Adding at least one day in Procida to your Italy bucket list is an absolute must! After all, who does not want to enjoy the enchanting views of its hills covered with pastel colored houses and the bays filled with cute fishing boats? Despite Procida being used as the decor for movies like Il Postino and The Talented Mr Ripley, it mostly stayed under the radar of foreign tourists, unlike its neighbour Ischia. Last year Procida was elected to be Italy’s Capital of Culture 2022. It will bring more fame and crowds to the island, so be fast to organise your day trip to Procida with this complete guide including all the best things to see and do in Procida!
If you are looking for more information about places in this region of Italy make sure to also check out my Amalfi Coast itinerary!
One day in Procida; the best things to see and do on a day trip
TABLE OF CONTENT
- One day in Procida; the best things to see and do on a day trip
- Why you should visit Procida
- Where is Procida & how can you get there?
- When should you go to Procida?
- How to make the most of your one day in Procida?
- What are the best things to see and do on a day trip to Procida?
- Where to eat in Procida?
- Book a hotel for your day trip to Procida
- Also watch my video about the best things to see and do in Procida!
- Pin this post to plan your one day in Procida for later
Why you should visit Procida
Procida always maintained its authenticity, being a fisherman’s settlement. Its locals do their best to maintain their traditions. So you will get a unique and honest experience exploring the island. You will not find glamour or designer boutiques like in Capri or deluxe thermal spas like in Ischia. Procida has a very slow and relaxed vibe. I totally get why so many neapolitans love to vacation here! I was the only foreigner in my hotel. The others were all from Naples and Sorrento! It is the perfect place for a nice day trip, if you want to escape the crowds and get a taste of the real authentic Italian island life.
Where is Procida & how can you get there?
Procida is a small island of only 4.1 km². It is nestled between Ischia and the coast of Cape Miseno in the Gulf of Naples in the south of Italy. To reach this little pastel paradise you need to take a ferry from Naples (45 minutes), Pozzuoli (30 minutes) or Sorrento (45 minutes). I took the Alilauro traghetto at Sorrento. It only goes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 9.10 am and 3.50 pm. The return goes at 11.00 am or 5.50 pm. I only found this info here, not on the Alilauro website! So if you are planning your day trip to Procida I recommend booking this ferry in advance, especially during high season, since the ferries and places are limited.
When should you go to Procida?
The best periods to visit this beautiful Italian island are spring and autumn (April – June and September – October preferably). Temperatures are bearable, you’ll be able to enjoy the beach and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. If you do not mind more people, summer is perfect as well!
How to make the most of your one day in Procida?
- Procida is very hilly, so heels are a no go! Wear comfortable sandals or shoes since the streets can be steep and there are also quite some stairs to reach places.
- Book your ferry in time so you can enjoy enough time on the island or book a one night stay on the island.
- Plan in advance so you don’t miss out on the best things to see and do in Procida, this guide can help you with that!
- The streets in Procida are very narrow and there are no sidewalks. Make sure to walk on the left side of the busy roads, so you can see the nearest traffic approaching. Because not only cars, but also motorcycles and e-bikes drive really close to you. In the pedestrian areas you can walk back on the right side.
- If you plan on exploring the entire island, I advise to rent a scooter and drive around. But you can also just walk, since the island is not that big.
What are the best things to see and do on a day trip to Procida?
You can do a lot in one day in Procida, depending on your planning and what you want to see. This is your perfect itinerary to see and do the best things on your day trip to Ravello;
Corricella
The most renowned and photogenic area in Procida is Corricella. It is at this little harbor that the majority of the pastel colored houses and fishing boats can be seen. I went there early September and it was never too busy. It had such a lovely, laid-back atmosphere! Terraces of quaint restaurants and bars line the boulevard that runs down the waterfront, which is decorated with colorful boats and fishing nets. I was amazed by how fashionable and “hipster” several of these establishments were! This was not what I expected from a place with such a local feeling. I enjoyed watching the locals return in their little boats from one of the terraces while sipping a Limoncello Spritz.
