Island · Gulf of Naples · Italian Capital of Culture 2022
Procida
The smallest, most authentic and - many would say - most beautiful island in the Gulf of Naples. Procida has no luxury hotels, no designer boutiques, no famous caves. What it has is something rarer: a genuine fishing community, a palette of pastel colours that looks impossible, and a pace of life that has not changed in centuries.
If Capri is the celebrity island and Ischia is the wellness island, Procida is the soul island. Only 4 km² in area, it is Italy's smallest inhabited island - and among its most moving. The writer Elsa Morante chose it as the setting for her masterpiece Arturo's Island (1957). Massimo Troisi filmed his last role here in The Postman (1994). In 2022 it was named Italian Capital of Culture.
What makes Procida special is exactly what it lacks: no mass tourism infrastructure, no crowds of day-trippers from cruise ships, no international hotel chains. The island works on its own terms - langoustine fishing boats go out at dawn, children play in the alleys of Terra Murata, and the bars close when the last fisherman goes home.
Did You Know?
4.1 km²
Italy's smallest inhabited island
1994
Il Postino filmed here, Oscar for Best Score
2022
Italian Capital of Culture
Procida's langoustines (scampi di Procida) are considered among the finest in Italy. Local fishermen still go out in their boats every morning - look for restaurants serving "gamberi di paranza" straight from the morning catch.
What to See on Procida
Marina Corricella
The most beautiful fishing village in the Mediterranean: houses in yellow, orange, pink, blue and white stacked on a hillside, all facing the sea, with no road for vehicles. Reachable on foot in 15 minutes from Marina Grande. Boats, fishing nets, cats. Stay for the sunset.
Terra Murata
The medieval fortified village at the top of the island (91 m), with the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo and panoramic views over the entire Gulf of Naples. The old houses inside the walls are partly abandoned and partly inhabited - a uniquely atmospheric place. Free to visit.
Spiaggia del Pozzo Vecchio
Known as the "Arturo's Island beach" after the Elsa Morante novel and the film. A small, photogenic cove with dark sand, clear water and a natural cave. Less crowded than La Chiaiolella. Reachable on foot from Marina Grande in 20 minutes.
La Chiaiolella
Procida's largest and most equipped beach, at the western end of the island. Crescent-shaped, with light sand and warm shallow water suitable for families. Boat hire available. The village of Chiaiolella nearby has excellent restaurants and a lively evening atmosphere.
Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo
The spiritual heart of the island, founded in the 11th century and rebuilt several times. Houses a collection of paintings by local artists, a 17th-century painted ceiling and catacombs. The view from the terrace over Terra Murata and the sea below is extraordinary. Entry ~€3.
How to Get to Procida
Procida is the closest island to the mainland. The quickest option is the ferry from Pozzuoli (15 min). From Naples Beverello, hydrofoils take about 35 minutes.
From Pozzuoli
Caremar ferry ~15 min. The cheapest and most convenient option - take Naples Metro Line 2 to Pozzuoli Solfatara, then walk 10 min to the port.
From Naples
Hydrofoil ~35 min (SNAV, Caremar) from Molo Beverello. Multiple daily departures. Slightly more expensive than Pozzuoli but more convenient from the city centre.
Ferry Schedules - Summer 2026
Services run year-round. In summer departures from both Pozzuoli and Naples are very frequent. Check caremar.it for current timetables.
| Departs Pozzuoli | Arrives Procida | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | 06:15 | ~15 min |
| 07:30 | 07:45 | ~15 min |
| 09:00 | 09:15 | ~15 min |
| 11:00 | 11:15 | ~15 min |
| 13:30 | 13:45 | ~15 min |
| 16:00 | 16:15 | ~15 min |
| 18:30 | 18:45 | ~15 min |
| 20:00 | 20:15 | ~15 min |
| Departs Naples | Arrives Procida | Company |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 07:35 | SNAV |
| 09:15 | 09:50 | Caremar |
| 12:00 | 12:35 | SNAV |
| 15:00 | 15:35 | Caremar |
| 18:00 | 18:35 | SNAV |
* Indicative schedules for summer 2026. Check caremar.it and snav.it to confirm current timetables.
Procida Off the Beaten Path
An island this authentic has no shortage of hidden moments.
Morning at the Fish Market
At 7 am at Marina Grande, fishermen unload their catch of the night. The fish market runs for about an hour. Watch the langoustines, totani squid and fresh fish being sold directly from the boat - a slice of genuine island life.
Via Vittorio Emanuele at Dusk
The main street of the island becomes a passeggiata at 7 pm. Locals come out to walk, children play, the bars fill. No tourists, no selfie sticks. Have a Spritz at a local bar and watch the community at its most authentic.
Spiaggia di Ciraccio
The quietest beach on the island, on the north-western coast. Darker sand, fewer people even in peak season, beautiful water. Reachable by scooter or on foot in 30 minutes from Marina Grande. Perfect for a morning swim before the crowds arrive.
Palazzo d'Avalos
The former royal palace that became a prison in the 18th century and closed only in 1988. The building on the promontory is still partly derelict but the exterior with its views over the sea is deeply atmospheric. Restoration works are ongoing - check if guided tours have resumed.
Local Tip
Order the langoustines
Procida's scampi (langoustines) are famous throughout the Bay of Naples. Ask for "gamberi di Procida" or "scampi alla griglia" - any restaurant on the island will have them. The sweetest, freshest shellfish you will find anywhere on the coast, at about a third of the Capri price.