Enjoy the Perfect Day Trip to Procida

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Most people staying in Naples for a few days use the city as a hub for day trips. While I highly recommend you give Naples a fair shot and enjoy the grungy fun this southern Italy city has to offer, there really are so many great towns nearby that deserve a visit.

While most instantly think of the Amalfi Coast or Ischia, the island of Procida deserves your attention, too. Known as a hidden gem for most foreigners, this small island was the Italian Capital of Culture in 2022 putting it on the map.

Last summer my husband and I spent a week in Naples, eating everything in sight and embarking on a few day trips. We originally planned to only go to the Amalfi Coast but one night I was looking around on Google Maps, as one does, and noticed Procida. I had never heard of the island before that moment but after one picture and seeing how quick and easy the ferry was, we made last-minute plans to head there the following morning.

As the smallest island in the Bay of Naples, too much advanced planning isn't necessary. Instead, I'll walk you through some of the best areas to walk around, good beaches, and where to find the best pastry I've yet to eat in Italy.

Let's dive right into planning your perfect day trip to Procida.

Short on time? Here's the quick guide:

How to Get Here

Get to Procida in just 40 minutes from Naples with the direct ferry.

How to Get around the Island

I recommend walking unless you want to get to the southwestern end of the island. In that case, you can rent an e-bike, scooter, or mini car at the port when you arrive.

Can't Miss Thing to Do

If you're short on time, be sure to try a lengua di Procida, a delicious puff pastry filled with lemon cream and take in the views from the Corricella Panorama.

Want more time?

Book an overnight stay at Terra Murata Boutique b&b if you want to have more time on this dreamy island.

How to Get to Procida

The nature in the Bay of Naples is stunning

Like I mentioned above, getting to Procida isn't too difficult if you're already in Naples. The only way onto the island is by private boat or ferry.

All year round, you can take a daily ferry from Naples or Pozzuoli to Procida. In the summer, you'll likely also see other options from various ports on the Amalfi Coast for ferries ending in Ischia.

Our ferry took off from Molo Beverello and was direct to the Procida main port. You can buy ferry tickets directly from the ferry company or use Omio to check the ferry schedules and purchase your tickets.

Just as a heads up, the port in Naples is pretty chaotic and confusing but once you get on the ferry, it's a quick and easy ride, only taking about 40 minutes.

A Self-Guided Tour of the Island

Dicesa Graziella, the street that connects you down to Corricella Marina

If you arrive by ferry, you'll arrive at the main port of Procida. This isn't where you'll want to spend the day but it is where you should grab breakfast and enjoy the best pastry I've ever had before you embark on your walking tour. No joke, it was so good my husband and I bought 4 more to eat back in Naples for the next few mornings. Even stale it was delish!

Note: We only had a few hours so decided to spend our time in the heart of the island. If you want to see more of it and explore the beaches, I recommend you rent an e-bike, scooter or mini car to get you around. You'll see plenty of rental places when you arrive at the marina.

Stop 1. Try a Lingua di Procida

I'm sure there are other bakeries to try a lingua di Procida, or Procida tongue, but Roma didn't disappoint. Lingua di Procida is a puff pastry stuffed with lemon cream.

Stop 2. See (or Swim at) Chiaia Beach

After you enjoy your lingua, you're ready to start your tour at your own pace.

After scoping out the fishing boats, you'll want to turn back around and head up Via Vittorio Emanuele. We walked to where that street ends at the dark volcanic sand beach, Chiaia Beach. We didn't bring our swimsuits but just wanted to check it out. It was quiet and maybe not the best beach on the island but it is easily accessible, especially without a vehicle.

Stop 3. Enter into the Colorful Fishing Village

From the beach, you'll start to walk into the real gem of Procida, the small fishing village, named Marina Corricella, that's brightly painted and such a joy to see. If you walk upon the town from Via Marcello Scotti, you'll slowly start to get different viewpoints as you wind closer and closer.

When you reach Belvedere di Callia, walk down to the small street that follows the coast. From here on, you're in a photographer's dream. The colorful houses, fishing nets crowding the walkways, and small island environment make it so much fun. Keep in mind, if you arrive early on the first ferry, you'll likely have this area to yourself until the afternoon.

I recommend walking along the entirety of Via Marina di Corricella before climbing up towards the famous lookout point.

Stop 4. Soak Up the Sights at Panoramica Sulla Corricella (Corricella Panorama)

After walking up Belvedere Corricella, you're going to have a hard time keeping your eyes ahead with the island laying itself out beside you.

Trust me, the best viewpoint is at Panoramica Sulla Corricella just a few steps ahead. Once you reach the viewpoint, take your time! Enjoy the natural beauty highlighted with the colorful buildings along the coastline. It's the highest point on the island or at least it seems that way since you can see the entire island lying below you.

