Procida: A Guide to Visiting Italy’s Most Colorful Island

A recent travel highlight of mine was visiting Procida Island for a few days from Naples.

This guide details a bit about my trip, including the best things to do in Procida, how to get there, and all the wonderful reasons you should visit!

Did I miss anything or any cool places to visit in Procida? Let me know what tips you have for a trip to Procida Island in the comments. Thanks!

About Procida Island

One of the most colorful places in Italy (and perhaps the world!) is Procida Island off the coast of Naples. This island is one of the Flegrean Islands and is only a mere 4.1 sq km in size, and it is the perfect day trip from Naples!

The population barely exceeds 10,500 people and it was the Italian Capital of Culture in 2022, which is all the more reason to visit the beautiful place!

I was long drawn to Procida for its colorful harbors, but several films have chosen the island as their filming location (The Talented Mr. Ripley and Cleopatra are just two famous names aside from the many Italian films shot there). 

Historically, the island was formed by volcanoes that are now submerged, and today, you can also see Vivara, a satellite island, hanging off its coast as well.

The first underwater aqueduct was built on Procida in 1957, and the island is a tourist masterpiece today. It truly is one of the coolest places I have been in Italy, and I encourage everyone to visit there (and stay overnight)!

How to Get to Procida

First and foremost, you need to get to Naples (or somewhere with a direct ferry or route to Procida). I found the easiest way to get there was from the port of Naples.

Ferry to Procida from Naples

Ferries are leaving from two different Naples ports – Molo Immacolatella Vecchia (the one I went from), as well as Calata Porta di Massa (the one I arrived back to).

To reach Immacolatella Vecchia, you will need to take the metro to Municipio, and to reach Calata Porta di Massa, you will need to take the metro to Universita.

The first thing to know is that ferries are more frequent from April until October. From November until March, they will run less frequently (and are not pleasant – keep reading for more information on that).

During the high season, you will find ferries departing every 1.5-2 hours. They vary in price and take around 45 minutes on the hydrofoil boat.

While you can purchase tickets at the kiosk upon arrival, these can get booked up quickly, so I recommend doing it in advance!

If you opt for a car ferry (the larger, slower one), you will have a cheaper ticket, outdoor seating, and it can take around an hour to get to and from there.

Granted, you may have smooth seas, but I wouldnʻt chance it. Naples is super rainy and stormy during the winter. Again, I repeat, this was the worst experience of my life. I didnʻt even feel human during this experience.

Fortunately, I took the large car ferry from Procida to Ischia next, and further from Ischia to Naples after – and it was a dream compared to the hydrofoil (the weather was still bad). Just trust me on this. You can view all Naples ferry schedules here.

Tour to Procida from Naples

So, while all of this is easy, if youʻre looking for a more organized day trip to Procida from Naples, donʻt worry – it is also quite easy!

You have a few options, but this option is truly the best. It includes a ferry to and from Naples as well as a restaurant lunch at a local establishment.

Tour to Procida from Sorrento

Are you looking to travel to Procida Island from Sorrento instead? This small group (12 people maximum!) tour from Sorrento will take you to beautiful Procida and Ischia for the day.

How to Get Around Procida

You can technically walk the entire island. The walk from the harbor where the ferry arrives to the other sideʻs harbor is short but requires a few steps once you get to the backside of the island.

The streets are narrow and not great for cars, but locals will drive them anyway. And, it kind of makes walking a bit of a nuisance as it will require you to constantly pull over and let them pass.

Taxis are available but a bit pricey. I only recommend taking a taxi if you have luggage and are looking to transport it to and from the ferry. Otherwise, the island is extremely walkable. There is public transportation that goes around every so often but I donʻt think you need it, personally.

Best Things to Do on Procida Island

1. Visit Terra Murata.

Known as both the historical and cultural center of Procida, Terra Murata is for sure one of the very first places you should visit in Procida. When approaching the island from the sea, this area is visible and it’s almost impossible to miss it. 

Apart from astonishingly beautiful views of the entire Gulf of Naples, you’ll see medieval fortifications along with two long-range cannons that are from the times of the Neapolitan Republic of 1799. 