Corricella viewpoint
The view at the Corricella viewpoint on top of the Salita Castello is always breathtaking. If you decide to stay a night at the island, make sure to also climb up at sunset! I thought I was unlucky choosing a cloudy evening to get up there at sunset, but even then the sky was gorgeous with orange, pink and purple colors!
Belvedere Elsa Morante
This viewpoint is located at the southside of Corricella at the Via Pizzaco. From here you can see Corricella, Spiaggia della Chiaia and the Vesuvio!
Chiaiolella Marina
This is the harbor where all of Procida’s fancy yachts, as well as various stores and restaurants, can be found. There will be a large number of residents in the evening, who have spent the day at the adjacent beach.
Spiaggia Cala del Pozzo Vecchio
This is the beach where Il Postino was filmed. If you are a fan, a must visit!
Shopping
Procida offers various lovely local stores that sell clothing and accessories, as well as souvenirs. The major shopping street is Via Vittorio Emanuele, but also at the main port, where the ferries arrive, you’ll find beautiful shops.
Where to eat in Procida?
During your one day in Procida, it will not be hard to find delicious food! Most restaurants can be found at the main harbor, Marina Chiaiolella and Corricella.
If you are looking for a light breakfast, you could go to Felice Mare at Corricella. This is a family-owned bar and its terrace is decorated with small colorful boats.
I really loved the pizza from Fuego, which is also located in Corricella. If you wish to have lunch here on your day trip to Procida, a reservation is not required. But if you wish to dine here, make a reservation first. Because it was always packed in the evenings!
I had lunch at La Lampara. This restaurant is situated at the end of Via Marina di Corricella and has the best view of the whole bay! It is a bit more pricey but the melanzane alla parmigiana and its sea food are delicious! Also here make sure to book a table in advance for both lunch and dinner!
At Corricella’s Restaurant La Graziella, I was struck by the warmth of the islanders. I’d been wandering all afternoon and was in desperate need of a cool drink. A small group of guys were eating lunch at the restaurant’s terrace. I checked if they were open for a drink. They claimed everything was OK right away, so I got two drinks, because I was so thirsty. When I was done and asked for the check, the owner informed me that I didn’t have to pay; everything was on the house! I was perplexed! So I thanked him and informed him that I would return for dinner.
As a result, I ate supper at this restaurant every night since it was so good and the staff was super friendly (I stayed at Procida for 3 nights)! There was a wonderful ambience and I enjoyed the company of stray cats at my feet every night. When visiting Procida, be sure to stop by this place to try the local food. (And don’t forget to order their Limoncello Spritz! It goes straight to your head and will make the walk back to the ferry or your hotel more enjoyable!).
Book a hotel for your day trip to Procida
If you prefer to spend a night at the island to make sure you have enough time to expore the island on this one day in Procida, I recommend staying at Hotel Savoia, the oldest and first hotel ever of Procida.
It is one of the most affordable hotels with a pool! My single room was designed in a traditional way and featured a large bathroom, which was a pleasant surprise. The pool area, which was set in a large garden with citrus trees, was fantastic. I only encountered Italians at the hotel. Breakfast was simple and typical Italian. I only had breakfast here once, because I used to leave the hotel around 7:00 a.m. to take advantage of the gorgeous morning light. The hotel’s sole drawback is its location, which is 2 kilometers from Corricella. Which was not an issue for me because I was enjoying the stroll.
Price for a single room in September: 86€/night, breakfast included. Book your stay at Hotel Savoia here!
Also watch my video about the best things to see and do in Procida!
Pin this post to plan your one day in Procida for later
So that is it! I hope you enjoyed this “One day in Procida guide” and that it will help to plan your own day trip to Procida! I really tried to cover all the best things to see and do. Do not hesitate to leave your comments or questions down below! That way I can add more information if necessary!
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Wauw, ik heb al zin om te vertrekken. En waar vind je toch al die mooie kleedjes. Misschien daar is over bloggen? 😀 😉
Hoi Nathalie!
Dankjewel voor je leuke commentaar! De kleedjes worden altijd getagd op Instagram, dus daar kan je altijd alles “live” volgen.
Een blogpost erover zou meteen out of date zijn, aangezien collecties continu veranderen.
Keep traveling!