First stop after Napoli was Capri. A small beautiful island that has the charm to draw the jet set. 'Charm' is estate agent talk for 'be prepared to pay more than it's worth'. That said, the beer in the evening sitting in the main square of Capri does taste quite good.
Arriving in Capri at Marina Grande.
View over Marina Piccola, on 'the otherside' of the island.
The oh so stylish, paying too much for their Spritzers.
Taxi, Capri style.
If you're after kilometers of sandy beaches, this is not for you, but the small pebbly coves surrounded by the cliffs falling into the ocean are quite something. We drove ourselves around the island in a small excuse for a boat, a bit choppy at times, but cool to mingle with the super yachts ;) about the only real 'attraction' on Capri is actually in it; the Blue Caves, which as the name suggests are caves that are blue. One gets ferried in to the cave through a narrow tunnel, timed just right so as not to get crunched against the ceiling but the ebbing waters. Once inside the only light is that that followed you in, giving a magical blue glow to the cave.
Chilling Capri style.
Sharing Marina Piccola with some super yachts (Ilona and Cakewalk)
Awaiting our ferryman to get into the cave.
The town of Capri has a lesser know less in-the-spotlight sister called Anacapri. As with most less pretentious sisters, she's more adorable. There are real residents, with pretty gardens and a calm and down to earth feeling that is a welcome feeling after Capri'ing. You must visit it. If you suffer vertigo, try stay in the left side of the bus, that way you can pretend you haven't noticed the few hundred metre void alongside the road, that is wide enough to almost be one-way... but isn't.
Marina Grande, port of Capri, from near Anacapri.
Next, back to rejoin the commoners and the mainland, with visits to the Amalfi, Positano and Ravello. Mmmm lemoncello country. If I hadn't already seen the Cinqueterre, I may have liked these towns more, but there's not much to them, sure they're pretty, but they pale in beauty to their surroundings, which are stunning. Use them as bus stops. It is a magnificent region, with amazing cliffs plunging into the sea, lots of coves and warm welcoming water.
Positano from the ferry.
Coming in to Amalfi
Typical Amalfi coast.
Towards Salerno from Ravello
Ravello town square.
A peculiarity of the region must be the steep terraced slopes with their citrus orchards and olive trees, that's real charm (real charm doesn't mean you won't still pay too much for you pizza and ice cream in Amalfi and Positano).
Yes, those are lemon trees on he hill.
Getting around is not too bad, some hairy bus trips await you on some of the most spectacular coastal road. Hiring a scooter is probably a good option, but the peaceful way is by boat.
Not all sun and sea. We too in some 'culture' too, we happened upon the evening in Amalfi when the townsfolk take St. Andrea out for his annual stroll.
Followed by fireworks. I like fireworks!
Green, white and red... How appropriate.
Italy never disappoints, friendly, chilled, helpful locals, good simple food (I didn't mention the world's best pizza? And I'm not a pizza nut to start with - Sorbillo in Napoli!!!), beautiful scenery and sun.... Aaah to feel the warmth again.
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