Bottom line: Ischia delivers thermal spas, diverse beaches, vineyard hikes, and nightlife across six distinct towns. Procida offers a slower pace, pastel-painted harbors, and crowd-free beaches just 40 minutes from Naples. This guide breaks down exactly which island fits your travel style—with ferry logistics, sample itineraries, and honest cost comparisons for 2025.
Quick comparison: Ischia vs Procida at a glance
| Factor | Ischia | Procida |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 46 km² (largest in Bay of Naples) | 4 km² (walkable in 40 minutes) |
| Signature experience | Thermal parks, Aragonese Castle, Mt. Epomeo hikes | Marina Corricella’s pastel harbor, Terra Murata fortress |
| Main beaches | Maronti (3 km), Citara, Sorgeto hot springs | Chiaiolella, Chiaia, Pozzo Vecchio (Il Postino beach) |
| Getting around | Public bus network (€1.50/ticket) | Walking, e-bikes, or taxis |
| Nightlife | Active bar scene in Ischia Porto and Forio | Quiet harbor-side aperitivi only |
| Best trip length | 4–7 nights | 1–3 nights (perfect add-on) |
| Ferry from Naples | 50–90 minutes (€15–25) | 35–45 minutes (€10–16) |
| Crowd level | Moderate to busy in summer | Low to moderate year-round |
Who should go to Ischia
Ischia works best for travelers who want variety within a single island. The largest of the Phlegraean Islands packs six distinct towns, over 30 thermal pools, and enough beaches to fill a week without repetition.
Spa and wellness seekers
Ischia’s volcanic origins produce some of Europe’s most celebrated thermal waters. The island hosts three major thermal parks—Poseidon, Negombo, and Castiglione—each featuring 20+ pools at temperatures ranging from 28°C to 40°C. Full-day entry runs €33–42, with half-day rates starting around €22. Most parks include beach access, saunas, and Kneipp circuits in the price.
For free thermal bathing, head to Sorgeto Bay on the island’s south coast. Hot springs bubble up directly into the sea here, creating natural pools where water temperature shifts with every wave. The 232-step descent keeps crowds manageable, and the bar serves drinks directly to bathers on floating trays (€10–15 for cocktails). Arrive after 4 PM on weekdays for the most relaxed experience—or brave a nighttime soak under the stars, which locals consider the quintessential Ischia experience.
Hikers and active travelers
Mount Epomeo rises 789 meters above sea level, making Ischia the highest point in the Bay of Naples. The most popular trail starts from the village of Fontana and covers 3 km with 400 meters of elevation gain—a moderate hike taking 2–3 hours round-trip. At the summit sits a hermitage carved into green tuff rock, a small church dedicated to St. Nicholas, and two restaurants serving local wine and bruschetta with panoramic views stretching to Capri.
Beyond the main peak, marked trails crisscross the island through chestnut forests, ancient vineyards, and terraced hillsides. The path from Santa Maria al Monte through Bosco Falanga offers particularly striking views of Forio’s coastline without the summit crowds. Spring and autumn bring ideal hiking conditions—summer heat makes midday ascents uncomfortable, though dawn starts reward early risers with cooler temperatures and clearer visibility.
Beach lovers with specific preferences
Ischia’s 34 km coastline delivers beaches for every mood. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right strand for each day:
Maronti Beach stretches nearly 3 km along the southern coast, making it the island’s longest sandy strand. Dark volcanic sand, backed by dramatic cliffs, creates a setting that fills slowly even in peak season. Water taxi service from Sant’Angelo (€3–6 per person) bypasses the winding road access. At the eastern end, Le Fumarole section features sand heated by volcanic activity—locals bury themselves for therapeutic benefits, though summer temperatures can reach uncomfortable levels.
Citara Beach faces west toward spectacular sunsets and houses the entrance to Poseidon Gardens thermal park. The shallow entry slope suits families with young children, and the beach clubs maintain high service standards.
San Montano Bay in Lacco Ameno offers the calmest, shallowest waters on the island—ideal for toddlers and nervous swimmers. The beach sits adjacent to Negombo thermal park, allowing easy transitions between sea swimming and thermal soaking.
