Procida is the smallest and least visited island in the Bay of Naples, pleasant to explore on foot and easy to reach for a quiet day trip far from the crowds on the mainland.
Ferries depart from Naples all year round, and during the summer months from June to September, there is also a ferry route directly from Sorrento.
What To See and Do in One Day on Procida
Your stroll on the island begins in Marina Grande, the island's charming port. Here, you can wander through the maze of quiet lanes that climb up to the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, built in the 11th century. Inside, there is a small museum of votive art that is an interesting stop. From the scenic Piazza dei Martiri, you can climb uphill to the medieval village of Terra Murata, with its picturesque houses and fortified buildings perched directly over the sea.
After visiting Palazzo d’Avalos, a historic fortified citadel, you can walk back downhill to Marina della Corricela, a postcard-perfect fishing village of pastel houses along the waterfront. There are a number of excellent restaurants along the water's edge; we recommend Caracalè. You may recognize the village as the setting of the famous film starring the Italian actor and comic Massimo Troisi, “Il Postino” (The Postman).
If you would like to take di relaxing dip in the Mediterranean, head to Marina di Chiaiolella, where there are rental boats and water taxis that can take you to the beach featured in "Il Postino", or on a sail past the Vivara nature preserve.
If you would like to get away from it all and spend a few nights relaxing on the island and enjoying the quiet local life, you can book a hotel on Procida here.