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Often overlooked by travelers in favor of other locations such as the Amalfi Coast, Procida is the perfect place to relax, explore and indulge during any trip to Campania.
Everywhere you look in Procida you will find beautiful landmarks and scenery
Everything you need to know about visiting Procida Italy
If you’re looking for a lovely spot for a day trip or a relaxing stay in the Bay of Naples, look no further than Procida! You’ll find this island’s unique culture and natural beauty offers something for every visitor – find out everything you need to know on this page with filled with our Procida travel tips.
For all its fame as an exclusive destination, Procida is a laid back island that is perfect for a day trip or short break
In this guide we’ll be talking about:
Where is Procida?
You’ll find Procida approximately 3.3km (2 miles) off the coast of Campania in southern Italy in the Bay of Naples, around 20km from the center of Naples city itself.
Like a lot of Campania, Vesuvius looms large when looking back at the mainland from Procida
A brief history of Procida
Archeological evidence points to Procida being sparsely inhabited from at least the 16th or 15th centuries BCE where items of Mycenaean Greek origin have been discovered.
Skip forward several hundred years and Procida was colonized by Greek settlers around the 8th century BCE who remained in control of the island until the Romans took over.
During the Roman period, Procida, like Capri, became a desirable location for the Roman elite who valued the island’s seclusion from the mainland.
Procida’s long history is celebrated with various festivals and special events all year round – be sure to research what’s on before coming!
Following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century CE, Procida fell under Gothic control, but was captured by the Eastern Roman Empire who retained control (albeit with frequent raids by Saracen pirates) until the 11th century.
Procida was next controlled by French Normans, who at this point had consolidated a considerable power base in southern Italy.
Norman control lasted until the mid 13th to the early 14th century, after which point Procida, along with Naples and much of south Italy came to be ruled by the Angevin royal dynasty from Anjou in France.
The Angevins lasted until the mid 15th century but due to poor leadership and failure to repel invasions from the Kingdom of Sicily, Procida along with Naples and the south of Italy came to be ruled by the Aragonese from modern day Catalonia, Spain.
Procida’s famous Terra Murata fortress was constructed to provide locals with a place of refuge from invasions
Following the unification of the Aragonese and Castillian royal families in the late 1400’s, Procida became part of the Spanish Empire who administered the island until the 18th century.
Following a brief period of Austrian rule following the War of Spanish Succession, Procida and the city and Kingdom of Naples fell back under control of a Spanish royal family, the Bourbons.
During the Napoleonic Wars, the island was briefly controlled by the French who recognised its strategic value within the Bay of Naples. Sadly the island, like neighboring Ischia, suffered extensive damage during this period following naval engagements between French and British forces.
In 1860, Procida along with the whole of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was subsumed in to the newly unified Italian state.
Since being nominated as Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022 Procida has seen an uplift in visitor numbers but it still remains quiet compared to other Campania locations
Throughout its history, Procida’s industry has focused on food; initially agriculture and then fishing. The latter continues to this day, and remained the mainstay for locals through the 18th and 19th centuries.
In the 1990’s, interest in Procida as a tourist destination grew following the success of movies shot there such as Il Postino and The Talented Mr Ripley.
In 2022 Procida was chosen as the first island ever to become the Italian Capital of Culture, leading to increased investment in the island and a heightened interest from visitors from around the world.
All the reasons why you should visit Procida
While Procida might be the the smallest inhabited island in the Bay of Naples area, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit – here are the headlines:
- You can easily visit Procida on a day trip from Naples, providing an easy escape from the bustle of the city. If you arrive early morning, you can explore the entire island in a single day and make it back to Napoli for pizza at dinner!
You can enjoy a great day out on Procida and then grab one of Naples’ incredible pizzas when you get back to the city
- Procida, from the small towns through to the countryside and coastline, is absolutely beautiful. As a result it has served as the backdrop to iconic movies such as the Talented Mr Ripley and Il Postino allowing you to follow in the footsteps of stars such as Jude Law and Massimo Troisi.
- Unlike nearby Capri and the Amalfi Coast, Procida is still not fully on the ‘tourist radar’ meaning you won’t have to contend with the same crowds if you are looking for a little of Italy’s famous La Dolce Vita.
- Procida is host to various events throughout the year, including the Procida Film Festival, the Festa di Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Procida Jazz Festival as well as a great Christmas market in Terra Murata.
The best time to visit Procida
Procida is a working island, with residents who live here all year around, and therefore you can visit whenever you want.
However, when planning your trip to Procida you should consider the following:
- Procida is a ‘seasonal’ destination, meaning during the quieter, cooler months when less visitors come to the island, some restaurants close and attractions may have reduced visiting hours. Be sure to check ahead if there is somewhere in particular you want to eat at, or something special you want to see!
