Wedged between the crystal-clear cobalt blues of the Gulf of Naples lies the splendid island of Procida, Capital of Culture 2022, an authentic pearl of rare beauty in the Campania region. The fascinating territory of Procida consists of the island of the same name and its neighboring islet, Vivara, two 18th-century gems in the enchanting setting of the Phlegrean islands.
The perfect destination for lovers of authentic experiences, picturesque Procida boasts an extraordinary variety of nooks and crannies to discover. Covered in the green of its hills, the highest of which is Terra Murata (91 m), the island is admired for the beauty of its fortified village of medieval origins that it dominates from above.
Procida's coastline, delineated by a perfect mix of sandy beaches and sheer cliffs, offers a series of bays and promontories that prove to be true corners of paradise for pleasure boating. These waves are overlooked by three marinas located on the northern, eastern and southern sides of the island, while part of the coastline is prudently preserved by the marine protected area Regno di Nettuno (Kingdom of Neptune).
Procida's authentic essence can be captured in its nine historic districts, called grancìe, each with its own character and personality: from the oldest village, Terra Murata, to the quaint fishing village, Corricella, via the lively town of Sent'cò, which houses the commercial port of Marina Grande, to the fabulous Chiaiolella and its marina on the southern part of the island.
At the heart of the island of Procida is the area of Sant'Antonio, whose epicenter is Piazza Olmo, an ideal starting point for exploring its network of alleys that branch off in every direction. From here, in fact, it is possible to walk to every corner of the island-nothing is more than 1.5 km away!
Chiaiolella, located exactly at the opposite end of the harbor, is known for its Spiaggia del Ciracciello (Ciracciello Beach), bordered by two magnificent tufa stacks, the result of the landslide of the rocky ridge that separated the two coastlines and has become the longest beach on the island. Due to its extent, the area offers both wide free beaches and tourist facilities, making it ideal for a relaxing and fun-filled vacation.
Finally, don't forget the magical Pozzo Vecchio beach, which can be reached by taking Via Cavour behind the Church of St. Anthony Abbot. This iconic beach, known for being immortalized in the film "Il Postino," offers breathtaking scenery and a dreamlike atmosphere that will make you fall in love with Procida instantly.
If you are looking for a dream retreat where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Italian culture and nature, Procida is the dream destination for you. With its enchanting coastline, charming villages and fascinating history, this island will welcome you with open arms.