This Underrated Tourist Destination In Italy Offers A Scenic Coastal Escape From Crowds

In-the-know travelers are always searching for  And as hidden gem' tourism becomes more and more popular, everyone is looking for the next under-the-radar European destination. Sometimes, undiscovered destinations are hiding in plain sight in countries with already established tourism sectors, while other spots are way more off the beaten track, like those in Greenland or Mongolia. But in a country like Italy, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, finding a crowd-free escape is more of a challenge.

For many years, visitors found the perfect Italian island getaway in Ischia. This stunning volcanic island in the Bay of Naples is renowned for its luxurious thermal spas, perfectly landscaped gardens, and dramatic castle and seems a world away from the showier charms of Capri. While the island remains lesser known among international tourists, it can get pretty crowded with Italian visitors in July and August, so it's not exactly a well-kept secret. Luckily, though, there's another quieter island just a stone's throw away — Procida — that has, for the most part, held on to the charm that comes with its lack of fame.

Procida is part of the Campanian Archipelago, which includes Capri, Ischia, Nisida, and Vivara and lies just off the coast of Naples in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Getting there means flying into Naples International Airport and then heading down to the Port of Naples, where regular ferries and hydrofoils serve the island daily. There are also seasonal ferry services from Sorrento, Salerno, the Amalfi Coast, Baiae, the island of Capri, and the town of Monte di Procida.

Procida is a beautiful whirl of color — a stunning contrast of pretty, pastel-colored towns, warm golden medieval stone churches, whitewashed clifftop houses, and molten yellow and orange sunsets, surrounded by the rich turquoise waters of the Gulf of Naples. Most visitors start in the historic old town center of Procida, the Piazza Olmo, and a short walk will take you to most of the best locations. A pretty little square known as Semmarezio is worth checking out but has a grisly history, as this was the spot where sixteen martyrs were hanged in the 16th century for the crime of joining the Neapolitan Republic. The medieval Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo overlooks the sea and boasts gorgeous vistas out over the water, and the terracotta and wood nativity scene inside is magnificent. From here, it's worth taking a 10-minute stroll down to Marina Corricella, the island's oldest fishing village, where fishermen still head out on old-fashioned boats every morning, undisturbed by the passing of the centuries. 

The island also boasts some delightful beaches and bays and some long stretches of sand filled with loungers and umbrellas. In other areas, the beaches are little more than a pocket of space on the edge of the water, hidden between the rocks. Chiaiolella in the south is probably the most popular, although the black sands of Spiaggia del Pozzo Vecchio have plenty of fans, thanks to their appearance in the famous Italian film "Il Postino." If you want a more out-of-the-way option, then Punta Ottimo is fabulously secluded, hidden amongst the cliffs on the western side of the island. 

It is rarely a challenge to find authentic restaurants and great food in Italy. Italian cuisine is world famous for good reason, and every region has its own specialties. As you might expect from a small island, Procida is famous for its fresh seafood dishes like calamari (squid) and spaghetti ai ricci di mare (spaghetti with sea urchins) and dishes made with rabbit meat and also basks in Naples' reflected glow when it comes to amazing wood-fired-style pizza. Lemons are also prizes on the island and play a starring role in both savory dishes and sweets, like lingue di procida (pastries filled with lemon cream). 

Procida is filled with fantastic restaurants, and due to its small size, you can sample them all over the island during your trip! Some highlights are Ristorante la Lampara, which has some of the best sea views on the island; La Pergola, which serves handmade pasta, seafood, rabbit, and desserts in a peaceful, aromatic grove of lemon trees; and Seja, an amazing fine dining restaurant run by two brothers that features an awesome seven-course tasting menu.

Procida is probably small enough that you can see most of the main sights in a day, but the atmosphere is so charming and tranquil that you may want to stick around for a while. Luckily, the island boasts a wide selection of accommodation options. There are Airbnbs and guesthouses dotted around the island, which offer a taste of authentic life in this part of Italy, but there are also some hotels to choose from as well. San Michele Boutique Hotel, located near the Marina Corricella harbor, boasts its own special brand of laid-back luxury, with rooms looking out over the water. La Torre in Chiaiolella provides a touch of sophistication in its lovely decor. Rooms have balconies with sea views, and the property has a delightful garden. Finally, if you are looking to save a little money, Hotel Tirreno is a delightful little spot on the northernmost tip of Procida, with rooms available for under $120 per night, even in summer high season.