Procida is a working island all year around where locals are especially proud of their fishing heritage
- Getting to and from Procida is dependent on ferries and hydrofoils, which are at the mercy of the weather in the Bay of Naples. For most of the year this is not a concern, but during unsettled weather connections will be limited or suspended.
- In the peak summer months, Procida is a popular destination for Neapolitans and other Italians who are looking to enjoy their time off work at the beach when the heat gets too much to do anything else.
Procida is one of our favorite places to escape the hectic crowds of the mainland during peak season
With these considerations in mind, we would recommend visiting Procida at the following points, dependent on your priorities and travel style:
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What to see and do on Procida
For a little island, there is a surprising amount of things to do on Procida – here are our top recommendations:
Discover the island’s history
There is a lot of history to uncover and discover on this island that covers less than two square miles – let’s jump in!
Be sure to explore the historic fortified village of Terra Murata (the island’s highest point), where you’ll find stunning panoramic views of the island and Bay of Naples area, as well as these important sites:
- The impressive Palazzo d’Avalos, a Renaissance palace-come-fortress which became a prison during the Bourbon period.
- The 16th-century Benedictine Abbey of San Michele (Abbazia di San Michele) which has served both a religious and military function in its history. The Abbey itself is dedicated to the island’s patron saint (Saint Michael the Archangel) but you’ll see that the architecture throughout is heavily militarised, where its position on top of Procida benefited the defence of the island.
If time allows during your visit, don’t miss the traditional houses at Casale Vascello which showcase Procida’s unique architectural history, blending historical styles with military and defensive practicalities.
Go to the beach
Procida’s beaches are some of our favorites in all of Campania, where the combination of dark volcanic sands and a sparkling blue sea makes for a unique bathing experience.
If you’re looking for a day by the water, here are our top beach recommendations:
- Spiaggia di Silurenza is our favorite beach in Procida as it is conveniently located near the main port (less than 5 minutes on foot) and offers both free access and club options. Here you’re also only 10 minutes on foot from our favorite restaurant and the best place to get gelato in all of Procida!
You can be lying on the beach with a drink in less than 10 minutes from disembarking your ferry if you opt to go to Silurenza
- Chiaia beach, located near the Marina di Corricella, offers paid-for clubs and free access. Arrive here via a short walk from the Corricella area and enjoy the shallow waters and stunning views of the sea.
- Il Postino Beach is so-called because parts of the iconic movie Il Postino were shot here. This is a small stretch of sand at the base of cliffs with a beach club offering beds for day rentals. Allow 30 minutes to walk here from the Marina Grande or Marina di Corricella areas, or opt for a bus or taxi.
- Chiaiolella beach has both a free section and paid beach clubs with beds and umbrellas available for rental. You’ll find plenty of food and drink options nearby (we recommend Lido Vivara for lunch) and easy connections from the Marina Grande ferry port via bus.
Find out everything you need to know about Italian beach culture and etiquette along with details about other beaches in Naples and Campania in our dedicated guides:
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Take a boat trip
A fun way to see and explore the island is by opting for one of the many boat tours you can take from Procida’s Marina Grande.
This is where most tours start and finish but there also other points across the island that you can start and end at – choose the best option for you based on your plans!
Jump on a boat for some of the best views of the island
All tours will take you out to sea and around the coastline of Procida where you’ll be treated to unique views of the famous pastel houses and fishing boats, landmarks such as Punta dei Monaci, and beyond to Mount Vesuvius and the wider Bay of Naples.
During high season these tours can be very popular so I would recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment if you leave it too close to your visit date. Here are some of our favorite Procida boat tours if you can’t decide which one to go for:
- Sail around the whole island on this tour complete with stops for swimming, snorkeling and a local guide.
- Starting from Marina Chiaiolella this full day tour comes with lunch and is a complete relaxation experience.
- For something truly special, board a luxury yacht in Naples and enjoy a private day out cruising around Procida and Ischia.
Curious to know more, or want to share your own tips? Leave a comment!
How to get to Procida
Getting to Procida from Naples
The most direct route from Naples to Procida is by making your way to Molo Beverello port where there are frequent ferry and hydrofoil departures to the island.
The exact journey time will vary on the operator and conditions, but you should generally allow about an hour from departure to arrive in Procida.
Note that some ferries to Procida from Naples go on to Ischia, so be sure to pay attention to the announcements once on board otherwise you could end up in the wrong destination!
At Molo Beverello use the large information board at the port entrance to find the departure pier for the Procida-bound ferries
Getting to Procida from Ischia
From Ischia can you an opt to take a ferry from either Ischia Porto or Casamicciola, with the journey time usually in the region of 20-30 minutes. Note that the return journey is usually longer as the boats follow the currents around the Bay of Naples for safety.
