Easter in the Gulf of Naples 2024: the ultimate guide

Do you want to explore new places, taste traditional Italian cuisine and experience different Easter traditions this year? From the imposing Faraglioni rocks to the fascinating procession of the Mysteries in Procida, spending the Easter holiday in Italy is the right choice! Find here the ultimate guide for your Easter holidays in the Gulf of Naples in 2024:

• The procession of Via Crucis in Naples
• The procession of the Mysteries in Procida
• The Angel’s run in Ischia
• The traditional Easter concert in Capri

Useful info: Catholicism is the dominant religion in Italy. Therefore, Easter Day for 2024 falls on Sunday, the 31st of March.

Decorated chocolate eggs for Easter in Italy

The procession of Via Crucis in Naples

Naples is known worldwide as the birthplace of pizza. However, it's more than that; it is a city with soul-stirring art, many museums, medieval castles, and royal palaces. It is beautiful all year round, and especially during Easter.

The capital of Campania comes alive during the Holy Week with its picturesque streets filled with people and stalls on every corner. The Easter Fair is set up in every Neapolitan neighborhood, so you can buy handicrafts and taste local delicacies in Chiaia, Posillipo, Soccavo, and the historic center of Naples.

On Good Friday, a significant day for locals, put your best suit on and attend the processions. With thousands of candles lighting the way, enjoy the long walk known as Via Crucis, reenacting Jesus' walk to crucifixion. 

Locals are carrying the effigies of Jesus Christ and the Madonna to the imposing Cathedral of Naples. Hundreds of people take part in the representation, which winds along the perimeter walls of the Castle of Acerra.

However, the best part is yet to come as sorrow turns to joy. On Easter Sunday, tables are full of finger-licking dishes, family, friends, and fun! Dine like a local starting with a traditional appetizer called fellata.

Next on the menu is, of course, the traditional casatiello, a Neapolitan stuffed Easter bread enriched with cheese, lard, salami, and cracklings. Was that your stomach rumbling?😄

How to get to Naples: you can reach Naples by airplane, train, bus, car, or ferry, depending on where you're coming from. There are also frequent ferry connections between Naples and the islands of Procida, Ischia, and Capri located in the Gulf of Naples.

The traditional Easter bread, casatiello

The procession of the Mysteries in Procida

If you want to explore more about Easter’s festivities in the Gulf of Naples, you can take the ferry from Naples to Procida to attend the Procession of the Mysteries. It’s one of Italy's most fascinating Easter traditions taking place on the island of Procida every year. 

The procession is centered around the misteri, impressive floats reenacting scenes from the Passion of Christ. It starts from the island's highest point, the historic fortress and the imposing Abbey of San Michele in the village of Terra Murata.

So, make sure to be there when the sound of trumpets call everyone to the procession that moves towards the Marina Grande along with up to 60 impressive floats made of wood, glass or iron.

While there, you can also take a stroll along the Marina Corricella, one of the most beautiful and colorful areas of Procida with a charming village and a small marina.

Tip: most restaurants are closed on Easter Day so it's better to buy a few things in advance and have a picnic near the picturesque marina. That way, you can enjoy the sun, the breeze, the delicious Easter cake (torta di Pasqua), and chocolate eggs for dessert.

How to get to Procida: the only way to travel to Procida is by ferry, as there is no airport on the island. You can catch a ferry to Procida from Sorrento, Naples, Pozzuoli, and the island of Ischia.

The picturesque village of Terra Murata overlooking the sea

The Angel’s run in Ischia

Ischia is one of the top Italian destinations to visit during the Easter holidays. Why? Because it combines impressive customs and traditions, sea, sun, stunning landscapes, and relaxing thermal baths.

As soon as you reach the island, take the 30-minute drive to the town of Forio. There, you will experience the impressive processions of the Jesus Crucifixion and Angel's run reenacting by locals.

On Good Friday, follow the locals and walk towards the church of Soccorso (Chiesa del Soccorso). From the beautiful baroque church that is perched on the hill, you can enjoy stunning views of the Gulf of Naples.

Also, make sure not to miss the impressive procession of Angel’s run (La Corsa dell’Angelo) taking place in Forio. On Easter Sunday, you see locals carrying the statue of the Golden Angel and marking the occasion by releasing doves and balloons.

After the procession, a picnic by the sea is in order on Easter Day. All you need is a basket filled with a piece (or two) of pastiera, the Neapolitan Easter cake made with pastry, wheat cream, ricotta, and candied fruit, some chocolate eggs, and a bottle of limoncello! 🤤

During your Easter vacation in Ischia, you can also visit the medieval Aragonese Castle. It offers stunning views of the Gulf of Naples and is home to several museums and art galleries.

Tip: if you need a break from the Easter festivities, take a dip in the thermal baths. Relax and pamper yourself in the rejuvenating thermal waters of Ischia. After all, it's vacation time!

How to get to Ischia: you can reach Ischia from Naples, Pozzuoli, Amalfi, and Positano. However, keep in mind that you can travel to Ischia from Naples by ferry in 50 minutes with tickets starting from around €23.

The pastiera, ready to be served after Easter lunch

The traditional Easter concert in Capri

Now that we've seen what Easter festivities are about in Procida and Ischia, let’s hop on the ferry to Capri to see what happens during the Holy Week on the southern side of Naples’ Gulf.

On Good Friday (Venerdì Santo), Capri celebrates the Passion of the Lord with the procession crossing the Piazzetta and winding along the streets of the center followed by the traditional Easter concert that is usually celebrated on Saturday.

Among the island's highlights during the period of Easter are the chocolate eggs from the famous Caffè Manari in Matermania street. There, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and find some beautifully decorated chocolate eggs inspired by the latest trends.

Is the Italian Easter just about chocolate eggs, though? Of course not! On Easter Day, you will try minestra di Pasqua, a traditional soup, and pizza di Grano, a Caprese cake made with berries, cheese, and candied fruit. And, if you have a sweet tooth, try torta Caprese, a chocolate and almond cake!

Tip: if you're planning to stay for a few more days, you can also visit the Blue Grotto, the famous sea cave with its bright blue waters or take a stroll through the Gardens of Augustus. There, you will see a wide variety of plants and flowers while having stunning views of the Faraglioni rocks. 

How to get to Capri: you can easily reach the beautiful island of Capri by ferry from Naples, Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi. The ferry route from Naples to Capri is active all year round with up to 17 daily trips. The crossing is operated by ferries and hydrofoils, with an average duration of 50 minutes at tickets starting at €27.50.

The impressive Faraglioni rocks in the Gulf of Naples

Does Easter in the Gulf of Naples sound like a good idea for spring 2024? Choose the destination that suits you best and get ready for the most amazing Easter holidays in Italy! Book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper easily and download the Ferryhopper App on your mobile for free to track your ferry any time and in real time!