If Procida has an icon, it’s the sight of the Corricella’s pastel houses tumbling to the sea, watched over by the fortress of Terra Murata above. These two places, a short walk apart, hold the island’s history and its most memorable views. Here’s how to explore them.
The Marina Corricella
The oldest fishing village on the island, the Corricella is a pedestrian-only tangle of pastel houses, arches and stairways wrapped around a small harbour. Fishermen still mend their nets beside the trattoria tables. It’s reached on foot from Marina Grande in about ten minutes, down the alleys — the last stretch closed to cars, which is part of why it feels so timeless.
Terra Murata
Rising above the Corricella, Terra Murata is the fortified citadel at the island’s highest point, built as a refuge from pirate raids. Its walls, gates and medieval lanes enclose churches and the great Palazzo d’Avalos, and its terraces command the best panorama on Procida — the reason to make the short climb.
The Palazzo d’Avalos
The imposing Palazzo d’Avalos dominates Terra Murata: once a noble residence, then for over a century a Bourbon prison until 1988. Today it can be visited on guided tours that reveal its cells, courtyards and haunting atmosphere, along with sweeping views. A striking, slightly eerie counterpoint to the colourful village below.
Where to take photos
The classic shot is from the via Vittorio Emanuele viewpoint, looking down on the Corricella with Terra Murata behind. Also seek the alleys and steps dropping to the harbour, and the citadel ramparts for the wide panorama. Come early morning or at sunset, when the light sets the pastel walls aglow.
Tips for the visit
Both places are best on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and expect stairs. Combine them in one loop from Marina Grande. The Corricella is quietest — and most magical — in the early morning and evening, once the day-trippers have gone. Respect that it’s a living village: people live and work here.
Frequently asked questions
How do you reach the Marina Corricella?
From Marina Grande it’s about a ten-minute walk down through the alleys and stairways leading to the little harbour; the final stretch is pedestrian, not accessible to cars. It’s a scenic route that’s part of the experience: comfortable shoes and camera at the ready.
Is the Corricella accessible by car?
No, the Corricella village is pedestrian: you reach it only on foot by stairways and alleys, or by sea. This is part of its charm, as it has preserved the atmosphere of an old fishing village with no traffic, the colourful boats moored in front of the houses.
What to see in Terra Murata?
The Palazzo d’Avalos, an imposing former Bourbon prison open to visits, the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo with its crypt, the gates and walls of the citadel and, above all, the viewpoints over the Gulf and the Corricella. It’s the island’s historically richest and most panoramic part.
Where do you take the best photos of Procida?
From the via Vittorio Emanuele viewpoint for the view over the colourful Corricella, from the alleys and steps descending to the harbour, and from the Terra Murata ramparts for the overall panorama. The best light is early morning and sunset, when the colours of the houses glow.
Get to the island the easy way
A private transfer takes you to the Naples or Pozzuoli port on time, so you spend your energy on the Corricella, not on the logistics.
Request a transfer