A lot of ferries from Ischia to Procida will go on to other destinations such as Naples or Sorrento. Listen to the announcements when on board to make sure you don’t miss your stop.
If you travel to or from Procida via Ischia be sure to try and sit/stand outside on your ferry to enjoy great views of the islands and their landmarks such as the Aragonese Castle (Ischia)
In both cases, we would recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance, particularly during the busier summer months as the ferry connections fill up fast with visitors and locals alike.
All ferries from Naples and Ischia arrive at Procida’s main port and where this is a tiny island, all major attractions are within easy reach, either on foot, by bus, or via taxi.
How to get around the island
Procida is a small island and as such getting around is easy and stress free – here are your main options:
By foot
A lot of the main attractions on Procida can be easily reached on foot via a short walk. If you are staying near the main port, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops and beaches within just a few minutes. If you are feeling somewhat energetic, you can walk the length of the island in around an hour.
By bus
Another option to get around is to use the local buses to navigate between the island’s main points of interest. To use the buses you’ll need to buy your tickets in advance from a tabaccheria (some buses allow you to buy onboard in cash, but the price is higher compared to buying in advance), or using MooneyGo, our recommended smartphone app for public transport tickets in Italy.
The roads on Procida are not large and neither are the buses! During the busy summer months these fill up fast so plan ahead accordingly
By taxi
In Procida’s main port from where the ferries embark and disembark from you’ll find a taxi rank where drivers are ready to take you around the island. Rates can vary depending on the time of year so it’s always recommended to request a price upfront before beginning your journey.
Be sure to have some cash to pay your driver, the internet signal on Procida can be unreliable which can make card payments a challenge at times.
You’ll find taxi ranks dotted around the island at key locations such as the ferry terminal in the Marina Grande
I do not recommend trying to drive on Procida.
Procida’s famous narrow streets make driving around a challenge and during the busier periods of the year, non-residents are restricted in bringing vehicles to the island.
If you are visiting Campania with a car, save yourself some stress and leave it on the mainland and explore Procida by foot, public transport or taxi.
Where and what to eat and drink on Procida
Procida is famous for fish, and every restaurant you visit on the island will feature multiple seafood options.
That doesn’t mean you can’t get other things, but if you’re looking for an authentic Procida experience, order something from the sea!
As I’ve shared already, Procida is a small island meaning that there isn’t a vast range of eateries, but this does mean that the quality is great everywhere due to fierce competition.
Our favorite restaurant on Procida is Ristorante L’ Approdo near the Marina Grande. The menu here offers classics like Cozze Impepata (mussels in a pepper broth) as well as more contemporary and inventive options if you’re looking for something different.
If you can, get a table at lunchtime along the street where at around 2PM daily you’ll be treated to a view of the fishing boats as they unload their daily catch from their fishing nets.
Few things can top a bowl of fresh mussels served with Procida lemon
Another thing Procida is renowned for is lemons and a tradition to use lemon extensively in the local cuisine.
You’ll see lemon-infused pastas often on lunch and dinner menus, as well as variety of lemon-based desserts and sweets available in bars and cafes. In recent years, a lemon version of the famous Torta Caprese has become popular and if you try a piece, you’ll understand why!
I cannot visit Procida without getting at least one (usually more!) lemon gelato and/or granita – my favorite place to do so being Bar Grottino near the ferry terminal. If gelato isn’t your thing, be sure to try their homemade lemon granita (made following the traditional and authentic Sicilian production method) – a perfect treat while waiting for a ferry!
If you have time, be sure to take a seat at Bar Grottino where the gelato is served in generous scoops!
Where to stay on Procida
The most convenient place to stay in Procida is in the area around the main ferry port and Marina Grande. Basing yourself here will mean you can walk within a few minutes to your ferry to and from the mainland/other islands, and will have plenty of options for what to do and where to eat within easy reach.
That said, our favourite place to stay in Procida is La Casa sul Mare which was originally recommended to us by our friend Wendy Holloway of Flavor of Italy. Located near the Marina Corricella harbor, this small boutique hotel makes the perfect base for exploring Procida where the ferry port and Marina Grande are just a short distance away, as are key landmarks such as the Palazzo d’Avalos.
If you’re looking to go off grid or want something more remote and removed, consider looking for accommodation further in land, or in one of the other towns on the island. Note that in this case, to travel back and forth from your base you will likely need to use the local buses or opt for taxis.
Visitors should note that tiny Procida does not have any large hotels, instead, you’ll find mostly small B&B’s and hotels, and self-catering properties available.
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To sum up…
The island of Procida is often seen as a quick stop on the way to Ischia but it deserves plenty of attention in its own right. Make sure to enjoy at least one meal and if you don’t do anything else, go on a boat trip to see Procida’s incredible scenery!
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