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Capri, Ischia, or Procida? Which Island in the Bay of Naples is Best?
These three islands in the Bay of Naples are very different, offering something for different types of travelers. Here, we'll list the pros and cons of each to help you choose!
Size
Procida: 3.7 square kilometers (1.4 square miles).
Capri: 10 square kilometers (3.8 square miles).
Ischia: 46 square kilometers (17.7 square miles).
You can easily visit the island of Procida in one day, whereas a single day on Capri gives you time to just touch on the top sights; plan for two to three days on the island to visit it all. To take in all of Ischia, you'll need from three days to a week. Procida has just one town, while Capri has two (Capri and Anacapri), and Ischia has six.
Beaches
Procida: Easy-to-access beaches blanketed in dark volcanic sand. Beaches on Procida
Ischia: The highest number of beaches, from small sandy beaches and pebble coves to stretches of coastline with thermal hot springs. This island is the best option if you are looking for purely a beach break. Beaches on Ischia
Capri: There are no sandy beaches on this island, only small pebble coves or beach clubs set on the coastal rocks. The rocky seafloor gives the water surrounding Capri its spectacular blue hues, the most dazzling in the Bay of Naples. Beaches on Capri
Vibe
Procida: A timeless vibe that harks back to Italy in the 1950s, with colorful homes, a relaxed island pace, and traditional old-school hotels and restaurants that are friendly and not trendy. Procida is a great place to get away from the stress of modern life without having to worry about your holiday wardrobe.
Ischia: Since it's such a large island, Ischia offers a bit of something for everyone. In Ischia Porto and Forio, there are numerous bars, cafés, restaurants, and clubs. In Sant’Angelo, Barano, and Serrara, there's a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Capri: The most cosmopolitan of the islands, Capri is a popular stop for the international jet set. It's packed with high-end fashion boutiques, glamorous clubs, and refined restaurants. That said, there is also a quiet side to the island, especially along the walking trails around Anacapri and the lanes that set off from the bustling Piazzetta in Capri Town.
Prices
Hands down, Capri is the most expensive of the three islands, while Procida is the most affordable. Ischia offers something for all budgets.
Sightseeing
Of the three islands, Capri offers the highest number of historic and cultural sights to visit, including Villa Jovis and the ruins of a number of ancient villas the Roman emperor Tiberius had built on the island. There's also Villa San Michele (the house/museum of Swedish physician and writer Axel Munthe), the breathtaking majolica floor in the Church of San Michele, works by the artist Diefenbach in the Charterhouse of San Giacomo, Villa Lysis, and more.
The only cultural sights on Procida are the historic artifacts displayed at Terra Murata.
On Ischia, you can visit Villa Arbusto, the Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae (home to the ancient Nestor's Cup), and the Mortella Gardens.
Travel Style
Any of these three islands in the Bay of Naples can be a a romantic getaway for couples and a delightful destination for families. However, the island of Capri is the least suitable for young children due to its steep, narrow lanes and small, rocky beaches.
Infographic
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IschiaArea: 46.3 square kilometers (17.7 square miles) | CapriArea: 10 square kilometers (3.8 square miles) | ProcidaArea: 3.7 square kilometers (1.4 square miles) |
AccommodationAccommodations listed on Booking.com: about 540 | AccommodationAccommodations listed on Booking.com: about 340 | AccommodationAccommodations listed on Booking.com: about 90 |
FoodRestaurants listed on TripAdvisor: 438 Local dishes to try
| FoodRestaurants listed on TripAdvisor: 168 Local dishes to try
| FoodRestaurants listed on TripAdvisor: 53 Local dishes to try
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Sights
Museums
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