Spiaggia dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Beach) sits in Ischia Ponte with direct views of the Aragonese Castle. The beach never feels overcrowded due to its proximity to the main town’s dining options—visitors drift between sand and restaurants throughout the day.
See Related: Where to Stay in Ischia (Expert Guide)
Couples seeking nightlife options
Ischia Porto transforms after dark with wine bars, gelaterias open past midnight, and occasional live music venues along Via Roma. Forio’s western beaches host sunset aperitivo scenes that shift into evening dining along the harbor. The area around Piazza degli Eroi draws younger crowds, while Sant’Angelo maintains a more refined evening atmosphere with candlelit dinners overlooking the isthmus. While nowhere near as intense as Naples or Rome, the options here far exceed what’s available on neighboring islands.
Who should go to Procida
Procida rewards travelers who prefer depth over breadth. This four-square-kilometer island delivers the most photogenic harbor in Southern Italy, crowd-free beaches, and an authentic fishing village atmosphere that larger neighbors lost decades ago. Named Italian Capital of Culture in 2022, Procida represents slow-travel authenticity as cultural heritage worth protecting.
Photographers and visual artists
Marina Corricella alone justifies the ferry ticket. This 17th-century fishing village rises in layers of pink, yellow, blue, and terracotta—a composition that shifts with every hour’s changing light. The colors exist for practical reasons: fishermen historically painted their homes in distinct shades to identify them from sea. Today, photographers position themselves at the Panoramica sulla Corricella viewpoint above for classic shots, or descend via stone staircases into the traffic-free lanes below.
Golden hour and blue hour deliver the best conditions. A red food truck often parks at the main viewpoint during sunset, serving Aperol Spritzes while the harbor glows pink and amber. The view from Belvedere Elsa Morante offers an alternative angle, capturing Chiaia Beach with Corricella rising behind it.
Writers and solo travelers seeking quiet
Procida moves at a pace that mainland Italy abandoned generations ago. Narrow lanes wind past walled gardens fragrant with jasmine and lemon trees. Fishing nets dry on the quay each morning. Locals sell the day’s catch directly from boats in Marina Grande, and the absence of chain stores or major tourist infrastructure preserves an atmosphere closer to the 1950s than the 2020s.
The literary connection runs deep. Elsa Morante wrote her celebrated novel L’Isola di Arturo here, and Alphonse de Lamartine set his work Graziella on these shores. The Casa di Graziella museum preserves the 19th-century setting described in that book, furnished with period pieces that evoke the era.
Day-trippers from Naples or Sorrento
Procida makes the most logical day trip from Naples among the Bay’s three main islands. The 35–45 minute ferry crossing deposits visitors at Marina Grande, where the island’s main attractions sit within walking distance:
- Marina Corricella: 10-minute walk from port via traffic-free lanes
- Terra Murata (hilltop fortress): 20-minute uphill walk with panoramic views
- Chiaiolella Beach: 30-minute walk or 10-minute bus ride to the island’s longest beach
Six to eight hours provides adequate time to explore all three areas, swim, and enjoy a seafood lunch on the Corricella waterfront. The compact size means nothing feels rushed, and late-afternoon ferries allow for sunset photos before returning to Naples.
Film and movie enthusiasts
Il Postino (The Postman) filmed its most iconic scenes on Procida in 1994. The horseshoe-shaped cove called Pozzo Vecchio—now universally known as “Il Postino Beach”—serves as the backdrop for key romantic encounters in the Oscar-winning film. The beach itself offers fine volcanic sand, calm waters, and a single beach club with modest sunbed rental rates (around €15 for two sunbeds and an umbrella).
Additional filming locations from the movie dot the island, including La Locanda del Postino restaurant in Marina Corricella and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. A piazza named after star Massimo Troisi—who died just hours after filming completed—honors his connection to this place.
See Related: Capri vs Ischia
How to get to Ischia and Procida from Naples
Both islands connect to Naples via regular ferry and hydrofoil service year-round. Understanding the differences between departure points and vessel types saves time and money.
