Just off the coast of Naples in Italy, you can find a small island called Procida. Beaten by the popularity of the nearby islands Capri and Ischia, most people haven’t even heard about this island, except for the Neapolitans themselves. It is a true gem with a real Italian touch to it. Colored houses build upon cliffs, blue water and narrow cobblestone streets: what’s not to love?!
We visited this island in August, during peak season, and it was not even crowded. Spectacular views, very yummy pizza’s, and friendly Italians made our stay an amazing one. In this blog, we will tell you all you need to know about visiting this beautiful little island.
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Things to Know
Visa
Italy is part of the Schengen Agreement. Citizens or residents from other Schengen countries, EU or EEA don’t need any visa to enter. As a non-EU/non-Schengen resident, you will have to check this website to see if you are on the visa exemption list. In that case, you don’t need a Visa and you can visa for visit up to 90 days. You can also find the countries that need a Schengen visa.
Climate
The temperature on Procida island varies from around 10ºC (50ºF) in winter to 29ºC (85ºF) in summer. The warmer summer months don’t have much rainfall. Most rain falls during the winter months.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is between May and September. June and July are the driest months. In August many Neapolitans are coming to the island to have their holiday so it is a bit more crowded. Luckily the island never gets too crowded as it’s still so undiscovered!
Money
The currency in Italy is the Euro. At the time of writing (October 2019), 1 USD is approximately 0.91 Euro.
There are enough ATMs on the island so it shouldn’t be a problem to get money.
The price of a hotel room starts from about €50 per night and up. The price of dinner for two will start around €15-20.
You can count on a budget of about €100-150 per day on a reasonable budget.
Language
The official language of Italy is Italian. On Procida, most people working in tourism speak basic English, but it’s always good to know a bit Italian as it’s just a small island.
Internet
Most accommodation options and restaurants offer free wifi. There is also good phone coverage. Roaming with an EU sim card is at the standard costs of your abonnement.
Culture
Procida is an island with real, authentic Italian culture. Many of the prejudices about Italy were confirmed during our visit to Procida. People talk loud from one side of the street to another, or from the windows above. They do not only talk with their mouth but also with many hand gestures, even when they are on the phone. The people at Procida island are really friendly and helpful. The major part of the Italians is Roman Catholic.
Getting to Procida Island
The easiest way to get to Procida is by ferry from the port of Naples (Beverello). There are 2 ferry companies operating between Naples and Procida island: SNAV and Caremar. The cost for the ferry for 2 person return is between €60 and €80 and takes about 40 minutes. If you carry big luggage you pay €1,50 per person extra which you can pay when you enter the boat or when you buy your ticket.
Getting Around
Procida consists of super small streets, and yet there are still many cars going around on the island. We wouldn’t advise you to travel this way since the streets are not made for all this traffic. The best way is to rent a bicycle, but the island is pretty hilly, and that’s why almost all the bikes here have electric support. It makes it much easier to go uphill. The island is small, so you can also go on foot.
Must Sees on Procida Island
Procida island’s center: Corricella
The main village on Procida Island is Corricella. Pastel-colored houses with laundry drying below the windows high above the streets, a harbor full of small fishing boats, and restaurants with nice terraces to enjoy some of the best pizza we ever had!
The most beautiful view over town: Terra Murata
Corricella is built on a hillside, and the many colored houses are a view out of thousands, but you won’t see it from the town itself. But right next to the town, which lays in a bay, is another hill with the highest point of the island. On this hill is a historic fortified city: Terra Murata. From up here, you have the best view of this colorful town.
Procida’s best beaches
Being on a small Italian island, you might want to sunbathe a bit as well. Although it’s not a tropical white sand beach, it’s a nice visit anyway. There are several beaches: Chiaiolella beach, the longest one of the island, or Spiaggia Chiaia the more central one. The latter can only be reached by foot, 186 steps down or by boat. You can find all the beaches here.
Must Do’s on Procida Island
Take a Boat Trip Around Procida Island
The best way to see all the beauty of Procida is to take a boat trip around the island. Sunbath on the deck, jump in the clear blue waters and discover lagoons and caves. A fun day is guaranteed. We went with the tour of Procida Camp & Resort, where we stayed. With only 3 other people and the skipper, it was a pretty relaxed atmosphere.
Rent an E-Bike
As mentioned in the ‘Getting Around’ section, one of the best ways is to get around by bike, and we would recommend renting an E-bike. With the electric support, you cycle uphill easily. Go all around the island, to discover all the must-sees.
Immerse Yourself in the Local Life
Procida is an authentic Italian island and you will feel it when visiting the town. We would suggest to just head over to Corricella, position yourself somewhere aside on the narrow streets and just watch and enjoy the local life.
Procida Camp & Resort
During our visit to Procida Island, we went glamping at Procida Camp & Resort. They offer 4 kinds of accommodations: Staying in a glamping tent as we did, stay in an old school American Airstream Caravan, stay in a Garden Suite, or stay in a Safari Lodge tent. The accommodations are located in a beautiful garden. The resort offers e-bike rental, Yoga, and boat trips. We had a great time here and enjoyed every moment.
Where to Stay
The island is rather small, but there are accommodation options all over the island. There is plenty of choices if you want to stay in the center, or maybe at the beach. There are not really budget options on the island and the prices start from €40 per night.
Find all hotels in Procida here and get 10% off when you book through this link!
Guesthouses on Procida Island:
CALISE GUESTHOUSE
This Guesthouse is located right at the ocean and the views from the balcony are beautiful.
1 bedroom apartment from €86 per night
SAN MICHELE
This Bed & Breakfast is located in the heart of Corricella and has beautiful rooms and views.
Room for 2 guests from €138 per night
Hotels on Procida Island:
BORGO DEI PESCATORI
This hotel is located in the heart of Corricella and is a great place to explore the island from.
Studio from €55 per night
AZZURROMARE
Located on the west side right at a beach this is one of the cheapest accommodations you can find on Procida island.
Studio from €40 per night
Resorts and Holiday Homes on Procida Island:
PROCIDA CAMP & RESORT
Go glamping at this peaceful camp resort with multiple, awesome, glamping options.
2 person glamping tent from €85 per night
CORRICELLA SEA WINDOW
This holiday home is located in a bay in the southeast of Procida island. There are 2 floors and you have views over the bay.
Home for 4 people from €289 per night
- Ristorante Pizzeria Fuego: Located at the Fishermans wharf, serves the best pizza!
- La Piazzetta: Located in the center of Corricella this cozy restaurant offers great food for reasonable prices.
Read all our other blogs about Italy here
We sincerely hope that you will visit this authentic Italian island soon and that with these tips you’ll have an awesome time. It was the highlight of our Italy trip and we would love to visit again any time!
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