Things to Do in Procida: Fishing Boats, Pastel Harbours & No Crowds

This guide covers the best things to do in Procida – from its extraordinary fishing harbour and medieval heights to the beach stops and slow meals that make the island worth more than a single day – written from a three-night stay on the island.

Standing at Terra Murata on a quiet October evening, I watched as Procida’s sun-faded houses glowed in the day’s last light. Below, in Marina Corricella, fishing boats swayed gently in the harbour, while on the island’s western edge, the sun dipped slowly into the Tyrrhenian Sea.

My love affair with the region of Campania has been ongoing for many years. While this tiny gem in the Bay of Naples might not boast the glamour of Capri or the size of Ischia, but as Italy’s 2022 Capital of Culture, Procida proves that its charm lies in a different kind of richness.

Procida offers something that’s increasingly hard to come by in today’s fast-paced, always-switched-on world – you don’t come here to visit grand landmarks or to complete jam-packed itineraries. Instead, it offers a rare invitation to slow down and ease into the pace of island life, Italian style.

During my three-night stay, I found that the beauty of Procida lies in its simplicity: watching local fishermen mend their nets, exploring lanes where pastel buildings feel almost close enough to touch, and enjoying leisurely meals overlooking the water.

Whether you’re lucky enough to be sojounring on Procida for a longer stay, or are snatching a day trip from nearby, this guide will teach you how to make the most of your time on the island.

From the best place to go for sunset views to where to find the best pizza, I’ll share my own highlights and experiences. Here is the Cultured Voyages’ selection of the best things to do in Procida.

Best Things to Do in Procida: Cultured Voyages Curated Guide

1 Wander Through Italy’s Most Colourful Fishing Village at Marina Corricella

The first glimpse of Marina Corricella feels almost surreal – like stepping into a child’s drawing brought to life.

Yellow, red, pink and white houses cascade down to the water, their sun-bleached walls glowing brilliantly against the blue Mediterranean sky. The distinctive yellow dome stands as a focal point, while fishing boats bob gently in the harbour below.

Marina Corricella serves as both a working fishing port and one of Procida’s most picturesque spots. Its distinctive architecture, with homes stacked above the harbour and connected by a network of stairs and walkways, creates a unique vertical village.

This traditional layout has been preserved through generations, allowing the harbour level to remain dedicated to fishing activities while residential life continues above.

The best photos come from getting right down into the harbour itself, where you can capture the details that make this place special – weathered mooring rings, coiled ropes, and if you’re lucky, local nonni mending their fishing nets in the morning light.

The atmosphere here shifts throughout the day. Mornings are quiet and local, perfect for watching the fishing community go about their business. By lunchtime, especially on weekends, the harbour comes alive as visitors (many arriving by boat from Naples) fill the restaurants and cafes. Evenings bring a different kind of magic, as the crowds thin and locals emerge for dinner.

Where to Eat in Marina Corricella:

• Ristorante Pizzeria Fuego: Don’t miss their creative pizzas – I tried an exceptional lemon and pink peppercorn combination that perfectly captured Procida’s flavours
• La Lampara: An island institution offering spectacular harbour views and fresh seafood pasta

• Bar Ristorante Graziella: Reliable for pasta and fresh seafood

• Malazzè: Perfect for sunset aperitivo right on the harbour front

Photography tip

While the harbour level offers great detail shots, climb partway up the steps for those classic views of the whole marina. Early morning or golden hour provide the best light, though the harbour is photogenic at any time.

2 Watch the Sunset from Terra Murata’s Medieval Heights

My most memorable Procida moment came while watching sunset from Terra Murata’s ancient walls. From this elevated position – the highest point on the island – I discovered what might be one of Italy’s most spectacular sunset viewing spots.

The fortified village of Terra Murata stands protectively above Procida, its position chosen centuries ago for its defensive advantages. Today, while its military importance has faded, it offers visitors something equally valuable – breathtaking panoramic views across the Bay of Naples.

The sunset experience here is nothing short of magical.

From the viewing wall, you can watch as the setting sun paints the sky in deep crimsons and golds, casting a warm glow across Marina Corricella’s colourful buildings below.

What makes it particularly special is how the island’s narrow width becomes apparent from this height – strips of sea visible on both sides, sparkling as they catch the last light of day.

Make sure to arrive about 30-45 minutes before the scheduled sunset time (check your weather app for accuracy). You’ll want to stake out a good viewing spot, as this is a popular time of day for both visitors and locals.

