Choosing an island for a Bay of Naples trip: Capri, Ischia, or Procida?
The Gulf of Naples, a picturesque bay on the west coast of Italy, is home to three enchanting islands: Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Each island offers a unique experience, making the Gulf of Naples a must-visit destination.
Ischia, the largest of the three islands, boasts a rich landscape that requires at least two or three days to fully appreciate. Its villages, hiking trails, and thermal baths are a delight for visitors. Ischia is renowned for its lush vegetation and thermal heritage, with nearly 100 sources of thermal springs. The Romans were the first to transform these sources into public baths, as seen in the Nymphs of Nitrodi source in Barano d'Ischia.
Capri, located less than 30 km from Naples, is accessible by ferry in about an hour. Known for its cultural heritage, Capri is home to Villa Malaparte, which served as a backdrop in the film Le Mépris (1963) by Jean-Luc Godard. Overlooking Mount Solaro, Capri houses the famous Grotta Azzurra ("Blue Grotto"), a natural cave with almost fluorescent water reflections.
Capri's ecosystem consists of cacti, prickly pears, laurel roses, and hosts 850 plant species. The island can be visited in a day, although an overnight stay allows you to enjoy Capri once the day-trippers have left.
Procida, of modest size, can be explored in a day trip, but it reveals a particular charm at sunset, making it a beautiful option for an overnight stay. Procida is known for its fortified village of Terra Murata and exceptional wild nature, where the film "The Postman" (1994) was shot.
The crossing to Procida takes about 40 minutes by fast boat and an hour by traditional ferry. Ferries and hydrofoils depart from Molo Beverello in Naples to reach Capri several times a day, and from Calata Porta di Massa and Molo Beverello to reach Procida.
The ideal period for a trip to the Gulf of Naples extends from April to October. During this time, the lush vegetation of Ischia is particularly vibrant, with its gardens in bloom. Visiting during the winter months is not conducive to a visit to the Gulf of Naples as many maritime links and tourist structures close during this period of the year.
The Gulf of Naples officially has three inhabited islands: Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Each island offers a unique experience, making the Gulf of Naples a must-visit destination. Whether you're seeking relaxation, culture, or adventure, the Gulf of Naples has something for everyone.
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