Jewels of the Bay of Naples (Ischia and Procida) – BAY2

Walking the Jewels of the Bay of Naples (Ischia & Procida)

The Bay of Naples is one of the most spectacular areas on the planet, with a tremendous wealth of both natural and cultural treasures. It presents beautiful diverse landscapes and an amazing amount of history. The blue waters of the Mediterranean are dominated here by the world’s most famous volcano, Mount Vesuvius (Italian: Vesuvio), the only volcano on the European mainland to have erupted within the last hundred years.

A unique part of the charm of the Bay of Naples can be found on its three main islands, all different, all beautiful. During this tour you’ll visit all three: Capri, the most famous, but also Ischia and Procida.

You start your tour on the smallest and least known island: Procida. Just like its big neighbour Ischia, Procida is of volcanic origin. Its beauty lies in its coloured houses and picturesque inlets, which was the setting for the film “Il Postino”. The little uninhabited island of Vivara, linked to Procida by a pedestrian bridge, is another of the hidden gems that Procida has managed to keep from the attention of mass tourism.

Next you travel on to the largest of the three: Ischia. Known as the “green island”, with mountains rising up over 2000 feet, it has been famous for its almost subtropical climate and thermal spas since Roman times. Here you make a number of beautiful and varied walks: from the medieval castle to cave dwellings, through forests and along deserted beaches, through nice historic villages and amazing terraced vineyards. You can also walk across a number of extinct volcanoes.

The premises where you’ll be staying during this tour are all very special, and full of historical interest. The standard of the tour is 3 stars. Both upgrades and cheaper versions are available.

Average walking times: from 3 –5 hours each day.

Tour Highlights

• Sleep in spectacular historic locations (but with all the comforts)
• Discover the spectacular extinct volcanoes of Ischia
• Stroll through the coloured alleyways of Procida, setting for the movie Il Postino

DAY-TO-DAY Programme

Day 1 – Arrival in Procida

Upon arrival in Naples, a shuttle will take you to the port for a short ferry ride to the enchanting island of Procida, the smallest and perhaps the most hidden of the three main islands in the Bay of Naples.  

Once on Procida, you will be met at the port and taken to your hotel to settle in. If time permits, you can take a leisurely stroll to soak in the island’s atmosphere before enjoying dinner at one of its excellent seafood restaurants.
Hotel*** – Procida

Day 2 – Discover Procida’s colorful charm

After breakfast, embark on a scenic circular walk to explore Procida, the most authentic of the Bay of Naples’ islands, adorned with vibrant houses and serene fishing harbors. Despite its small size, the entire island can be comfortably explored in a day. Begin by wandering through narrow streets leading to the historic core of Procida, Terra Murata—the “walled land”—crowned by a castle offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Continue to Corricella, one of Italy’s most picturesque fishing harbors, where colorful houses famously served as the backdrop for the film “Il Postino”. Take time to wander, soak in the atmosphere, and capture memorable photos.

Proceed along the island’s southeastern coastline, passing the wooded promontories of Pizzico and Solchiaro, before concluding the walk at the delightful harbor of Chiaiolella. Here, relax with a swim on the sandy beach or savor a drink on one of the inviting terraces.

For those with extra energy, extend your adventure to the nearby island of Vivara, connected to Procida by a pedestrian bridge. This small, volcanic ridge, now a protected nature reserve, offers a pristine Mediterranean landscape with lush forests and stunning views of the surrounding blue sea.

Hotel*** – Procida
Distance: 11 km. Approx. 5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: +/- 150 m. (shorter options available)

Day 3 – Northern Procida & Travel to Ischia

This morning, take the opportunity to explore the northern side of Procida or, if you missed it yesterday, visit the charming island of Vivara. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely stroll and a refreshing drink at the colorful harbor before departing.

