Travel Guide
Move Over Amalfi! This Lesser-Known Island In Italy Has Secluded Beaches & Authentic Culture
Aug
Last Updated
Nothing screams Italy fairly just like the Amalfi Coast: the scenic coastal drives, colourful cities perched atop clifftops, and fine-pebble seashores hugged by turquoise seas, you identify it.
There’s only one draw back, although (or two, if you’ll): it may be unpleasantly crowded within the peak journey season, to not point out staggeringly costly.
The least expensive lodge in Positano begins from $221 per night, and in the event you’re considering of eating out in a pleasant restaurant in downtown Atrani, be ready to fork out $40 at a minimal––however you are an off-path explorer, and naturally you are cleverer than that.
You’re not like different vacationers, and vacationing in Amalfi shouldn’t be your solely shot at experiencing la dolce vita:
You can skip the jam-packed coast altogether and head right here as a substitute, to this lesser-known island providing secluded seashores, unbelievable meals (at affordable costs), and most significantly even:
Authenticity.
This is…
Procida, Italy
Lying simply off the mainland throughout from Naples, Procida is a comparatively unknown island positioned midway between the Capo Miseno headland and the fashionable trip hotspot of Ischia.
Despite its proximity to some awfully busy locations, Procida is pretty calm compared: although you possibly can’t precisely anticipate any Italian vacation spot to be crowd-free at this level, it’s positively on the quieter finish.
With its compact 1.6 sq. miles, comprising jagged peaks and protruding peninsulas, and 9.9 miles of mixed shoreline, it is likely one of the smallest islands off the Italian coast, however it’s on no account missing in pure and cultural sights.
Like a lot of the Campania area, Procida owes its distinctive geography to a collection of volcanic eruptions eons in the past which have left it with a largely-rugged, hilly terrain: in different phrases, it is paradise for hikers.
The tallest peak on the island, Terra Murata, rises 299 ft above sea degree, and you may both take the moderately-challenging footpath up or catch the C2 bus leaving from Marina Grande––whether or not you’re keen on hikes or not, belief us, it is a mountaintop view you do not need to miss.
Nature and tradition go hand in hand in Procida, and History buffs ought to most likely know Terra Murata homes a medieval, fortified village, the oldest on the island, however the cultural highlights do not finish right here:
Procida Is Italy Before The Instagram Hordes
Marina Coriccela is the quintessential Italian postcard city, and as it’s but to be overrun by the hordes of Instagrammers––although it is each bit as photogenic as Sorrento or Amalfi Town––it nonetheless feels undisturbed and distinctly Italian.
Whether it is the surprisingly hospitable locals, who will not draw back from greeting you with real smiles upon getting into a boutique store, or the restaurant servers, it is most likely the final place in Italy you would be feeling unwelcome as a vacationer.
Thanks to its small measurement, that is additionally a superbly walkable island: practically the entire details of curiosity are inside 15 to half-hour aside, together with two of the busiest settlements.
From Marina Grande, the place the ferry docks, to the attractive Marina Coriccella, the place homes are painted in vibrant, cotton-candy colours and the cobblestone streets appear to be storybook materials, it is a brief 20 minutes on foot.
If you’re keen on longer walks, that is how it’s best to spend your time in Procida:
All Of Procida’s Highlights Are Within Walking Distance
Starting from Marina Coriccela, it takes roughly 40 minutes to stroll the size of the island in direction of Chiaiolella, the southern harbor––alternatively, it is a 10-minute taxi drive, however then you do not need to miss all of the hidden coves and sweeping ocean vistas alongside the way in which.
A very good place to begin your trek is Lingua, a sand-and-pebble seaside adjoining to the primary city. It is extremely wanted for its crystal-clear waters, the plush vegetation that surrounds it, which offers comforting shade on significantly scorching days, and the port views.
Following the coastal path 24 minutes south, you will hit Procida’s most peaceable swimming spot, one day-trippers from Naples are likely to skip as they’re normally utilizing up the few hours they’ve within the Marina:
Chiaia Beach is a sandy strip host to the landmark La Conchiglia Restaurant.
A comfortable Mediterranean eatery lining the beachfront and serving conventional Italian dishes, they’re finest identified for seafood pasta, freshly-caught fish and native wine, that it’s best to anticipate to pay between $25 and $30 to get pleasure from––in an up-and-coming Italian island, that is as low-cost as you will get.
If you do not thoughts taking a slight detour, a straight, 24-minute crossing via the hinterland on the west aspect of Procida, there’s Pozzo Vecchio, a scenic bay unfolding alongside the bright-blue Mediterranean.
Once you lastly attain Chiaiolella, the southernmost tip you got down to conquer possibly 1 or 2 hours in the past––this can be a small island, however positively do not underestimate its alluring magnificence––you will need to cross the bridge spanning the ocean, connecting Procida to the islet of Vivara.
A crescent-shaped reserve, that is your go-to spot for beating Procida’s already-moderate crowds, admiring the unspoiled coastal nature, and even fishing alongside locals (disclaimer: that is most likely the place your dinners shall be coming from).
Procida Is A Budget-Friendly Italian Vacation
Speaking of meals, for the perfect pizza on the island, be sure to strive Pizzeria Fuego’s signature cappriciosa, costing as little as $12; to our fellow pastamaniacs, La Pergola is to not be missed, particularly their mussel-and-baby-octopus linguini (solely $17.54!)
As you might need seen by now, meals in Procida is far extra reasonably priced than in your regular Amalfi resort city, and the identical might be stated of lodging.
Most vacationers will solely go to Procida as a day journey from Naples, however these staying in a single day are solely getting set again by $79 an evening on the centrally-located Hotel Celeste (breakfast included!), or $135 at Palazzo Palumbo, lower than a mile away from Chiaia Beach and its well-known restaurant.
There are positively costlier properties for these with a proclivity for splurging, just like the luxurious San Michele, with its off-white rooms and privileged location within the coronary heart of Marina di Corricella, however on average, staying in a single day in Procida prices a quite low-cost $84.
Americans Get To Procida Hassle-Free This Fall
This fall, Americans can simply get to Procida by flying directly into Naples International Airport, internet hosting flights from New York (JFK) and Newark (EWR) till late October, with Delta and United Airlines, respectively.
From JFK, it prices $523 to fly to Naples, whereas flights departing from Newark value $526 one-way.
Landing in Naples, a metropolis we extremely suggest you spend a few days exploring as it’s just as authentic and underrated as Procida, you possibly can then take the ferry to Procida from Solo Beverello Pier or Calata Porta di Massa by the primary port.
Hydrofoils depart each 40 minutes all through the day throughout peak instances, and ticket costs vary from $19.72 to $27.39.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.
