Previous Updated 35 hours ago
Nothing screams Italy quite like the Amalfi Coast: the spectacular coastal drives, vibrant cities perched atop clifftops, and fine-pebble shores hugged by blue lakes, you name it.
There’s only one drawback, though ( or two, if you will ): it can be uncomfortably crowded in the peak travel season, not to mention breathtakingly cheap.
The cheapest hotel in Positano starts from$ 221 per night, and if you’re thinking of dining out in a nice restaurant in downtown Atrani, be prepared to fork out$ 40 at a minimum––but you’re an off-path explorer, and of course you’re cleverer than that.
You are different from other visitors, and you are aware that visiting Amalfi does not guarantee you a la versace handheld experience.
You may miss the jam-packed beach altogether and head here instead, to this lesser-known area offering private beaches, outstanding food ( at affordable prices ), and most importantly also:
Authenticity.
This is …
Procida, Italy
Procida, a relatively unknown area located halfway between Capo Miseno and the opulent Ischia beachfront, is located off the coast of Naples, across the street from the island’s center.
Despite its proximity to some awfully busy destinations, Procida is fairly calm in comparison: though you ca n’t exactly expect any Italian destination to be crowd-free at this point, it is definitely on the quieter end.
With its small 1.6 square kilometers, comprising sharp peaks and protruding coastlines, and 9.9 yards of combined beach, it is one of the smallest territories off the Roman beach, but it is by no means lacking in natural and cultural attractions.
Like much of the Campania region, Procida owes its unique landscape to a series of volcanic explosions centuries ago that have left it with a largely-rugged, high ground: in other words, it’s heaven for hikers.
The tallest peak on the island, Terra Murata, rises 299 feet above sea level, and you can either take the moderately-challenging footpath up or catch the C2 bus leaving from Marina Grande––whether you love hikes or not, trust us, this is a mountaintop view you do n’t want to miss.
Nature and culture go hand in hand in Procida, and History buffs should probably know Terra Murata houses a medieval, fortified village, the oldest on the island, but the cultural highlights do n’t end here:
Before the Instagram Hordes, Procida Is Italy
Marina Coriccela is the pinnacle of Italian postcard towns, but despite having the most Instagrammers, it still feels undisturbed and distinctly Italian.
It’s probably the last place in Italy where a tourist would feel unwelcome, whether it’s the surprisingly cordial locals who wo n’t shy away from greeting you with genuine smiles when you enter a boutique shop or the restaurant servers.
Thanks to its small size, this is also a perfectly walkable island: nearly all of the main points of interest are within 15 to 30 minutes apart, including two of the busiest settlements.
From Marina Grande, where the ferry docks, to the beautiful Marina Coriccella, where houses are painted in vibrant, cotton-candy colors and the cobblestone streets look like storybook material, it’s a short 20 minutes on foot.
If you love longer walks, this is how you should spend your time in Procida:
All Of Procida’s Highlights Are Within Walking Distance
Starting from Marina Coriccela, it takes roughly 40 minutes to walk the length of the island towards Chiaiolella, the southern harbor––alternatively, it’s a 10-minute taxi drive, but then you do n’t want to miss all the hidden coves and sweeping ocean vistas along the way.
A good place to start your trek is Lingua, a sand-and-pebble beach adjacent to the main town. It is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation that surrounds it, which provides comforting shade on particularly hot days, and port views.
Following the coastal trail 24 minutes south, you’ll hit Procida’s most peaceful swimming spot, one day-trippers from Naples tend to skip as they’re usually using up the few hours they have in the Marina:
The iconic La Conchiglia Restaurant is located on a sandy strip in Chiaia Beach.
A cozy Mediterranean eatery lining the beachfront and serving traditional Italian dishes, they’re best known for seafood pasta, freshly-caught fish and local wine, that you should expect to pay between$ 25 and$ 30 to enjoy––in an up-and-coming Italian island, that’s as cheap as you’ll get.
If you do n’t mind taking a slight detour, a straight, 24-minute crossing through the hinterland on the west side of Procida, there’s Pozzo Vecchio, a scenic bay unfolding along the bright-blue Mediterranean.
Once you finally reach Chiaiolella, the southernmost tip you set out to conquer maybe 1 or 2 hours ago ––this may be a small island, but definitely do n’t underestimate its alluring beauty ––you’ll want to cross the bridge spanning the sea, connecting Procida to the islet of Vivara.
A crescent-shaped reserve, this is your go-to spot for beating Procida’s already-moderate crowds, admiring the unspoiled coastal nature, and even fishing alongside locals ( disclaimer: this is probably where your dinners will be coming from ).
Procida Is A Budget-Friendly Italian Vacation
Speaking of food, for the best pizza on the island, make sure you try Pizzeria Fuego’s signature cappriciosa, costing as little as$ 12, to our fellow pastamaniacs, La Pergola is not to be missed, especially their mussel-and-baby-octopus linguini ( only$ 17.54! )
As you might have already noticed, Procida’s food is much more affordable than that of your typical Amalfi resort town, and the same can be said about lodging.
Most tourists will only travel to Procida for a day trip from Naples, but those who stay overnight only pay$ 79 per night at the hotel Celeste, which is centrally located ( breakfast included ). ), or$ 135 at Palazzo Palumbo, less than a mile away from Chiaia Beach and its famous restaurant.
For those with a proclivity for splurge, there are undoubtedly more expensive properties, like the opulent San Michele with its off-white rooms and prestigious location in the heart of Marina di Corricella, but staying over in Procida typically costs$ 84.
Americans Get To Procida Hassle-Free This Fall
This fall, Americans can easily get to Procida by flying directly into Naples International Airport, hosting flights from New York ( JFK) and Newark ( EWR ) until late October, with Delta and United Airlines, respectively.
From JFK, it costs$ 523 to fly to Naples, while flights departing from Newark cost$ 526 one-way.
We highly advise spending a few days in Naples, which is both as authentic and underappreciated as Procida. You can then take the ferry to Procida from Solo Beverello Pier or Calata Porta di Massa by the main port.
Hydrofoils depart every 40 minutes throughout the day during peak times, and ticket prices range from$ 19.72 to$ 27.39.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum &, More!
Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
JOIN US AT OUR LAST POSTS
To receive the most recent breaking travel news from Travel Off Path, simply enter your email address.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. None of the organizations referred to in this post have reviewed, approved, or otherwise supported this content.