There are a few islands in the Gulf of Naples and I was keen to visit at least one of them during my trip to Naples. Capri was the largest and most famous, then there was Ischia, and finally Procida, the smallest of the three. They all looked very nice. In the end, I decided on Procida, it's a quaint little island with bags of tradition.
Procida
Procida is a small island created by four volcano eruptions and is around 4 sq km. Its compact size makes it a nice waking day trip if you have the energy. I was here to chill out for the day and only did a little walk to Terra Murata, the highest point on the island. This is the view from the Marina Corricella looking up to Terra Murata. In a minute, I will take you on a walk there and show you the view looking down back here (if you haven't noticed it already).
Easter Procession
I didn't realise Procida has a Easter procession that is "considered the most spectacular and intense in the whole Mediterranean" source and it was happening on the same day I visited! Sadly the procession happened in the morning and I arrived at noon. I missed this but still got to experience a bit of the tradition.
After arriving on the island, I did the 20 minutes walk uphill to Terra Murata, which in the end turned out taking much longer. As I turned into the narrow cobblestone lanes, I saw it was blocked by men carrying massive floats that was as wide as the lane itself. The floats were heavy, and the guys could only carry them about half a minute each time before they needed to rest. That said, their spirits were mega high. I had no option but to follow them slowly, and could only slip forward during their rest. Every time I passed a float, there was another one in front.
Eventually I got through the narrow lanes and continued uphill. There were more floats on the way up and now the guys were battling with the slope. I don't know if it's harder work to squeeze through a narrow lane or uphill a road....
There was some kiddies float, they looked a bit lighter and some teenagers and mums helped to carry them up. I was looking at this $ sign one and wondered if one day there will be a Bitcoin one. The final destination for the floats is the building at the top.
I later found out this is an old prison now used as some sort of cultural center, and the floats are put on exhibit here. Bringing the float uphill was just part of the challenge, now they had to get it through this little entrance which was just side enough for the float. Even I couldn't squeeze through at the same time, let alone the guys!!!
Terra Murata viewpoint
After the unexpected encounter en route with the easter procession, I finally achieved the purpose of my day. Isn't this view gorgeous!! Marina Corricella is the oldest village on the island, where colourful houses are built on different levels creating a charming paradise facing the sea.
Marina Corricella
I spent the rest of the afternoon chilling out at the marina. Soaking in the warm sunray, listening to the sea breeze, and of course eating my gelato.
Till it was sunset and I had to leave. Good bye Procida.