Colorful seaside houses, marinas full of restaurants with views of moored boats, 18th century churches, narrow alleys and almost empty beaches. This is a taste of Procida a commune of just over 10,000 inhabitants that was elected the capital of culture of italy in 2022.
situated in the gulf of naples in the south of the country of the boot, next to ischia and close to Capri Procida is located on an island of about 5 km².
Even when she was small, she overcame nine other candidates – a mix of cities and villages – to finish off the qualification conferred by the Ministry of Cultural Goods of Italybecoming the first island to receive the title of Capital of Culture, since it was created in 2014.
Last year, the jury in charge of the choice highlighted that “the heritage and landscape dimension of the place is extraordinary”. As part of the program, the Italian government grants around 1 million euros for the implementation of cultural actions and the movement of tourism.
Thus, in April, Procida began its year as the Italian capital of culture. Therefore, a cultural event promises to take over the island for the remainder of the months. In all, 150 events are expected in 330 days, a meeting of more than 300 artists, 44 projects and eight refurbished cultural spaces.
With one abundant cultural agenda on the island, it’s easy to put it in a Southern Italy travel itinerary since its main points can also be visited in a single day – Daily ferries connect the island to Ischia, Naples and Pozzuoli.
It is worth noting that the Italy reopened its borders to Brazilian travelers on March 1 of this year and removed the entry rules due to Covid-19 at the beginning of June, which facilitates the entry of foreign tourists into the territory.
Things to do in Procida
The arrival of tourists in Procida is usually made in Marina Grande , the island’s main port. Right on the waterfront, you can already see a cluster of typical houses colored in pastel tones that guarantee the city’s charm.
This region is the busiest economic and social area of the island, where there are local craft shops, bars, pizzerias and restaurants. The main street of Procida, Via Rome is just around the corner from the port and has good points for gastronomic stops.
Very close to these points are two historic churches that are worth a visit. One of them is the Church of Santa Maria della Pieta , from the 18th century and which has a famous baroque bell; the other is the Santa Maria delle Grazie which dates from the 17th century, has a lemon yellow color and has privileged views of the sea.
Visitors cannot fail to check out the Murata Land , medieval fortress that stands at the highest point of the island. It is the historic center of Procida and home to the Palazzo d’Avalos , a 16th-century palace that was once the home of the island’s ruling family and even a prison. Viewpoints offer privileged views of the entire gulf of Naples and other parts of the island – entry costs around €13 per person.
Here is also the Abbazia San Michele Arcangelo which honors the patron saint of Procida.
Other marinas in different parts of the island ensure more local experiences. It’s the romantic Marina Corricella the oldest fishing village in Procida, about a 15-minute walk from Marina Grande.
It is only accessed on foot or by boat. At the top of the village, at the viewpoint of Callìa, you can see the island of Capri and Terra Murata. One of the most traditional stops around here is Bar Graziella, which serves typical food from this part of the Mediterranean with tables and chairs on the shore.
already the Marina Chiaiolella , on the opposite side, is made up of several hotels and traditional houses. The cozy marina, which receives a large number of tourists during the summer, is also a popular spot for its sunset over the islands of Ischia and Vivara, visible from all the beaches in this village, especially the popular Chiaiolella.
scenic beaches
Speaking of beaches, other stretches of sand are also well known here and sought after by tourists in addition to Chiaiolella.
is the example of chiaia a strip of black sand that can only be accessed on foot – to reach it, a descent of 186 steps through an alley that starts at Piazza Olmo – or by boat.
Right next to Chiaiolella is the beach of ciraccio the longest stretch of sand on the entire island of Procida, marked by several establishments and a large area of free beach.
Already Pozzo Vecchio is among the most scenic in Procida – its black sands were made famous in the movie “Il Postino” (“The Postman and the Poet). It is worth remembering that the film “The talented Ripley”, from 1999 and starring Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow was also shot in Procida.
Source: CNN Brasil
