Ischia and Procida are the two often-overlooked gems of the Bay of Naples — Ischia, the thermal spa island of volcanic origins with its dramatic Aragonese Castle rising from the sea, and Procida, a tiny, impossibly colourful fishing island that was Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2022 and remains one of the most authentically beautiful places on the Italian coast. Together, these two islands offer a quieter, more local, and considerably more affordable alternative to the celebrity-glazed Isle of Capri — with Ischia’s thermal gardens and healing waters dating back 2,000 years to the Romans, and Procida’s Marina Corricella ranking among the most photogenic harbours in the Mediterranean.

Quick Facts: Ischia & Procida, Italy

• Best time to visit: May–June and September for warm weather with manageable crowds; July–August is busy (these are popular Italian holiday islands) but still less chaotic than Capri; April and October for peaceful exploration — many thermal parks remain open
• How to get there: Ferries and hydrofoils from Naples (Napoli Mergellina or Molo Beverello) — ~40 min to Procida, ~60 min to Ischia; also connections from Pozzuoli and Sorrento (summer only)
• Top experiences on Ischia: Castello Aragonese (a medieval castle on a volcanic islet connected by a stone bridge), the Poseidon Thermal Gardens (the largest thermal park on the island with 22 pools), and the beach village of Sant’Angelo
• Top experiences on Procida: Marina Corricella (the pastel-coloured harbour), Terra Murata (the medieval fortified village at the island’s highest point), and the black sand beach at Chiaiolella
• Best for: Couples, wellness seekers, photographers, and anyone looking for the Amalfi Coast’s beauty at a fraction of the price

Ischia is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples. It is situated at the west of Napoli and north from island of Capri. Ischia offers holiday resorts, thermal springs, healing sands and cheap hotels. It is almost as popular as its famous neighbouring island of Capri. The Ferry docked in Ischia Porto, which is a port in the modern part of the island’s capital – Ischia. The historical part – Ischia Ponte – lies a few minutes walk away. While the northern and western coastline teeming with life, the southern tip of the island’s quietest. Here lies the village of Sant’Angelo, dominated by an extinct volcano Monte Epomeo. From its peak at a height of 788 meters you can find a fantastic view of the Gulf and Naples.

In the shadow of Ischia and Capri is small, only 2.5 km long and fewer tourists visited island of Procida. However Chiaiolella offers good swimming and, like Ischia, also cheap accommodation. In a neglected town of Procida is the main ferry port, Marina Grande.

View Ischia and Procida – two gems of the bay of Napoli in Italy in a larger map

Have you soaked in Ischia’s thermal waters or discovered Procida’s candy-coloured harbour? Share your Bay of Naples island discoveries in the comments! 🌋

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