Procida: the magical island with the turquoise sea and watercolor cottages

the villages of procida

Procida’s land is separated into nine contrade, or grancìe. Terra Murata is the oldest, followed by Corricella, a fishing village, Sent’cò (which has Marina Grande as its commercial port), Semmarezio, San Leonardo, Madonna della Libera (also known as Santissima Annunziata), Sant’Antuono, Sant’Antonio, and Chiaiolella, a marina. Stretching out over 16 km, each corner offers striking views, beginning with the numerous narrow alleys that lead to beaches tucked away in coves.

In some respects, the hamlet of Terra Murata serves as the historic center, but the little island of Vivara, which is connected to Procida by a bridge, is also worth visiting. Its protected natural status as an island gives it a unique charm while hinting at more casual visitors. 

Procida

Procida

Campania, Procida

Exploring Procida

port of procida

Procida can also be explored in a single day; the key is to organize your itinerary or, alternately, to follow your gut or locals’ recommendations.

Take the ferry from Pozzuoli or the port of Naples to get there; the trip takes one hour by boat. You’ll arrive at Marina Grande, the harbor and vibrant center of the city, which is lined with artisan stores, pubs, tiny boutiques, and places to hire out scooters, minivans, bikes, and other types of boats.

Proceeding towards the ancient center, you can ascend Via Principe Umberto to Piazza dei Martiri, traverse the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and pause at the Belvedere dei Cannoni to take in the breathtaking views of Marina Corricella.

The center of ancient history is Terra Murata. Visit the once-palatial and jail complex, Palazzo D’Avalos, and meander through courtyards, stairways, and tiny squares until you arrive to the 11th-century Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo. Furthermore, it features a three-story museum complex underneath.

You may walk to Corricella, the fishermen’s settlement. One of the most exquisite and distinctive vistas on the island is the reflection of the colorful little buildings in the translucent marina waters. 

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