Just want a charming, relaxing place to write, read, eat good food, etc. From what I've read, both seem to fit the bill.<BR><BR>Any suggestions on why to pick one over the other? I realize Lipari is a bit of a hike, so I'd plan on 3-4 days.

Hi, Margo. I haven't been to Lipari, but Procida would fit your bill nicely, and it is not nearly as difficult to get to. It has all of your requirements plus you can get to other places for day trips such as Ischia and the sites around Naples.

I booked 4 nights in Procida after reading some wonderful posts on this board, not to mention the romantic, mysterious notions I got about the island from reading L'Isola di Arturo by Elsa Morante. However, at the last minute, some friends in Italy advised me against my plans. So I changed my reservation to 1 night, and I was glad. It was a nice place to visit for 1 night, but I would have been climbing the walls had I stayed longer. It is basically a working class suburb of Naples, albeit in an island setting. There is a &quot;shabby/picturesque&quot; harbor with a good seafood restaurant, and not much else. Granted, I was there when the nature preserve island of Vivara was closed, so maybe just maybe another day would be warranted. But I was much much much happier spending a week in Ischia - there, I could have spent (and maybe I will...) a lifetime.

I spent one day there last summer. Had planned to go to Capri but went there instead. It was wonderful. I would recommend highly but 2 days would be enough for me. We were there in July. Very few tourists and very friendly people. There is a good bus system that will take you around the island.

Okay, maybe I was a little harsh LOL, I agree with the comment above that it would be enjoyable for 2 days... But there are so many better places in Italy!

Wow, I'm really glad I asked! Thanks for answering. <BR><BR>How's Lipari? Seems like I'd have to take an overnight ferry to get there. Worth it?