There is an hour of the day when Procida stops being an island and becomes a painting. It is the time of sunset, when the sun descends on the horizon behind the silhouette of Ischia and the sky is dyed with orange, pink and purple. At that time, it is up to you to decide where to find yourself: on the beach with your feet in the sand, on the Corricella pier with a glass of wine in your hand, or on the viewpoint of Terra Murata with the whole island at your feet.
Sunset in Procida is not an event to be confined to one point. The island is so collected that every corner gives a different perspective. The light also changes according to the season: in summer the sun sets to the north-west, stretching the warm reflections on the villages; in winter the path is shorter, but the colors are often even more sharp and intense.
The Corricella Pier
It is the great classic of Procida, and there is a reason. Stop at the Corricella in the late afternoon allows you to watch a unique show. Although the sun shines on the opposite side of the island, the last passage of light kisses frontally the pastel houses, which are lit with golden and warm reflections, doubled by the mirror of the water.
If you want to ensure a seat on the walls or outdoor tables during the summer, the advice is to arrive around 18:30-19:00. Later the dock is populated by travelers and photographers, but the slowed atmosphere of the fishing village does not lose its magic. Sipping something cool while light turns from yellow to orange is an unmissable experience.
The bridge of Vivara: the perfect sunset on the sea
The pedestrian bridge connecting Marina di Chiaiolella to the National Nature Reserve Vivara Island is probably the most striking panoramic point to see the sun literally plunge into the sea. From here the look is free: on the right the bay of Chiaiolella with its marina, in front of the unspoilt nature of Vivara and, immediately behind, the proud profile of Ischia.
The sunset from this location is wide and cinematic. The sun descends exactly behind the island of Ischia, lighting the red sky. To take the perfect photo, arrive at the bridge about 40 minutes before the astronomical sunset, so as to capture the so-called "golden time".
Chiaiolella restaurants: sunset with view (and convenience)
If you want to enjoy the show without taking a single step, comfortably seated and with a glass of Falanghina or a fresh beer, the premises on the waterfront Christopher Columbus at Chiaiolella are the ideal choice. Here the sun goes down right in front of you. While waiting for fish dishes to arrive at the table, the sky staged its best show. It is the most comfortable and relaxing choice of the island.
The view of Terra Murata: the view from above
If you are looking for a different perspective, outside the sea level, you must climb up to Walled Land. From the viewpoint overlooking the Corricella the view opens at 360 degrees: under you the colorful village, in front of the Gulf of Naples and, on clear days, the profile of Vesuvius and Capri in the distance.
When the sun goes down on the opposite side, Terra Murata offers a game of shadows and geometric lights that cuts the historic alleys and lights up the walls of the Abbey of San Michele. To reach the panoramic point, you climb from Piazza Martiri through the historic streets: it is about 10-15 minutes walk uphill, but the view largely repays the effort.
Marina Grande Pier: the authenticity of fishermen
Less touristy but deeply true, the pier of Marina Grande offers a sunset of land and daily life. Here the evening light illuminates the boats that fall, the fishermen who set the nets for the night and the profile of the Palazzo Merlato. It is the sunset of those who live the island every day, perfect for those looking for a more intimate, human and away from the crowd.
The local council: do not run immediately
The sunset in Procida is not only photographed, you can breathe. The trick to really enjoy it is getting a little early on the chosen point to slow down the pace and watch the light changing minute by minute. If you focus only on the screen of your smartphone, you may lose the real nuances.
But the most important thing is after sunset. When the sun has now fallen under the horizon, the blue hour begins: the sky is tinges of a purple and a deep blue that only last a handful of minutes, while the lights of the village begin to turn on one by one. It is the time when the island seems suspended over time. Stop, breathe and enjoy the show.
Smart Board: Choose the sunset point based on where you are at the end of the day. If you are at the sea, stay at Chiaiolella; if you are exploring the history of the island, climb to Terra Murata; if you want to close the evening with a romantic dinner, the Corricella awaits you. The best sunset is always what fits perfectly at the pace of your trip.