The most prominent locations here are Palazzo d’Avalos and Abbey of San Michele, which are both 16th-century structures (more information is mentioned in the following paragraphs).

There is also an underground tour containing a historic burial site, which is yet another not-to-miss attraction.

You may either walk up to Terra Murata or take a bus from the port of Marina Grande. FYI, the walk takes about 20 minutes and is primarily uphill, but really isn’t too brutal as the views make it well worth it!. 

2. See Abbazia San Michele Arcangelo.

Abbazia San Michele Arcangelo is the religious center of Terra Murata village. From an archeological perspective, it’s a system of several layers and transformations made over the centuries.

During the span of many years, it has been periodically destroyed and rebuilt (the existing architecture is from 1500). Today, it is one of the top Procida attractions!

Even though the oldest part of the building dates back to the 15th century, there are historical records from 1026 revealing the presence of a monastery in this location. 

This place is home to works of art, one being an artwork depicting St. Michael fighting against Satan, among other pieces of art worth checking out.

Another highlight of the museum tour here is the library, which houses a variety of literature (the oldest one dating back to 1534). 

3. Reserve a timeslot at Palazzo d’Avalos.

Another place of interest in the area of Terra Murata is Palazzo d’Avalos. It is one of the must-visit Procida landmarks you have to include on your itinerary!

This building is considered to be one of the most famous landmarks in Procida; it was built in 1500 and was at times a royal palace, but was then converted to a prison in 1830, which was later closed in 1988.

The huge complex is made up of the courtyard, the guards’ barracks, the individual cell building, the Veterans Building, the medical facility, the director’s home, etc.

This unitary system played its role in the history of Renaissance architecture, and was also part of the political, military, and urban history of the island.

Visiting this site is allowed only based on a prior reservation (seriously… I tried heading there without booking a tour and I couldn’t get in). The guided tour takes place at 11am and is €13 per person. Click here to learn more.

4. Stop by the La Casa di Graziella.

A colorful place in Procida is La Casa di Graziella. The home was built in 2011, based on the historical reconstruction of the house of Graziella. 

According to its story, a French writer named Alphonse De Lamartine visits Procida for a short period and falls in love with a young Procidana girl named Graziella. They lived in a small fisherman’s house, but their love story does not end happily, as Graziella dies from tuberculosis while the poet leaves for France. 

After 200 years, the cultural association “La Casa di Graziella ” (in association with the Municipality of Procida) rebuilt the home. It attempts to preserve the culture and practices of the time period depicted in the book (roughly 1810). ​Everything the home has dates from 1800 to 1900, yet none of it belonged to Graziella.

5. Take in the views at the Panoramica sulla Corricella viewpoint.

To take some Instaworthy pictures (or just to enjoy the very best view of the island), don’t miss the chance and visit Panoramica sulla Corricella viewpoint when traveling to Procida. 

The island is small, and you can easily find the exact location in relation to where you’re at via Google Maps. It will not take a long walk from the harbor at Terra Murata to reach it.

6. Check out Santa Margherita Nuova.

Dating back to the second half of the 16th century, Monastery Santa Margherita Nuova is a construction of religious settlements. These were the times when, due to Saracen invasions, the Dominican monks who held the previous monastery of Santa Margherita Vecchia alla Chiaolella had to migrate.

In 1956, the area experienced harsh winter conditions, which resulted in major collapses. Only certain circles of the lower levels were saved, while the large and supporting arches fell.

Restoration of the church’s classroom took place in 2012, however, the renovation process of the convent is not complete yet. 

The complex is located halfway between the entrance village of Corricella and the village of Terra Murata. The area overall is teeming with beauty and has a terrace that overlooks the village of Corricella. 

Currently, various exhibitions and cultural events take place in the church. The opening hours of the place are from Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm. 

7. Visit the oldest village on Procida, Marina di Corricella.

Forming an amphitheater around the sea, Marina Corricella is a 17th-century fishing village located in Procida. It was pretty quiet in the low season (when I visited), but I imagine it is far more bustling during the summer months.