The atmosphere becomes quite festive, especially in warmer months – I found a charming red van selling aperitivi (€5 for a spritz or glass of wine, €3 for a Peroni) that adds to the convivial mood.

As darkness falls, you’ll see the lights of Marina Corricella begin to twinkle below, while fishing boats create gentle ripples across the now-darkening water. It’s a transitional moment when day gently gives way to night, and the island takes on a different character entirely.

3 Experience Local Island Life at Marina Grande

My Procida journey began here at Marina Grande, where the ferry glided into the harbour offering that first, thrilling glimpse of the island’s characteristic colourful buildings. While perhaps not as dramatically beautiful as Marina Corricella, this bustling port immediately introduces you to the authentic rhythm of island life.

Marina Grande serves as Procida’s main gateway, but it’s far more than just a transit point. This is where you’ll find local life in full swing, especially in the early morning hours when the day’s catch arrives and residents gather for their morning coffee and pastries.

I found myself returning here regularly during my stay, drawn by the genuine local atmosphere.

Each morning, I’d join the locals at Dal Cavaliere, where the display cases groan with fresh pastries – including the must-try ‘Lingue di Procida’, a local speciality that makes for a decidedly indulgent breakfast. The outside tables offer prime people-watching spots as islanders go about their morning routines.

For evening dining, Ristorante Albatros provides a delightful surprise. Behind its doors, you’ll find warm wood-panelled interiors with a charming nautical theme, serving excellent seafood dishes – their gnocchi with shrimp was particularly memorable. Like many spots on Procida, the prices remain refreshingly reasonable despite the quality of food and service.

The port area comes alive at different times of day.

Early mornings see locals heading to work and school, midday brings day-trippers from Naples, and evenings find a mix of residents and visitors strolling the waterfront or heading to dinner. Sunday, I found, was an absolute delight – with locals spilling into Dal Cavaliere in their finest following a First Holy Communion in the church across the road.

It’s this ebb and flow of daily life that makes Marina Grande feel so authentically Italian.

4 Beach-Hop Around Procida’s Diverse Coastline

While Procida might not compete with the vast sandy stretches found elsewhere along the Campanian coast, its beaches offer something equally appealing – a chance to experience true Italian beach culture without the overwhelming crowds of the mainland.

The Standouts:

Chiaia Beach

One of Procida’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, this eastern shore beach captured my heart with its dramatic setting. Framed by colourful houses and Terra Murata above, it offers spectacular views of Marina Corricella. The 186-step descent might seem daunting, but the reward is worth it – you’ll find calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming and a mix of free areas and beach clubs.

• Google Map Coordinates

Chiaiolella Beach

At the island’s southern end, Chiaiolella offers perhaps the most amenities of any Procida beach. I loved how it combines a proper beach scene with lovely marina views – watching boats bob in the harbour while sunbathing adds to its charm. The beach enjoys sun throughout the day, and you’ll find several good restaurants nearby for lunch or dinner.

• Google Map Coordinates

Other Notable Beaches:

Pozzo Vecchio (or La Spiaggia del Postino) – Google Maps | Made famous by the film ‘Il Postino’, this horseshoe-shaped bay on the western coast offers a more natural setting. The volcanic black sand creates a striking contrast with the blue Mediterranean waters.

Ciraccio – Google Maps | The island’s longest beach, separated from Chiaiolella by dramatic rock formations. It offers a perfect mix of equipped areas and free beach space, making it popular with families.

Silurenza – Google Maps | Just steps from Marina Grande, this easily accessible beach is perfect if you’re visiting for the day and want to combine sightseeing with a quick dip.

Best Time For Enjoying Procida’s Beaches

The beaches I discovered in October were wonderfully peaceful – just a handful of locals and the occasional visitor sharing the dark volcanic sand.

It’s a different story in summer though, when weekend crowds arrive from Naples, their boats filling the harbours as families pile onto the beaches for their weekend escapes.

I loved visiting in autumn, when the crowds had thinned but the Mediterranean was still warm enough for swimming (although you won’t see many locals on the beaches).

If you’re after a quieter beach experience, this shoulder season sweet spot is perfect. In November, sea temperatures still range from 17-21 °C (65-69 ° F) – which would be considered perfectly pleasant summer temperatures (if a little fresh) if you hail from outside of the Southern Mediterranean region!

Do note, however, that the sea temperatures get progressively colder from November/December onwards with January to April presenting the coldest temperatures.

5 Cruise Around the Island by Boat

Seeing Procida from the water offers a completely different perspective on this colourful little island.

