At this time of year, thousands of Britons are planning their holidays as the warmer months of spring and summer approach. One of the most popular destinations is Europe which is filled with a bevvy of famous cities and landscapes to satiate the tastes of all holidaymakers.
However, with a rise in the number of tourists swarming to popular destinations post-pandemic, it becoming harder and harder to find somewhere not filled to the brim with people.
As a result, people are looking at smaller islands off the coast of Europe for their week in the sun. One place that has caught the eye of some is the small island of Procida.
Sitting just off the coast of Italy, it is one of the Flegrean Islands and lies between Naples and the much bigger island of Ischia.
Despite being much smaller than Ischia and less well-known than Capri, Procida packs a major punch. In 2022, it was named Italy’s Capital of Culture and became the first island to ever be awarded the title.
According to Conde Nast Traveller the island covers under two square miles and has a low profile for most of the year apart from July and August when local Neapolitans descend on it.
Speaking about the award, mayor Raimondo Ambrosino said: “It was a moment of real pride for all of us. But it also felt like a recognition that’s been a long time coming.”
The front office manager of Hotel San Michele, Marina Caliendo told the publication that the island was for “a slower kind of travel” and that the island was “careful” to keep its traditions.
Fast forward to 2024 and more and more people are discovering Procida as they look to find quieter places to go on holiday. Posting on TikTok, user @testaccina said described it as an “Amalfi Coast dupe” and a “hidden gem” of Italy.
For those looking to access Procida, access is possible by a series of ferries and hydrofoils from the mainland with a journey time of around one hour.
Once there, it is possible to lose oneself in the melee of small streets and alleyways that sit alongside a mesmerising port.
TripAdvisor said: “Procida is the quintessential Mediterranean paradise, an absolute vision of colourful harbourside homes and picturesque piazzas.
“Lose yourself in colourful Terra Murata, a walled medieval town that’s perched staunchly on a hill. There you’ll find the 15th-century Palazzo D’Avalos and Abbazia di San Michele, an 11th-century Benedictine abbey.”
Alongside tours of the local area, tourists can also visit the Abbazia San Michele Arcangelo site, the natural Terra Murata and the pretty Chiaiolella beach.
