Procida: the magical island of fishermen
Procida, Italian Capital of Culture 2022, is the smallest island in the Gulf of Naples, but also the one that has best preserved its authentic Mediterranean charm and culture. As soon as you enter the port of Marina Grande, you will see the colourful fishermen houses. These authentic historic dwellings reflect a tradition that is still at the heart of many people’s daily lives. One of the island’s landmarks is Marina di Corricella, the oldest and most romantic fishing village, surrounded by a unique atmosphere: the figures of skilful fishermen repairing their nets mingle with a light, harmonious and colourful architecture of arches, steps and loggias. 
The highest point on the island is Terra Murata, a typically medieval village from which you can enjoy an incredible view of the entire gulf. Terra Murata is home to some very important cultural sites, such as Palazzo d’Avalos, transformed into a prison and closed in 1988, and the Abbey of San Michele, dating back to the 16th century, where various works of art are kept. At the foot of this area, you will find another village, Casale Vascello, characterised by narrow alleys and pastel-coloured houses, that often hosts events and concerts, especially during the summer. But Procida is also famous for having won the hearts of film director Massimo Troisi, who shot here some scenes of his masterpiece “Il Postino” (The Postman), writer Elsa Morante, winner of the 1957 Strega Prize with her novel ‘L’isola di Arturo’ (Arturo’s island), and Alphonse De Lamartine who, strongly inspired by his first trip to Italy, wrote ‘Graziella’: a moving love story between the writer and a Procidan girl.
«Ah, I wouldn’t ask to be a seagull, nor a dolphin; I’d settle for being a scorpion fish, which is the ugliest fish in the sea, just to find myself down there, frolicking in that water.»
(Elsa Morante, L’isola di Arturo)
Procida is connected by a bridge to Vivara, a wild and small reserve protected since 1974, a great habitat for wild rabbits and water birds. On this fascinating islet, important archaeological elements of Mycenaean origin have been found. Here you can see the only building in this area, Duke De Guevara’s house, later to become the Bourbon Hunting Lodge.
The island’s most beautiful beaches are Chiaiolella, Postino and Ciraccio, which can be easily reached for relaxing and quiet times.