From sea level, those pastel-painted houses of Marina Corricella appear even more dramatic, seeming to cascade right into the Mediterranean. The fortress-like Palazzo d’Avalos looms more imposingly above, while hidden caves and quiet coves reveal themselves as you round each corner of the coastline.

A boat trip here isn’t just about the views – though they’re spectacular enough. It’s about experiencing the island as generations of locals have, understanding its maritime soul from the water that shapes it.

As you circle the island, you’ll see how each distinct area has developed its own character: the busy harbour life of Marina Grande, the fishing boats of Corricella, the leisure craft bobbing at Chiaiolella.

You have two main options for getting out onto the water.

Small group tours (limited to 8 people) offer a sociable way to explore, with swimming stops in crystal-clear waters and local insights from your captain. These typically last about two hours – perfect for catching those postcard-worthy photos of the coastline while cooling off with a swim.

You can book this small group experience in advance online here, or arrange something locally at Marina Grande once you arrive.

For something more intimate, you can charter your own small boat.

Even if you don’t have a boat licence, many of the traditional-style vessels are available to rent, allowing you to explore at your own pace. There’s something rather special about finding your own quiet cove for a swim, or timing your circuit to catch the sunset painting those famous facades in golden light.

Book your own boat charter here, or enquire at Marina Corricella when you arrive.

6 Sample Procida’s Traditional Island Cuisine

Procida’s cuisine tells the story of its maritime soul and fertile volcanic soil. Unlike many tourist destinations where traditional flavours have been diluted, this tiny island’s kitchens still pulse with authenticity – something I discovered through both grand dinners and simple street-side bites.

The island’s identity is perhaps best captured in its relationship with lemons.

Procida’s citrus isn’t just any lemon – these giants are prized for their thick, white pith (known locally as ‘bread of the lemon’) and appear in dishes both expected and surprising. You’ll find them shaved into delicate salads with chilli and mint, brightening pasta dishes, and of course, transformed into the island’s famous limoncello.

Local Specialities to Try:

The Breakfast Ritual | Start your day as locals do with ‘Lingue di Procida‘ – the island’s signature pastry. These tongue-shaped delicacies, filled with lemon-scented cream and wrapped in flaky layers of pastry, make the perfect companion to your morning coffee.

From the Sea | Being a fisherman’s island, seafood naturally stars on every menu. Look for spaghetti alla pescatora povera – a “poor fisherman’s” dish that transforms simple ingredients like anchovies and cherry tomatoes into something sublime. For something more luxurious, the sea urchin pasta found in many harbour restaurants offers an intense taste of the Mediterranean.

Island Traditions | While seafood dominates, don’t miss coniglio alla Procidana – the island’s traditional rabbit stew, slow-cooked with local herbs, cherry tomatoes and white wine. It’s a dish that speaks to Procida’s agricultural heritage as much as its maritime one.

Modern Interpretations | A new generation of chefs is bringing fresh energy to these traditional flavours. In Marina Grande and Marina Corricella, you’ll find innovative treatments of classic dishes – think pizza topped with island lemons and pink peppercorns like at Ristorante Pizzeria Fuego, or modern takes on traditional seafood antipasti.

7 Follow in the Footsteps of Famous Films

While Marina Corricella might look like a film set, that’s not just your imagination – Procida’s cinematic beauty has caught the eye of numerous filmmakers over the years. The island’s timeless character, with its sun-bleached colours and winding streets, has provided the backdrop for several notable films that have helped capture its essence on screen.

Perhaps most famously, ‘Il Postino‘ (The Postman) used Procida’s landscape to tell its poignant story.

The film’s most iconic location, Pozzo Vecchio beach – now often called ‘Postman’s Beach’ – remains largely unchanged since the 1994 film. Standing on this quiet stretch of dark volcanic sand, you can easily imagine the memorable scenes between Mario (Massimo Troisi) and Beatrice (Maria Grazia Cucinotta) unfolding before you.

Marina Corricella played its own starring role in ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley‘, where its colourful harbour front served as a stand-in for a fictional Italian fishing village. The waterfront scenes were filmed here, with the distinctive pastel buildings and fishing boats providing that perfect slice of 1950s Italian coastal life that the film captured so well.

Both films chose Procida precisely because it offered something increasingly rare – an authentic, unchanged corner of Mediterranean life. Today, walking these locations feels less like a movie tour and more like discovering the real Italy that these films sought to capture.

And so, it could actually be said, that one of the best things to do in Procida occurs before you ever even get to the island; draw the curtains, put your feet up, and get through a marathon movie session of The Talented Mr. Ripley and Il Postino to get you excited about your upcoming trip!

