32km (20 miles) NW of Naples; 12km (8 miles) W of Pozzuoli; 7.8km (5 miles) W of Ischia
The smallest island in the Bay of Naples is also the most densely populated but it is by far the most genuine of the three. Low-key -- except for July and August when the population doubles thanks to an influx of Italian holidaymakers -- and charming, Procida is largely overlooked by international tourism but is popular with a sailing crowd, whose yachts line the gleaming new marina, and local daytrippers who often come over just for lunch or dinner. The landscape is dotted with pretty houses in pastel hues set in flower-filled gardens and citrus groves, and the coastline is fringed by lovely beaches. A handful of small hotels provide a pleasant choice of lodgings for a few days and there are some excellent restaurants. Above all, you won't find yourself battling with the crowds -- and high prices -- that blight Capri.
