I feel holiday the moment I get off the boat. "Il tempo è così bello", the weather is so beautiful and the surreal pastel-colored houses on the waterfront reflect my mood. The cobbled streets are calm and the locals live their lives at their own pace. I suppose we are the busiest people on the island, busy taking pictures. Welcome to Procida island, the little pastel world.
Procida is the smallest island in the Gulf of Naples and it is also one of the most underrated destinations in Italy. Although the island is only less than an hour ferry ride from the city of Naples, many tourists choose to visit the other neighbouring islands like Ischia and Capri. In other words, you can laid-back and explore this less travelled island without having to battle the crowds; soak up the local atmosphere with an authentic Italian experience and immerse yourself in the true culture of Procida.
Getting To Procida
The only way to get to Procida island is by ferry. You can take a direct ferry from Napoli Beverello Ferry Terminal, which is located right behind Castel Nouvo, along the street of Molo Beverello. We purchased our ferry tickets directly from the ticket counter at the Ferry Terminal on that day itself. After a 40-minute ferry ride, we arrived at the main harbour, Procida Ferry Terminal, which is located on the north part of the island.
Getting Around
Since Procida is a small island, you can actually get around by foot, especially the main attractions are nearby to one another. If you don't feel like walking a lot, not to worry, there are buses operated by EVA BUS S.r.l that move around the island.
Procida Walking Trail
You may begin your walk at the (1) Procida Ferry Terminal. From there, follow Via Roma along to the (2) Church of Santa Maria della Pieta, a small beautiful church with pastel yellow walls featuring an unique baroque style bell tower with a clock with four dials. Next, make your way to the street, Via Vittorio Emanuele, then follow by Via Principe Umberto to the (3) Piazza Dei Martiri, a quiet little square overlooking the sea and a small fishing village.
Before you move on to anywhere, you should take a side track along Via Principessa Margherita to the (4) Casale Vascello, an ancient fortified town situated at the foot of Terra Murata; the beautiful courtyard surrounded by tall terraced houses is where you can marvel at the traditional architecture of Procida from the 15th century. Now head back to Piazza Dei Martiri using the same path. Next to the square, you will see the prominent (5) Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is built in 1679 with a baroque style and a Greek cross plan.
Then work your way up the hill along the street, Salita Castello to the (6) Terra Murata, a medieval village built on the highest point of the island and this is a must-visit attraction in Procida. Once at the top, you should stop at the (7) Observation Deck and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view over the coastal village that stacked with many pastel-colored houses. Next door, (8) Santa Margherita Nuova, once a monastery, but now a little church on top of the cliff with a splendid view overlooking the sea; only open for exhibitions and cultural events.
Next, enter the village of Terra Murata by walking through the walled arch gate, and on your left is the (9) Palazzo d'Avalos, a former prison of Procida. Continue to wander the medieval streets of Terra Murata and look into (10) Abbazia San Michele Arcangelo, the religious and cultural quintessential of the village of Terra Murata; it is renowned as one of the most richest churches in the southern Italy.
After you are done with Terra Murata, you can take a slow scenic walk downhill along the same street, Salita Castello. When you reached the split road outside the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, go left into the street of Via S. Rocco. Just a few steps, you will come to another split road, go left again into the street of Discesa Graziella; and finally you will find yourself standing at the (11) Marina Corricella.
Marina Corricella is the oldest coastal village of Procida, without a doubt, it is the most beautiful, characteristic and atmospheric place in Procida. This colorful fishing village without any traffic is a peaceful place to relax and unwind. Take a break at (12) Bar Gelateria Chiaro Di Luna, where you can get some refreshment and enjoy a view of Terra Murata and the colorful village.
When you are ready, make your way back to the street of Via S. Rocco, and walk towards the west to another viewpoint, (13) Belvedere di Callia, which is an ideal spot to catch the sweeping panoramic view of Terra Murata and the sea. From there, follow Via Marcello Scotti until you reach Via Vittorio Emanuele. Option A - If you wish to hit the beach to get some vitamin sea, then you can walk straight along Via Vittorio Emanuele, turn left into a narrow street of Via dei Bagni, and followed by going down the stairways of 188 steps to (14) Spiaggia Chiaia, a nice clean public beach with black sand. Option B - If not, you can turn right and follow Via Vittorio Emanuele towards the direction of Marina Grande. Along the way, make sure you pop into (15) La Panetteria, a bakery shop to get some traditional pastries and freshly baked croissants. Lastly, there's no better way to end your walk than hanging around the main harbour of (16) Marina Grande with a must eat Gelato from (17) GelateriA Cuore Azzurro because you are in Italy!
Procida is truly a rare gem in southern Italy, the scenery here looks exactly like what we are always searching for in a postcard. Not only that, it is also a place with great history and culture; no wonder there are numerous films set on this idyllic island. Procida is definitely one of the best day trip destinations from Naples and I can't think of any reason why you should skip this amazing place!
Getting To Procida
The only way to get to Procida island is by ferry. You can take a direct ferry from Napoli Beverello Ferry Terminal, which is located right behind Castel Nouvo, along the street of Molo Beverello. We purchased our ferry tickets directly from the ticket counter at the Ferry Terminal on that day itself. After a 40-minute ferry ride, we arrived at the main harbour, Procida Ferry Terminal, which is located on the north part of the island.
