Italian island 'overshadowed by Capri' has secluded beaches and celebrity link

19 June 2024 , 07:00

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The island offers the same gorgeous beaches and food as Capri - but without the crowds (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Brits are adding an often-overlooked Italian island to the top of their bucket list, after discovering its sheer beauty.

Over 70 million tourists flock to Italy every year for culture (pizza), history (pizza) and food (pizza) - from the tranquil canals of Venice to the impressive Colosseum in Rome. Islands like Capri, Sicily and Sardinia have also become booming tourist hotspots thanks to their emerald waters, Instagram-worthy beaches, and sizzling summer weather.

But just a stone's throw from the luxurious island of Capri - famed for its dramatic stretch of coastline and celebrity clientele - lies an island filled with secluded beaches, pastel houses, and a link to the stars...

Travel influencer Izzy, known as Izzydeering online, has raved about Procida in the gulf of Naples. "Welcome to Procida: the island in Italy often overshadowed by Capri and Ishcia," she said. "[It's] just as beautiful but with no crowds."

Izzy showed off the island's colourful harbour, remote beaches, syrup sunsets, and and crystal clear waters. She recommended staying for the three-four nights and says there are several 'delicious' restaurants serving affordable main meals from €12 (£10).

Late Pope lies in state at Vatican as thousands queue to pay respects

The Talented Mr Ripley was filmed on the island - despite being 'set' in Venice

Film buffs may also recognise the distinct pastel houses and narrow alleyways, as Procida was one of the main filming locations for The Talented Mr Ripley. The acclaimed novel turned film, which was recently adapted into a TV mini-series starring Andrew Scott, originally featured Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett.

Hundreds of inspired viewers flocked to the comments section to share the destination with their friends and family. "Hopping on a flight right now," one user joked.

Brits say they're adding Procida to the top of their bucket list (Getty Images)

Another agreed, commenting: "This is next on my bucket list!" A third added: "Wow looks amazing!" While a fourth wrote: "Stop, this is too beautiful." Other viewers who had already visited the island couldn't recommend it enough, with one stating: "Such a beautiful island, I stayed there for a week and it was amazing!"

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To get to Procida, you'll have to first get to Naples. Luckily, many UK airports offer direct flights to Naples International - including Edinburgh, Manchester, Stansted and Luton. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab return flights for as cheap as £40.

Then, you'll need to catch a ferry from the mainland which takes around 45 minutes from Naples. Tickets start from just €9 (£7.60) and can be booked ahead online. You can also book a ferry from Sorrento, Salerno, Amaldi, Positano, Pozzuoli, and Baiae.

Accommodation on Procida varies depending on your expectations. For example, a four-star rated hotel just 250 yards from the beach would set you back £423. This is based on two adults and one child staying for three nights (Sep 2-5). However, a more basic room 0.6 miles from the centre, with breakfast included, would only cost £203 for the same dates.

What destination is at the top of your bucket list? Let us know in the comments section below

Liam Gilliver