The islands of Procida, Ischia and Capri, in the beautiful Gulf of Naples, are connected to the mainland by frequent ferries from Naples and Sorrento.  Most of the boats arrive in the morning and leave after lunch (3–4 pm). From Naples, the ferry to Capri takes around 80 minutes, and the hydrofoil just 40 minutes. From Sorrento, the ship takes about 40 minutes while the hydrofoil takes about 20 minutes.

The three islands each have unique characters and vary in ambience, landscape and size. The most famous island is probably Capri, known for its celebrity appeal, high-end boutiques and prices to match. The smallest island of Procida is entirely different. It is tranquil, unspoiled, and possible to explore easily on foot. Ischia is the largest island and is home to some fabulous natural spas, botanical gardens and hidden coves. The beaches on all three islands are lovely, so choose your island based on your tastes or try island hopping to experience the contrasts between these volcanic outcrops in the middle of the Gulf. 

Capri

The Island of Capri has always been a glamorous location; even the Romans had villas here thanks to the natural beauty and brilliant beaches. Tourism as we know it had existed on the islands since the 1950s when artists and celebrities from all over Europe popularised the island. Today, the harbour remains full of fancy yachts during the summer, and the designer shopping is second to none, considering this is a tiny island.  Boats call at Marina Grande, from where the Capri funicular goes takes you up to Capri town. From Anacapri, a chair lift takes passengers to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. There is also a bus service that connects the centre of Capri town with Marina Grande, Marina Piccola, Anacapri and other locations. The native fauna on the island include quails, robins, peregrine falcons, woodcocks, blackbirds, geckos, red goldfish, conger eels, groupers, mullets, and the blue lizard of the Faraglioni. Capri has twelve churches, seven museums and several monuments. But Capri's best-known natural wonder is the Blue Grotto; a dark cave where the sea glows electric blue because of the way the sunlight passes through the water. There is also some excellent hiking on Capri so that you can avoid the crowds and high prices. 

Ischia

Ischia is the largest and most developed island of the trio when you arrive into this volcanic outcrop; you enter a picture-perfect harbour surrounded by pastel-coloured buildings. The island has been described as 'a refreshing antidote to glitzy Capri', and here at Netferry, we agree. On the northern coast, in the tows of Ischia Porto, Ischia Ponte, Forio and Lacco Ameno, you'll find the best bars and restaurants. For spas and gardens, head for Forio and Lacco Ameno. The south coast has some lovely beaches and is generally a little more tranquil. The mountainous interior of the isle features many vineyards and some great hiking on Monte Epomeo, Ischia's highest peak. 

Procida

This little island has somehow managed to escape the hordes of tourists even though its neighbours sometimes get swamped. If you are looking for total luxury, then stay on Capri, Procida is the most authentic of the trio and bustling with genuinely local people, who live on the island all year round. The island provides visitors with a completely different type of experience. The Lido di Procida is the main beach, which can be reached on foot, locals also like Spiaggia di Chiaia reached down a stairway off Via Pizzaco. There is also a simple seafood restaurant on this beach, serving up local pasta dishes. Be sure to visit Vivara, a tiny island connected to Procida by a pedestrian bridge. It is the remains of 55,000-year-old volcanic crater and home to some unique flora and fauna; you can book tours online.

Ferries to the islands in the Bay of Naples

There are plenty of ferries to Procida, Ischia and Capri, from Naples, Sorrento and the Pontine Islands. Use our online booking service to explore the arrival and departure times, check prices and find out about the ferry companies that serve these routes. 

Book your ferry ticket with Netferry!