The road to Marina Corricella is either by the sea or through four stairways that have different routes. The primary way to the village is via the Gradinata del Pennino and the Gradinata Scura.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Bar Graziella, especially if you’re enthusiastic about cinematographic productions (it is decorated that way). It was, honestly, the only place consistently open on this part of the island when I was visiting in the off-season so I went in a few times throughout my stay.

8. Walk to Isola di Vivara.

Flanking Procida to the southwest, Isola di Vivara is a small, naturally rich island in the Gulf of Naples. Now considered a nature reserve, Vivara is a residual ridge of an ancient volcanic crater in the shape of a crescent.

You can visit this nature reserve Friday to Sunday from 10am until 3pm. Learn more about buying tickets on their website.

9. Check out the colorful Casale Vascello.

Following the Saracen invasions, the inhabitants were displaced to new locations on the island, one of the first ones being Casale Vascello.

This 17th-century complex has two entrances: Via Principe Margherita and Via Salita Castello.

There are a couple of interesting versions of how its name originated. One idea is that it comes from the dialect phrase “vescieddo” or “re vescio,” meaning “downstairs,” implying a downward housing relocation.

The complex is built around a huge central courtyard and has a labyrinth of narrow lanes. It’s commonly used as a theater during summer cultural events and is worth visiting on your trip to Procida.

Procida Beaches Worth Visiting

Spiaggia di Ciraccio (and Faraglioni di Procida)

Renowned for being the beach with eye-catching sea stacks (Faraglioni di Procida), Ciraccio has gorgeous water and (usually) sunny skies.

Ciraccio Beach is located on the western side of the island of Procida, and it’s the island’s longest and most popular beach among families who frequently camp nearby. The shoreline is between Punta Serra and the promontory of Santa Margherita Vecchia.

To get to the beach, turn right via Flavio Gioia and follow the signs to the beach from Piazza Olmo. Alternatively, you can take the bus line L2 from the Marina Grande port.

Spiaggia di Punta Ottimo

Punta Ottimo is a quiet beach with blue waters and grayish-hued sand. While it is not considered one of the best beaches in the Naples region, visiting is still one of the top things to do on Procida.

The beach is fully surrounded by cliffs, and there are no amenities whatsoever. This beach is often pretty empty, even during the high season… and it is free to access.

Spiaggia Cala del Pozzo Vecchio

Pozzo Vecchio, also known as La Spiaggia del Postino, is reached via a ladder directly below the island’s cemetery. This beach has volcanic origins, and because of that, it has dark sand.

Getting here can be done in one of two ways. You can either get a bus from the port to the cemetery (Line C1) or walk from the Port of Procida to the beach. It’s only a 20-minute walk and fairly easy.

Pozzo Vecchio beach is well-known for hosting a few scenes from Massimo Troisi’s film Il Postino. There is a beach club down there, and it is worth the stop.

Spiaggia Chiaia

Just like Pozzo Vecchio, Chiaia also has volcanic origins and dark sand, but the waters there are shallow and suitable for children who want to swim! 

It’s one of the most well-known beaches in Procida, located on the island’s eastern shore. On the beach, you’ll find a free public area, two beach clubs, and a restaurant. 

To reach Chiaia, take Via dei Bagni from Piazza San Giacomo or Via Pizzaco from Piazza Olmo to Chiaia beach, then descend the 182 steps that separate the street from the beach.

The path with stairs is also worth it as it gives you some stunning views of the colorful fishing village of Corricella and the Palazzo d’Avalos in Terra Murata, Procida’s oldest village (that I mentioned above). 

Spiaggia di Silurenza

If accessibility is a priority for you, then Silurenza beach might be the best choice on Procida. 

Apart from the accessibility advantage, the beach also has all of the amenities you’ll need for a pleasant day, including a restaurant with a delicious Italian menu.

To get to the beach, walk down Via Roma (Grotte side) for a few minutes. It’s a short distance on foot from Marina Grande’s port. 

Best Restaurants in Procida

You will find some extremely delicious food on Procida, but if youʻre traveling during the off-season… good luck! You will have far fewer options (but thankfully, you can keep well-fed for a few days). 

Here are a few of the best places I ate on Procida:

Ristorante La Medusa

This restaurant was my absolute savior on Procida. It is located right by the harbor where the ferries leave from and arrive to.

