In a nutshell

  • Procida is the smallest island in the Gulf of Naples — perfect for anyone who loves peace and quiet, colorful harbors, and genuine island charm.
  • We spent a day exploring Procida ourselves. Our top things to do: wander the harbor district, take a boat tour around the island, and order a Granita al Limone.
  • Staying overnight on Procida? The San Michele Boutique Hotel is our top pick.
  • In this guide, we cover everything you need to know — how to get there, where to eat, and plenty more tips for visiting Procida.

Disclaimer: We collaborated with an external author for this article.

Where is Procida?

Procida is located in Italy and belongs to the Campania region, north of the Amalfi Coast.

It’s the smallest of the three islands in the Gulf of Naples, sitting between Ischia and Capri — but significantly less well-known. And that’s precisely what makes it so charming.Procida on the map

Who should consider a vacation on Procida?

Procida is ideal for anyone who wants to experience Italy without the tourist crowds — couples, solo travelers, and anyone who just needs to slow down.

Do you love narrow alleys, old fishing districts, lemon ice cream, cycling, sunsets at the harbor, and a genuine chance to unwind? Then you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re after nightlife, shopping, or non-stop action, you won’t find much of that here — and honestly, that’s the whole point.

Getting There: How do you get to Procida?

The journey starts in Naples. From there, several ferries and speedboats depart daily directly to Procida. The crossing takes between 40 and 60 minutes.

Here’s how it breaks down:

Flying into Naples

The easiest way to reach Procida is to fly into Naples. The city is well-connected, with both direct flights and connecting options from across Europe. And while you’re there, it’s absolutely worth spending some time in Naples itself — we’ve put together our hotel recommendations for Naples if you need a place to stay.

From Naples to Procida

From the Molo Beverello port in Naples, a ferry or speedboat will take you directly to Procida in about an hour. Speedboats are a bit pricier but faster, while ferries are more relaxed and budget-friendly.

Buying ferry tickets to Procida

You can book your ferry tickets to Procida online via Directferries or pick them up at the port.

Our tip: If you plan to buy tickets on-site, arrive early. Ticket sales at the port can get pretty chaotic, especially during peak season.

Procida is a quiet travel destination in Italy
Procida is a quiet travel destination in Italy

Staying on Procida: Our hotel recommendations

Staying on Procida feels like stepping back in time. No big hotel chains, no hustle and bustle — just charming boutique hotels, Mediterranean atmosphere, and authentic Italian island life.

The San Michele Boutique Hotel on Procida is particularly beautiful
The San Michele Boutique Hotel on Procida is particularly beautiful (© San Michele)

After a day at the beach or a boat trip across that turquoise sea, you’ll want a great place to come back to. Procida delivers — for every budget. These are our favorites:

San Michele Boutique Hotel: Stylish boutique hotel with spectacular sea views

La Casa sul Mare: Apartments with terraces overlooking the picturesque Marina di Corricella

La Capannina: Family-run place to stay just a few minutes from Procida Beach

Procida Attractions & Activities

Procida may be small, but it packs in a serious amount of charm, history, and Mediterranean joie de vivre. Here’s what to do in Procida — don’t miss any of these:

Stroll through Marina di Corricella

The harbor district of Procida is beautiful
The harbor district of Procida is beautiful

The picturesque harbor district of Marina di Corricella is the heart of the island. Car-free, wonderfully quiet, and seriously photogenic.

Between colorful fishermen’s houses, bobbing boats, and fragrant lemon trees, you’ll feel the authentic Italian island vibe almost instantly.

Enjoy the view over Procida

The island offers several viewpoints - and all are recommended
The island offers several viewpoints — and all of them are worth the climb

Via stairs and narrow paths, you can reach the tip of the island for a stunning panorama over Marina di Corricella, the coastline, and the open sea. Right at the top sits the historic 16th-century Terra Murata fortress.

The fortress was built to defend against pirates. Admission is free, and there are small cafés tucked into the courtyards.

