Discover the charms of Procida: an Italian gem at your fingertips

Discover the charms of Procida: an Italian gem at your fingertips

April 11, 2025

Welcome to Procida, a picturesque island nestled in the Gulf of Naples that delights with its charm and authenticity. It's a place where time passes more slowly and colorful houses create an unforgettable panorama. Procida, the smallest and least known of the islands in the Gulf of Naples, offers a unique experience for travelers seeking tranquility and beauty. In 2022, it was named the Italian Capital of Culture, further highlighting its uniqueness. Get ready to discover charming backstreets, relax on sandy beaches and enjoy breathtaking views. Procida is the perfect destination for both a day trip and a longer stay that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in its magical atmosphere.

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Procida's most beautiful viewpoints

Procida is famous for its scenic viewpoints that allow you to admire the island's beauty from different perspectives. One of the most popular spots is Punto Panoramico Procida, which offers a breathtaking view of the entire island and the Gulf of Naples. This place is especially charming at sunset, when the warm rays of the sun envelop the colorful houses of Procida. Tourists praise this place for its peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to take beautiful photos. It is worth remembering that getting to the viewpoint may require some effort, but the views fully reward the effort of climbing.

Another remarkable place that is a must-visit is Belvedere Elsa Morante. This vantage point, named after the famous Italian writer, offers one of the best views of Procida. From here you can enjoy the panorama of the bay, the colorful Corricelli houses and the impressive Terra Murata. Tourists insist that this is the perfect place to relax and contemplate the island's beauty. There is also a bench nearby where you can relax and enjoy the view. Getting to Belvedere Elsa Morante requires a short walk, but is also accessible to those who prefer public transportation.

For those looking for a slightly less traveled location, we recommend Terrazza dei Cannoni. This vantage point, whose name refers to the presence of two cannons, offers a unique perspective on Marina Corricella, the most photogenic part of the island. The site is particularly appreciated by photographers and architecture lovers for its ability to capture the distinctive, colorful buildings descending into the sea. Note that getting to Terrazza dei Cannoni requires some attention due to the steep paths, but the views fully compensate for the effort.

Each of these vantage points offers a slightly different perspective on Procida, allowing you to discover different facets of this charming island. Whether you take a morning stroll or decide to enjoy the sunset, the views from these spots will stay in your memory for a long time.

Procida's cultural treasures

Procida is not only about picturesque views, but also about rich history and culture, which you can discover by visiting its most important monuments. One of them is the Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo, an impressive church located at the highest point of the island, in the Terra Murata district. This Baroque temple, built on the foundations of an original building from the 11th century, impresses with its rich interior design, including a coffered ceiling of wood and gold and precious paintings from the Neapolitan school. Tourists emphasize not only the beauty of the church itself, but also the breathtaking view of the sea from a nearby terrace. It is worth remembering that visits are possible during certain hours and admission is free, although voluntary donations for the restoration are welcome.

Another fascinating site is the Palazzo d'Avalos, a former noble residence that was later converted into a prison. Although only part of the building can be visited now, a visit here allows you to learn about the island's turbulent history and see what life is like behind bars. Guides offer fascinating stories about the palace's former residents and the prisoners who were housed here. A guided tour costs about €10, while an unguided ticket is a €5 expense. It is worth noting that part of the building is still under renovation, which may limit access to some rooms.

For those who want to immerse themselves in local culture and traditions, a visit to La Casa di Graziella should be a must. This small museum dedicated to the heroine of Alphonse de Lamartine's novel showcases the traditional interior of a Procidian home. Visitors can see original objects of daily use and feel the atmosphere of old Procida. An additional attraction is the opportunity to climb to the roof of the building, from where there is a panoramic view of the island. The entrance ticket costs €5 and can be taken as a donation for the maintenance of this unique place.

Each of these sites offers a different perspective on Procida's history and culture. The Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo impresses with its religious heritage and architecture, the Palazzo d'Avalos intrigues with its dark prison history, and La Casa di Graziella lets you feel the spirit of traditional island life. It is worthwhile to plan time for a leisurely visit to each of these places to fully appreciate their uniqueness and importance to the local community.

Natural beauty and relaxation on Procida

Procida, in addition to its cultural attractions, also offers numerous opportunities to commune with nature and relax. One of the most charming places is Spiaggia della Chiaia, a long sandy beach with black sand that attracts locals and tourists alike. It's the perfect place to relax and sunbathe, with crystal clear waters and picturesque surroundings. The beach is accessible via a steep staircase, which can be a bit of a challenge, but the views fully compensate for the effort. It's worth remembering that the beach can get quite crowded in high season, so it's advisable to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon to fully enjoy its charms.

For those looking for a quieter place to relax, a visit to Marina Corricella is recommended. This is the most photogenic part of the island, with colorful houses cascading down to the sea. Here you can find numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Procidian cuisine. Walking through the narrow streets of Corricelli is a true feast for the senses, and the view of the bay at sunset remains unforgettable. It is worth booking a table at one of the seaside restaurants to fully appreciate the charm of the place.

For nature lovers, an interesting place to visit is the Ponte di Vivara, a bridge connecting Procida to the small island of Vivara, which is a nature reserve. Although the island itself is closed to the public (it can only be visited with a guide by prior reservation), a walk across the bridge offers beautiful views of the sea and surrounding cliffs. It is an ideal place for bird watching and wildlife viewing. Note that the approach to the bridge can be steep, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Each of these places offers a different kind of relaxation and contact with nature. Spiaggia della Chiaia is the perfect place for sunbathing and swimming, Marina Corricella delights with its atmosphere and cuisine, and Ponte di Vivara allows for a moment of tranquility and contemplation of nature's beauty. Whether you are looking for an active vacation or quiet contemplation, Procida has something to offer for everyone.

Last but not least, there is the Santuario S. Maria delle Grazie Incoronata, a picturesque church perched on a hill with a panoramic view of the island and the sea. It is not only a place of worship, but also a point from which to view sunsets over the Bay of Naples. The church, with its distinctive yellow facade, is an important part of Procida's landscape and is a testament to the deep faith of the islanders.

Procida, despite its small size, offers an incredibly diverse experience. From relaxing on the beaches, to discovering local culture and history, to admiring the breathtaking views, there is something for everyone. This small island is a true treasure of the Bay of Naples that is worth discovering during your Italy trip.

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