The small island of Procida is one that sits quietly in the Gulf of Naples, just southwest of its more popular, tourist-centered city of Naples. Those who don't know about it wouldn't likely know it as anything but the island in the near distance; an island that has always been home to fishermen and a much lower lifestyle. In the face of big cities such as Milan and Sicily, Procida almost seems like a long-forgotten destination only reachable by boat. Until January of 2021, the island wouldn't have been on anyone's radar, save for the fact that it was awarded the title of Italy's Captial of Culture for 2022.
The honor is enormous and it's one that would not have happened were it not for the efforts of many artists and original works, along with singers, actors, scientists, directors, sportsmen, publishers, museum directors, and writers who supported the small island's culturally-diverse future. Regarding this small but mighty island, Giulia D'Argenio of The Morning of Naples said it best:
"Procida would be a capital of subversive culture because it is capable of questioning (subverting) our conception of space and the connections that structure it. It would question imaginaries, reveal complexities not reasoned up to now and place the crucial challenge of sustainability on the plate."
What To Do In Procida
According to the Procida 2022 website, the island is a place of 'exploration, experimentation, and knowledge, it is a model of contemporary cultures.' It's hard to believe that the atmosphere can exude such incredible feelings of adventure and escapism but for those who have been there, it's true. Procida is a gem among Italy and a true treasure among islands, with just as much to offer as the most colorful city in the world - in a smaller, unique way. The pride felt by Procida was nothing but joy for its 10,500 residents, who celebrated via church bells and cheers. According to residents, it's the goal of Procida to show the world that cultural wealth is found in more than just cities and large towns.
Upon the first visit, travelers will arrive in Marina Grande, which is the main port for the island. It's here that visitors will get their first taste of the colorful (literally) life on Procida; the houses were traditionally colored so that fishermen could tell the difference between homes and their boats, according to Condé Nast Traveler. These houses are painted in vibrant arrays of pink, orange, yellow, blue, and red, all unique in their own right.
The incredible thing about the island of Procida is that from end to end, it's only about two miles long, which means the entire span of the island can be walked on foot. This also means that food, drink, and entertainment is always only a short distance away, which makes getting to know this island, its residents, and its culture, that much easier and intimate.
Procida's main street is where travelers will want to head when they get off the boat, for it's here that coffee shops and restaurants can be discovered. Many of these have been around for decades and one of the longest-standing buildings on the island, Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church that was built in 1679, and the 18th-century Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà church, are not a far walk. For those seeking a local journey, a short walk from the main street will bring travelers to Marina Chiaolella, which is known for being a fishing village. Here, travelers can take in one of the most beautiful sunsets in the country, explore local bakeries, and poke around boutique stores featuring local crafts.
The most historical part of the island is Terra Murata, a medieval stronghold, which dates back to the 16th century and is still standing to this day. This is where travelers will find an abundance of historical background on the island as well as some of the best views of Italy's mainland.
How To Get There
The island of Procida likely seems far more remote than it is, as getting there is as simple as coming from either Naples or Ischia. The island is located roughly 14 miles from the mainland and the ferry ride can be anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour, depending on which boat travelers board, either the ferry or the hydrofoil.
The outgoing ports from Naples are Molo Beverello, Porta di Massa, and Pozzuoli, which is not far from the city. When traveling to Procida from Ischia, travelers can expect a trip that's roughly 20 minutes.