Off to the island – for the real Italian lifestyle!
The Italian island Procida is located in front of Naples, right next to its sister islands Ischia and Capri. The smallest of the three, it has a population of 10,000 on its four square kilometers. For a long time, it was known as a prison island. At the top of the island still towers the monstrous fortress, which nowadays you can visit even without a warrant. It’s worth it because up there you have a magnificent view of the colorful old town.
Procida is as lively and vibrant as you can imagine the south of Italy. Only one thing is different, tourists are hard to find. Fortunately, because like this, the boardwalks and streets are not plastered with souvenir stores. Instead, there are local stores full of charm and tradition.
In addition, there are also many quiet corners. For example, a small harbor with a an amazing ice cream parlor invites you to watch the residents going about their daily lives. Many small islanders play there with fishing rods on the water and try their first luck at fishing.
Another special thing you need to know before your trip to Procida: You are not allowed to bring your car on the island. Who now thinks that there are no cars on Procida, is unfortunately mistaken. Because this rule applies exclusively to tourists. The roads are so narrow that only small vehicles can pass through, but there are still many of them on the island.
Therefore, a bike with kids on Procida is the be-all and end-all: bike. With it, you can move quickly and easily on the island. Nevertheless, the traffic is honestly a bit of a challenge. In our favorite accommodation, Procida Camp & Resort you can rent really practical bikes with e-drive. Models with child seats or a bench seat for older kids are of course also available, as well as helmets.
Arrival at Procida by ferry.
Procida is reached exclusively by ferry – clear for an island. Those coming by car are well advised with the port of Pozzuoli a little outside. Here you can reserve a parking space. Attention, from the parking lot is a good kilometer to the port and you must leave the key there. To take the ferry, check the departure times of the here and buy the tickets directly on the spot. If you arrive by plane, go to the port of Napoli to take the fastest ferry.
Where to stay on vacation in Procida?
On Procida, there are two recommendations for you. Both belong to the category of glamping. Let’s start with the Camp & Resort Caravella Here you sleep in the middle of a Mediterranean garden in the heart of Procida. Around the camp the city life is raging, inside you will find an oasis of peace. The beach is 5 minutes away on foot. The Caravella has a swimming pool.
The second camp, Ciraccio, is located just outside the city center in a quiet area. Here you sleep in spacious, even two-story tents with bathroom, kitchen and sea view. The beach in front of the camp is for us the most beautiful beach on the island. You can borrow SUP boards, boats and even beach toys for the Kids on-site.
We liked both camps, but if we had to choose one, it would be the Ciraccio.
Where is the best beach on Procida with and for kids?
We liked the beach Ciracciello in the west of the island best. At Lido Vivara you can rent deck chairs directly on the beach. It is never crowded and you are sure to find a place by the sea. For the kids it could not be better, because it goes over several meters flat into the sea. Even the little ones can splash around here. At lunchtime we go to the associated restaurant Vivara. There is fresh fish and pasta to your heart’s content. Our favorite was the pasta with swordfish and eggplant sauce.
The best gelato on the island!
If there was one place on Procida we fell in love at first sight, it was the bay of Marina di Corricella. It’s incredibly quiet and relaxed in the small harbor. At the little gelateria Chiaro di Luna, you absolutely must have ice cream. It is homemade! Especially the flavors with the aromas of Procida like lemon and tangerine taste like pure summer! Here you can end the day very relaxed and move on to the bar blu right next door for an aperitif. Meanwhile, the kids play by the water and watch the other kids fish.
Excursions around Procida – all of southern Italy is at your feet!
If want to explore the surrounding of Procida, take the ferry and head to Naples. In 40 minutes you can reach the port and start walking towards the city center. Of course, you can’t miss an original Neapolitan pizza. You can get really good ones at Concettina ai Tre Santi – reservations are necessary. For dessert, go a few meters further to Pasticceria Poppella and try a Fiocco di Neve.
For a trip back in time, you can make a side trip to Pompeii before or after your vacation on Procida. After a devastating eruption of the volcano Vesuvius, only 9 kilometers away, in 79 A.D., several thousand people were buried under meters of lava. A few years ago, during excavations, spectacular finds were made. You can see them on a tour of the exposed ruins. With kids, 2 hours are more than enough. Extra tip: Around the corner, there is fabulously good pizza at Varnelli. It’s best to leave your car at the Zeus parking lot.
Vacation on the island of Procida with kids we can recommend to families who like adventure and would like to get to know a completely new Italy away from mass tourism. With our tips you are well prepared. Enjoy your vacation!
*This post was created in cooperation with Procida Camp & Resorts. We were allowed to spend four days on the island. All opinions are our own.