Departure terminals in Naples
Molo Beverello: Hydrofoils and fast ferries for foot passengers depart here. Located near Castel Nuovo, exp
Calata Porta di Massa: Slower ferries accepting vehicles use this terminal. Same general port area as Beverello, slightly farther walk from public transport.
Pozzuoli: Alternative departure point 15 km north of Naples. Shorter crossing times to both islands (30–40 minutes to Procida, 60 minutes to Ischia) make this worthwhile if you’re arriving by car from Rome or points north.
Ferry operators and 2025 prices
| Route | Operator | Duration | One-way price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naples → Procida (hydrofoil) | SNAV, Caremar | 35–45 min | €13–16 |
| Naples → Procida (ferry) | Caremar, Medmar | 55–65 min | €10–12 |
| Naples → Ischia Porto (hydrofoil) | Alilauro, SNAV | 50–60 min | €18–25 |
| Naples → Ischia Porto (ferry) | Caremar, Medmar | 80–100 min | €12–15 |
| Procida → Ischia (hydrofoil) | Multiple operators | 20–30 min | €10–13 |
| Pozzuoli → Procida (ferry) | Caremar, Gestour | 30–40 min | €12–13 |
Booking ahead becomes essential on Sunday afternoons (return traffic), holiday weekends, and throughout July–August. Ferryhopper aggregates schedules across operators for easy comparison and booking.
Luggage and vehicle restrictions
Hydrofoils include one bag up to 10 kg free; additional luggage costs €2 per piece. Ferries provide more generous allowances without strict enforcement.
Procida bans non-resident vehicles entirely from April 6 through October 31. Ischia implements the same restriction for Campania residents during peak season. Neither island requires a car—public buses, taxis, and walking handle all practical transportation needs.
Where to stay on Ischia
Ischia’s six towns offer distinct atmospheres. Your choice of base shapes the entire trip experience.
Ischia Porto: The main town and ferry terminal combines convenience with energy. Restaurants, bars, shops, and the island’s best nightlife cluster here. Excellent bus connections reach all other towns within 30 minutes. Best for first-time visitors who want easy access to everything.
Ischia Ponte: The historic fishing quarter sits in the shadow of Aragonese Castle. More refined than Porto, with boutique hotels in converted historic buildings and waterfront dining along the Fishermen’s Beach. A 15-minute walk or short bus ride connects to Porto.
Forio: The western town faces spectacular sunsets and hosts the island’s best beaches (Citara, Cava dell’Isola). Negombo and Poseidon thermal parks sit within easy reach. Stronger local character than the eastern towns, with family-run trattorias and a working fishing port.
Sant’Angelo: This pedestrian-only hamlet on the south coast delivers the most romantic setting on the island. Cars park outside the village; guests walk or take electric shuttle carts. Higher prices reflect the exclusivity, and the thermal beach at Fumarole lies within walking distance.
Lacco Ameno: The most upscale town hosts several luxury hotels with private thermal pools. San Montano Bay’s calm waters attract families. Negombo thermal park sits at the edge of town.
Casamicciola Terme: A working-class town with lower prices than neighbors. Good bus connections and a local atmosphere suit travelers prioritizing budget over polish.
See Related: Where to Stay in Ischia (Neighborhood Guide)
Where to stay on Procida
Procida’s compact size means location matters less than on Ischia—everywhere sits within a 20-minute walk or 10-minute bus ride.
Marina Corricella: The iconic pastel harbor offers the most photogenic setting. Hotels here provide waterfront terraces overlooking fishing boats. Traffic-free lanes add to the romantic atmosphere, though restaurant options cluster in this area so expect evening activity.
Marina Grande: The port area provides the most practical base. Ferry arrivals and departures happen steps from your door, and the town center’s shops and restaurants offer more variety than Corricella. Less scenic but more convenient.
Chiaiolella: The beach zone at the island’s southern tip suits swimmers and families. A small marina lined with restaurants offers sunset views toward Vivara island. More isolated from the historic core but ideal for beach-focused stays.
Inland options: Several B&Bs and vacation rentals dot the island’s interior, offering lower prices and garden settings. The trade-off involves slightly longer walks to beaches and restaurants.
