When we moved to Italy in February we never imagined it would be six months before we had our first visitor from the UK! Luckily though, all the planets aligned and my wonderful Mum arrived for a few days holiday last week. If she thought she was here to relax, she could think again! After an early start on the first morning we were soon paddling across the crystal clear, smooth waters of the bay around Bacoli in our kayak; exploring caves, tunnels and tiny little beaches. The second day was no more restful, as off to the mountains we went for a 6 mile walk (mainly uphill!) in quite considerable heat with a visit to the little village of Valogno on the way back. This sleepy, hill-top village is known as a Borgo d’arte due to the street murals which adorn so many of the buildings. It was the idea of two art students who returned from art college to their little village in an attempt to attract visitors. It’s a lovely place to wander around and admire the talented pieces of art.
The following day was another full on adventure. We drove down to Pozzouli from where we caught the ferry to the small island of Procida. Before moving to this area, Procida wasn’t somewhere I’d heard of but I believe it should be on everyone’s list when they come to the Naples area. It’s one of the Flegrean islands off the coast of Naples and at 1.6 square miles in size it’s pretty cute! The population is around 10,500 and is home to many fishermen and their families. It’s far less touristy than the famous island of Capri and larger neighbour of Ischia. The ferry took us in to the main port on the north side of the island from where we walked along the front and followed the narrow road, dodging cars and mopeds by jumping in doorways, to get to the very pretty harbour of Corricella. After a brief coffee stop we continued walking to the highest point on the island known as Terra Murata. This is a fortified citadel dating back to the 16th century which is when the walls were built to help keep the islanders safe from invasion. Nowadays you can climb the steep, cobbled path to the main gate of the Terra Murata where there is a fabulous vista looking down over the beautiful harbour of Corricella. A few moments here drinking in the gorgeous view of the colourful houses that tumble down to the clear waters of the marina, is a must. The houses are a delightful mix of colours so that traditionally the fishermen could spot their home easily from sea.
We continued up and in to the Terra Murata itself, which is like stepping back in time. It’s a hotch potch of little medieval streets, crammed with houses that are still lived in today. Occasionally the tall buildings open out to give you wonderful views back across the bay of Naples. Tucked away around a quiet corner, squeezed in amongst other buildings is the Abbey of San Michele Archangelo. There’s been a Benedictine abbey on this site since the 11th century but the current structure dates back to the 16th century. The lower floors of the complex house a museum but the Abbey itself is as it would have been for years and it offered a cool, haven as we looked around. The unassuming exterior gave no indication to the elaborate interior, with it’s plethora of altars, statues and paintings. It was a feast for the eyes everywhere you looked; even more so due to the floral displays that were left behind from a recent wedding.
Back out in the hot sunshine we wandered back down to the harbour and decided to listen to the grumblings in our tummies and stop for refreshment! A friend had recommended a place for lunch called Feugo Ristorante, which with it’s tables right on the quayside, was the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat and a glass of crisp, white wine. The locals and visitors alike, coming and going along the harbour made for excellent entertainment for our lazy lunch. But we couldn’t sit about all afternoon! Our next stop was the other end of the island where we walked up a hill and down the other side to a causeway which attaches the small islet of Vivara to Procida. This crescent shaped island is a nature reserve made of high rocks and covered in trees, the way it pops up out of the water makes it look like something that wouldn’t look amiss in a Jurassic Park film. Unfortunately it’s currently closed so we couldn’t get on to the island but watching the boats bobbing about the bay from the causeway made the walk worthwhile.
Nearby Marina Chiaiolella was the next refreshment stop, which is another pretty little harbour and the perfect backdrop for a drink and ice cream. Our time on the island soon came to an end and it was time to get the ferry back to the mainland. If you’re ever in this part of the world then I highly recommend a visit to Procida, a cute little island made even more special by exploring it with my Mumma.
Brand New Day 