ENGLAND
SIRACUSA




Procida, a tiny spot of land in the Bay of Naples, might be best known as the island between Ischia and Capri. But in late January, it was named Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022, beating nine other candidates—a mix of cities and small towns—and becoming the first island to ever be granted the title.
Under two square miles in total, the island has mostly flown under the tourist radar (except in July and August, when many Neapolitans come here for their summer vacations), overshadowed by its better-known siblings. This is all despite its big-screen moments—Procida has served as the set of The Talented Mr. Ripley and Il Postino—and the fact that it features the same pastel houses, cafes-lined marinas, and narrow streets as its bigger counterparts, but also historic sites, wild nature, and near-empty beaches.
From here, it’s a 15-minute walk uphill (then downhill) to Marina Corricella, Procida’s oldest fishing village. Only reachable on foot or by boat, the area is one of the best places to stay for a taste of slow island living, and is full of restaurants—Caracale, La Lampara, Il Pescatore, to name a few—gelato shops like Chiaro di Luna, and bars.
At the opposite end of the island, Marina Chiaiolella is another fishing village with great eateries (try Da Mariano and Lido Vivara), craft boutiques, and old-school bakeries—not to mention access to one of the island’s most popular beaches, spiaggia della Chiaiolella, known for its sunsets.
Terra Murata, the fortified medieval stronghold at the highest and northernmost tip of the island, is another highlight. A tumble of skinny lanes and crumbling houses, this is Procida’s most historical center, home to Abbazia San Michele Arcangelo, which honors Procida’s patron saint, and Palazzo D’Avalos, a 16th-century palace that was the former residence of the island’s governing family. In 1830 the building was converted into a prison that eventually closed in 1988. Two viewpoints here offer the island’s most panoramic vistas: Corricella in all its candy-colored glory to the west; and the Gulf of Naples, with Capri in the distance, to the east.
On the opposite coast from Marina Grande, in the southern part of the island, there here is a place that no guide on “what to see in Procida” will ever forget.
The seaside village of Corricella is simply suggestive and lively at the same time. It is the classic fishermen village animated by bars, restaurants and small craft shops where you can buy the most typical souvenirs, which anyone who comes to Procida cannot avoid to love and photograph.
Here you can stroll among the fishermen’s nets, admiring the very old colourful houses and deeply breathing the sea in the air.
The BEACHES
Among Procida’s most scenic beaches are Pozzo Vecchio, whose black sands were made famous in Il Postino; spiaggia Chiaia, to the east, which overlooks Ischia and features clear, shallow waters and a backdrop of rocky cliffs (plus the excellent seafood restaurant La Conchiglia); and Ciraccio, the longest and most secluded. Further down, the spiaggia della Chiaiolella is another gem, though slightly more frequented, especially in the late afternoon, when its stabilimenti (beach clubs with rows of sunbeds and umbrellas) start rolling out aperitivo.
This “poor” version of seafood spaghetti contains just anchovies, cherry tomatoes, and a dusting of Pecorino Cheese.
The waters of Procida abound with Pagello fish, which locals call luvero. The most popular way to cook this sea bream is in a salt crust (al sale) with some herbs.
In addition to the sea, locals have also sourced food from the island’s terroir. Procida, like Ischia, has a signature rabbit dish, usually prepared with cherry tomatoes, garlic, rosemary, olive oil, and white wine.
Recipes vary, but the Procidani usually slip anchovies into their filling for stuffed squid.
As Procida is just a 40-minute ferry ride from Naples, it should come as no surprise that the island’s pizzaioli emulate the wood-fired style of the world’s pizza capital.
Especially popular around Easter, this savory bread is stuffed with artichokes and, at times, sausage.
Creamy and briny, sea urchin has a particular taste, one that fuses nicely with spaghetti when sautéed with olive oil, garlic, parsley, and a hint of lemon.
Procida is famous for its lemons, which are larger and sweeter than other varieties. The Procidani prepare them in dozens of sweet and savory recipes, and a signature dolce is the Lingue di Procida, or tongues of Procida, lemon-flavored, cream-filled pastries.
Speaking of lemons, the lemon salad with mint, garlic, crushed red chili pepper, garlic and olive oil makes for an airy, refreshing start to any meal.
WHERE to STAY
The San Michele in Corricella, has 12 tastefully decorated rooms done in earthy tones and minimalist design. A similar aesthetic is found in its slightly bigger sister property La Suite, a stylish accommodation near Ciraccio that comes with a pool, a garden, and striking views.
In Chiaiolella, the three-star Hotel Ristorante Crescenzo is a popular choice not just for its simple, brightly colored rooms but its pizzeria, one of the most famous in Procida. La Vigna in a beautifully restored farmstead within a vineyard that overlooks the Bay of Naples, delivers charm and tranquility.
MOVIES SHOT on PROCIDA
ROCK STARS WRITERS & MOVIE STARS
On CAPRI and The AMALFI COAST
ITALY
“IT’S FINALLY HERE” !!!
POSITANO The AMALFI COAST COOKBOOK
TRAVEL GUIDE
Is LIVE and AVAILABLE at AMAZON.com
Hello folks, boys and girls, Ladies & Gentlemen, “it’s here!” What? POSITANO is Here !!! The AMALFI COAST COOKBOOK / TRAVEL GUide by me, Daniel Bellino Zwicke has been published and is live and for sale on Amazon on this day and on into the future for many years, Positano The AMalfi Coast Cookbook / Travel Guide is live and ready to go to all of you waiting and planning that special trip to Capri, Positano, Ravello or anywhere that your heart desires of the beautiful Amalfi Coast of Southern Italy. “How bout that?” It’s a very happy day for me, I’ve been working on this book for almost two years, and now here it is on February 8th of the year 2021, after the horrible year we had last year (2020), a better and happier year and day and many happy days ahead in 2021 and-on-and-on. You can now get yourself a copy POSITANO , this the first book on Positano & The Amalfi Coast that is a Cookbook, Guide Book, and book of essays and stories on Positano, Capri, and the gorgeous Amalfi Coast. “Yee-haa!”
So, if you’re planning that special Positano / Amalfi Coast vacation, honeymoon, wedding or whatever, and you need a little help planning, and seek some inspiration and ideas for your special vacation, why not start here and grab a copy? The book is filled with information, recipes, and delightful stories that are sure to get those travel juices flowing. Just read the stories and get all pumped up by the future prospects of your dream vacation on the Amalfi Coast, a wedding in Ravello, or Romantic Honeymoon on Capri, or Positano. You will start as you read through the pages of this book and maybe making a plate of Mussels Marinara or Spaghetti Vongole, just two of the many wonderful recipes in this book. This is part of Daniel’s plan and how he envisioned this book to inspire through the stories and cooking some of the wonderful dishes that are favorites in Naples, on Capri, Positano, and all over the Amalfi Coast. Make these dishes to get psyched for your trip, as well as reliving memories of the favorite things you ate in Positano once you are home. This book will help you achieve these things.
Thanks so Much,
Daniel
“POSITANO it’s HERE” !!!!