I may be in Naples in early November and I'd like to visit the island of Procida. Judging by information in guidebooks, most restaurants (and hotels) are closed from November to April. Is the island dead during that time? And does the ferry from Naples stop running or is it on a limited schedule?

People live on Procida all year. The aliscafi and the traghetti do not/cannot stop running. Some of Procida will be closed but it isn't as much of a tourist island as Capri and Ischia. You can e-mail hotels and they will tell you if they are open and how much is open.

I looked at a couple of hotels and they are open through the end of December.

Are you going for a reason? Is it where your family is from?

Most definitely some of Procida does close for the winter: beachside bars and restaurants, and perhaps the majority of the hotels.

However its population of almost 11,000 doesn't diminish much, and you'll still find places to eat (especially in and around the main port) - and to stay!

For example, here's one we had a nose at recently, which was open through this last winter...
http://www.albergolavigna.it

The Caremar line is probably your best bet from Naples, offering a variety of hydrofoils and ferries which stop in there on their way to and from Ischia. Much too soon yet for November details, but it is indeed a year-round service - even if the website's a bit cr**...

http://www.caremar.it/Pagine/home.aspx

Worth noting perhaps that those two types of vessel run from separate quays in the city's harbour...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/125198195

If interested, here are some of the photos from a very pleasant visit we made early that month a couple of years ago...
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/proc_nov09

...and others, the end of October the previous year..
http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/proc1008

But don't forget that it's not the only island in the area - and, only a mile or two away..

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/allaboutischia

Peter

PS Not sure if the Sagra del Vino is on this year, but I believe they've a full events list posted online somewhere... unlike a certain neighbour of theirs!

Much thanks, Peter, for the excellent info. My guess is that, on a weekday in early November, we'll mainly be sharing the island with the residents and a smattering of outsiders--it's not overrun with tourists like some of the other nearby islands. As long as we can get a ferry or hydrofoil at a decent a.m. hour and return to Naples in the late afternoon or early evening, Procida appears to be a good choice after reading your comments.

Ann1--From what I've read and seen (in photos and Google Maps Street View), Procida looks like a beautiful place for a day trip. No family there--just looking for a more authentic island experience.

While even Capri isn't quite so busy in Novemeber, by then both Procida and Ischia are back in the residents - thank heavens!

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/pics_nov

Caremar don't actually put on a lot more sailings in summer, so you'll be able to choose from most of what's shown now..

http://www.caremar.it/passeggeri/pag...po&Porto2=Proc

Otherwise, look back on that page to Jan or Feb this year for an idea!

SNAV also have a few hydrofoils from Beverello..

Duuh - I'd forgotten, but there are photos of all the ticket offices' schedules, from January this year, at the end of those here...

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/proc_02_01_11

It's best if you can to get there reasonably early, the Abbey church - which is decidedly worth a look - does tend to close quite promptly for lunch!

A nice young lady archaeologist from this group showed us round, taking us to parts of the building we'd not seen on several previous tours... might be best to call ahead, I think she said they've only one member who does the visit in English?

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/133104321


You'll find an events list here..
http://www.procida.net/eventi.htm

No sign as yet of the Sagra del Vino - which wasn't held last year... or we'd have gone over for a couple of days, we enjoyed it so much the previous time!

Peter

PS - Try these to see what a real photographer can make of the island...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/agedsen...ith/444776771/

Peter

PPS - last one...

If you've time, watch them like this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/agedsen.../procida/show/

Peter

Beautiful! Thanks.

Peter,
According to this site, the Sagra del Vino will be held November 13:
http://www.folclore.eu/En/Events/Italy/Campania/pag-15/

Nickthegreek: As you can see November is a perfect time to go to Procida and you have the perfect reason to go...true authentic island experience. Our family is on Ischia. We go in the off season March/early April and November/December. It is so much more enjoyable. Thanks to Peter's pics you can see how active it is.

Peter, we have to get together the next time we come to Ischia. Probably this November.

Nick, thanks - but according to the site, that is still "To be confirmed"!

I'd already checked the Italian version, which is more definite in its uncertainty...

http://www.folclore.eu/It/Eventi/Ita...-del-Vino.html

Peter

PS Ann - let me know!

Peter:

"which is more definite in its uncertainty.." I love it, how true.

Will do. We haven't made our plans yet but I will contact you. Can you send your e-mail address to me [email protected] Thanks

Just returned from our trip to Napoli. We visited Procida on Nov.7. The weather, as it was for nearly the whole trip, was fantastic--mild temperatures and sunny skies. Procida was so beautiful I thought that I was dreaming! We spent about 6 hours there and don't recall seeing anyone who appeared to be foreign (non-Italian) tourists. For lunch we ate at L'Approdo by the Marina Grande--outstanding spaghetti alle vongole and several delicious antipasti. Nice house wine, too.

Just back from a short trip of our own (to Rome, to see some crowds) - and it's great to read that you had such a good day!

Thanks for taking the time to write,
Peter