Just an hour away from Naples is the beautiful island of Procida, one of Italy’s most colorful and underrated islands. Often overshadowed by Italy’s more famous nearby islands like Capri and Ischia, Procida offers a quieter experience where you can really get a feel for what local life is like on the island. It’s a small island, so Procida is a perfect day trip from Naples that you can explore in one day! From its pastel-colored fishing villages, stunning coastal views, beautiful black sand beaches, and fresh seafood, it’s hard not to fall in love with this hidden gem in Italy. Whether you choose to spend one day in Procida or spend a night or two on the island, you’ll be able to experience the magic of this tiny island.

If you’re looking for an underrated destination in Italy that’s still easy to get to, a day trip to Procida might just be the highlight of your Italy trip! In this guide, I’ll share how to get there, the best things to do on the island, and my personal tips to help you plan the perfect day in Procida.

Here’s how to spend the perfect day in Procida.

Why You Should Visit Procida

Procida is a small, charming island, at just 4 square kilometers in size. While it might be a tiny island, it’s packed with colorful streets, scenic beaches, and a relaxed and friendly local culture. It was named Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2022, and while that gave the island a bit more attention, it’s still refreshingly free of the big crowds that you’ll find in places like Capri or Positano.

Procida is the kind of place where you’ll spend your day wandering through quiet alleyways, eating fresh seafood by the sea, and swimming in clear and refreshing water. Whether you visit for a few hours or stay the night, Procida is one of the most peaceful and photogenic spots in southern Italy that you’ll be sure to remember! 

Is a Day Trip to Procida Worth it?

A day trip to Procida from Naples is absolutely worth it. It’s quite easy to get to and is just an hour each way on a pleasant ferry ride. Procida has a completely different atmosphere from Naples, making for a refreshing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

What to Pack for a Day Trip to Procida

Swimsuit: Trust me, one of the highlights during your day in Procida will be swimming at its beautiful beaches! Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit – I just wore mine under a dress so that I didn’t have to change once I got to the island, and my partner just wore his fast-drying board shorts as his shorts for the day.

Towel: Since you’ll be spending lots of time at the beach, don’t forget to pack a towel so that you don’t have to rely on air drying (like I did)!

Comfortable Sandals: Procida is a very walkable island, and you will likely be doing a lot of walking during your day trip to Procida, so I suggest wearing comfortable sandals. You could wear sneakers or closed-toed shoes, but if you plan on beach hopping, sandals will be a much more convenient option.

Sunscreen: The sun in Southern Italy is intense, and since you’ll be spending a lot of time outside during your day in Procida, you’ll need to slather on the sunscreen. You can find small markets selling it on the island, but it will be expensive, so it’s better if you just come prepared and pack some in your day bag.

Water Bottle: You’ll be pretty active during your day in Procida, between walking and swimming, so you’ll definitely want to stay hydrated. You’ll probably end up purchasing more water from a local market during your time on the island, but it’s a good idea to bring one with you when you start off your day in Procida.

How to Get to Procida from Naples

Getting to Procida is super easy and straightforward, which makes it perfect for a day trip from Naples.

Where to Catch the Ferry to Procida from Naples

To take a day trip to Procida from Naples, you’ll need to catch a ferry at one of Naples’ ferry terminals:

• Molo Beverello: This is where the hydrofoils depart. They’re faster (around 40 minutes), but a bit more expensive.
• Porta di Massa: The ferries here are slower (50–60 minutes), but cheaper and more spacious. We picked up a ferry here and had a pleasant experience. 

Both terminals are near the city center and walkable from most Naples accommodations. You can also take the metro to Municipio station, which drops you close to Molo Beverello.

Which Ferry to Take from Naples to Procida & Vice Versa

Ferries are operated by Caremar, SNAV, and Medmar, and run frequently throughout the day. Expect to pay around €15 – €25 round trip per person, depending on the time of departure and type of ferry.

I suggest checking departure times in advance on sites like Direct Ferries or Traghetti Lines, especially if you’re traveling in shoulder season or winter, when ferries to Procida are less frequent.