Explore Procida by bike

A bike tour takes you through the most beautiful places on Procida
A bike tour takes you through the most beautiful places on Procida

Right at Marina Grande harbor, you can rent bikes from “General Rental” and explore the island at your own pace. There are lovely circular routes along the coast, through small villages, and out to quiet beaches.

The daily rental fee is around 25 euros, and you’ll need to show a valid ID.

Try Granita al Limone

A must: the famous lemon dessert on Procida
A must: the famous lemon dessert on Procida

When the sun is beating down on Procida, there’s only one thing to do: order a Granita al Limone. Semi-frozen, zingy-fresh, and made with lemons grown right on the island.

For about 3 to 4 euros, you get one of the best things to eat in Procida. Try it. You’ll regret skipping it.

Discover beaches on Procida

You can also enjoy really nice beach days on Procida
You can also enjoy really nice beach days on Procida

Procida’s beaches are small and charming — perfect for a relaxed day by the sea.

Spiaggia di Chiaiolella is sandy, gently sloping, and super family-friendly. If you’d rather have a quieter spot, head to Pozzo Vecchio — a hidden cove accessible only via a short walk, made famous by the film Il Postino.

Sun loungers and umbrellas are usually available to rent for a small fee.

Take a boat tour around Procida

A boat trip on Procida is totally worth it
A boat trip on Procida is totally worthwhile (© Undersea Procida)

From the water, Procida shows you a completely different side of itself.

Short boat tours depart from Marina Grande and take you to secluded coves and sea caves that are hard to reach on foot — great for snorkeling and taking in the coastline from a whole new angle.

Tours usually last two to three hours and cost about 45 euros per person.

Book a Procida boat tour online

Our restaurant recommendations on Procida

On Procida, you eat the way you eat in Italy: simple, fresh, and made with real care. The island is full of culinary surprises. Here are our picks:

  1. Assafa: Authentic, intimate restaurant above Marina di Corricella. Pasta, snacks & fresh seafood
  2. Paname Forno Indipendente: Modern bakery & café right at Marina Grande harbor
  3. La Capannina: A cozy spot near the beach, simple Italian dishes, popular with locals
  4. La Casa sul Mare (hotel restaurant): Terrace with panoramic views and creative Mediterranean cuisine
We really liked Assafa
We really liked Assafa

When is the best time to visit Procida?

Procida is a great destination almost all year round. The sweet spots are late spring (May and June) and early fall (September and October) — warm enough for swimming and cycling, without the summer heat and crowds.

At the height of summer it gets hot and busier, but even then, Procida stays much quieter than other spots in the Gulf of Naples like the Amalfi Coast or Naples itself.

How many days do you need on Procida?

We’d recommend at least two to three nights. That gives you enough time to explore the island at your own pace, take a dip in the sea, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the harbor at sunset.

Is a day trip to Procida worth it?

Absolutely! A day trip is totally doable and well worth it if you’re based in Naples or on Ischia.

We did exactly that — took the morning ferry from Naples and came back in the evening.

You can fit in a lot in just a few hours: the harbor, Marina di Corricella, the view from the lookout, lunch, and a stroll around the island. It makes for a perfect short outing!

Can you get around Procida without a car?

Yes — and honestly, it’s better that way.

The island is small, and many of its most beautiful spots (like Marina di Corricella) are car-free anyway.

If you want to explore beyond the harbor area, rent a bike right at the port or hop on the local bus, which runs regularly to different parts of the island.

Is Procida very touristy?

Procida is far less touristy than Ischia or Capri. The island has held onto its authentic, almost sleepy character.

There are of course visitors, especially in July and August — but even in peak season, Procida feels noticeably quieter than the better-known islands nearby.

Procida or Ischia — which should you choose?

It depends on what you’re after.

Procida is small, quiet, and perfect for a few slow days of island life.

Ischia is larger and more developed, with more hotels, thermal spas, and a livelier atmosphere.

Which movie was filmed on Procida?

The most famous film shot on Procida is the 1994 classic “Il Postino.”