Bella Italia: Falling in Love with This Island
Italy is brimming with breathtaking places. Just type "Bella Italia" on Instagram, and you'll be flooded with images of colourful coastlines, azure seas, historic cities, and enchanting landscapes. However, there’s one place that holds a special place in my heart—a love affair that began 13 years ago
On my first visit to Italy, I fell head over heels for a small, quaint island less than an hour from the vibrant chaos of Naples. Now, don't get me wrong, I adore a bustling city, and Naples is nothing short of electric. Thirteen years ago, we arrived in Naples and rented a car. The rumours were true—driving in Naples is as nerve-wracking as they say! It's like a game of bumper cars, with the narrow streets forcing you to navigate three cars wide, dodging vespas and all kinds of vehicles. This time around, we were wiser and left the driving to the local taxi drivers, who, in true Neapolitan fashion, managed a fistfight with another driver, only to laugh it off with a friend moments later.
With Naples and its delicious pizza behind us, we boarded a boat for our destination. The Mediterranean, with its calm waters, held a certain mystique as we sailed towards Procida. The island greeted us with its colourful buildings lining the port, a scene more beautiful than I remembered. Perhaps it's the passage of time, or maybe my appreciation has deepened, but every detail seemed more vivid, like a cactus soaking up every drop of water.
Our hotel, San Michele, was everything we wanted for a short weekend getaway. The hotel's serene style and the picturesque port backdrop made us want to sit by the window and soak it all in. Procida, with its charming lanes and vibrant atmosphere, instantly rekindled our love. We enjoyed a delightful lunch, featuring a lemon salad—yes, you read that right! Procida’s lemons aren’t your typical sour variety; they have a unique sweetness, perfectly complemented by mint and chili, creating a fresh and spicy symphony of flavours.
Food here is intrinsically linked to the sea, as the island boasts a rich fishing and naval history, even hosting one of Europe’s oldest naval schools. We embraced this maritime heritage with amazing boat trips. During the day, we swam in secluded spots only accessible by boat, while our evening excursion with Bella Procida treated us to a breathtaking sunset.
Procida’s beaches are equally unique, with slightly black sand, a gift from the nearby volcano, Vesuvius. The Mediterranean waters are warm, making it feel like swimming in a luxurious bath. Our evenings were filled with local life; we stumbled upon a summer festival, complete with local musicians, religious processions, and even a Miss World-style event—a big deal for the locals and a delightful surprise for us.
Writing about Procida, my favorite island, feels like revealing a precious secret. I almost hope this blog remains unread, that none of you discover its magic, so it can stay just as enchanting and untouched as it is now. But if you do find yourself on this magical island, cherish its beauty and keep the secret alive.