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| Approaching the Procida Ferry Terminal |
Getting Around
Since Procida is a small island, you can actually get around by foot, especially the main attractions are nearby to one another. If you don't feel like walking a lot, not to worry, there are buses operated by EVA BUS S.r.l that move around the island.
Procida Walking Trail
You may begin your walk at the (1) Procida Ferry Terminal. From there, follow Via Roma along to the (2) Church of Santa Maria della Pieta, a small beautiful church with pastel yellow walls featuring an unique baroque style bell tower with a clock with four dials. Next, make your way to the street, Via Vittorio Emanuele, then follow by Via Principe Umberto to the (3) Piazza Dei Martiri, a quiet little square overlooking the sea and a small fishing village.
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| Via Roma |
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| Church of Santa Maria della Pieta |
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| Church of Santa Maria della Pieta |
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| The Striking Building at the Piazza Dei Martiri |
Before you move on to anywhere, you should take a side track along Via Principessa Margherita to the (4) Casale Vascello, an ancient fortified town situated at the foot of Terra Murata; the beautiful courtyard surrounded by tall terraced houses is where you can marvel at the traditional architecture of Procida from the 15th century. Now head back to Piazza Dei Martiri using the same path. Next to the square, you will see the prominent (5) Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is built in 1679 with a baroque style and a Greek cross plan.
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| Casale Vascello |
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| Casale Vascello |
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| Casale Vascello |
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| Casale Vascello |
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| Casale Vascello |
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| Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie |
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| Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie |
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| Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie |
Then work your way up the hill along the street, Salita Castello to the (6) Terra Murata, a medieval village built on the highest point of the island and this is a must-visit attraction in Procida. Once at the top, you should stop at the (7) Observation Deck and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view over the coastal village that stacked with many pastel-colored houses. Next door, (8) Santa Margherita Nuova, once a monastery, but now a little church on top of the cliff with a splendid view overlooking the sea; only open for exhibitions and cultural events.
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| Terra Murata |
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| Marina Corricella |
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| Marina Corricella |
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| Marina Corricella |
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| Marina Corricella |
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| Marina Corricella |
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| Marina Corricella |
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| Santa Margherita Nuova |
Next, enter the village of Terra Murata by walking through the walled arch gate, and on your left is the (9) Palazzo d'Avalos, a former prison of Procida. Continue to wander the medieval streets of Terra Murata and look into (10) Abbazia San Michele Arcangelo, the religious and cultural quintessential of the village of Terra Murata; it is renowned as one of the most richest churches in the southern Italy.
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| Palazzo d'Avalos |
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| Palazzo d'Avalos with the backdrop of Mount Vesuvius |
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| Abbazia San Michele Arcangelo |
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| Abbazia San Michele Arcangelo |
After you are done with Terra Murata, you can take a slow scenic walk downhill along the same street, Salita Castello. When you reached the split road outside the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, go left into the street of Via S. Rocco. Just a few steps, you will come to another split road, go left again into the street of Discesa Graziella; and finally you will find yourself standing at the (11) Marina Corricella.
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| Salita Castello |
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| Via S. Rocco |
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| Via S. Rocco |
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| Marina Corricella |
Marina Corricella is the oldest coastal village of Procida, without a doubt, it is the most beautiful, characteristic and atmospheric place in Procida. This colorful fishing village without any traffic is a peaceful place to relax and unwind. Take a break at (12) Bar Gelateria Chiaro Di Luna, where you can get some refreshment and enjoy a view of Terra Murata and the colorful village.
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| Marina Corricella |
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| Marina Corricella |
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| Marina Corricella |
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| Marina Corricella |
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| Marina Corricella |
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| Bar Gelateria Chiaro Di Luna |
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| Marina Corricella and Terra Murata |
When you are ready, make your way back to the street of Via S. Rocco, and walk towards the west to another viewpoint, (13) Belvedere di Callia, which is an ideal spot to catch the sweeping panoramic view of Terra Murata and the sea. From there, follow Via Marcello Scotti until you reach Via Vittorio Emanuele. Option A - If you wish to hit the beach to get some vitamin sea, then you can walk straight along Via Vittorio Emanuele, turn left into a narrow street of Via dei Bagni, and followed by going down the stairways of 188 steps to (14) Spiaggia Chiaia, a nice clean public beach with black sand. Option B - If not, you can turn right and follow Via Vittorio Emanuele towards the direction of Marina Grande. Along the way, make sure you pop into (15) La Panetteria, a bakery shop to get some traditional pastries and freshly baked croissants. Lastly, there's no better way to end your walk than hanging around the main harbour of (16) Marina Grande with a must eat Gelato from (17) GelateriA Cuore Azzurro because you are in Italy!
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| Marina Grande |
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| Marina Grande |
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| Italian Gelato from GelateriA Cuore Azzurro |
Procida is truly a rare gem in southern Italy, the scenery here looks exactly like what we are always searching for in a postcard. Not only that, it is also a place with great history and culture; no wonder there are numerous films set on this idyllic island. Procida is definitely one of the best day trip destinations from Naples and I can't think of any reason why you should skip this amazing place!
"If Life Is A Blank Canvas, Get A Brush And Go To Procida" - ETM
<< Procida >>
Location: Click Here for Map
Year Visited: 2018 Apr
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| The Gulf of Naples |
Related Post:
- The Magical Fairy Tale Town of Alberobello
Written By: Q.J.
Photography By: Q.J. & K.K.
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