8 Discover Elsa Morante’s Literary Procida

Before Elena Ferrante captured Naples in her celebrated Neapolitan Novels series, another formidable female writer had already immortalised this corner of Italy.

Elsa Morante, one of Italy’s most significant post-war authors, found both refuge and inspiration on Procida, ultimately transforming the island into the evocative setting for her 1957 masterpiece ‘Arturo’s Island‘ (L’Isola di Arturo).

Morante’s place in Italian literature cannot be overstated.

As the first woman to win the prestigious Strega Prize (for her novel ‘House of Liars’ in 1948), she broke new ground in Italian literature. Her marriage to novelist Alberto Moravia made them one of Italy’s most prominent literary couples, though it was her own distinct voice – raw, unflinching, and deeply humane – that established her as one of the 20th century’s great writers.

Her connection to Procida began in the aftermath of World War II, when she and Moravia fled Rome’s Nazi occupation, finding sanctuary on this tiny island.

What started as a place of refuge evolved into a source of deep creative inspiration. The island’s rhythms, its fishing traditions, and particularly its sense of isolation all found their way into her work.

Ferrante herself has often cited Morante as a major influence – and it’s easy to see why. Both writers share an ability to capture the raw, unvarnished beauty of this region, though where Ferrante chose Naples’ gritty streets, Morante found her muse in Procida’s sun-bleached walls and quiet corners.

‘Arturo’s Island’ tells the story of a young boy’s coming of age on Procida, with the island itself emerging as perhaps the novel’s most compelling character. Through Morante’s eyes, we see Procida as a place of both confinement and freedom, where the imposing Palazzo d’Avalos (then still a prison) looms over narrow streets that echo with footsteps and whispered stories.

Walking these same streets today, it’s striking how little has changed since Morante’s time. The medieval stairs still wind their way up to Terra Murata, fishing boats still bob in Marina Corricella, and the island continues to move to its own unhurried rhythm, just as she described it.

Look for Spiaggia del Pozzo Vecchio (the Postman’s Beach), which features prominently in the novel, and the viewpoint at Belvedere Elsa Morante – named in her honour and offering the kind of sweeping vista that inspired some of the book’s most vivid descriptions.

Literary Pilgrimage

Start your walk at Marina Grande, following the winding streets up to Terra Murata. From here, descend towards Marina Corricella before making your way to the Belvedere. Each of these locations features prominently in ‘Arturo’s Island’, offering modern visitors the same views that captured Morante’s imagination decades ago.

9 Get Lost in the Historic Centre’s Narrow Lanes

During my wanderings through Procida’s historic centre, I discovered that the best moments often come when you abandon your map and simply follow your curiosity. The narrow lanes that wind away from Marina Grande and Marina Corricella reveal a side of the island that many day-trippers miss.

The further you venture from the main harbours, the more local life unfolds.

I found myself pausing to watch elderly residents emerge for evening chats, their conversations echoing off ancient walls. Laundry billows between buildings like festive bunting, while the occasional rattling Vespa navigates impossibly narrow cobblestone passages.

These lanes tell Procida’s architectural story through their details – weathered doorways, faded frescoes, and the occasional glimpse through an open courtyard gate. The buildings here weren’t designed to impress tourists; they evolved organically over centuries of island life, creating an authentic charm that no planned development could match.

During my October visit, I particularly enjoyed exploring in the early evening, when the golden light painted the walls and locals emerged from their afternoon rest. This is when you’ll catch those quintessentially Italian moments – neighbours calling between balconies, the scent of dinner preparation drifting from open windows, children playing in small squares.

Photography tip

Look for the contrast between light and shadow in the narrow lanes, especially during golden hour. The way sunlight plays across the textured walls and creates long shadows can make for compelling images.

10 Snatch A Glimpse of Vivara: Procida’s Wild Sister

While I couldn’t visit Vivara during my stay due to its closure (at the time of writing, the nature reserve remains closed to visitors due to what I could tell was a dispute of some kind, based on my own casual enquiries), this crescent-shaped island connected to Procida by a footbridge represents an intriguing contrast to its more inhabited sister.

This tiny natural paradise – just 0.38 square kilometres – holds an outsized place in the region’s natural heritage. Declared a State Nature Reserve in 2002, Vivara serves as a crucial sanctuary for Mediterranean flora and fauna, particularly migrating birds that use the island as a rest stop on their long journeys.

