The island of Procida together with Capri and Ischia is one of the three pearls of the Gulf of Naples, a small island that has about 10,000 inhabitants with 16 km of coastline. It’s mainly formed by yellow tuff and for the rest by gray tuff, its coasts in some low and sandy areas, elsewhere overlooking the sea, give life to several bays and promontories that offer shelter to small navigation and have allowed the birth of three small ports on the northern, eastern and southern sides of the island.
Italian Capital of Culture 2022
Porcida has been nominated Italian Capital of Culture 2022. For the first time it was an island to win the coveted nomination, thanks to a cultural and poetic project structured with 330 days of programming, 44 projects cultural, 240 artists, 40 original works and 8 regenerated cultural spaces, all in the pipeline for the year by the Capital. The inhabited center is divided into nine districts: Terra Murata (the oldest village), Corricella (a characteristic fishing village), Sent’cò with the commercial port of Marina Grande, San Leonardo, Santissima Annunziata, Sant’Antuono, Sant’Antonio and Chiaiolella (a tourist port in the southern part of the island).
How to reach Procida from Naples
From Naples Italy it is possible to reach Procida by ferry from the port of Calata Porta di Massa, which takes about 1 hour to reach the island, or by hydrofoil from Molo Beverello which takes about 45 minutes. The first costs about € 10, while the second costs about € 15.
What to see in Procida – One day tour
The island of Procida is the smallest of the Campania archipelago, and has an unparalleled beauty. From the very first moment you arrive in the port of Marina Grande, you are breathless in front of the rows of colorful houses that come into view: an explosion of pink, yellow, blue, red, white and orange. Marina Grande is the beating heart, where the main means of transport are stationed, but also where most of the restaurants and shops are located. The tourist center par excellence is Roma Street, where the seafront, bars, fishmongers, restaurants, small shops and craft shops, and the most visited religious buildings are located. Walking along Roma Street, keeping the sea to the left, you will arrive in a square where you can admire the church of Santa Maria della Pietà on the left (where you can admire a crucifix dating back to 1845). From here, take Vittorio Emanuele Street and continue along Principe Umberto Street until you reach Piazza Dei Martini where you will find a first panoramic square.
Continuing to climb along the same road you will arrive at the medieval village of Terra Murata, a place of extreme beauty built on the highest point of the island (about 90 meters above sea level). The historical and cultural center of the island, literally overlooking the sea, Terra Murata can only be reached via a steep climb from which you can admire a breathtaking view over the entire Gulf of Naples. What makes this place special are not only the medieval fortifications and the scenic views, but also the two long-range cannons dating back to the Neapolitan Republic of 1799. Once you get to the top, you cannot forget to visit the Palazzo d’Avalos and the Abbey of San Michele.
Once you have finished visiting the village, go back to the first panoramic square to take the stairs that will take you to the most beautiful place in Procida – Corricella. The colorful fishing village of Corricella can only be reached by sea or on foot, descending the panoramic steps and is the icon of the island in the world, with cluster houses and vibrantly colored walls, dominated by the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Back at the port, if you have time left, you can take a bus to visit another quaint seaside village located on the opposite side of the island – Chiaiolella. The village with its characteristic harbor, consisting of an ancient extinct volcanic crater, has maintained its character of a fishing village, here you can also visit the Sanctuary of San Giuseppe built in 1836. If you are planning your holiday to visit Naples Italy, visit Procida is one of the things to do.
