Procida: The Colourful Island Next Door
Just 20 minutes by ferry from Ischia, the tiny island of Procida is a world apart. Named Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2022, this 4-square-kilometre gem is famous for its pastel-coloured houses, authentic fishing village atmosphere, and a pace of life that belongs to another era. A day trip from Ischia makes for a perfect change of scenery, and with a little planning, you can even bring your rental scooter along.
Getting There: Ferry Options
Ferries and hydrofoils run regularly between Ischia Porto and Procida’s Marina Grande. The hydrofoil takes about 20 minutes and is passenger-only. The car/scooter ferry takes about 35 minutes but allows you to bring your vehicle — check with our rental desk about taking the scooter to Procida, as terms may apply. In summer, services run approximately every hour. Book the first morning departure to maximise your day on the island.
Marina Grande: The Arrival
Stepping off the ferry at Marina Grande, you’re immediately immersed in Procida’s distinctive atmosphere. The harbour is lined with pastel buildings in shades of pink, yellow, terracotta, and blue — each painted differently to help fishermen identify their homes from the sea. The waterfront cafés are perfect for a first coffee while you plan your day. If you brought your scooter, the entire island is explorable in just a few hours; on foot, it’s a pleasant full day’s walk.
Marina Corricella: The Postcard Village
No visit to Procida is complete without seeing Marina Corricella, the most photographed fishing village in Italy. This amphitheatre of colourful houses cascading down to a tiny harbour was the setting for the Oscar-winning film “Il Postino.” Access is on foot via narrow lanes and stairways from the upper town — leave your scooter parked above. The harbour restaurants serve exceptionally fresh fish; try the local specialty of spaghetti with sea urchin if you’re feeling adventurous.
Terra Murata: The Historic Citadel
Ride or walk up to Terra Murata, the fortified medieval village at the highest point of the island (90 metres). The Palazzo d’Avalos, a former prison with a dark but fascinating history, dominates the skyline. The views from the ramparts are extraordinary — Ischia fills the western horizon, Naples and Vesuvius lie to the east, and on clear days, Capri is visible to the south. The narrow lanes of Terra Murata feel frozen in time, with ancient churches and Renaissance buildings at every turn.
Beaches of Procida
Despite its tiny size, Procida has several beautiful beaches. Spiaggia della Chiaia, accessed by a long staircase from the Piazza dei Martiri, is the most scenic — a curved bay of golden sand framed by the colourful houses above. Lido di Procida on the southern coast is more developed with beach facilities. Pozzo Vecchio, also known as “Il Postino beach” from the film, is a small, charming cove on the western coast easily reached by scooter.
Food and Drink on Procida
Procida’s cuisine is simpler and more traditional than Ischia’s, focused on the day’s catch and garden produce. The lingua di bue (tongue pastry filled with lemon cream) is a must-try — several pastry shops compete for the title of best on the island. For lunch, choose a waterfront table at Corricella and order whatever fish was caught that morning. The local lemon salad — thick slices of Procida’s enormous lemons dressed with oil, mint, and chilli — is refreshingly simple and delicious.
Planning Your Day Trip
Take the first ferry out (usually around 8 AM) and the last one back (check the schedule, but typically around 7-8 PM). This gives you a full day to explore. Procida is small enough that you don’t strictly need a vehicle, but a scooter makes the day more relaxed and lets you reach all the beaches easily. If walking, wear comfortable shoes — the island is hilly with many steps. Bring cash, as some small shops and restaurants don’t accept cards. A day on Procida is the perfect complement to your Ischia holiday — two islands, two distinct characters, one unforgettable experience.