Procida: history, where it’s located and how to get there

There are numerous myths related to the island of Procida; one of the many is the one concerning the origin of its name.

Among the most suggestive hypotheses is the one that derives the name Procida from the Greek “prochetai” which means “lying”; in fact, if you look carefully at the morphology of the island, you realize that it seems to be lying down and lying down in the sea. Still others derive the name from that of a nurse of Aeneas named Procida, who would have been buried here. Greek mythology instead hands down the legend of the giant Mimante, son of Uranus, personification of the sky, and of Gaea, the primordial Goddess, personification of the earth. According to Apollodorus of Athens in his Gigantomachy, he was killed by Hephaestus during the war against the Olympians, and the island of Procida is said to lie on top of Mimante’s body.

During the early Middle Ages, the island was frequently besieged by Saracen pirates. Among the most devastating raids are those of the Muslim pirates led by Barbarossa. One of these raids gives life to the legend of St. Michael the Archangel, who later became the patron saint of the island, to whom the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo above Terra Murata, built around the year 1000, is dedicated. It is said that during a Saracen raid it was the Archangel Michael who defended the island, appearing in the sky with his sword of fire and causing a strong lightning storm that forced the invaders to flee. Even today, the oldest fishermen of the island tell of seeing the chains and anchors thrown away by the Saracens when they flee in the seabed.

If you want to visit this fairytale island, rich in traditions and postcard landscapes, we will explain in detail how to get there.

You can only reach Procida by sea from Pozzuoli, Naples or Ischia.

• From Pozzuoli you can embark with Medmar, Gestour or Caremar. The duration of the journey can vary from 20 to 40 minutes.
• In Naples there are two ports: Porta Calata di Massa and Molo Beverello. Caremar ferries depart from Calata di Massa, slower but cheaper: you will arrive in Procida in about an hour. The Caremar and Snav hydrofoils leave from Beverello, it takes about 40 minutes but they are a little more expensive.
• From Ischia you can reach Procida in 20 minutes by hydrofoil or 30 minutes by ferry. Here too there are 2 starting points: Casamicciola or Ischia Porto. The shipping companies are Caremar, Snav and Medmar.

If you travel by plane

The closest airport is Naples Capodichino. From here you can get to either of Naples' two ports, Molo Beverello or Calata di Massa, by taxi (around €20) or by bus (Alibus), which connects the airport to the city centre. The journey from the airport to the port takes about 35 minutes. Buses run every 15 minutes and tickets cost €5 and can be purchased online or on board.

If you travel by car

During the summer it is not possible to reach the island by car: you can leave it in one of the numerous guarded car parks in Naples or Pozzuoli, preferably near the pier to be able to embark quickly towards Procida. Some advices? Parking Beverello in Naples, or Marser parking in Pozzuoli.

If you travel by train

From the Napoli centrale railway station, it is possible to reach the port of Molo Beverello by subway, Line 1, Municipio exit: the port is right in front of the subway. For Calata Porta di Massa you can take the same line but get off at the University and reach the port in a few minutes on foot.

If you are already in Ischia

From Ischia you can reach Procida by ferry (30 minutes) or by hydrofoil (20 minutes) starting from Casamicciola or Ischia Porto.

Don’t settle for a hit and run! Procida even if small should be explored slowly and lived for at least a few days. We are sure you will fall in love with it!

Do you want to discover the history and traditions of Procida? Book your stay at Procida Camp & Resort. We will give you all the information to discover this magical island.