To discover the true essence of a place it is very important to organize your stay even away from mass tourism: tips for experiencing Procida out of season!
It was my first time!
Last 9 December, taking advantage of the Immaculate Conception, I was for the first time in Procida.
I must say that although the weather was not the best (a little rain and a cloudy sky accompanied part of the trip), I enjoyed this little piece of Italy.
Procida out of season, what to expect
Obviously, being out of season, and moreover in December, the island is substantially "off". I must admit though that I was really surprised by the cultural background of this little island a little snubbed by mass tourism and that has nothing to envy to the nearby and more popular ones Ischia and Capri.
For those who do not know Procida, with an area of ​​about 4 square kilometers, is the third in order of magnitude of the Neapolitan islands.
One of the characteristics of Procida are the colorful houses perched that carve out their space in the panorama of the island. Vineyards and citrus groves then (in particular lemon trees), they frame ancient buildings. Everything is then surrounded by a blue sea that bathes the coasts of the islet.
How to get to Procida
From the Port of Naples or from Pozzuoli. The companies that cover the route are: SNAV, CAREMAR, MEDMAR and GESTUR. Find timetables and any changes on the respective websites.
Things to do in Procida
I was lucky enough to do a guided tour of the island promoted byMillenium Cultural Association and our guide was the very nice and very well prepared Antonella who made us discover the island in its intimacy. Antonella told us, with so much passion and love for her islet, the places, the history, the culture and the curiosities related to Procida.
The advice I can give you therefore is to contact this association and inform you if there are scheduled visits or if it is possible to schedule them during your stay.
Procida in 2 and a half days
Literary setting
Procida is the island where the pages of "The island of Arturo”, The novel by Elsa Morante, winner of the Strega Prize which tells of the maturation of a young boy, almost segregated in the enchantment of the island of Procida.
The historical center of the island
La Terra Murata is the historical and cultural center of the island, literally overlooking the sea, Terra Murata can only be reached via a climb from which it is possible to admire a splendid panorama over the entire Gulf of Naples on one side and the island on the other.
What makes this place special are not only the medieval fortifications and the views, but also the two long-range cannons dating back to the Neapolitan Republic of 1799.
Palace of Avalos
Once you get to the top, you cannot forget to visit the Palace of Avalos (make sure of the opening hours to the public), which only later became the Royal Palace, was in fact first a real prison citadel.
Visit to the Abbey of San Michele
Another splendid place to visit is definitely theAbbey of San Michele where numerous works of art are preserved.
Traditional customs and dress
I discovered that in Procida the “Graziella” is the young woman who is the symbol of Procidan beauty, who wears truly beautiful and meaningful historical clothes.
Procida lemons
Procida is also the Island of Lemons, because here lemons as big as cedars really grow, which just looking at them makes you want to pick them.
Setting of a wonderful movie
Procida is the island of "Il Postino", the latest film by Massimo Troisi set here, where you can find all the places of the most famous scenes that have remained in the minds of those who have seen this masterpiece, such as the beach of the same name, or the clubs and the port of Marina Corricella.
Where sleeping in Procida
You can choose a classic hotel or to live a more dense experience I recommend a B&B.
Off-season prices are very competitive, you average about € 50 per couple more or less, it then depends on the standard you choose for your stay.
Where to eat
Personally I don't like testing a myriad of places to eat and if I find a place I like I'm also able to visit you several times during my stay. The place that I recommend and that I have tried several times is theAgave, a pizza restaurant with an excellent value for money that makes excellent pizza and excellent seafood dishes.
And you, have you ever been to Procida? What impressed you the most?
Maybe I could always come back following your suggestions in another period.
