Italy Day 3: Isle of Capri
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Isle of Capri
Buongiorno (good morning)!
Today we were up at the usual time for a 7:00 a.m. breakfast call at the hotel. We boarded a small ferry that bounced along in choppy waters for about 25 minutes, on the way to the island of Capri. For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned many rich and famous visitors, and I can see why! I definitely did not feel very well after that boat trip, but soon felt better when we were on solid ground.
first glimpse of the Isle of Capri
This island is absolutely gorgeous with its aquamarine colored ocean waters and the little villages rising right out of the ocean.
boats docked at the Marina Grande in Capri
The day was sunny and wonderful! We opted out of an optional excursion here and spent the day exploring on our own. We first rode the funicular (railway) up the steep mountainside to the main village where we parted from our group, then caught a bus to the the highest village of Anacapri.
We happened upon this funeral before catching our bus.
Italian funeral
Anacapri
Once at Anacapri, we rode a single seat ski lift to the top of Mt. Solaro, and saw so many spectacular views along the way.
chairlift to the top of Mt. Solaro
Capri below
more of Capri from the chairlift
famous ocean rocks
Capri Town
After enjoying the amazing Mt. top views, we rode the chairlift down to Anacapri, and took the bus back down to Capri Town. We walked to some beautiful gardens and had a picnic lunch of salami, unknown cheese(pointed to select at an Italian deli), and rustic bread, while enjoying this ocean view.
aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean
Capri Town gardens at ocean's edge
Our next adventure was to hike 35 minutes to the Natural Arch, which is a circular rock formation. We hiked at a fast pace, on a narrow route, partially through a residential area that displayed some of the most stunning gates and entryways above the crystal clear ocean below. This arch was much like our “Royal Arch” on the Mesa Trail, but only with sparkling views of the Mediterranean visible through it. Well worth the hike indeed!
Natural Arch
Here are some of the gorgeous gates/ entryways etc… we enjoyed on our Capri hike.
gate
another gate
gate
nice ocean views
yet another gate
my very favorite gate/ entryway
This little shrine was also along the path the the arch. It looks like a wedding chapel of some sort … but I’m not sure. Check out the brilliant floor.
matrimonial shrine?
This was someone’s patio area, very near the Natural Arch.
nice residential patio area
The Isle of Capri was one of my most favorite places in Italy! This house ceramic says it best!
home of flowers
Sorrento
After crossing the rock beach of Capri and dipping our feet in the Mediterranean, it was time to board the boat back to Sorrento for our last evening there. We passed on an optional excursion to a seafood restaurant with our tour group and instead ventured back into the heart of Sorrento, via hotel shuttle (whew) for dinner and a little sidewalk shopping.
We ate at a little sidewalk cafe trattoria hidden away in an alley, that Rick Steve’s recommended in his Italy book. This restaurant was filled with ambiance and we were not disappointed! Dave had fish and veggies and I had a glorious pizza.
Viva Italia! Bon Appetit!
quaint trattoria ala Rick Steves
the best of many pizzas in Italia
We enjoyed the window displays, bought a few souvenirs this evening, then it was off to bed. What a marvelous day!
great display with "ice cream cones"
Va bene – that’s good/ fine.
Ciao
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Mom, the “aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean” picture is FANTASTIC!!!! Oh my gosh, Capri looks so beautiful! 🙂
July 2nd, 2010 at 11:29 pm
Thanks so much my molto bella (very beautiful) daughter. You would have loved the Isle of Capri!