Later, head to the harbor for a short ferry ride to Ischia, the “Green Island” and the largest in the Bay of Naples. A taxi transfer to your hotel is arranged, but we recommend sending your luggage ahead with the driver and taking a stroll through Ischia Porto. From there, enjoy a scenic walk through the picturesque streets of the old town center, leading to the medieval castle where you’ll be staying.

The final stretch, as you cross the bridge to the fortified island, offers stunning views of the town and coastline. Your hotel, situated within the historic castle built on an offshore rocky island, is a fascinating place to explore. For dinner, choose between savoring local seafood specialties at Corricella’s vibrant harbor or enjoying a meal with panoramic views on your hotel’s terrace.

Hotel*** – Ischia
Distance: 7-10 km. Approx. 3-4 h. walking. Ascent & descent: +/- 50 m.

Day 4  – Along the South Coast of Ischia

Begin your day by descending from your hotel in the castle, winding through the fascinating alleys of the fortified rock, and crossing the bridge that connects the castle to the old town center. 

From there, set off on a linear walk along Ischia’s stunning south coast, where terraced vineyards and striking lava formations create a breathtaking landscape with panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and Capri.

The trail initially follows cliffside paths, weaving through vineyards shaped like terraced rice fields and quaint hamlets. Continue past the village of Testaccio and descend to the expansive sandy beach of Marina dei Maronti. Behind the beach, you’ll find narrow canyons with ancient thermal springs, used since Roman times—perfect for a refreshing dip if time allows.

The walk concludes with a leisurely stretch along the beach to the picturesque fishing village of Sant’Angelo, where you can relax and soak in the charming atmosphere before taking the bus back to your hotel.

Hotel*** – Ischia
Distance: 15 km. Approx. 5,5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: +/- 500 m.

Day 5 –  Along the highest peak of Ischia to charming Forìo

Today, explore Ischia’s mountainous heart, a chain of extinct volcanoes that define the island’s central region. Begin your journey with a bus ride to either the hamlet of Fiaiano or the village of Fontana, where you can pause for a coffee before setting out.

From here, ascend to Monte Epomeo, Ischia’s highest peak, followed by a visit to Capo dell’Uomo, the island’s second-highest summit. The route follows well-maintained, easy trails, winding through tranquil forests, vineyards, and historic rock dwellings once inhabited by monks and hermits. Along the way, enjoy spectacular sea views that stretch across the island.

Descend to the charming village of Forio, Ischia’s westernmost town, where you can explore the delightful town center before taking the bus along the scenic north coast back to Ischia Porto. If you’re still up for more, take a short walk to the fascinating Fondo dell’Oglio, one of the island’s most intriguing volcanic sites.
Hotel*** – Ischia
Distance: 13 km. Approx. 4 h. walking. Ascent & descent: + 500 m./- 700 m.

Day 6 – Departure

In the morning your taxi brings you to the harbour, where you take the boat to Naples and by shuttle bus to the airport. Extra nights can be booked in a hotel in the city centre or elsewhere (upon request).

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

Accommodation is mostly on a bed and breakfast basis (on one day an evening meal is included – see inclusions) in very good 3-star hotels. All rooms have en-suite facilities.

When dinners are not included you will be free to organise your dinner. You can either eat at the premises of the hotel (recommended in Ischia!) or choose from the wide choice of restaurants in the area. Your accommodation holder can give you good tips.

No picnic lunches are included in the tour price but these can be prepared for you by the accommodation holders, or materials for picnics can be purchased in the villages where you’ll be staying.

Nights 1 & 2: The first nights you stay on the idyllic island of Procida, according to your choice in a nice 3-star hotel with a big garden, or a beautiful 4-star hotel in the historical centre.

Night 3, 4 & 5: You stay in an exclusive ‘castle hotel’, located in the ancient monastery of Ischia, located on its ‘Rocca’, a small rocky castle island, linked to the main island by a bridge. A wonderful and quiet setting, yet at walking distance from the town centre with its many bars and restaurants and attached to the Aragonese castle.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Moderately easy (2): Mostly easy walks, but with nonetheless some walking uphill, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces. On some days some stretches are difficult for those suffering from vertigo (but NOT dangerous !). On these days alternative options are available. Extensions or shortcuts are also possible on many days.

