All About Monte di Procida
Monte di Procida is a small province in the Campania region of Italy. Located on the western coast of a promontory, it lies 30km away from Naples. The origin of the commune traces back to the Phlegraean Fields volcano and the collapse of its caldera thousands of years ago.
Settlements in Monte di Procida coincide with development in the region, starting around the Early to Middle Bronze Age. It was the Greeks first, and then the Romans, who realized the strategic importance of this land, resulting in the overall expansion, especially of the port. However, the constant threat of invasion, post the downfall of the Roman Empire, led to most locals fleeing to the nearby island of Procida.
Named Mount Cumano by the Greeks and then Monte Miseno by the Romans, the area saw an increase in population during the 17th century. During this time, agriculture and fishing became the primary sources of local income and continue to be to date. In 1907, the land gained administrative autonomy from Procida. While residents at this time wanted to call the city New Cuma, authorities decided to name it Monte di Procida.
Witnessing significant growth in tourism over the last couple of decades, Monte di Procida is now a scenic vacation destination. It is also an idyllic base for travelers wanting to visit Naples or the Phlegraean Islands.
Routes and Ferries to Monte di Procida
The tourist-heavy summer months see a significant rise in bookings for ferry tickets to Monte di Procida. Many Italian holidaymakers and a growing number of international tourists hop around the Phlegraean Islands via ferry before arriving back in Mainland Italy. To do so, they make the most of ferry tickets to Monte Di Procida from Procida and Ischia. The sailing time from Ischia to Porto di Acquamorta is a comfortable one hour, whereas it is only 40 minutes from nearby Procida. Seasonal tickets for ferries running on these routes are available online via Ferryscanner.
Naples International Airport is the closest airstrip to Monte di Procida if you plan to arrive in Italy by air. All major and low-cost airlines land here from various locations in Europe and some in Asia. Upon landing, you can take a 45-minute train to the Torregaveta. Otherwise, there are taxis and direct busses to Monte di Procida that cover the 30km distance in about an hour.
Port of Monte di Procida
Known as Porto di Acquamorta, the port of Monte di Procida witnesses a flurry of activity throughout the day. During summer, large numbers of passengers depart from or arrive here with ferry tickets to Monte di Procida. However, the fishing activity taking place the rest of the year draws in locals, eager to buy the freshest of catches brought in by fishermen daily. Tourists wanting to experience the hustle and bustles of the boats arriving should visit the port in the morning around 10:00.
Although the harbor is relatively small, it is well-organized and also has a 547-berth marina. As a lovely place to moor for private vessels, seafarers can bank on welcoming assistance at the dock, including basic maritime facilities. It’s a popular place to hang out or simply take a walk along the coast. Further down you’ll find several bars and restaurants near the port.
Best Beaches of Monte di Procida
Similar to the Phlegraean Islands, the best beaches of Monte di Procida are beautiful seaside escapes that grant unlimited access to the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. From large sandy strands to one steeped in myth, you’ll quickly realize that the beaches of Monte di Procida have more to offer than just sunbathing establishments.
Spiaggia di Acquamorta
With a sharp cliff in its background, Acquamorta provides the nearest beach access to visitors staying in the city. Its name translates to ‘memory of Acqua’, a reminder of a possibly mythical tragic love story that transpired at the beach between a local girl and a Procida fisherman. The free beach is the first one you’ll come across when arriving at the port with ferry tickets to Monte di Procida. The greyish sand here displays hints of the region’s volcanic past. At the same time, the blue waters are a reminder of the gulf’s aquatic charm. Convenient and clean, Acquamorta is an excellent place to sunbathe, swim, or enjoy a romantic evening walk.
Spiaggia Miliscola
Less than 2km from the town center, Miliscola Beach is a preferred seafront with soft brown sand, a large free section, and plenty of activities. While the shore is clean enough to lay your own towel, you can rent sunbeds from the resorts that line the strip. The beach is safe for families; however, the sea gets deep pretty quickly, and thus kids need constant supervision. Many locals come to Miliscola on the weekends to sunbathe, surf, and view stunning sunsets.
Spiaggetta Verde
Less than 4km from the center, the sheltered cove of Verde is a hidden gem in the truest sense. The tiny, facility-free sandy strip is reachable only by sea. Most beachgoers come here by kayak. Uncrowded, surrounded by high-rising cliffs, and offering perfect swimming waters, it’s a must-visit for tourists who enjoy discovering offbeat locations.
Spiaggia di Torregaveta
Torregaveta is one of the best beaches in Monte di Procida. It’s also one of the closest, situated less than 1 kilometer from the center of the town. Although the beach is free, you can still rent sunbeds and parasols on this sandy strip. Pontile di Torregaveta is a long pier going into the sea, right next to the beach. Tourists and locals come here for a walk or to take mesmerizing sunset photos. Additionally, several bars and restaurants populate the streets near the shore, serving fresh seafood and local gastronomic delights.
Spiaggia di Miseno
About 5km from Monte di Procida, the sandy beach of Miseno is where you can relish breathtaking views of Ischia and Procida. Located towards the tip of the Phlegraean Peninsula, this lengthy strip of shoreline with a gentle slope into the sea is an active family-friendly beach with paid and free sections. While breakers make the waters safer here, bars, restaurants, and sunbed rentals lead to a relaxing day under the sun.
Things To Do Around Monte di Procida
Travelers often purchase ferry tickets to Monte di Procida as part of their island-hopping trip to both Ischia and Procida. They come to sunbathe at one of the city’s beaches or to indulge in various excursions that include culinary, religious, and natural marvels.
Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
Dedicated to Maria Santissima Assunta, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is a significant religious destination in the entire province. A chapel built in the 1600s, the present-day church celebrates its feast day on August 15. A vibrant occasion, the feast day comprises a parade through the city, dancing, music, and spectacular fireworks in the evening. Whether staying in Monte di Procida or elsewhere, the locals have a lasting connection with the church. As a result, many former residents travel from near and far to celebrate this auspicious day.
Sail Around San Martino
The islet of San Martino is an integral part of Monte di Procida, connected to the city by a hard-to-cross tunnel and bridge. Separated from the mainland during a seaquake in 1488, its primarily made up of pozzolana, a siliceous heterogeneous material. Interestingly, San Martino was under German occupation during World War II, and used as a lookout and a place to store ammunition. Nowadays, it is possible to reach the islet by sea.
Savor the Cistecca Montese
Monte di Procida has a strong bond with the United States, where several of its residents emigrated in the 19th and 20th centuries. As the economy grew in the region, the city saw the return of many former locals in the 1970s and 80s. These individuals brought with them culinary influences, often combining them with local specialties to create something truly unique. Visit the pizzeria Sunrise East 1984 to try Cistecca, which is a popular meaty sandwich that resembles the Philly Cheesesteak. The Monte di Procida version of the iconic dish consists of a toasted bun filled with pieces of sirloin, melted cheese, and onions. Added to the cheesesteak’s fundamentals are parmigiana, peppers, broccoli rabe, mushrooms, and eggplant. While Sunrise East is the best place to have this sandwich, it is now available widely across the city.
Take a Refreshing Coastal Walk
Monte di Procida and its surrounding area are famous for having many vantage points offering astounding panoramas of the Phlegraean Islands and picturesque backdrops of the mainland. A coastal walk is thus an excellent chance to admire the shoreline and its many splendors. A particularly flat and easy-to-undertake coastal walk in Monte di Procida is from the Acquamorta Port to Miseno. You can leisurely finish the walk in just over an hour. Another option is to circumnavigate Lago di Miseno. During the walks, expect to interact with locals, comes across many species of birds, relish beautiful vistas, and take in the fresh sea air that has a surprisingly rejuvenating effect.
Dive into the Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia
Only a 15-minute drive from Monte di Procida, Baia was once a much-revered escape among Romans. It is said Caesar, Brutus, Mark Anthony, and many more had their holiday villas here. The one-of-a-kind archaeological park results from bradyseism that led to the region being pushed underwater due to the up-and-down movement of the earth. Today it is possible to see the remains of the old city through scuba dives, snorkeling adventures, and glass-bottom boats. In particular, there are five scuba diving locations. Among them, Villa a Protiro, known for having a beautiful mosaic, and Ninfeo di Claudio, famous for its statues and paved road, are the most frequented.
Transportation Around Monte di Procida
You can scour through Monte di Procida on foot without hassles. Having a car is helpful if you plan to visit other towns. Taxis serve the same purpose, mainly used for transfers to nearby places. A fun and relaxing way to admire the Campania coastline is by renting a boat for the day and visiting the beaches near Monte di Procida. Alternatively, you can use a water taxi for a drop and pick-up service to a particular spot.
User Account