Guide to Procida: beaches, sights and how to move
Procida is the smallest of the islands of the Gulf of Naples: just 4 km2 of area. Yet it takes one afternoon here to understand why, in 2022, it was chosen as the Italian Capital of Culture. Pastel-coloured houses that are mirrored in the water, alleys that taste like lemon, fishermen that go out at dawn and a silence that has become rare. In this guide we have collected everything you need before you leave: what to do, unmissable bays, connections and where to sleep, whether for a day trip or a whole holiday.
Procida to see: the unmissable places of the island
If you're wondering Procidate what to see, you should know that the island is very popular on foot or in e-bike. Here are the fundamental steps to immerse yourself in his truest soul.
The charm of Procida Corricella and Murata Land
The pulsating and scenic heart of the island is divided into two. On one side there is Procida Terra Murata, the fortified village and highest point of the island: to climb up here means to get lost among medieval streets and enjoy a crazy view over the whole gulf. Going down to the sea, instead, you are welcomed by the magic of Procida Corricella, the maritime village par excellence, famous all over the world for its colorful houses stacked on top of each other. A perfect place for a sunset aperitif.
Prison Procida: Palace of Avalos between history and legend
An imposing silhouette that you will notice immediately arriving by ferry: it is the former Procida prison, officially known as the Palace of Avalos. Built in the 16th century as a hunting residence and then transformed into a Bourbon penitentiary, it housed in very harsh conditions until 1988, the year of its closure. Today this monumental structure, which dominates Terra Murata, lives a new phase. It is turning into a cultural hub and some areas are open to the public thanks to extraordinary guided tours managed by the Municipality. If you love history, it's a must stop.
Procida, Elsa Morante and the Island of Arturo
This is not just an island of fishermen, it is also an island of literature. The link between Procida and Elsa Morante It is indissoluble: right here the writer set "The Island of Arturo" (Award Witch 1957). The protagonist grows among these streets, in a microcosm made of sun and sea. Turning around the alleys of the Corricella having read the novel gives the journey a whole new depth.
The beaches of Procida: guide to the most beautiful bays
The beaches of Procida They are not immense, but boast a wild and rare beauty: crystal clear water, dark volcanic sand and a much more relaxed atmosphere than the nearby Ischia or Capri. No endless expanses of sun loungers or chaotic establishments, here you can still find free coves and little crowd.
La Spiaggia del Pozzovecchio (Postino Beach)
Among the most famous and loved coves is certainly the Postman's Beach, whose real name is Pozzovecchio Beach. She entered the collective imagination thanks to the unforgettable film with Massimo Troisi, shot on this dark sand shaped like a horseshoe. Being kissed by the sun from dawn to sunset, it is the ideal place to enjoy the crystal clear sea and island peace.
Unpolluted nature: Procida Vivara
If you look beyond the sea for nature, you have to go to Procida Vivara. It is a small crescent-shaped islet, connected to Procida by a pedestrian bridge. Vivara is a protected, uninhabited and wild state nature reserve: the right place to do light trekking and observe the Mediterranean flora overlooking the sea.
How to get there: Procida, ferries and port
The island can only be reached by sea. The port of Procida (Marina Grande) is the logistic hub of local life: here they dock the ships, leave the buses, rent the scooters and animate the fish market in the morning.
Getting to Procida from Naples is simple and the options are not lacking. Ferries and hydrofoils (mainly operated by Caremar and Medmar) leave daily from the Beverello Pier and Calata Porta di Massa. There is also a very convenient alternative for those traveling by car and it is the departure from Pozzuoli, perfect to avoid city traffic and leave the car in a guarded parking space before embarking.
FAQ: FAQ
What is the exact distance to Procida and Naples? The distance Naples Procida is about 16 km by sea. In the hydrofoil from the Beverello Pier of Naples it takes just 30 minutes, while by ferry the journey takes about 60 minutes. Starting from Pozzuoli, the distance drops to 12 km (about 35 minutes of navigation).
What is the port of Procida and how does it work? Marina Grande is the main port, the point where you will land coming from the mainland. Here you can find everything: ticket offices, bars, restaurants, taxis and rentals. From here, the old town is within walking distance. Be careful not to confuse it with the Corricella, which is instead the marina dedicated only to fishermen and small boats.
Procida has a prison? Yes. Palazzo d’Avalos was one of the most severe penitentiaries in South Italy, active until 1988. Today it is no longer a prison but a historical site that can be visited in some periods of the year thanks to the municipal openings.
