Procida will be the Italian Capital of Culture for 2022. Picturesque Procida, which lies in the Bay of Naples, was chosen ahead of nine other finalists: Ancona, Bari, Cerveteri, L’Aquila, Pieve di Soligo, Taranto, Trapani, Verbania and Volterra.

With fewer than 10,500 inhabitants, Procida was the smallest of all the candidates, but impressed the Ministry of Culture’s judges with a proposal focused on sustainable, non-seasonal tourism that they said could provide a model for other Italian seaside towns looking to attract visitors who want more than a beach. Often overlooked by the tourists who flock to Capri and Ischia, Procida has retained the old-fashioned charm sometimes lacking in its more famous neighbours. Its colourful fishing harbour, steep winding streets and white sandy beaches have provided the backdrop to period pieces Il Postino and The Talented Mr Ripley, among other films. You can reach its shores in just over half an hour by boat from Naples. Once you arrive, it offers a range of attractions: colourful and picturesque villages, stunning views of the sea and the natural forms of the island, interesting history and delicious and reasonably-priced food.

What to see:

1 – Terra Murata:  It is the highest part of the island. Seat of a prison for many years, since 2013 property in the municipality that is transforming it into a hospitality and museum center

2 – Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo: Fondata nell’XI sec. dai Benedettini nel borgo di terra Murata, distrutta e ricostruita più volte, la sua attuale architettura risale al ‘500. Presenta una struttura a stratificazione che è avvenuta nel tempo. Oltre alla chiesa che merita sicuramente una visita (a pagamento), da vedere c’è anche un presepe permanente con pastori in terracotta e legno della scuola napoletana del XVII sec. Fondata nell’XI sec. dai Benedettini nel borgo di terra Murata, distrutta e ricostruita più volte, la sua attuale architettura risale al ‘500. Presenta una struttura a stratificazione che è avvenuta nel tempo. Oltre alla chiesa che merita sicuramente una visita (a pagamento), da vedere c’è anche un presepe permanente con pastori in terracotta e legno della scuola napoletana del XVII sec.

3 – Monastery of Santa Margherita.

4 – Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie Incoronata: It was built in 1679 on a pre-existing chapel dedicated to the Madonna delle Grazie, it is in Baroque style and has a Greek cross plan. The square next to the church is an excellent panoramic point on Corricella and Terra Murata and in the past it was called semmarezio, due to its connection to Santa Maria. On the central altar is the painting dedicated to the Virgin.

5 – La Corricella: Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and most photographed areas of the island, it is here that we find the typical colored houses of the fishermen of Procida and the characteristic architecture of the vaults and stairways I mentioned earlier. For a view from above, go to the village of Terra Murata. You will find a nice terrace with cannons from where you can enjoy the best view. Climb it even in the evening, at sunset with the sun setting right behind Corricella. From here you can also see the sea on the other side of the island.

6 – Church of Santa Maria della Pietà and San Giovanni Battista: Since the Procidans are a people of navigators (many inhabitants of the island are embarked around the world as well as on local boats), they have as their reference a stone’s throw from the port of Marina Grande this parish with a yellow facade.

7 – Marina Grande-Sent ‘Co: It is the port area where ferries and hydrofoils arrive and depart, to and from Naples and Pozzuoli, but also for Ischia. Many day trips by boat also depart from here. There are the ticket offices of the main shipping companies, the bus station, the tourist information point. Here you will also already find the characteristic colored houses, there is no shortage of bars, restaurants and fishmongers as well as various shops. Walk all the way down via Roma to admire the typical colored houses.

8 – Beaches.

Contact Us at 800-621-2259 or info@tourcrafters.com to book this beautiful island!

Our Suggestion:

 Ischia and Procida by Boat from Sorrento! 

Itinerary:

• Pick- up from from a designated meeting point and transfer to the port of Piano di Sorrento.
• Departure to Procida. Along the way you will admire Nisida, the Campi Flegrei up to Capo Miseno.
• Arrival to Procida and tour of the island by boat.
• There will be a couple of stops for swimming and snorkelling, and a relaxing break with snacks and drinks offered on board.
• Stop from 1 to 2 hours in Procida to visit the island by land.
• Departure to Ischia and tour of the island by boat. Along the way you will admire the Aragonese Castle, Maronti beach, the spa Cavascura, the oldest of the island, or alternatively the Bay of Sorgeto with its warm waters and mud bath.
• Stop from 1 to 2 hours to visit the island of Ischia by land.
• Departure from Ischia to Sorrento with limoncello tasting.
• Return to the port of Piano di Sorrento and transfer to the meeting point.