I was extremely seasick on my ferry to Procida (first time in my life), and Ristorante La Medusa was right there… and ready to make me feel better (with wine and food).

I ate here around three times, and the food is simple, yet delicious. The menu is ever-changing depending on the season and what they have in for the day. I had everything from fried anchovies to homemade pasta here.

Pasticceria Bar Roma for Lingua di Bue

Procida’s most famous dish is a sweet pastry filled with cream and local lemons, called Lingua di Bue (or Lingua di Procida).

Roughly translating to ox tongue, the pastry is a long, rectangular shape that looks strikingly similar to an ox’s tongue, although I didn’t see the resemblance (probably by choice). This dessert is so special to the island that it has received special protective status.

They can be bought throughout the island, but one of the best places to get them is Pasticceria Bar Roma by the main port. They offer a large selection, including flavors other than the traditional lemon.

Il Gazebo

One of the best restaurants on the island is Il Gazebo. Located close to the main harbor, the restaurant offers a great range of pasta dishes and main dishes. Many of the dishes are distinct to the region and change throughout the seasons as different produce becomes available.

The setting of the restaurant is rustic, with indoor and outdoor seating available. I highly recommend trying their wild boar pasta, along with pretty much any of the fish dishes they have on special.

During the summer, the restaurant gets very busy, and booking ahead is essential. This restaurant is also, fortunately, open during the off-season and frequented by many of the island’s residents.

Assafa

If you are looking for a quick bite to eat around Marina di Corricella, look no further than Assafa. This small, unassuming restaurant serves up a range of tasty dishes from pasta specials to seafood sandwiches.

Run by innovative chefs looking to go against the grain of traditional Italian cooking, they serve dishes such as a Prawn Carpaccio Sandwich.

Assafa opens for lunch and closes at 10:30pm, perfect for those looking for a snack after making their way back from the bars by the harbor. It is closed on Tuesdays.

Visiting Procida FAQ

Visiting Procida is fairly straightforward, but below are a few FAQ about a trip to the island. Let me know if you have any additional questions about traveling to Procida in the comments! Thanks!

When is the best time to visit Procida?

If you’re looking for no crowds, affordable prices, and having an island (somewhat) to yourself, then head there during winter. But, I wouldnʻt recommend it.

There are fewer restaurants open, and the ferry to Procida is often rough if you take the hydrofoil. However, the larger ferry was pretty smooth.

I went there in winter and the weather rained nearly every day. But, we did get some short breaks from the rain here and there! So, as a result, I recommend visiting in the shoulder season or summer. 

Just be aware that the prices will be at their highest during summer, and accommodation must be booked far in advance if you’re spending more than one day in Procida!

Is Procida island walkable?

Yes! It’s encouraged! It only takes around 40 minutes to walk across the island, and tourists are recommended to leave their cars behind on the mainland! Alternatively, you can rent bikes to navigate the island.

Is there public transport on Procida?

Yes, there is a small bus network on the island, which will help you get your luggage to the other side of the island. There are also taxis on the island, but be warned, they can be very expensive.

Is the ferry crossing from Naples to Procida rough?

During winter, the crossing can be incredibly rough, and many passenger-only boat services can be canceled for days on end. I recommend having sea sickness medication on hand! During the summer, the crossings in general are much smoother. 

I recommend taking the larger, slower boat in winter. It was SO much better!

Are places on Procida open year-round?

No, like many islands in southern Europe, you will find that a number of the restaurants close during the off-season. Around the main harbor, you will have more luck finding open places in winter. 

Where to Stay on Procida

San Michele

This is where I stayed on Procida, but I have removed the photo I put here as it has been completely renovated and looks amazing!

It is right on the colorful harbor, and while it is much pricier in the high season than when I stayed during the low season, its location is superb and worth the cost.

Vento di Mare

Located close to the main port, Vento di Mare offers spacious rooms with views over the harbor toward the mainland. Each room comes with a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a large, comfortable bed.

It’s a short walk from many of the island’s best restaurants and bars. You will also not need to deal with transporting your luggage across the island. 

Did I miss any amazing things to do on Procida island? Let me know your top tips for Procida landmarks, attractions, and more!

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