While staying in Sorrento on the amazing Amalfi Coast we took the boat to Capri, just a short trip across the blue sea.
The ferry arrived at the quaint Marina Grande.
Shops and restaurants line the edge of the harbour, all designed to tempt you to spend money. Blue, and fish themes, it seems, are popular.
I took the funicular to the Piazzetta above the harbour.
The views from this lovely terrace are spectacular.
Right now the scene is decorated by a swimmer, “Survival of Serena” by American artist Carole Feuerman. Mount Solaro provides a stunning backdrop.
Look up at the clock tower and campanile of Santo Stefano to see a very special balcony with a view. I think you might have to book well ahead then get that table.
On the other side is a a tempting terrace. I can see myself sitting there.
I walked on to the famous Piazza Umberto I and sat for a moment with a shakerato, my new favourite drink.
I watched the passing parade. Even in mid October the crowds on Capri are thick.
Moving on, I discovered beautiful streets lined with elegant shops.
There are some stunning places to stay.
The shopping choice is excellent.
We took the super packed bus up to Anacapri, the highest part of the rocky island. This bus trip is not for the faint hearted. If you are on the sea side of the bus is seems that the bus might be within inches of the edge and you hope that the driver is not on his mobile phone.
We had very little time in Anacapri, which is a pity as it is much more calm and peaceful than the lower areas.
The views over Marina Grande are gorgeous.
We waited in line for the bus to go back, keeping an eye on the time…we had a ferry to catch.
In the end we gave up and took a taxi. It was a good choice as it turned out. The cars are open and the fresh breeze makes the trip much better than the hot, crowded bus and you get to look at the gorgeous scenery without clinging on for your life.
A couple of tips.
Get up early and catch the earliest ferry possible to make the most of your time on the island. Allow plenty of time to buy your ferry ticket, or buy it the day before. Buying tickets in Italy can be time consuming.
Even better, stay overnight on Capri. I think many of the tourists are day trippers. I’m sure it would be much more pleasant in the evenings and early morning.
Your post makes me want to go back to Capri. We stayed for two nights in Anacapri. The taxi rides up and down are something else. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on October 28, 2017
at 8:50 pm
I want to go back to stay for a while. I first went to Capri 44years ago and again about 20 years ago. I love it!
By: Debra Kolkka on October 28, 2017
at 9:03 pm
What a fabulous day for you… I remember Capri in 1963… it still looks very familiar !!!!!
By: Jan Williams on October 28, 2017
at 9:01 pm
I was there in 1973. I loved it then and I love it now.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 28, 2017
at 9:03 pm
Great photos! We absolutely love visiting beautiful Capri, but timing is everything. We were just there at the end of August. There were so many people we couldn’t move sideways. Make sure you go offseason, otherwise the experience is not what is should be. There are more tourists than ever before.
By: Susie on October 28, 2017
at 10:15 pm
It was still crowded in mid October. The weather has been amazing this autumn. The temperatures are still in the mid 20s.
I don’t come to Italy at all in summer and avoid really populate areas between May and the end of September.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 29, 2017
at 5:26 am
Now I want to go again – it’s ages since I was last there – agree about Annacapri
By: Elizabeth Litzow on October 28, 2017
at 10:33 pm
I’m definitely going back next spring.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 29, 2017
at 5:27 am
It looks gorgeous Deb, even with the crowds. Seem to be adding more places to the ‘must see’ list than we will ever have time to visit.
By: Kerry & Jim on October 28, 2017
at 11:31 pm
Yes, that list keeps growing!
By: Debra Kolkka on October 29, 2017
at 5:27 am
Was there also in 73, my memory tells me that it’s grown a fair bit, specially at the harbour I don’t recall so many buildings. All I wanted to see was the blue grotto but alas the sea was too choppy. The movie with Sophia Lauren was the reason to see the blue grotto.
By: Kirsi Säde on October 29, 2017
at 12:51 am
I think the movie was “It started in Naples” with Clark Gable. I did get to the Blue Grotto on that visit. It is incredible.
From Anacapri you can se huge numbers of houses scattered all over the island. I don’t recall that from previous visits.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 29, 2017
at 5:30 am
Wow, it’s been nearly 20 years we were last in Capri. Beautiful pictures Debra. 🙂
By: amindfultravellerblog on October 29, 2017
at 1:15 am
I have been to Sorrento and surrounds several times over the years, but for some reason didn’t go across to Capri. I will definitely return next spring and stay a bit longer.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 29, 2017
at 5:31 am
Debra,
I was fortunate enough to get to visit Capri while my ship was in Napoli in ’76. Lovely place! I got to go into the blue grotto. Besides the amazing light, the other thing that fascinated me was the rather interesting debris at the bottom of the grotto. I was there in summer and the light came in strongly through the sea, outside, illuminating hundreds of dropped cameras at the bottom of the cave! Makes a believer out of one as far as keeping your equipment on a good strap and around your neck! 🙂
By: Rob Mc Artor on October 29, 2017
at 1:31 am
I went into the Blue Grotto in 1973. I don’t recall seeing debris on the bottom of the sea. Perhaps I wasn’t very observant back then.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 29, 2017
at 5:32 am
I think that those side streets and shops have improved a lot from the last time I visited… I also have to go back…..
By: Mulino Dominillo on October 29, 2017
at 5:55 am
I don’t remember the shopping streets from my last visit. They are either new or I didn’t venture in that direction last time. I would love to stay at one of the gorgeous hotels.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 29, 2017
at 7:20 am
The word Piazzetta is one that just calls to mind adventure and relaxation under an Italian sun. I look forward to the day sipping my juice on a Piazzetta overlooking such scenery.
By: Melissa on October 29, 2017
at 2:55 pm
The Italian language is full of beautiful words that evoke happy thoughts. I hope you visit Capri one day soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 30, 2017
at 4:46 am
So incredibly gorgeous Debra. The swimmer statue looks so real. I had to look closely to realize it wasn’t.
By: thirdeyemom on October 29, 2017
at 4:31 pm
She looked as though she was actually floating on the sea.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 30, 2017
at 4:47 am
Wow Capri looks stunning. All that blue-there must be a pantone colour called Capri Blue 😉 I love that the taxis are all open too.
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on October 30, 2017
at 10:17 am
Open cars are a brilliant idea on Capri. It is great to have an uninterrupted view while driving around.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2017
at 1:58 pm
What a gorgeous place – your photos are beautiful!
By: megtraveling on October 30, 2017
at 11:32 am
Capri is wonderful. I want to be back there.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2017
at 11:54 am
Right, overnight it is then – what’s in a Shakerato?
By: Jan on October 31, 2017
at 6:14 am
Espresso coffee shaken over ice. This one had a bit of gelato in it as well.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 31, 2017
at 11:53 am
So relaxing … ahhhh … Capri … the place where sun and style meet the sea and mountains.
By: aFrankAngle on November 1, 2017
at 2:28 pm
[…] went south in Italy to visit my relatives in Sorrento and took day trips to Positano and Capri. I really must go there more often. We are planning a trip to Naples in spring so I can see the […]
By: A new year begins | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on January 1, 2018
at 8:19 am
wow…..amazing
By: Bhanu Gautam on April 6, 2018
at 5:04 pm
Those who come to read your article will find lots of helpful and informative tips.
By: Robin on May 9, 2018
at 8:45 am