Il Postino on Procida: where it was filmed and what you can visit
Il Postino (The Postman, 1994) was filmed mainly on Procida, 40 minutes by hydrofoil from Naples, with other scenes on Salina and Pantelleria. The Procida locations are streets, squares and a beach, so you can walk them without tickets.
At a glance
- Where
- Procida, Salina (Pollara) and a few scenes on Pantelleria
- Getting there
- Hydrofoil from Beverello or Mergellina, 40 minutes; ferry from Porta di Massa, 1 hour
- What you can see
- Corricella, Via San Rocco, Piazza dei Martiri, Pozzo Vecchio
- What you can't
- The inn's room from the film: it was rebuilt at Cinecittà
- Time needed
- Half a day for the walk, a full day with the beach
The locations on Procida
| Place | In the film |
|---|---|
| Marina Corricella | The village of Mario and Beatrice |
| Locanda del Postino, Via Marina Corricella 43 | The inn where Beatrice works |
| Via San Rocco | Mario on his bicycle and the election campaign car |
| Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie | Where the Madonna procession sets off |
| Piazza dei Martiri 8 | Mario's post office |
| Via Principessa Margherita | The cinema with the newsreel about Neruda |
| Pozzo Vecchio beach | Known as the Postman's beach |
What you can and can't visit
- Streets, squares and the little harbour: all public.
- The inn: italia.it says it is still open. Sources call it both Locanda and Taverna del Postino. The film's interiors were rebuilt at Cinecittà, so you won't find that room.
- The post office: number 8 on Piazza dei Martiri is a tobacconist's that served as the set.
- Pozzo Vecchio: a free beach of dark volcanic sand on the west side of the island. Italia.it mentions a partly equipped stretch, while Napolike says there are no beach clubs, so come prepared.
The walking route
- From Marina Grande, walk or take a microtaxi to Corricella.
- From the little square by the inn, climb the Graziella steps to Via San Rocco.
- At the end of the street is the Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie, on Salita Castello.
- Carry on to Piazza dei Martiri, at the top of the street. The cinema spot is at the start of Via Principessa Margherita.
- If you have time, go up to Terra Murata along Salita Castello.
- Pozzo Vecchio is about 30 minutes on foot from Corricella: Via Marcello Scotti, Via Santissima Annunziata to the cemetery, then the path to the right of the entrance. By car or microtaxi it takes under 10 minutes.
Tip: in summer, do Via San Rocco early in the morning or at sunset. The climb is steep and there is little shade.
Salina and Pantelleria
- Salina: Pollara has the beach below Mario's house, Via Massimo Troisi and Neruda's house, which is private. The beach has shrunk a lot through erosion.
- Pantelleria: Italy for Movies lists a few opening scenes of Mario cycling.
Both are Sicilian islands, so they are not day trips from Naples.
Getting there
- Hydrofoil from Molo Beverello or Mergellina: about 40 minutes.
- Ferry from Calata Porta di Massa: about 1 hour.
- Boats dock at Marina Grande. The island has buses and microtaxis.
Times and companies are in our ferry guide.
The film
Il Postino was directed by Michael Radford and stars Massimo Troisi, Philippe Noiret and Maria Grazia Cucinotta. Mario becomes the personal postman of the poet Pablo Neruda, exiled on the island. Via San Rocco and Piazza dei Martiri also appear in The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Plan your visit
- Procida from NaplesCorricella, Terra Murata, beaches
- Ferries from Naples to the islandsports, companies, journey times
- The Talented Mr. Ripleysame streets, a different film
- Naples film locationsfilms and TV series around the bay
Frequently asked questions
Where was Il Postino filmed?
Mainly on Procida, around Marina Corricella, and at Pollara on the island of Salina. A few opening scenes were shot on Pantelleria, and the inn's interiors at Cinecittà.
Where is the Il Postino beach?
There are two. On Procida it is Pozzo Vecchio, on the west side of the island. On Salina it is Pollara beach, below Mario's house, now much reduced by erosion.
Is the Locanda del Postino a real place?
Yes, it is at Via Marina Corricella 43 and italia.it says it is still open. The interiors in the film, though, were rebuilt in a studio. Check opening times before you go.
Can you visit Neruda's house?
No. The house from the film is at Pollara, on Salina, and it is a private home. You can only see it from outside, along Via Massimo Troisi.
How long do you need for the Procida locations?
Half a day covers Corricella, Via San Rocco and Piazza dei Martiri. Add Pozzo Vecchio beach and it is better to plan a full day.
Where to stay in Procida
6 places to stay in Procida on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
