Day trip from Naples to Procida: what to do

Everyone is talking about Procida, but why? Named Italy's Capital of Culture for 2022, the small island is perhaps the most authentic one in the Gulf of Naples and you can easily visit it in one day.

On Ferryhopper, you can book your ferry from Naples to Procida in a flash and find many useful tips for your day trip to the island.

The beautiful colored houses of Procida

Where is Procida and how to get there from Naples?

The island of Procida is located in the western part of the Gulf of Naples and is about 3.4 km from the mainland.

If you are traveling in Southern Italy or happen to be in Naples for a few days, you should seize the opportunity and visit this beautiful island. Crossings from the port of Naples to Procida are available all year round, thanks to SNAV, Medmar and Caremar ferries and hydrofoils.

There are usually 20 crossings a day and the duration of the Naples - Procida ferry trip ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the vessel type.

Useful info: hydrofoils to Procida depart from Molo Beverello in the port of Naples, while ferries depart from Calata Porta di Massa.

Why should I visit Procida?

Less famous than Capri and Ischia, Procida works as a great alternative option for a day trip, away from the crowds and noise of the city.

Procida looks like a postcard come to life, with its traditional houses, clothes hanging everywhere and a relaxed atmosphere. The island also offers breathtaking views and some of the most beautiful beaches in Campania.

These are just some of the reasons why you should visit Procida. Did you know that the island has also been the set of several cinema masterpieces? Il Postino and The Talented Mr. Ripley are two of the most famous films shot in Procida.

Moreover, the Naples - Procida ferry ticket starts at €9 and, occasionally, the companies promote offers and discounts, while children and island residents always travel with a reduced fare.

Now that you know all about the ferries from Naples to Procida and why you should visit the island, the time has come to discover what you can do in Procida in one day.

Stunning panorama from the church of Santa Margherita Nuova in Procida

Day trip to Procida: what to do and what to see

To take full advantage of your day in Procida, it is best to take the ferry from the port of Naples in the morning. The first crossing is at 05:45, but there are more later. This way, you will arrive in the island early and you will be able to enjoy all of its beauties at your own pace.

Procida has an area of about 4 km², so you can cover the maximum distance from one part of the island to another on foot in just 1 hour. To decide whether to get around on foot, by bike or motorbike, bear in mind there is a vehicle disembarkation ban (cars, motorcycles and mopeds) for non-residents in Procida during some months of the year.

The colorful little port of Procida will be the first thing you see from the ferry, and it will welcome with its special atmosphere. As soon as you arrive, the first thing you should do is have breakfast at Bar Roma and try a traditional lingua di Procida, a puff pastry stuffed with lemon cream, also called “ox tongue” due to its shape.

After this sweet moment, the first place to visit in Procida is the ancient village of Terra Murata, perched on a 90-meter-high promontory. It is surrounded by amazing medieval fortifications and offers impressive views to the entire gulf.

Next stop: Corricella, the most famous seaside village of Procida, where you will stroll through its scenic alleys and traditional houses with bright colors.

If the weather allows it, you should definitely take a dip in the beautiful beaches of Procida. Start with the famous Cala del Pozzo Vecchio (also called "Postino beach"), move on to Chiaia beach and, then, to that of Ciraccio, further south. Just a few meters away, you will find the kiosk of Il Casotto: grab some baked delicacies and have lunch on the beach.

Ciraccio beach and its large sea stacks

At this point, you will be very close to the area of Chiaiolella, famous for its small port and direct connection to the islet of Vivara. In fact, you can reach this fascinating nature reserve that can be visited at certain times of the year, through a bridge.

You probably won’t want to leave the island, but it’s time to head back to the port after this full-day tour. You can catch the last ferry at 20:15, arriving in Naples at around 21:15.

Useful trip for your trip to Procida

Here are 3 tips that you could use when planning your trip to Procida:

1. If you decide to visit the island off-season, you should also include La casa di Graziella, a museum inspired by Alphonse de Lamartine’s novel Graziella, and the Sea Museum of Procida in your schedule.
2. Ferries to Procida also depart from the city of Pozzuoli, 14 km from Naples. Check the Pozzuoli - Procida ferry route, operated by Medmar, Ippocampo, Caremar, Capitan Morgan, Scotto Lines, and Gestour, and pick the port that suits you best for your day trip.
3. Find out when you can visit Vivara and its nature reserve on the website of the Municipality of Procida.

The bridge that connects Procida with the protected oasis of Vivara

Already daydreaming about your day trip to Procida? Just make it happen and book ferry tickets from Naples today on Ferryhopper! The smallest gem of the Gulf of Naples is waiting for you!