Procida. What to see during a day-trip to the island

Day Trip Procida

I went to Procida quite a few times in the past and I always loved its picturesque scenario. Its small size and the stunning views on the sea make this island perfect for a day trip.

If you decide to visit it you will probably land at Marina Grande, the main harbor of Procida. The first things you will see are the fishermen, their boats and the pastel-colored buildings of the town facing the waterfront. It’s a lovely view!

You will immediately feel like you are in a place where time has stopped and the rush of modernity is left behind. It’s not just because of the mix of typical architecture and nature. People in Procida is very friendly and I think this is the most important element that creates such a nice relaxed atmosphere.

But what you can visit to take the best out of your day trip to Procida?

In my opinion there are 2 spots that you can’t miss.

The first spot is Terra Murata with its fortified center built on the highest point of the island.

The walk to reach this spot is not easy but it’s worthy since the views on the Gulf of Naples are breathtaking.

Terra Murata is an historical point of interest of Procida. If you have time, take a visit to Palazzo d’Avalos (also know as the Procida Castle) and the Abbey of San Michele.

Palazzo d’Avalos was built in the 16th century and it’s a beautiful example of renaissance architecture. In 1830 the building become a prison, closed in 1988 but stil available for booked visits.

The Benedictine Abbey of San Michele dates back to the 11th century, but it underwent partial makeovers during its history. The most interesting thing of the Abbey is a painting in which you can see a depiction of Marina Grande in the 16th century.

The second spot to visit is Vivara.

Vivara is a tiny island connected to Procida by a long pedestrian bridge that cross the sea. The walk on the bridge it’s a charge of sunlight and sea breeze! It’s the perfect way to arrive to this island, in which nature is the queen.

It’s an ancient volcano with a unique wild flora and a plentiful presence of sea birds and marine fauna. These are the reason why Vivara is a nature reserve since 2002. Moreover, the island has also an archeological value thanks to the remains of Bronze-Age Mycenaean settlements.

Procida is certainly the best place for those who wants to eat the freshest sea food. There are many restaurants to choose from.

I want to end this article talking about an event that can be interesting if you’re coming to Procida during Easter.

As in other towns of Campania, also in Procida takes place a Good Friday Procession, called Processione dei Misteri. During this procession men dressed with white and blue tunics carry by hand life-size papier-mâché reproductions of scenes of Christ’s Passion. It’s very suggestive.

So, as you can see, Procida is small but has nice surprises to offer to its visitors.

A day trip will not disappoint you.