← Neapolis Marathon·Day trip

Procida: A Fishing Island Across the Bay

A small, colourful fishing island with a flat harbour and a short walk to the old village on the hill, reached by hydrofoil or ferry from Naples.

DurationDay trip
TransitHydrofoil from Molo Beverello, about 25 to 40 minutes, or ferry from Calata Porta di Massa, about 55 to 60 minutes
DepartsMolo Beverello, Naples

After the Neapolis Marathon: Procida

The Route: Naples → Procida → Naples Logistics: A hydrofoil from Molo Beverello or a slower ferry from Calata Porta di Massa. The island is small and has steep sections. Marathon Month: October Duration: Day trip

Naples Molo Beverello ──(25-40 mins hydrofoil)──> Procida (Marina Grande)
          ▲                                                  │
          └─────────────(same route back)───────────────────┘

Procida is the smallest of the islands in the Bay of Naples and the quietest, with a fishing harbour, pastel-painted houses and lemon groves. It is a good option for the Monday after the Neapolis Marathon, which is run on a Sunday in mid-October, because the crossing is short and the harbour is flat.

October on Procida: the weather is mild and often sunny, though rain is possible. The sea is still warm from the summer. The crowds are fewer than in July and August, and ferry frequencies are lower than in summer, so check the timetable.

Getting there

Hydrofoils leave from Molo Beverello and take about 25 to 40 minutes. Fares were about €19 to €22 for a hydrofoil and €13 to €16 for the slower ferry from Calata Porta di Massa, which takes about 55 to 60 minutes. The main operators are Caremar, SNAV and Medmar. Check the schedule and prices on the operators' websites, and note the time of the last boat back.

On the island

The boat arrives at Marina Grande, a flat quay. The island has a small bus network, and a taxi or a three-wheeled vehicle is a more comfortable way to see it than walking uphill. The most photographed place is Marina Corricella, a fishing village of stacked pastel houses around a small harbour. The path down to it has steps, and the climb back up is the part that tests tired legs. Terra Murata, the old walled village on the hilltop, has an abbey and long views over the bay; the road up is steep, so take a bus or taxi.

Lunch is fish, and the local lemons feature in drinks and pastries. Check which restaurants are open in October, since some close for the season.

Going back

Take a boat early enough to leave a margin, and check the time of the last crossing at the quay.