ISLE OF CAPRI

BAY OF NAPLES

ITALY

Ever since I read the book 'I Love Capri' by Belinda Jones I had wanted to visit the Isle of Capri. Capri is a small island in the Campania area of Italy off the spectacular Amalfi coast in the Bay of Naples.

So when we went on holiday to the Bay of Naples, mainly to visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, we decided to take a trip to the island.

From Naples, the ferry takes about 80 minutes and costs about Euro9,00, the hydrofoil takes about 40 minutes and costs Euro16,00 . From Sorrento, the ferry takes about 40 minutes and costs about Euro9,00 , while the hydrofoil takes about 20 minutes and costs about Euro12,00 .
We decided to take the hydrofoil.

The hydrofoil arrived at Marina Grande, which is small, bustling village and very beautiful. There are lots of lovely restaurants and shops there.

To get to the higher part of the town there are various options: the Funicular railway, which leaves every 15 minutes and, in peak times, every 5 minutes; a taxi, or the St. Costanzo line bus.
We took the bus, and it was an incredible journey that stopped close to the Church of St Costanzo and the cemetery.

Anyone feeling energetic can walk along the main road and all of the intersecting pedestrian lanes. All of these lanes lead to the medieval entrance of Capri.

The funicular is supposed to be the quickest way to get from the port of Marina Grande to Capri Town and the journey itself takes about 5 minutes
But we were advised by staff at our hotel to take the bus, taxi or walk if it was busy.

A Single ticket for the funicular costs Euro1.40 and you can pre-buy as many paper tickets as you want or load an electronic card for which you have to pay a deposit of Euro3 I think. These tickets can also be used on the bus service.

We were glad we chose not to use the funicular as people we met who had used id said that it was like to the worst rush hour crush on the Tube in London - only hotter!

I would say that the funicular is the best way to get to Capri Town from the port but if you see a crowd of people outside the funicular arch just walk away.

The view from up here is out of this world and literally did take my breath away; I can't find the words to describe it. The mainland of Italy looms before you, as do the protruding Faraglioni islands. The water, which seems very far below, lies there like a vivid blue carpet with frayed edges of waves breaking on to the shore. It really is divine.

Capri Town is an absolutely beautiful, picturesque town, full of high-class shops, which are clustered, together in the small winding streets. Unless you are feeling very wealthy I would recommend just window shopping - the prices are NOT cheap.

We did decide to push the boat out a little for lunch and sat outside one of the small restaurants in the Piazzetta, close to the town hall.

La Piazzetta is a captivating place lined with busy outdoor cafes. You will be returning to it several times during the day as nearly all of the paths and roads on the island radiate from there.

We ate at Ristorante Pizzeria a wonderful ristorante that offered a classic Italian menu from wonderful salads, pizza and pastas

We had Caprese salad and an incredible delicate pizza that melted in the mouth.
Sat outside with our carafe of wine we felt quite the celebrities as we sat and watched the world pass by.
The espresso was the best I've tasted anywhere.
The meal wasn't cheap - about Euro90 for the three of us, but it was worth every euro!!

As I said I was inspired to visit Capri after reading, 'I Love Capri', in the book a lot of details were given to the Blue Grotto.

Discovered in 1826, the Grotta Azurro is one of the best-known attractions of the island and boats take a large number of tourists during the summer, when there you go through a natural cavern that is filled with an eerie light reflecting on the (very blue) water.

I had to make this journey as this could be the only time I visit Capri, I had been told it was a waste of money, but a least I could tick it off my 'to do list'.

The cost of the boat ride to the Blue Grotto is 11 Euros per person, round trip.
When we got to the Blue Grotto the cost per person for the boat ride into the Grotto was 10 Euros per person, plus whatever tip you think the oarsman earned.( and they DO expect it!!)

I for one do not regret a cent of the money spent. I can't understand people who spend hundreds and hundreds of pounds going on holiday and then moaning about a few pounds to see something as unique as this.
Once inside it is like NOTHING ELSE you could ever see, it is indescribably beautiful. Once the boat gets into the grotto and takes a short tour around which is only around 6 - 8 minutes. It's necessary that the sun is shining to really appreciate the deep blue of the sea that is reflected on the stonewalls. Added to this is the singing from the boatmen, the atmosphere is purely magical.

This is a special natural phenomenon that you really should see if you go to Capri.

Altogether the trip took a little over an hour, and it was time well spent. You should plan to get there early because the Grotto will be closed if the seas get too rough. It is not really suitable for the disabled.

VILLA DI TIBERIO

This is another place that you should visit when on the Isle of Capri.
An ancient legend has it that the emperor Tiberius took pleasure in having people who displeased him thrown off the thousand-root-high cliff, but there is no factual evidence of this.
Now in a state of ruin, the gigantic villa is, nevertheless, a fascinating place to explore. At its highest peak there is a chapel with a huge bronze Madonna, installed in 1979.

The villa. is open daily except Mondays and some holidays, from 9 a.m. until one hour before sunset.

On the way back, you will come to a fork in the road just before the town of Capri, this is marked 'Arco Naturale' I would recommend that you go and take a look at this peculiar natural stone arch by the water's edge. You don't have to walk right down to it to see it; you get a good view halfway down.

I know that there is a lot more to see and do on the island, I just wish that I was wealthy enough to stay on the exclusive (and madly expensive) island long enough to do it all.
Perhaps my numbers will come up tonight!!

BEST TIME TO GO TO CAPRI

Capri has a mild climate allyear round, with winters having a warm average of 15°C (59°F). The best time to visit is during the summer months of June to September when the average daily temperature is 22°C (71°F). The hottest, and busiest months are July and August when the temperature can soar above 30°C (86°F).

BEACHES

The rugged coast means that Capri does not have sandy beaches but there are lots of pebbly coves and bays. One of the most popular beaches is Marina Piccola, on the south of the island, which is accessible by bus. Other beaches include Bagni di Tiberio on the northern coast. Beaches here are not free, and get very busy.

EATING AND DRINKING

Capri is not the cheapest place to eat, if funds are low I recommend that you buy some local provisions from the Marina Grande and eat al fresco.

Surprisingly, for such a small island, Capri does have a lot of its own cuisine.

Naturally the sea that laps the island's shores is full of fish and provides the basis for lots of fish-based recipes, such as grilled scampi and other shell fish, oh and of course their famous stuffed calamari, a delicious traditional recipe from Capri.

One of the most well known first courses is Capri style ravioli: a thin sheet of homemade pasta that holds ricotta cheese, parmesan and marjoram filling, served in a tomato and fresh basil sauce. The latter two ingredients also feature in another famous traditional recipe from the island: caprese salad. This unique, light but extremely tasty dish is made from sliced tomatoes and fiordilatte (typical Campanian mozzarella), whole fresh basil leaves and a trickle of excellent extra virgin olive oil. (I am pleased to be able to say that I have actually eaten this on the island itself)

Wild quail, prepared with a sauce made from wine, unsalted pancetta and peas fried in the white wine is another famous dish from Capri.
As far as regards dessert, you have to try caprese cake, made from chocolate and almonds.
I indulged myself with a slice of this and a creamy cappuccino!

IN CONCLUSION

Should you be lucky to find yourself in this area of Italy, please do have a trip to this beautiful, beautiful island.

I just wish that I hadn't started to write this review because I want to go back now!!!

Summary: Just like Belinda Jones, I love Capri!!