Most seeking a day trip out from the hectic city of Naples
will hop a ferry to the famed island of Capri or the well-known resort of
Sorrento…My advice?? Skip both of these and catch a ferry instead to the
smallest island in the Bay of Naples…and its best-kept secret.
Only 4m sq and just 50 minutes from Naples itself, Procida is
a charming blend of pastel-hued houses lining the stone quays of fishing
villages, picturesque harbours with colourful boats bobbing up and down, and tiny
piazzas with grand baroque yellow churches.
Be sure to walk from the main Piazza dei Martiri over the
hill to the tiny village of Corricella, and here on the quay are a few quiet
cafes and restaurants in the most idyllic of settings with the most stunning of
views across to the castle.
Choose either “Il Postino” or “Gorgonia”, both open
all year round, and enjoy the generous servings of fresh calamares and grilled
swordfish. The only thing which moves during this perfect postcard lunch is the
local ginger cat prowling for any leftovers…
Film-makers have long appreciated the scenic beauty of
Procida, and it is often known as the “cinema island” having been the setting
location for such films as “Arturo’s Island”, “Il Postino” and “The Talented Mr
Ripley”, but fortunately hordes of tourists have always bypassed the island on
their way to Capri.
Procida can be easily reached in 50 minutes by ferry from the
Calata port in Naples and costs 21 euros return with Caremar Ferries. Naples is
also easily reached from Nice by the relatively new direct flight offered by
Easyjet at approximately 80 euros return. Enjoy!
