Capri, Ischia and Procida Islands
Set in the Gulf of Naples like stars in the sky, Capri, Ischia and Procida, very different islands, are popular destinations for tourists from all over the world. Ischia and Procida close the gulf from the north rising just beyond Capo Miseno. Capri, on the other hand, closes the gulf to the south just off Punta Campanella, an extreme offshoot of the Lattari mountains that divides the Sorrento Peninsula from the Amalfi Coast. Characterized by extreme beauty, the three islands are, however, very different from each other.
Capri, which has two municipalities (Capri and Anacapri), is the most elegant and expensive. A favorite destination for VIPs and celebrities, it can, however, offer, beyond the refined restaurants and trendy shops, suggestive views and historical-cultural attractions as well as, of course, beaches with crystal clear sea. Just as an example, we mention here Villa Jovis, the famous Piazzatta, the Blue Grotto, the Faraglioni.
Ischia is the largest island in the gulf with its 6 municipalities (Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Serrara Fontana and Barano). Morphologically varied even if mainly hilly, it offers numerous beaches and cultural attractions among which the most visited is, certainly, the Aragonese Castle in the municipality of Ischia. It also owes its fame to the numerous springs and spas that make it an attractive tourist destination all year round. It is a place suitable for family tourism even if there are opportunities for nightlife and water sports.
Procida is the smallest island. It has only one municipality and is located a short distance from Ischia, between this and Capo Miseno. It is easily walkable and preserves intact the simple and evocative charm of the seaside village. Even here there is no shortage of beaches, although not very numerous given the limited territory. Among these the most famous is that of the Pozzo Vecchio, made famous in the film “Il postino”. Finally, if you are looking for historical and cultural attractions, I point out, among others, the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo even if it is the town itself to be a magnificent attraction with its multicolored houses and narrow alleys.
As for the connections, the three islands are connected with various ports in the region including Naples, Pozzuoli, Sorrento and, relatively only to Capri, even with Cilento via metro of the sea. As for the connections between the three islands, however, Ischia is connected to both while Capri and Procida are not directly connected to each other. Finally, a note on car/motorcycle traffic is a must. For most of the year, which generally goes from April to October inclusive and the Christmas holiday period for Capri only, there is a ban on landing and circulation on the islands for non-residents with some exceptions and exceptions. In Ischia the ban is valid only for residents in Campania while residents on the island and all the rest of the world population can disembark and circulate. On all three islands it is possible to rent scooters.
