Isolotto of Vivara: Procida Nature and Archaeological Reserve Guide

There is a place, just a few steps from the colouring of the Chiaiolella, where nature still has the last word. It isIsolotto of Vivara, a fragment of wild land in the form of crescents born more than 55.000 years ago from a volcanic explosion. If you are looking for an authentic experience, away from the usual tourist circuits, this State Natural Reserve It's the treasure you have to find out.

But be careful: Vivara is a fragile and precious ecosystem. It is not a city park, but aprotected oasis that requires respect and a minimum of organization.

The Shadow of the Mycenaeans: A Journey to the Bronze Age

Vivara is not "only" a green paradise. For lovers of history, this volcanic rock is a gold mine. It was the archaeologist Giorgio Buchner, in the 1930s, to guess that the paths of Vivara hid thousand-year secrets. The excavations brought to light a prehistoric settlement only, witnessing trade between local populations and Mycenaean civilization.

Walking through the remains ofBronze Age, we perceive the importance of this strategic knot in the ancient Mediterranean. A detail that always fascinates visitors? Due to the slow lowering of the soil (typical volcanic phenomena of the flegrea area), part of the ancient village today is submerged about 9 meters deep, making the foundations of Vivara a temple for underwater archaeology in the heart of the Protected Marine Area "Regno di Nettuno".

Uncontaminated nature and the Villa del Duca

After centuries of silence, life returned to the island in 1681 when Giovanni de Guevara, Duke of Bovino, chose this place as his personal reserve. The beautiful "House of Hunt" (or Villa del Duca) is the only surviving building and dominates the highest point of the islet (109 meters).

Today, Vivara is a sanctuary of biodiversity. It is the realm of the Falco Pellegrino and a crucial stopping point for migratory avifauna. The flora is a living lesson of Mediterranean maquis: between lentils, blueberries and corbezzoli, the scent of the island on sunny days is something you will bring with you forever.

Practical Guide 2026: Logistics and Booking

To get to Vivara you have to cross the iconic pedestrian bridge connecting the island to the Chiaiolella area. Here's how to plan without stress:

• In Bus (New EAV Lines): To reach the bridge from the Port of Marina Grande, forget the old English. Today you have to take Line 1 (ex L1) — also identified as bus 137 — or Line 2 (ex L2 / bus 138). Both circulars end their race a few meters from the descent to Vivara. The races are frequent, about every 15-20 minutes.
• In Taxi: Convenient if you have little time; simply ask for the "discesa di Vivara alla Chiaiolella".
• How to Visit: Remember access is permitted only through mandatory guided tour. You cannot venture alone. We highly recommend you check availability and book your ticket online on the official portal of the Reserve or the Municipality of Procida in advance, especially on spring and summer weekends.
• The tip: Even if you don't find a place for the internal tour, the view over the bridge is the best place to admire the sunset on Ischia. It is free, romantic and absolutely unforgettable.