The beautiful island of Procida – an idyllic location often overlooked, but once you visit, we guarantee that you’ll be hooked and will be back!
Most seeking a day trip out from the hectic city of Naples will hop a ferry to the famed island of Capri or the well-known resort of Sorrento…My advice?? Skip both of these and catch a ferry instead to the smallest island in the Bay of Naples…and its best-kept secret.
Only four square kilometres and just 50 minutes from Naples itself, Procida is a charming blend of pastel-hued houses lining the stone quays of fishing villages, picturesque harbours with colourful boats bobbing up and down, and tiny piazzas with grand baroque yellow churches.
Be sure to walk from the main Piazza dei Martiri over the hill to the tiny village of Corricella, and here on the quay are a few quiet cafes and restaurants in the most idyllic of settings with the most stunning of views across to the castle.
Choose either “Il Postino” or “Gorgonia”, both open all year round, and enjoy the generous servings of fresh calamares and grilled swordfish. The only thing which moves during this perfect postcard lunch is the local ginger cat prowling for any leftovers…
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Film-makers have long appreciated the scenic beauty of Procida, and it is often known as the ‘cinema island’ having been the setting location for such films as ‘Arturo’s Island’, ‘Il Postino‘ and ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’, but fortunately hordes of tourists have always bypassed the island on their way to Capri.
Procida can be easily reached in 50 minutes by ferry from the Calata port in Naples and costs €21 return with Caremar Ferries. Naples is also easily reached from Nice by the relatively new direct flight offered by Easyjet at approximately €80 return. Enjoy!
All photographs © Catherine Bardrick
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