Procida is the smallest island of the Gulf of Neaples and it isn't very famous like the other islands of the Gulf. Therfore tourists prefer to visit Capri and Ischia.
Procida is rich in attractions and it is very strange that it isn't present in the tourist guides of south Italy.
Procida means archaeology. (The small island Vivara, that is linked to Procida by a bridge, has archeological exavactions that can visited in summer. Infact 3000 years ago some seamen from Greece landed on the island to find relief.)
The history of Procida is concentrated first of all on the medioeval village Terra Murata and on Corricella, the fisher settlement.(The Abbey of St. Michael was founded in Middle Age.)
The architecture of Procida is defined spontaneous has a greek origin. Veryinteresting are the orchards, ‘casali’, the little harbours Marina Grande and Chiiolella, The Corricella with its wonderfull view. (The Postman by Massimo Troisi and The talented Mr. Ripley were shot just on Corricella).
The architectural style of Procida has the typical Mediterranean pastel colours. The perron-staircase, the cross and circular vaults and the archs with different forms are very picturesque. (Nowadays the most important Universities in Italy take lessons on the typical Italian architecture.).
Procida enables you to walk on the country paths that are sheer to the see. (You Can also visit the very interesting sounding-depht of the island)They are rich in flora, fauna and archeologycal excavations.) .
Procida offers simply cooking and at least 10 excellent restaurants with plain cooking based on fresh fish that never fails thanks to the 20 fishing boats and a lot of small drifters (fishing-line or bow-nets). The specialities of the cooking are: stewed rabbit, (it goes back to Borbonen that came on Procida to hunt the wild rabbit on Vivara) and spaghetti with sea-urchin. In the history of Procida the Chatolic Church has always had a great importance because the priests were at the same time feudatories of the island, like the Cardinal Innico D'Avalos. Therefore the religious traditions are very strong on Procida. (In April, May and June there are five processions that are organised by the churches of the island. Very famous are the procession of Good Friday and the procession of St. Micheal, Patron Saint of the island).
There are some no-religious festivals like Sagra del limone (lemon festival), ˜Portoni aperti , (you can visit the ancient main gate of the island that are furnished with the typical hand-made products of the island), Sagra del Mare (with the choice of Graziella ), the Festival of Mediterranean and the Literary Prize Elsa Morante (The writer came very often on Procida spending long periods on the island, the literary Park is to Elsa Morante dedicated too.), Libri d'amare , (a great exibition of very famous books) and some other smaller manifestations.
The main attraction of the island remains the sea. Procida has 6 beaches and 3 tufaceous sides with crystal-clear waters.
Procida enables you to visit the most important town of Campania. Just in one day with evening coming back you can visit Ischia (You can even visit the thermal baths), Capri, Napoli Amalfi, Sorrento Positano Caserta and so on.
If you want to stay on Procida you have to known that this isn’t a common island that is considered perfect for holiday, Procida is a genuine island that hasn't been changed in its identity. This aspect can be considered negative only if you have a superficial view of the island. Procida is for people that are able to love and to understand the soul of the island.