We hung around this point for a while, marveling at the breathtaking views until we moved on to the next stop on our self-guided tour.

Stop 5. Head Across the Point for More Sea Views

From the viewpoint, make your way to the other side of the island towards Palazzo d'avalos. There are a few small alleyways to choose between, stopping at Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo (the Catholic Church), followed by a drink at Bar del Castello di Esposito Federico.

If you do go for a drink, be sure to ask where to sit at their terrace. It's around the corner from the bar and offers stunning sea views.

Stop 6. Walk Back into Marina Corricella

Once you've soaked up enough of the views, head back to the colorful fishing village, this time traversing the upper road of Via S. Rocco instead of the coastal one you walked earlier. If you want to do any shopping while on your Procida day trip, this will likely be your best bet.

Here you'll see more brightly colored buildings, narrow streets, and plenty of locals and tourists alike.

Fun Fact: Scenes from The Talented Mr. Ripley were filmed in Procida, including Via S. Rocco, Piazza dei Martiri, Via Principe Umberto, and the plaza right next to the bakery at the marina, Piazza Marina Grande.

When you're ready for lunch, I recommend cutting back down to the coast on Dicesa Graziella for your biggest selection of restaurants.

Stop 7. Cross the Island Back to the Ferry

After lunch, it's likely time to head back to the ferry port to return to Naples. I recommend walking back on a different street you came in on. Head to Via Principe Umberto to cross the island and get back to the ferry port area quickly and easily.

If you still have some time to kill, you can do so at one of the two beaches next to the marina: La Lingua or Silurenza Beach.

Best Time to Visit Procida

The view from Punta dei Monaci

High season in Procida is the summer months with August as the peak. Summer lasts longer in Southern Italy so you can typically expect the weather to be warm enough to swim from May to October each year.

Procida ferries run year round so technically you can visit Procida any time of the year but do keep in mind that many shops and restaurants will likely be closed in the winter months, although the views never really go away.

What to Eat While There

You already know my top recommendation is the aforementioned lengua di Procida but for a more filling meal, I'm relying on the suggestions made by La Cucina Italiana:

  • Spaghetti alla pescatora povera: Literally the 'poor fisherman's spaghetti,' this seafood pasta is simple with just anchovies and tomatoes.
  • Luveria al sale: Salted pandora fish, one of the most common fish types in the area.
  • L’insalata di limone: This is a lemon salad made with, well, lemons instead of lettuce. As the pastry suggests, this island is famous for their juicy lemons so be sure to try it in all forms, including as a salad.

Have More Time?

I couldn't get enough of the viewpoint

Want to stay a night on the island or have a few more hours to kill? Here are the top recommendations on how you can extend your trip to Procida.

Other Best Beaches to Visit

Even if you don't have a vehicle, nothing is really too far to reach on this island. Given it's only 2 square miles, if you have the time, you can walk to each of these beaches. If you only have a day trip though, you'll likely prefer a motor to get you around.

While on Procida, other than the 3 already mentioned in the article, these are the best beaches to visit:

  • Il Postino Beach: This is the most popular beach for tourists on the island. This beach was first made famous thanks to scenes from The Postman or Il Postino. This is one of the few beaches where you can rent chairs and umbrellas for the day.
  • Ciraccio Beach: Located further south on the island, this is a scenic beach thanks to the rocks jutting from the sea here. It's also possible to rent chairs and umbrellas here.
  • Chiaolella Beach: Just a few steps farther south, you'll find the longest beach in Procida. From here, you can cross the Vivara Bridge to explore a protected nature reserve, Vivara Island.

Where to Stay

While most people just come to Procida for the night, there are plenty of places to stay if you fancy a longer stay on this tiny island.

Consider booking your stay at one of these highly-rated hotels:

  • Budget Stay: Sonnino B&B: This quaint bed and breakfast offers larger rooms than most at this price point and is beachfront.
  • Mid-Tier Stay: Terra Murata Boutique b&b: Located up the hill near the panorama viewpoint, you'll get to soak up the whole island morning to night.
  • Luxury Stay: ALMALO Floating House: Want something unique? Stay in a houseboat! You'll stay right in Marina Grande and get to watch the boats come and go.

You'll Love a Day Trip to Procida

You'll love your day at Corricella Marina

Although the entire region of Campania is pretty spectacular, Procida is one-of-a-kind. For a truly relaxing getaway, you'll love staying the night but for most, a day trip to Procida will walk you through the highlights of the island or even the entire thing if you move quickly.

Just be sure before you leave that you grab a few extra lengue di Procida for the road as you won't be able to find them anywhere else in Italy (trust me, I've tried!).

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