Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(around €30) and mountain bikes (around €10 per day). You can't take a rented vehicle off
the island.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Procida
POP 10,200
Dig out your paintbox: the Bay of Naples' smallest island (and its best-kept secret) is a
soulful blend of hidden lemon groves, weathered fishing folk and pastel-hued houses.
August aside - when beach-bound mainlanders flock to its shores - its narrow sun-
bleached streets are the domain of the locals.
Sights & Activities
The best way to explore the island - a mere 4 sq km - is on foot or by bike. However, the
island's narrow roads can be clogged with cars - one of its few drawbacks.
From panoramic Piazza dei Martiri, the village of
Corricella
tumbles down to its marina
in a riot of pinks, yellows and whites. Further south, a steep flight of steps leads down to
Chiaia
beach, one of the island's most beautiful.
All pink, white and blue, little
Marina di Chiaiolella
has a yacht-stocked marina, old-school
eateries and a languid disposition. Nearby, the
Lido
is a popular beach.
CHURCH, MUSEUM
Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo
( 334 8514028, 334 8514252;
associazionemillennium@virgilio.it
;
Via Terra Murata 89, Terra Murata; donation ap-
preciated; 9.45am-12.45pm & 3.30-6pm)
This former Benedictine abbey was built in the 11th
century and remodelled between the 17th and 19th centuries. While the main church is
open to all, it's worth joining one of the regular guided tours to gain access to the pretty
barrel-vaulted library and Secret Chapel.
The latter is home to some curious 18th-century coffins, one complete with arm holes
for convenient kissing of the deceased's hands. English-language tours should be reques-
ted a couple of days in advance.
Procida Diving Centre
(
DIVING
081 896 83 85;
www.vacanzeaprocida.it
; Via Cristoforo Colombo 6, Marina di Chiaiolella;
Jun-Sep;
)
Conveniently located right on the marina, this outfit runs diving courses and hires out
