Most of the people, who travels to Naples is exploring the city only, or is going to the most famous places around, such as Positano or Amalfo coast. But it is always better to make a deeper research and find some hidden places around which are worth your attention. This was my second trip to Naples, and since I already had a chance to see most of the highlights in this city, I decided to find something (more or less) less popular, but a nice place to go. And this time the winner was Procida, a small fishing island on the way to Ischia. During the day there are several ferries going from Napples Beverello port, as well as from Pozzuoli Port, which is a bit far from Naples center. These ferries are quite big, very comfortable inside (with TV, cafe/bar, toilets). It is also possible to get a transfer for your car, as it offers such option as well.
We took a ferry from Beverello port and in 40 minutes it already landed at Marine Port of Procida. From the very first impression, this was quite picturesque place. The weather was not in the best mood. Sun was hidden over the clouds. But it didn’t hide the beauty of this island. It was Saturday, in a low season. The island was still sleeping. Almost no one in the streets. So quiet, so relaxing. In general, there was nothing specific to do or see here. We just wanted to spend some time exploring a new charming place and we make it up as planned.
In all of the streets there were signs showing the directions, so we started to walk towards the center. I mean, it more looked like a small hiking as we were walking up the hill. If you come here, don’t miss the stop of Belvedere Corricella, which opens the first of many upcoming fascinating views over the island. From here you can see two sides of the island: behind of the pastel colored buildings is the port from where you came, and in front is the fishing part, where mostly the locals are working. The more you go up, the more this view becomes like wow.
More up on the hill, when you reach Belvedere Terra Murata, this view will become more complete and easy seen (with no any obstacles). And when you reach Palazzo d’Avalos, you will have an endless view of the sea, where the calm waters are merging with the sky and no any horizon line is seen. This scene will make you speechless. By the way, next to the Belvedere Terra Murada you can see the ex prison (aka Carcere) of Procida, an abandoned building with a creepy feeling.
The island is well known for its seafood, as it is always fresh and well cooked here. Also it is famous for Limoncello, which is made from the local lemons. They say it has a specific taste, different than in other places. Since we didn’t stay for lunch, I can’t share my experience about it. But no one could stop us to take a morning coffee and try local sweets here. The most popular dessert is the Lingua di Procida, a puff pastry with a cream made from local lemons, again 🙂 Except this one we couldn’t resist to try something else. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice how is it called (if you know it, please share in comments 😉 ). This small colorful sweets were made of gelato, covered in chocolates and had some fruit filling inside. Each of them had specific taste, which made to feel like in a heaven. Oh, how tasty they were… much better than the Lingua di Procida :)))
I believe, it the weather was nicer, and the town was more active, we’d stay for a lunch, at least. But there was nothing else to do at that time. And we came back to the port to catch the next ferry to Naples. The way back took the same 40 minutes. The prices of ferry tickets vary from 12 to 18 Eur when buying in place (Omio offers the same tickets with a bit higher charges). So my advise, if you’re not in a rush, come to the port, select the type of ferry, convenient time for you and buy your tickets here.
In general, Procida is just one love ❤ I would definitely recommend to give it a chance and visit this island at least once in your life. You will enjoy every building here, where each of them has some small decoration in it, the lemon trees which are all over, people, who will start chatting with you non stop, and all the rest, very specific to the Southern part of Italy.
My Life in Travel 