The island is basically one sprawling village, parts of it more densely populated than others, interspersed with citrus groves and gardens and the occasional vineyard. The traffic system is based on a principal, one-way road running roughly northeast-southwest with a network of narrow lanes serving the more remote locations. We recommend hiring a scooter to get around the island; it's far the best (and quickest) way and is quite safe. You can rent one from General Rentals (tel. 081-8101132) in Marina Grande. The distance from Marina Grande -- where the ferry terminal is -- on the northeastern tip of the island to Marina di Chiaiolella, all the way to the opposite end, is only about 3km (1 3/4 miles).
Marina Grande, or Marina di Sancio Cattolico, is the major harbor of the island, and the location of the ferry terminal. A few steps away, along the main street, Via Principe Umberto, is Piazza dei Martiri, the village's main square. From here you can climb to the Terra Murata, the highest point of the island, fortified by 16th-century walls. This is where Procida's rulers had their residences, and where you can enjoy some of the most magnificent views of the island and its surroundings. As you climb, you will find a belvedere affording good views of the Marina della Corricella; farther up beyond the Piazza d'Armi, you enter the medieval citadel of Terra Casata and its belvedere, with a magnificent view over the Gulf of Naples. On the square is the church of San Michele Archangelo. Originally dating from the 11th century (but later rebuilt), it is balanced over a sheer rock face above the sea and has a beautiful coffered ceiling that includes a fresco of the Archangel Michael by Luca Giordano.
From Piazza dei Martiri, it is a short walk down to Marina della Corricella, a picturesque and charming fishing village originally established in the 17th century with colorful houses and narrow streets that line the small port.
If you continue toward the southwestern tip of the island, you should not miss the detour to the left for Punta Pizzaco, from where you can enjoy one of the best views on the whole island.
Farther on, you'll finally reach Marina di Chiaiolella at the southwestern tip of the island. This crescent-shaped harbor was once the crater of a volcano and now is a pleasant marina, lined with little restaurants and bars. The harbor is dominated by the tiny, half-moon shaped island of Vivara, today a wildlife reserve run by the World Wildlife Federation and home to some 150 species of birds plus a type of rat that walks on its back legs. It is connected to Procida by the 362m (1,188-ft.) bridge, but both bridge and the island were closed to visitors at presstime with no opening date in sight.
We also highly recommend signing up for a boat excursion around the island. You can rent a boat, with or without a skipper, from any of the three harbors on the island: Marina Grande, Marina della Corricella, and Marina di Chiaiolella. You'll spend about 25€ for a 2-hour trip with a boat and skipper.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
