Procide what to see in a day: 7 unmissable places
Procide what to see is one of the most sought-after questions from those planning a trip to the Gulf of Naples, and the answer is richer than you expected. The island is small, little more than 4 km2 and the smallest of the Gulf, but it concentrates a variety of places that many larger islands do not have: a medieval village perched, a former Bourbon prison overlooking the sea, volcanic sand coves and one of the most photographed marinas of Italy.
This guide collects the 7 places that are really worth seeing, with an itinerary almost entirely walkable and some practical information to organize the day without waste of time.
Procide where it is and how to get there
Procida is located in the Gulf of Naples, about 12 km from Pozzuoli and 16 km from Naples, between the mainland and the island of Ischia. It is only accessible by sea, ferry and hydrofoil. The main options are three:
- From Pozzuoli (port): crossing about 35 minutes, the shortest and cheapest route. Companies: Gestour, Medmar, Caremar.
- From Naples Calata di Massa: ferry in about 1 hour.
- From Naples Molo Beverello: hydrofoil in about 45 minutes.
From 1 April to 31 October it is forbidden to carry private vehicles on the island if you are not resident. Better park in Pozzuoli or Naples and embark on foot: Procida turns well without car.
Procide how big it is and how to orientate
Procida measures just 4.1 km2 and has an elongated shape from north-east to south-west. In line of air, from Marina Grande to the port of Chiaiolella there are less than 3 km. This means visiting Procida on foot is not only possible: it is the best way to do it. Almost all the main places are connected by pedestrian streets, staircases and alleys that make the move in useless cars, as well as uncomfortable in many stretches.
The local buses cover the main routes if you want to save your legs: the C2 line goes towards the Corricella, the H1 line towards Chiaiolella and Ciraccio. Tickets are also purchased on board.
7 things to see in Procida in a day
1. Marina Corricella: the village of fishermen
The Corricella is the visual heart of Procida and the first place anyone looking for when planning a visit to the island. It is the oldest marine village, built from the 17th century at the foot of Terra Murata, with the fishermen’s houses perched on the other in a tangle of arches, stairways and colourful balconies overlooking the port.
It can only be reached by foot or by sea. The main steps are the Gradinata del Pennino (from Via San Rocco) and Gradinata Scura (from Via M. Scotti). The colors of the facades, pink, yellow, orange, white, were not casual: they served fishermen to recognize their home from the sea.
The Corricella has been set of numerous films, including The Postman by Massimo Troisi. The small square dedicated to him is a stone's throw from the port.
The best time to visit it is early in the morning, when the fishermen settle the nets and the port is still silent. Alternatively, in the evening for aperitif with a view.
2. Terra Murata: panorama over the whole Gulf
Terra Murata is the medieval village overlooking Procida from above, about 91 meters above the sea. The original name was Terra Casata. It became Terra Murata when, in the 16th century, the family of Avalos built the walls of the city to protect the island from the raids of Saracen pirates.
From here you can see everything: Naples, Pozzuoli, Ischia, Capri and, looking down, the colorful roofs of Corricella. The walk from Marina Grande takes about 20 minutes to Salita Castello. In the village there is the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, patron of the island, and access to the Palace of Avalos.
3. Palazzo d’Avalos: the former prison worth visiting
The Palazzo d’Avalos is one of the most peculiar buildings in South Italy. It was built in 1563 by the will of Cardinal Innico d’Avalos as a noble residence and fortress. The family of Avalos ruled the island until 1734, when the Bourbons confiscated the complex first turning it into royal residence and hunting reserve, then into military school in 1815 and finally in Bourbon prison in 1830. It remained active until 1988.
Among the most famous prisoners were the patriots Luigi Settembrini and Cesare Rosaroll.
Since 2016 it can be visited with a guided tour: cells, rusty brands, abandoned uniforms, the doctor's register. Everything remained where it was. The visit takes about two hours and is managed by a local association. The tension between the brutality of the prison and the beauty of the view of the Gulf that is seen from the windows is something that is hardly forgotten.
4. Chiaia beach: black sand and view of the Corricella
Between beaches of Procida, Chiaia is the most scenic. It is located on the eastern side, reachable down about 186 steps from Piazza Olmo or via dei Bagni. Sand is dark and fine, of volcanic origin. The bottom slowly degrades and is also suitable for children. Behind you can see Terra Murata, in front of the Corricella.
It is almost entirely free, with two small establishments at the ends. Who departs from Marina Corricella can also reach it by sea with the seasonal shuttle boat.
5. Postino beach (Pozzo Vecchio): the bay of the film
The Postman's Beach, whose official name is Pozzo Vecchio, is located on the western side in a sheltered basin under the municipal cemetery. It is a closed bay, silent even in high season, with volcanic dark sand and deep and transparent sea.
It is a free beach with a small lido. One of the most sought after destinations from those who visit Procida for the first time, and one of those who always want to go back to see.
6. Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie is located in Piazza dei Martiri, above the Corricella. The square takes its name from the hanging of 16 procidani who joined the Neapolitan Republic in 1799. The sanctuary is one of the most felt places of worship on the island and appears in some scenes of Il Postino.
The interior is simple and quiet, in contrast to the movement of the port below. The square alone is detour.
7. Marina Grande and the Language Beach
Marina Grande is the point of arrival of every visitor, but in many they rush through it without stopping. Via Roma, the main promenade, deserves a walk: the historical shipyards, the Palazzo merlato, the square Sancio Cattolico.
At the bottom, a few minutes walk, there is the Language beach: the only one of Procida made entirely of pebbles, with the view on the canal to the mainland. The right place to close the day waiting for sunset.
The recommended walking route
For those who have only one day available, this is the order that works best:
Early morning at the Corricella before the groups arrive. Climb to Terra Murata and visit the Palazzo d’Avalos. Lunch in Corricella area or Piazza dei Martiri. Afternoon at the Chiaia or Postino. Back on foot Via Roma with stop at the Language for sunset. Evening ferry.
Estimated journey time between all points: about 4-5 km total, very feasible in a day with calm.
Where to sleep not depending on the ferry times
Those who visit Procida in the day see the places, but do not really live them. The difference makes her stop at least one night: in the early morning at the Corricella without tourists, the bath at sunset, the late dinner with the port emptying flat.
CalaBlu is an independent holiday house in Procida, a 5-minute walk from Postino Beach. Private patio with hammock, complete kitchen, outdoor shower and free parking. Up to 3 guests. Booking directly avoids Airbnb and Booking fees. Verifica la disponibilità.