Costs and budget comparison
Counter-intuitively, tiny Procida often costs more than larger Ischia during peak season. Limited hotel inventory on a four-square-kilometer island creates supply constraints that push prices upward when demand peaks in July and August.
Accommodation (double room, peak season)
- Ischia budget: €80–120/night (simple guesthouses, apartments)
- Ischia mid-range: €150–250/night (3-star hotels with thermal pools)
- Ischia luxury: €300–600/night (4-5 star resorts with full spa facilities)
- Procida budget: €100–150/night (B&Bs, simple rooms)
- Procida mid-range: €180–280/night (boutique hotels, sea-view rooms)
- Procida luxury: €300–450/night (limited options, primarily villas)
Daily expenses
| Expense | Ischia | Procida |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | €1.20–1.50 | €1.20–1.50 |
| Lunch (pasta + drink) | €15–25 | €15–25 |
| Dinner (full meal + wine) | €35–60 | €35–55 |
| Beach sunbed + umbrella | €15–30 | €15–25 |
| Bus ticket | €1.50 | €1.50 |
| Thermal park entry | €22–42 | N/A |
Money-saving tips: Visit in May–June or September–October for 20–40% lower accommodation rates. Book ferry tickets 2+ weeks ahead for better prices. Eat lunch at beach bars (primi dishes run €10–14) and save restaurant dining for dinner. On Ischia, afternoon thermal park entry (after 1 PM or 3 PM) costs €8–15 less than full-day rates.
Sample itineraries
Ischia: 4 perfect days
Day 1: Explore Aragonese Castle (allow 2 hours for the full circuit), then walk along Fishermen’s Beach for lunch in Ischia Ponte. Spend the afternoon at Cartaromana Beach with its views back to the castle. End with sunset aperitivo in Ischia Porto.
Day 2: Full day at Poseidon Gardens or Negombo thermal park. Both include beach access, multiple thermal pools, and on-site restaurants. Evening dinner in Forio’s harbor.
Day 3: Morning hike up Mount Epomeo from Fontana (start by 8 AM to beat the heat). Lunch at the summit restaurant. Afternoon soak at Sorgeto hot springs as the sun begins to set.
Day 4: Beach day at Maronti. Take the water taxi from Sant’Angelo, choose a beach club or free section of sand, and spend a full day swimming and lounging. Explore Sant’Angelo’s lanes in the late afternoon before a final dinner overlooking the isthmus.
Procida: 36 hours
Afternoon arrival: Check into your hotel, then head straight to Marina Corricella for golden-hour photos. Watch sunset from the Panoramica viewpoint with an Aperol Spritz. Dinner at a waterfront restaurant—Caracalè and La Lampara both offer fresh seafood with harbor views.
Morning: Walk uphill to Terra Murata for panoramic views of the entire Bay of Naples. Visit the Abbazia di San Michele and the historic Palazzo d’Avalos (exterior only—the former prison is under restoration). Descend via the staircase to Chiaia Beach for a late-morning swim.
Afternoon: Lunch at a casual spot in Marina Grande (Assafà serves excellent seafood sandwiches at friendly prices). Take the bus or walk to Chiaiolella Beach for afternoon swimming. End with a final stroll along the Chiaiolella marina before catching your evening ferry.
Combined: Ischia + Procida (6 nights)
Days 1–4: Base on Ischia following the 4-day itinerary above.
Day 5: Morning ferry from Ischia Porto to Procida (20–30 minutes, €10–13). Full afternoon exploring Corricella, Terra Murata, and sunset photos.
Day 6: Beach morning at Il Postino Beach or Chiaiolella. Afternoon ferry back to Naples (35–45 minutes) for evening departure or continued mainland travel.
See Related: Italy Honeymoon Itinerary: 14 Days of Romance and Luxury
Best time to visit Ischia and Procida
Both islands share similar Mediterranean climates, though timing affects experience significantly:
May–June: Warm weather (22–28°C) with manageable crowds. Sea temperatures reach comfortable swimming levels by late May. Thermal parks and all tourist facilities operate on full schedules. The sweet spot for most travelers.
