Procida is a tiny, colorful island off the coast of Napoli that was formed by now-submerged volcanoes. It’s less glamorous than Capri, and much smaller than Ischia, but has a lot to offer for a day trip. It was named Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022, making it the first island to ever win the title. Measuring under two square miles (under five square km) and located less than an hour from the mainland, it’s the perfect place to escape the city without traveling too far. If you love the sea air and Southern Italian island vibes, read on for the ultimate day trip itinerary!
Getting to Procida
There are several different options to get to the island. There are both standard ferries (one hour) and hydrofoils (40 minutes), but be careful—there are two different ports in Naples! Molo Beverello is where the faster ferries dock, while Calata di Massa services the slower boats. There’s a 15-minute walk between them but checking schedules and buying tickets online from the websites of SNAV or Caremar can save you a headache.
Marina Grande and Local Breakfast
Arriving in Procida, you’ll see rows of colorful houses in the main port, Marina Grande. After getting off the boat, wander around the port to take in the pastel houses on one side and the sparkling sea on the other. Make a stop in the cheerful yellow church of Chiesa Parrocchiale di Maria SS. della Pietà e di S. Giovanni Battista (Via Roma, 40), known as the (much easier to say) fishermen’s church by locals.
After a leisurely walk around the port area and a coffee, head up Via Vittorio Emanuele and make a right to find Antica Pasticceria Cascone (Via Vittorio Emanuele, 120). One of the most magical things about Procida is how quiet it gets outside of the main thoroughfares. On one of these tranquil streets, you’ll stumble upon this little pasticceria. The most iconic pastry of Procida is called a lingua di bue and is filled with cream or local lemon custard.
Terra Murata, the Highest Point of the Island
Continuing straight after the pasticceria, you’ll find a tiny street on the left that cuts through to Via San Rocco. At the end of the street, there’s a terrace called Belvedere di Callia (Via Marcello Scotti, 2) where you can admire the historical fishing village Marina Corricella from above. Legend has it that the houses were painted so vibrantly to make it easier for fishermen to recognize their homes from the sea!
Head across the island towards Salita Castello and start your climb to the highest point of the island, 90m above sea level. If you need a rest before braving the hill, take a break in the centuries-old church of Santuario S. Maria delle Grazie Incoronata (Piazza dei Martiri, 1).
Walking up the hill towards Terra Murata, the medieval center of the island, you’ll be able to enjoy another breathtaking view of Marina Corricella. Once you’ve reached Terra Murata at the top, you can enjoy the view and visit some of the 16th-century structures to learn more about the history of the island. But first, stop at the panoramic Bar del Castello (Via San Michele) for a second coffee or a cool drink.
Lunch in Marina Corricella
Marina Corricella is by far the most popular lunch area on the island, and for good reason. The stunning town and fresh seafood make it a great area to enjoy a plate of pasta or grilled fish. Two of our favorites are La Lampara (Via Marina di Corricella, 88), which has outdoor seating with a view of the marina, and Ristorante Pizzeria Fuego which sits right on the water. After lunch, Chiaro di Luna Bar Gelateria Artigianale (Via Marina di Corricella, 87) is the best choice for artisanal gelato and sorbetto.
Afternoon at the Beach
Judge your energy level and time left after lunch, because there are three amazing beaches on Procida, all different distances from the main port. The great news is, there’s no wrong choice!
If you have an early afternoon ferry and are feeling tired, Spiaggia Chiaia is right next to Corricella. It can be reached by stairs from the main street, and is a great place to lie down after lunch. Afterward, it’s easy to wander back to the main thoroughfare Via Principe Umberto to check out all the cute little shops before heading back to Naples.
Spiaggia Cala del Pozzo Vecchio is a 1.2-mile (2km) walk to the other side of the island. Enjoy a meander through the peaceful cobblestone streets on your way to the beach, which gets sun all afternoon because of its west-facing position.
Spiaggia libera della Chiaiolella is the furthest beach away from Corricella, at about 1.7 miles (2.8km). You can walk or catch the bus L1, free to ride, from the Chiesa Di Sant’Antonio Abate (Via Vittorio Emanuele, 266). From the coastline of Chiaiolella, you can admire the large natural rock formations or take the narrow pedestrian bridge to the island of Vivara. It’s a completely uninhabited nature reserve with a few trails for those who love hiking.
Electric Bike Rental in Procida
If you’re reading this itinerary and feel tired just at the thought of walking up a hill across the island, you can rent an electric bicycle from the port. General Rental and E-movete both offer rental bikes for €25-€35 per day. Just remember that Procida’s streets are especially narrow, so check Google Maps when possible to see the flow of traffic.
Chelsea has lived in Naples for five years and is deeply embedded in the community, volunteering frequently with local groups to improve the city they call home. Chelsea speaks some Neapolitan as well as fluent Italian. (Yes, Naples has its own language!) They have a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of the city – a strong espresso in the morning, chaotic open air markets, the smell of the seaside, and, of course, a fantastic pizza.