The island’s history stretches back to ancient times – it was once part of a volcanic crater connected to Procida by a cliff. Today, its slopes are cloaked in pristine Mediterranean vegetation including holm oaks, myrtles, and strawberry trees. The only building on the island, a former Bourbon hunting lodge built in 1681, stands as a reminder of its past life.

While direct access is currently restricted, you can still appreciate Vivara’s wild beauty from several vantage points around Procida.

The bridge connecting the islands from the Marina Chiaiolella area offers great views, particularly at sunset. Better yet, the island’s untamed silhouette seen from boat trips around Procida provides a striking contrast to the developed coastline.

How to Plan the Perfect Procida Itinerary

A Day Trip to Procida

While I’d always recommend staying longer, it’s possible to experience Procida’s highlights in a day. Here’s how I’d suggest structuring your time:

Morning

Start early – catch one of the first ferries from Naples to maximise your time. As you arrive at Marina Grande, begin your day like a local with a coffee and Lingue di Procida at Dal Cavaliere, watching the port come to life.

Option 1 (If Staying for Sunset):

From Marina Grande, head south through the historic centre towards Belvedere Elsa Morante. This walk gives you a perfect introduction to the island’s character – narrow lanes, local life, and eventually, stunning views across to Marina Corricella and Terra Murata. The route takes you through the less-visited parts of the island, offering glimpses of authentic Procidan life.

Lunch

Time your walk to arrive at Marina Corricella for lunch. This is Procida’s postcard-perfect fishing harbour, and you’ll want to linger here. I’d recommend securing a table at Fuego for their creative pizzas (their lemon and pink peppercorn version was a highlight of my trip) or La Lampara for seafood with a view. The harbour is perfect for post-lunch photography and people-watching.

Afternoon

Spend some time exploring Marina Corricella’s waterfront before making your way up to Terra Murata for sunset. The views of the harbour below and the sun sinking into the Tyrrhenian Sea create a magical finale to your day. There’s even a small van selling aperitivi – the perfect sunset companion.

Option 2 (Without Sunset):

After breakfast, head straight up to Terra Murata for those spectacular morning views when the light is crisp and clear. From here, descend through the historic centre, taking your time to explore the narrow lanes before arriving at Marina Corricella for a long, lazy lunch.

If You Have More Time

Two days or more on Procida allows you to add those extra experiences that make the island special:

Day Two:

• Take a morning boat trip around the island for a different perspective
• Spend an afternoon at Chiaiolella Beach
• End with dinner at Marina Corricella

Three Days or More:

• Try different beaches around the island
• Use Procida as a base to explore Ischia
• Spend more time discovering local restaurants
• Take longer walks around the island’s coast
• Really get to know the local rhythm of life

Essential Tips for Visiting Procida

While you’ll find comprehensive information in my Procida Travel Guide, here are the key things to know for exploring these sights:

Getting Around Procida

The island is wonderfully walkable – I covered most distances on foot during my stay. While you can hire bikes near Marina Grande, I found walking better suited to photography and spontaneous exploration.

Photography Times

• Marina Corricella: Early morning for soft light on the harbour, or sunset for golden reflections
• Terra Murata: Late afternoon into sunset
• Historic centre: Golden hour for dramatic shadows in the narrow lanes

Restaurant Tips

• Book ahead for La Lampara and popular Marina Corricella spots
• Many restaurants close during off-season
• Lunch service typically starts at 12:30, dinner from 7:30 PM

Continue Planning Your Visit to Procida

For a deeper dive into planning your Procida adventure:

• Wondering if Procida is right for you? Read my detailed guide on whether Procida is worth visiting
• Need accommodation advice? Check out my complete guide to where to stay in Procida

Want all the practical details? My Guide to Procida covers everything from transport to local customs

Exploring More of the Bay of Naples

Most visitors reach Procida via Naples, and the city deserves more than just being your ferry departure point. Discover the best areas to stay in Naples, what makes Naples worth visiting, and check out my complete Naples travel guide before you go.

While Procida offers a perfect slice of authentic island life, each island in the Bay of Naples has its own distinct character. If you’re planning to explore more of the region, consider visiting:

Ischia

Just a short ferry ride away, Ischia combines thermal spas with laid-back coastal charm. Before you go, discover if Ischia is worth visiting, find the perfect area to base yourself with my Ischia accommodation guide, and check out my complete Ischia travel guide for all the practical details you need.

Capri

For a taste of Italian glamour, head to Capri. Not sure which island suits you better? My Ischia vs Capri comparison will help you decide. And if you choose Capri, my insider’s guide to visiting Capri will help you discover the island beyond the day-trip crowds.