July–August: Peak season brings the warmest seas (25–27°C) but also the largest crowds and highest prices. Italian families fill both islands during August’s Ferragosto holiday. Book accommodation and ferries well in advance. Ischia’s thermal parks remain pleasant even in heat; Procida’s beaches reach capacity on weekends.
September: Warm swimming conditions persist while crowds thin considerably after the first week. Prices begin dropping. Many locals consider this the best month for visiting either island.
October: Shoulder season offers pleasant temperatures (18–24°C) and low crowds, though some beach clubs and restaurants begin closing mid-month. Thermal parks remain open. Ferry schedules reduce but maintain regular service.
November–March: Low season brings reduced services on both islands. Many Ischia hotels close entirely, though a core remain open serving visitors seeking thermal treatments. Procida becomes very quiet—romantic for some, too isolated for others. Ferries run less frequently but maintain daily service.
April: Easter marks the start of tourist season. Weather improves rapidly, and most facilities reopen by mid-month. Sea remains cool for swimming but thermal pools operate at full capacity.
FAQs
Ischia offers more variety and forgives planning mistakes—if one beach disappoints, another awaits 15 minutes away. Procida requires accepting its slower pace and simpler offerings. First-timers who want a well-rounded Italian island experience typically prefer Ischia. Those specifically seeking photogenic fishing villages, film locations, or authentic atmosphere may prefer Procida despite less variety.
Technically possible but not recommended. Each island deserves at least one full day to appreciate properly. Rushing between both in a single day means ferry schedules dictate your experience rather than discovery. If time forces a choice, Procida’s compact size makes it the more satisfying day trip—you can genuinely see the highlights in 6–8 hours.
No. Procida bans non-resident vehicles April through October anyway, and the entire island walks in 40 minutes. Ischia’s bus network (lines CS, CD, and numbered routes) connects all six towns efficiently for €1.50 per ride. Taxis supplement buses for late-night returns or heavy luggage. Cars slow you down in peak season and create parking headaches at beaches.
No. Procida lacks volcanic thermal activity—its appeal centers on fishing village atmosphere, beaches, and photogenic harbor views rather than spa culture. Travelers specifically seeking thermal experiences should choose Ischia, which has over 300 thermal springs feeding public parks, hotel pools, and free coastal hot springs like Sorgeto.
Ischia’s shallow beaches (especially San Montano Bay in Lacco Ameno), thermal pools with varying temperatures, and greater restaurant variety suit families better. Several hotels offer children’s programs and family rooms. Procida works for families with older children who appreciate walking, photography, and beach time without extensive kid-specific amenities.
Depends on preferences. Ischia offers more beaches with greater variety—long sandy strands (Maronti), thermal hot springs (Sorgeto), family-friendly shallow bays (San Montano), and castle views (Pescatori). Procida’s beaches are smaller and simpler but less crowded: Chiaiolella stretches longest, Chiaia provides views of Corricella, and Il Postino Beach offers film-location atmosphere.
The verdict: Ischia vs Procida
Choose Ischia if you want:
- Thermal spas and volcanic hot springs
- Multiple beach options for variety throughout your stay
- Hiking trails and mountaintop views
- Evening nightlife beyond quiet dinners
- A week or more without running out of things to explore
- Greater accommodation variety across budget ranges
Choose Procida if you want:
- Italy’s most photogenic fishing harbor
- Authentic slow-travel atmosphere without tourist crowds
- A shorter ferry crossing from Naples (35–45 minutes)
- Walkable scale without needing buses or transport planning
- A romantic or creative retreat focused on simplicity
- A 1–3 night add-on to an Ischia or Naples itinerary
The ideal approach for most travelers: spend 4–5 nights on Ischia experiencing thermal parks, beaches, and Mount Epomeo, then ferry to Procida for 1–2 nights of photography and slow-paced exploration before returning to Naples. This combination captures the best of both islands without the compromises of choosing just one.
Trusted sources: Official Ischia thermal parks (Poseidon, Negombo); Campania ferry operators (Caremar, SNAV, Alilauro, Medmar); municipality pages for Procida and Ischia; Ferryhopper for current schedules and booking.
See Related: Sardinia vs Amalfi Coast | Sicily vs Sardinia | Capri vs Ischia
