The most authentic and least touristed of the Gulf of Naples islands, named Italian Capital of Culture 2022. Its Marina Corricella fishing harbor with cascading pastel houses is impossibly picturesque. Rent a scooter, eat exceptional fresh seafood, and enjoy an Italy with no souvenir shops.
Procida is the smallest and least touristed of the Gulf of Naples islands, about 35 km from Naples in Campania, Italy, and was named Italian Capital of Culture in 2022. Hydrofoils reach it in around 35-40 minutes and car ferries a little longer (roughly €15-20 return) from Naples Calata Porta di Massa or, more cheaply, from nearby Pozzuoli. Boats arrive at Marina Grande, a working port lined with faded fishermen's houses. The island's signature image is Marina Corricella, a tiny crescent harbour of cascading pastel houses, arches and outdoor staircases reachable only on foot, where fishing boats still land the day's catch and waterfront trattorias serve it grilled. A relaxed one-day arc walks or takes a microbus up to Terra Murata, the fortified medieval citadel at the island's highest point, with the Palazzo d'Avalos (a former prison) and the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, then drops down to Corricella for a long seafood lunch, and finishes with a swim at the Chiaia or Chiaiolella beaches in the afternoon. Procida is small enough to circle on foot in a few hours, but the steep lanes and limited bus service make a hired scooter (around €25-30) a popular way to reach the quieter coves; cars are best left on the mainland. The mood is deliberately low-key, with no luxury boutiques or souvenir strips, which is precisely the appeal for travellers seeking an unpolished, lived-in island. Food centres on just-caught fish, lemons and the local spaghetti with sea urchins or clams. The best months are May-June and September, with warm seas and few crowds; July and August bring Italian holidaymakers but still far fewer visitors than Capri. An early boat and a swimsuit are all the day really needs.
Highlights
- Marina Corricella fishing harbor
- Terra Murata medieval citadel
- Fresh seafood at the harbor
- Scooter exploration
- No mass tourism
Tips for visiting
- Take a hydrofoil from Naples Calata Porta di Massa, or save money with the shorter ferry from Pozzuoli.
- Walk or take the microbus up to Terra Murata, then descend to Marina Corricella, which is car-free and reached on foot.
- Hire a scooter (around €25-30) to reach the quieter beaches; leave any car on the mainland.
- Book a waterfront table at Corricella for a leisurely seafood lunch, the island's signature experience.
- Bring a swimsuit for Chiaia or Chiaiolella beach in the afternoon.
- Visit in late spring or September for warm sea and minimal crowds compared with Capri.
When to visit
Late spring (May-June) and September offer warm seas and very light crowds; take an early boat to enjoy Corricella and the beaches before the day-trippers arrive.
Accessibility
Procida's steep stepped lanes and the car-free Marina Corricella, reached only on foot, make much of the island difficult for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. The flatter areas near Marina Grande and the main road are the most manageable.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Procida?
Hydrofoils take about 35-40 minutes from Naples Calata Porta di Massa, with cheaper ferries also running from Pozzuoli, costing roughly €15-20 return.
What is there to do on Procida?
Wander Marina Corricella's pastel harbour, climb to the Terra Murata citadel and Abbey of San Michele, eat fresh seafood and swim at Chiaia or Chiaiolella beach.
Is a scooter worth hiring?
For reaching the quieter beaches, yes. The island is walkable in a few hours, but steep lanes and limited buses make a scooter (around €25-30) a convenient option.
How does Procida compare with Capri and Ischia?
Procida is smaller, quieter and more authentic, with no luxury shopping and far fewer tourists, which is its main draw for visitors seeking a low-key island day.