What Time to Leave for Procida

Aim to take a morning ferry (8:00–10:00 AM) so you have plenty of time to explore the island at a relaxed pace. Ferries back to Naples run into the evening, giving you flexibility on how much time you’d like to spend on the island.

How Much Time Do You Need in Procida?

How much time you need to visit Procida is completely up to you and your energy levels. If you are not staying the night, I suggest between 6-8 hours on the island so that you can take time to explore, go beach hopping, and enjoy lunch and dinner.

Staying for a night or two in Procida is ideal, as it will allow you to experience the island at a slower, more relaxed pace (isn’t that what island life is all about?!) However, I would only recommend staying overnight if you don’t have too much luggage to carry, as it can be a hassle dealing with oversized luggage on the ferry and lugging it along the cobblestone walkways to your accommodation.

Getting Around Procida

Procida is small and very walkable, so walking is really the best way to explore the island, especially if you’re sticking to the main sights like Marina Corricella, Terra Murata, and Chiaiolella Beach. If you’re not up for walking the entire day, there are local minibuses that run regular routes around the island. They’re inexpensive and pretty straightforward, connecting ferry ports with popular spots like Chiaiolella and Terra Murata. You can buy bus tickets at the port or onboard.

For a little more freedom, you can rent electric bikes or scooters near the marina. It’s a fun way to explore more of the island, especially if you’re staying overnight or want to explore some of the less-visited beaches.

There are also a few taxis on the island, which are usually small, golf cart-style vehicles. These are helpful if you have luggage or want a quick ride up to Terra Murata, but they’re not necessary for most visitors.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Procida

I always recommend shoulder season for visiting anywhere in Italy, as there a fewer crowds, with much more pleasant weather. Summers in Italy are super hot and crowded, and even though Procida is still somewhat of a “hidden gem”, it still gets busy during the summer months, especially on weekends. May through early June and September/October are ideal, as it will be warm enough to enjoy Procida’s beaches, but won’t be so hot and crowded that it will take away from the experience.

Winter in Procida will be very quiet and peaceful, with few tourists. However, it will be too chilly to enjoy the beaches, and some restaurants and hotels may close for the season. Winter would be a good chance to experience more of the local life in Procida, but if you want to experience everything the island has to offer, shoulder season is the way to go!

Where to Stay in Procida

Here are a few charming hotels to stay in if you decide to extend your day in Procida by a night or two:

• Luxury: San Michele Boutique Hotel: Chic and modern hotel with a rooftop terrace, sea views, and stylish rooms. It’s also located right near Chiaiolella Beach.
• Midrange: Hotel La Corricella: Located right on the waterfront in Marina Corricella. Rooms have balconies with views of the iconic harbor that look straight out of a postcard!
• Budget: Terra Murata Boutique b&b: A fantastic budget-friendly option with a prime location in the charming historical center.

The Best Things to Do for A Day in Procida 

While the island is small, there are plenty of things to do in Procida during your day trip from Naples,  especially if you love sandy beaches, coastal views, colorful architecture, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Here’s how I recommend spending your day in Procida:

1. Wander Through Marina Corricella

Marina Corricella is a charming traffic-free fishing village, and probably the most iconic spot on Procida. It’s famous for its pastel-colored buildings stacked above a tiny harbor. As you wander through the village, you’ll find narrow alleyways, beautiful staircases, quaint guest homes, and local fishermen tending to their boats.

There are a few nice cafes and restaurants tucked into the waterfront of the village, making it a great spot for lunch or a mid-morning coffee to give you an energy boost for your day trip.

2. Take in the View from Panoramica sulla Corricella

For the most iconic view in Procida, head to the Panoramica sulla Corricella viewpoint, which is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Italy! Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll have a stunning view of the Marina Corricella with Vesuvius in the background. Take your time enjoying the scenery and snapping photos here, as this is a view you’ll want to savor!

5. Visit Terra Murata

Terra Murata is the highest point on the island and its oldest neighborhood. It’s a bit of a hike uphill, but it’s worth it for the amazing views!

At the top, you’ll find the Palazzo d’Avalos, a former palace that was turned into a prison before closing down in 1988. This is a fascinating building with a storied history that is a lot of fun to explore!

