procida

Procida

 

On one of our stays in Naples we made a day trip to the island of Procida. It is a small island off the coast of Naples in with history and and natural beauty. Procida is one of four Flegree Islands in the Gulf of Naples.

Dating back to the 16th century BC, there is evidence of Mycenaean Greek, Roman, and later Greek settlers from nearby Cuma on the island. The name, Procida, comes from Latin Prochyta - meaning ‘poured out’ in Ancient Greek. The island was formed from the eruption of four now dormant and submerged volcanoes.

Today, Procida is known for its pastel-colored houses, pretty marinas, and stunning views over the rich blue coloured waters of the Mediterranean. The Marina Grande is the main arrival port and it is full of cafes, restaurants, and artisan shops. Another highlight is the Corricella Marina, known for its picturesque seafront and colorful houses. The island’s fertile soil yields large sweet lemons.

 

 

Of the four islands, Ischia is the largest, followed by Procida, Nisida is connected to the coast near Parco Virgiliano in Naples and the smallest of them – Vivara, which is currently artificially linked to Procida.

Although the islands are located relatively close, they are different. In an article for National Geographic, the author made good comparison: “Capri is a king’s daugther of dazzling beauty, elegant, rich, proud and flirtatious. Ischia is like a princess – stylish, tasteful in monuments, and Procida is like a Cinderella – modest, unpretentious and at the same time beautiful in her simplicity.”

One of the nice things about Procida it that it does not have big attractions for tourists. There is less mass tourism but we took a Tuk-Tuk ride around the island the enjoyed the viewed and had time to stop at various locations to appreciate the sights.

The island was featured in a movie I really like, The Talented Mr. Ripley. When watching that film, if you were wondering where those dreamy places were, well Procida was one of them.

There are three ports on Procida. The biggest and most important of these is Marina Grande, also called Sancio Cattolico. You will arrive in this port as all ferries and larger ships land here. After landing on the land eyes come a row of old, colorful and unfortunately neglected houses. Facades of different shades of yellow, pink and blue stretch throughout the port. There you will find several bars, shops and restaurants. Local cuisine specializes in seafood, which, given the fishing traditions of the locals, is natural. Over the Marina Grande is the castle where a jail was held until the second half of the 80’s.

Marina Coricella, on the other side of the island I think is the more picturesque part of Procida. Houses are, for example, were in much better shape than those in Marina Grande. Coricella dates from the 17th Century. It is a colourful fishing village that should not be missed. You move about the village using stairways and winding passages.