink and yellow hues lie on the cliff creating this idyllic postcard heaven, where fishermen are still working on their daily routine, repairing their nets and not caring about the curious tourists.
Marina Corricella is especially magical during sunrise and sunset.
The view from Terra Murata
Terra Murata is a must in any visit to Procida. From there, the view to Marina Corricella is absolutely stunning.
Marina Chiaiolella
Marina Chiaiolella is a pretty natural harbour and also one of the best places in Procida for sunset. Besides, it’s a perfect place to enjoy a spritz with a view and why not, one of the best pizzas in the island.
Marina Chiaiolella es un puerto natural y una de las mejores zonas de la isla en la que disfrutar de la puesta de sol, un spritz o una de las mejores pizzas de la isla.
Marina Grande
Marina Grande is the main harbour of Procida, where the ferries from Naples arrive and the first impression visitors have from Procida and it’s where most of cafés, restaurants and shops are located. It’s also painted in beautiful pastel colors.
Faraglioni
Good news! Faraglioni are not exclusive from Capri and fortunately, Procida has its own version at Chiaiolella beach.
Vivara island
Vivara island is the only part of Procida that remains uninhabited. It’s a small natural reserve but it still belongs to a rich family, so it’s in a compromising situation: although it’s protected, its architectural buildings are now abandoned.
Vivara island is currently not available to visit.
Palazzo d’Avalos / Old Prison
What started being a palace (named Palazzo d’Avalos), became a huge prison that locked around 1500 inmates. It’s a very interesting visit especially for the stories.
The Old Prison and the island of Vivara are now open for tourists, but it’s only possible to visit them taking part of an organized tour.
You can book a guided tour via Visit Procida website.
Boat Tour
When I realized I could sail from Marina Chiaiolella to Marina Corricella, I couldn’t hide my smile! Sailing is one of my favorite activities and for me it’s one of the best things to do in Procida.
Procida’s houses are painted in different colors as in Burano and other fishermen’s villages, so they could identify their homes from the sea. By sailing we could get that feeling while enjoying the best view of Corricella, with its watercolor reflection on the water.
- Book this 2 hour boat tour around Procida (includes snorkeling gear and photos!)
- Book this 6 hour boat tour around Procida (includes lunch!)
What and where to eat in Procida
Regardless its small size, Procida has a few restaurants that you’ll love!
Insalata di limone at Calacala
The most amazing thing I’ve tried in Procida was the organic lemon salad. It’s available in different restaurants, but I can’t recommend the Farm experience at Cala Cala enough. There, you’ll visit Eduardo’s organic garden with him to pick all the ingredients to later create the most refreshing and delicious salad.
Lunch at Marina Corricella
Do not miss the chance to have a lunch with a view in Marina Corricella, where you can enjoy the delicious seafood and pasta while observing the fishermen repairing their nets or the cats sleeping in the sun. We loved La locanda del postino, the same place that inspired Neruda in the film.
Where to find the best pizza in Procida
The best pizza in the island is served every night at Crescenzo, located in Marina Chiaiolella. My recommended choice is the pizza buffalina with a spritz!
Procida’s traditional sweet: lingua di bue
An essential during your stay in Procida is having a lingua di bue for breakfast, a cake filled with lemon cream. Because Procida’s lemons are the sweetest and you need to try them!
How to get to Procida
Getting to Procida is easy from Naples Molo Beverello harbour. It takes around 30 minutes to get there with any of the 2 companies that offer this service (Caremar or Snav).
Where to stay in Procida
Do not listen to those who recommend visiting Procida for a day tour only. Of course you can do it, but you’ll miss a pretty spectacular sunset and you’ll be rushing and missing out the quiet Procida’s lifestyle.
The island has much to offer so if you can stay at least a couple of nights, especially if your Italy itinerary is not very tight.
Find the 3 places I recommend in Procida below:
La Suite Boutique Hotel & Spa
If you’re on the look out for an amazing hotel with a gorgeous pool and spa, search no more. La Suite Boutique Hotel offers all that and more, including their gorgeous Bouganvillea restaurant which I highly recommend.
Cala Cala Rooms
If I could only recommend one place to stay, it would be Calacala.
They offer rooms and apartments in a quiet and central location in the island.
If features an amazing organic garden, a lovely swimming pool with sun loungers and an amazing restaurant. The decor is very thoughtful, full of details and antiquities. The staff is the nicest and their Farm experience is beyond. 100% would recommend!
Gioia Apartments
If you’re traveling on a budget, then Gioia Apartments will be your best bet.
They offer fully equipped apartments in central locations in Procida.
All in all, I recommend visiting Procida at least once in a lifetime, if not twice. It never ceases to amaze me!
Will you include Procida in your next itinerary in Italy?