In Terra Murata, you’ll also find narrow streets with a more local, residential vibe. It’s a peaceful contrast to the beach scene below, and makes for a relaxing place to enjoy a stroll.

3. Take a Boat Tour of Procida

One of the best ways to truly appreciate Procida’s rugged coastline and hidden beaches is from the water. You can book a boat tour around the island, which lasts 2 hours and gives you a totally different perspective of Procida’s colorful cliffs, caves, and coves.

You’ll get the chance to swim and go snorkeling, and most boat tours in Procida will include a snack. For a more romantic experience, look for sunset boat tours. The colors reflecting off the buildings at golden hour are stunning!

4. Go Beach Hopping at Procida’s Best Beaches

Procida has several black sand beaches where you can soak up the sun and swim in crystal-clear water. Even on a day trip, it’s worth bringing a swimsuit and a towel.

Here are a few of Procida’s best beaches that I suggest visiting:

• Spiaggia della Chiaia: Peaceful, scenic, and great for swimming. You’ll need to walk down a long staircase, but the views are beautiful, so it’s well worth it!
• Spiaggia libera della Chiaiolella: A livelier beach with beach bars, umbrellas, and soft black sand.
• Cala del Pozzo Vecchio (aka Il Postino Beach): This picturesque cove was featured in the film Il Postino and is perfect if you’re looking for a quieter escape.

6. Enjoy a Meal with a View

You can’t visit Procida without sitting down for a meal by the sea. Procida is famous for its incredibly fresh seafood; however, if you’re like me and not the biggest seafood fan, most restaurants will offer traditional Italian dishes without fish as well. Reservations aren’t always necessary, but it’s a good idea to book ahead if you will be visiting during peak season.

These are my top picks for where to eat in Procida:

• La Lampara: Located above Marina Corricella with stunning postcard-worthy views, La Lampara is renowned for their ultra fresh seafood. Most of their menu is seafood, but they have a few non-seafood options for vegetarians or picky eaters.
• Assafà: If you’re looking for something quick and casual, Assafà is a great option! Get your meal for take away and enjoy your meal at the nearby square with seaside views. 
• Ristorante Sottosopra: A Seafood restaurant located right on the waterfront with a vibrant and colorful setting. They’re known for their homemade pastas and fresh seafood dishes, so if you’re craving some seafood pasta, this is a great option!
• Ristorante La Pergola: While not seaside, Ristorante La Pergola offers one of the most unique dining experiences on the island. Set in the middle of a fragrant lemon grove, you’ll dine beneath a canopy of citrus trees, surrounded by the scent of lemons and flowers.

7. Get Gelato and Stroll the Harbor

As you reach the end of your day in Procida, grab a scoop of gelato from a local gelateria and take a stroll along the marina before heading back to Naples. There are several gelata spots you can find along the harbor, or you could also opt for a tasty granita di limone for a refreshing treat!

8. Watch the Sunset (if You’re Staying Late or Overnight)

Sunsets in Procida are magical, so if you decide to stay overnight or take an evening ferry back to Naples, make sure to find a quiet spot to watch the sunset. The harbor, the upper terrace at La Lampara, or the west-facing beaches near Chiaiolella are all gorgeous options to watch the sunset over the seaside.

We ended up watching the sunset from our ferry ride back to Naples, and it was gorgeous! We had the most beautiful of the sun setting behind the island hills. So if you don’t want to stay in Procida until nighttime, you could also time it so you can catch a glimpse during your ferry ride back to Naples.

Conclusion

Procida makes for a truly perfect day trip from Naples. Once you arrive at the tiny, charming island, you might not want to leave! One day in Procida allows you to experience its charming and colorful villages, enjoy a meal along the seaside, take in picturesque views, and go beach hopping at some of the island’s best beaches.

Procida feels like a world away from Naples, and if you are looking for a getaway from the craziness of the city or just want to experience what local island life in Italy is like, then Procida is the perfect place to spend a day during your Italy trip!

>>> Planning a trip to Italy? Check out my other Italy blog posts to help plan your trip!

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