Fitness: A high standard of fitness is not demanded, but you should be able to walk for up to 5 hours a day in hot sun on dusty or stony tracks.

FOOTPATHS & WAYMARKING

Footpaths: Most paths are well maintained, but during the season some paths can get overgrown (we are in continuous contact with local authorities to keep the paths clean – please help us by providing you feedback on the quality of the paths). Both on Procida and on Capri, many parts of the route that you follow are paved (pedestrian) alleyways.

Waymarking: Only a small part of the route is waymarked; elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps. With these it is always possible to find your route. In case you don’t feel confident a local guide can be provided for some trails

INCLUSIONS

• 5 nights accommodation – BB
• 2 nights Hotel*** in Procida – BB
• 3 nights Hotel*** in Ischia – BB
• 1 dinner in Procida
• Transfer from/to the harbour to/from the hotel on Procida
• Transfer from/to the harbour to/from the hotel on Ischia
• Extensive route notes, with description of the route & tourist information
• Maps at 1 : 25.000 scale (or better)
• GPS tracks for each day
• 24/7 h assistance

NOT INCLUDED

• Boat tickets
• Departure taxes
• Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Tourist tax
• Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional additional tours or activities
• Tips
• Items of personal nature

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

Arrival: The tour starts in PROCIDA; a pick-up service (included) is arranged from the harbour. Procida can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil from Naples, the nearest city with an international airport /train station. The boat ride takes about half an hour.

Departure: The tour ends after breakfast in ISCHIA. A short transfer brings you to the harbour (included), where you travel back by boat to Naples (or, in case you extend your holiday, to Sorrento or Salerno).

EXTRA NIGHTS

It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations en route. It is also possible to extend your tour with a few days in Sorrento, Salerno, Naples, or along the Amalfi Coast. Details and prices on request.

6 Days Prices

Please contact us for the latest prices.

Availability
& Conditions

	You can book this tour with a minimum of 1 person.
	There are a very limited number of available places on these dates. Immediate booking is recommended.
	Not available.
	Availability and prices on request.

• Prices are per person and based on the season within which the first night of the tour falls.
• Prices are based on 2 people sharing double or twin accommodation. Single rooms (double rooms – single) are available on most trips however the supplements listed apply.
• If you are travelling alone then on some trips (which include taxi transfers) a ‘Solo Traveller Supplement’ will be applied instead of the normal single supplement.
• Prices are expressed in Euro’s. There will never be a currency surcharge.
• Actual exchange rates: GB £ – US $ – CAN $ – CHF – DKK – SEK – NOK – Other currencies.

The Amalfi Coast has literally hundreds of possible walks, so there is something for everybody! Check out our Hiking & Walking Tips – and try not to ‘stick’ only to the places you have heard of already!

‘PREMIERE INN’ LUXURY VERSION

It is possible to book an upgrade in some of the places en route. It is possible to book an upgrade (4-star hotel) in Procida. On Ischia – for the very special quality of our standard 3*** hotel – we recommend staying there. However, on request, several 4- and 5-star hotels can be booked. Details and prices on request.

SHORT ‘BEST WALKS’ VERSIONS

In case you have already visited one of the islands and only want to explore the others, or if you have simply little available time, it is also possible to do a shorter version of this tour.

POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS

EXPLORING NAPLES

It is strongly recommended to book a few nights in Naples.

EXTRA NIGHTS

It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations en route. Route notes for extra options will be provided!

You can also extend your tour with a few days in Sorrento & its famed Peninsula, Salerno, Naples & Pompeii, or along the Amalfi Coast. Details and prices on request.

The tour can easily be extended with a few nights on the third ‘Jewel’ (or maybe the first!): the stunning Island of Capri: