Procida is a small island city in the Bay of Naples in Italy. While it may not be as well-known as other cities in Italy, such as Rome, Florence, or Venice, it is still a popular tourist destination, particularly among those who appreciate its unspoiled beauty, colourful houses, and laid-back charm.
Recently, Procida has gained more recognition, especially after being named the Italian Capital of Culture for 2022. This designation has helped to promote the city’s cultural heritage and increase tourism.
Where to go in Procida
There are several tourist attractions in Procida that visitors can enjoy. Some of the most popular attractions in Procida include:
Marina Corricella: This is a picturesque fishing village in Procida with brightly painted houses, narrow streets, and a small harbour perfect for a stroll.
Terra Murata: A historic fortress and medieval village with narrow alleys and steep staircases, Terra Murata offers stunning views of the Bay of Naples.
Abbey of San Michele: A 16th-century Benedictine abbey perched on a hill overlooking the island has a beautiful church and cloister.
Spiaggia del Pozzo Vecchio: This is a lovely sandy beach with crystal-clear waters and views of the island of Ischia.
Vivara Island Nature Reserve: This is a small island just off the coast of Procida that is home to a nature reserve with stunning landscapes, sea views, and a variety of flora and fauna.
How to get to Procida?
The easiest way to reach Procida for international travellers is to fly into Naples International Airport (NAP), the closest airport to the island. You can take a taxi or public transportation from the airport to the Port of Naples (Porto di Napoli), about 7 kilometres away.
Once you reach the port, you can take a ferry or hydrofoil to Procida. Ferries and hydrofoils operate daily from Naples to Procida. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes by ferry and 25 minutes by hydrofoil. You can purchase tickets at the port. However, checking the schedules and buying your tickets in advance is best to ensure availability.
There are also ferry connections from other nearby destinations, such as Ischia and Capri, which can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil from Naples. Private water taxis and boats can be arranged from Naples or other nearby destinations, but they can be more expensive.
What to eat in Procida?
Procida offers a variety of delicious local specialities that visitors can enjoy. Some of the most popular dishes include:
Linguine con le vongole: This is a classic Italian pasta dish made with linguine noodles and fresh clams cooked in garlic, olive oil, and white wine.
Tiella di riso: This is a traditional baked dish with rice, potatoes, mussels, and other seafood flavoured with garlic, tomato sauce, and herbs.
Sartù di riso: A rice dish stuffed with mozzarella, meat, and peas and baked in tomato sauce.
Frittelle di mare: Fried fritters made with seafood, such as squid or shrimp, and served with a lemon wedge.
Limoncello: A sweet and refreshing lemon liqueur made with local lemons and can be enjoyed as a digestif after a meal.
In addition to these dishes, Procida is known for its fresh seafood, such as grilled or fried fish, octopus salad, and squid ink pasta. Several restaurants and trattorias on the island serve these local specialities. Visitors can enjoy them while enjoying the stunning views of the sea and the colourful houses.
Why are there so many colourful houses in Procida?
One might ask why there are so many colourful houses in Procida. The colourful houses in Procida are part of the island’s rich cultural heritage. They are a source of pride for its inhabitants. The tradition of painting houses with vibrant colours dates back to the 18th century when sailors and fishermen would return home from their voyages and paint their houses in bright colours to make them more visible from the sea.
Over time, the tradition evolved, and residents began to use different colours to distinguish their homes from their neighbours and to create a sense of community identity. Today, colourful houses are one of the island’s most distinctive features. They remain painted in bright pink, yellow, green, and blue hues.
The houses’ colourful facades have become a popular attraction for island visitors, often featured in photographs and postcards. The unique and picturesque setting of the colourful houses and the beautiful sea views make Procida a charming and photogenic destination.
There are several great spots on the island of Procida to take photos of the colourful houses. One of them is Terra Murata. The highest point on the island, Terra Murata, offers stunning panoramic views of Procida and the Bay of Naples. The historic fortress and medieval village also provide a unique setting for capturing the colourful houses from above.
Where to stay in Procida?
Procida offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses and bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels and villas. Here are some of the best places to stay on the island:
La Suite Boutique Hotel: This charming boutique hotel is located in Marina Corricella, one of the island’s most picturesque areas. The rooms are tastefully decorated and offer stunning harbour views and colourful houses. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace where guests can enjoy breakfast and drinks while enjoying the sea views.
Solchiaro Resort: This luxury resort is situated on a hill overlooking the island and offers panoramic views of the sea and surrounding landscape. The resort features elegant rooms, a restaurant serving local cuisine, a pool, and a spa.
Hotel La Casa sul Mare: This family-run hotel is located in Chiaiolella, a quiet and peaceful island. The hotel has comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving local specialities, and a private beach with sun loungers and umbrellas.
Casa Bormioli: This guesthouse is located in Terra Murata, a historic village at the highest point on the island. The guesthouse offers cosy and tastefully decorated rooms and a terrace with panoramic views of the sea and surrounding landscape.
La Suite: This bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Procida and offers comfortable rooms decorated in a colourful and eclectic style. The bed and breakfast also has a rooftop terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the sea views.
What are good souvenirs to buy in Procida?
Procida is known for its vibrant colours, traditional crafts, and local products, making it an excellent place to find unique souvenirs. Here are some of the best souvenirs to buy in Procida:
Ceramics: Procida is famous for its ceramic production, and you can find many shops selling beautiful and colourful ceramics. From plates and bowls to vases and figurines, there is something for every taste and budget.
Limoncello: Limoncello is a sweet, tangy liqueur made from the island’s lemons. Many shops sell bottles of this delicious drink, making it an excellent gift for friends and family back home.
Coral jewellery: Procida has a long tradition of coral fishing and jewellery making. Many shops sell beautiful coral jewellery, including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Hand-painted tiles: Hand-painted tiles are another popular souvenir in Procida. You can find tiles decorated with traditional patterns or scenes from the island, such as colourful houses or the sea.
Local food products: Procida produces various delicious products, including olive oil, honey, and local cheeses. These make great souvenirs to bring home and enjoy or to give as gifts to food-loving friends and family.
These are just a few souvenirs you can find in Procida. When shopping for souvenirs, look for locally made and traditional products to support the island’s economy and cultural heritage.