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Nothing shouts Italy really loves the Amalfi Coast: its scenic coastal routes, colorful cliff-top towns and fine pebble beaches surrounded by turquoise seas, you name it.
However, there’s only one downside (or two, if you like): it can be uncomfortably busy in high season, not to mention the enormous costs.
The cheapest hotel in Positano starts from €221 per nightand if you are thinking of eating out at a nice restaurant in the center of Atrani, be prepared to spend at least $40, but you are an explorer who goes off the beaten path, and of course you are smarter than that .
You are not like other tourists, and you know that a holiday in Amalfi is not your only chance to experience something the dolce vita:
You can zomit the crowded coast altogether and instead head to this lesser-known island with secluded beaches, fantastic food (at reasonable prices), and most importantly:
Authenticity.
This is…
Procida, Italy
Procida is located near the mainland opposite Naples and is a relatively unknown island located halfway between the Capo Miseno headland and the trendy holiday hotspot Ischia.
Despite its proximity to some incredibly busy destinations, Procida is fairly quiet in comparison: while you can’t exactly expect an Italian destination to be crowd-free at the moment, it is certainly on the quieter side.
With its compact area of 2.6 square kilometers, made up of jagged mountain peaks and jutting peninsulas, and a combined coastline of 16.9 kilometers, it is one of the smallest islands off the Italian coast, but it certainly does not lack natural and cultural sights.
Like much of the Campania region, Procida owes its unique geography to a series of volcanic eruptions centuries ago, leaving a largely rugged and hilly terrain: in other words, it is paradise for hikers.
The island’s highest peak, Terra Murata, rises 90 meters above sea level, and you can take the moderately challenging footpath up or catch the C2 bus that leaves from Marina Grande – whether you like walking or not, trust us, this one is a mountain top view not want to miss.
Nature and culture go hand in hand in Procidaand history buffs should probably know that Terra Murata is home to a medieval fortified village, the oldest on the island, but the cultural highlights don’t end there:
Procida is Italy before the Instagram hordes
Marina Coriccela is the quintessential Italian postcard town, and because it has not yet been overrun by the hordes of Instagrammers – even if it is just as photogenic as Sorrento or Amalfi Town –it still feels undisturbed and distinctly Italian.
Whether it’s the surprisingly hospitable locals, who don’t shy away from greeting you with a genuine smile as you enter a boutique shop, or the restaurant servers, it’s probably the last place in Italy where you’ll feel unwelcome as a tourist.
Its small size also makes this a perfectly walkable island: almost all major attractions are within 15 to 30 minutes of each other, including two of the busiest settlements.
From Marina Grande, where the ferry docks, to the beautiful Marina Coriccella, where houses are painted vibrant, cotton candy colors and the cobbled streets look like storybook material, it’s an easy 20 minute walk.
If you love longer walks, this is how you should spend your time in Procida:
All highlights of Procida are within walking distance
From Marina Coriccela it takes about 40 minutes to walk across the entire island towards Chiaiolella, the southern port. You can also drive 10 minutes by taxi, but then you don’t want all the hidden bays and sweeping views of the ocean en route.
A good place to start your trek is Lingua, a sandy and pebble beach bordering the capital. It is highly sought after for its crystal clear waters, the lush vegetation surrounding it, which provides soothing shade on particularly hot days, and its views of the harbour.
If you follow the coastal path south for 24 minutes you will reach Procida’s most peaceful swimming spotDay trippers from Naples tend to skip this as they usually use up the few hours they have at the marina:
Chiaia beach is a sandy strip where the characteristic La Conchiglia Restaurant is located.
A cozy Mediterranean cafe along the beach serving traditional Italian dishes. They are best known for their seafood pasta, freshly caught fish and local wine, which you should definitely visit expect to pay between $25 and $30 to enjoy – on an up-and-coming Italian island, that’s as cheap as you can get.
If you don’t mind a little detour, a straight 24-minute crossing through the hinterland on the west side of Procida, then there’s Pozzo Vecchio, a picturesque bay that unfolds along the clear blue Mediterranean Sea.
Once you finally reach Chiaiolella, the southernmost point that you might have wanted to conquer 1 or 2 hours ago – this may be a small island, but don’t underestimate its alluring beauty – you will want to bridge over the seawhich connects Procida with the islet of Vivara.
This crescent-shaped reserve is your go-to place to beat the already moderate crowds of Procida, admire the pristine coastal nature, and even fish with the locals (disclaimer: this is likely where your dinners will come from).
Procida is a budget-friendly Italian holiday
Speaking of food: for the best pizza on the island, make sure you try Pizzeria Fuego’s signature cappriciosa, only costs $12; for our fellow pasta maniacs, don’t miss La Pergola, especially their clam-and-baby octopus linguini (only $17.54!)
As you may have noticed, the food in Procida is far more affordable than in your usual Amalfi holiday resort, and the same can be said of accommodation.
Most tourists will only visit Procida as a day trip from Naples, but those who stay overnight will set you back just $79 per night in the centrally located Hotel Celeste (including breakfast!), or $135 at Palazzo Palumboless than 1.5 km away from Chiaia beach and its famous restaurant.
There are definitely more expensive properties for people who like to spend money, such as luxury San Michelewith its off-white rooms and privileged location in the heart of Marina di Corricella, but average, staying overnight in Procida costs a fairly cheap $84.
Americans will come to Procida this fall without any problems
This fall, Americans can easily reach Procida by flying directly into Naples International Airport, which will operate flights from New York (JFK) and Newark (EWR) through the end of October on Delta and United Airlines, respectively.
From JFK it costs $523 to fly to Naples, while flights from Newark cost $526 one way.
If you land in Naples, a city we highly recommend spending a few days exploring as it is just as authentic and underrated as Procida, you can then take the ferry to Procida from the Solo Beverello Pier or Calata Porta di Mass at the main port.
Hydrofoils take off every 40 minutes during the day during peak hours, and ticket prices range from $19.72 to $27.39.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
