 |
| English: Marina Grande, Capri, Campania, Italy. On the horizon, the islands of Ischia and Procida, and the Gulf of Naples. Français : Marina Grande, Capri, Campanie, Italie. À l'horizon, les îles d'Ischia et Procida, et la baie de Naples. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
 |
| Italy - island of Procida - Little harbour of Corricella. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
 |
| Italy - island of Procida - Little harbour of Corricella. View from Cape Pizzaco. Taken by User:Nathan Hamblen on April 11, 2004. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
 |
| Location of Procida in the Tyrrhenian Sea (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
 |
| Procida (Photo credit: PhotoAgo) |
By []Nico Muro
Procida Island, with its 4.1 square kilometers, is the smallest of the islands in the Gulf of Naples. It is the ideal place to spend a relaxing holiday. Coming from the ports of Naples or Pozzuoli, the maximum time spent on a ferry is no more than an hour. The arrival at the island, with its colorful houses overlooking the Marina Grande, attracts the sight and the mind of tourists immediately. On the waterfront there are bars, restaurants, souvenir shops and in the evening it becomes a destination for the islands' nightlife.
The flat morphology and spontaneous architecture make Procida Island a natural movie set. It has hosted famous movies such as "The Postman", "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "Francesca and Nunziata". The highest part of the island is dominated by Avalos Palace. It dates back to 1563. It's citadel is surrounded by fortified walls to defend it from the Saracens. The Royal Palace of the Borboni with Carlo III has been transformed into the prison of Ferdinando II and then into a maximum security prison which eventually closed in the late 80's. The cultural and religious center is the Abbey of "San Michele Arcangelo", a Benedictine foundation which dates back to the 11th century. Inside the Abbey there are alters, paintings and statues. On the lower floors, there is a secret library that contains 8000 books and ancient manuscripts.
The quaint and picturesque fishing village of Marina Corricella is the oldest port of Procida. It can only be reached by going through the houses that are on it. The harbor has been inhabited by fishermen and their families for generations. It is very pedestrian-friendly, as the port is exposed to the sun for several hours a day which makes it a nice walk in the winter and autumn. There are some excellent restaurants that have menus offering their catch of the day, along with seasonal local produce. This is all a stone's throw away from the sea.
Procida is a volcanic island so its beaches contains dark sand. The west coast, from Ciraccio to Ciracciello, is plenty of beaches and restaurants. From this area, you can watch spectacular sunsets. In the afternoon if the Maestrale wind blows, you will see surfers and sailors. You can also see Vivara, which is a natural oasis which is connected by a bridge to Santa Margherita. Ischia can be seen in the background as well.
The inland areas of the island are less known because it is simply inhabited by residents. There you can find the lighthouse, the Cottimo and the Starza. It is mainly a rural area which used to be covered in vineyards. Via Vittorio Emanuele, the ancient road from the port to the inner part of the island, connects to Via Flavio Gioia which comes from the heart of the island to Piazza Olmo.
On this area, you can find some Apartments in Procida. The location of this area is perfect as you can walk for less than 5 minutes to the village of Coricella, Chiaia Beach, and Ciraccio Beach.
Piazza Olmo, which is in walking distance, is a popular area of the island. It is accessible by all bus lines.
On this area, you can find some [http://www.visitprocida.co.uk]Accommodation in Procida. The location of this area is perfect as you can walk for less than 5 minutes to the village of Coricella, Chiaia Beach, and Ciraccio Beach.
Piazza Olmo, which is in walking distance, is a popular area of the island. It is accessible by all bus lines.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?An-Itinerary-to-Discover-Procida-Island,-on-the-Bay-of-Naples,-Italy&id=8164542] An Itinerary to Discover Procida Island, on the Bay of Naples, Italy
