Capri

“You get a strange feeling when you’re about to leave a place, like you’ll not only miss the people you love but you’ll miss the person you are now at this time & this place, because you’ll never be this way ever again” – Azar Nafisi

That quote describes exactly the feeling I had when we got on that return boat from Capri to the main land. Capri! Probably a place to visit on most people’s bucket lists. When I think of this Island, I think of the endless, most beautiful blue I’ve witnessed!

When we planned our trip to the Amalfi Coast, Capri was obviously on the “must see” list but we did not know if it would be possible and how we would get there. We were told that there are many organised boat trips to take you there but that they can be extortionately expensive. As soon as we arrived at our Air B&B Villa (In a small village near Sorrento) the owner presented us with a folder full of organised trips including a trip to Capri with prices starting from €400 for 2 pax. In the following few days we asked around in the village and found a boat which took us to Capri for €75 per person and children for free so we took up the offer. Wherever we go and if we have a little bit of time, we never take the first offer offered! It is always good to shop around and ask especially the locals, they are always happy to help out! Another little tip, if you ask for a price in the morning or afternoon, you will mostly get two prices and the afternoon one is usually cheaper! That was another big lesson we learned when in Capri.

The boat took us all around the island of Capri before dropping us off in the main port. The view when pulling into the port was literally breathtaking!!!

Many boats arrive at the same time and it can get very crowded with lots of vendors trying to sell the next excursion, whether to see the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) or a tour around the island in their unique taxis. The prices are again per person and extremely high. When you travel as a family, it can all add up very quickly. The queues to go and see the Blue Grotto were endless, as was the queue to the quick tram up to the main square “Piazzetta”. We decided to burn off those holiday pizza calories and make our way up the hill via the stairs.

It was hot and it took us about 30 min but even our daughter’s little legs managed to walk up those stairs. We saw so many beautiful little yards, resident’s houses and villas and got a proper feeling for the island. Up on the plaza, it was just amazing! The views are worth every penny and every step!

The plaza was buzzing with people, different restaurants, coffee shops, shops, gelateria’s and street musicians. There was such a vibe, such a beautifully busy buzz and it was just a pleasure to be there and be part of it. We enjoyed the view, popped into a few shops, walked up and down the high street, ate a gelato and took the fast tram down to the port again. The aim was to manage to see the Grotto Azzurra in the afternoon and hope that most people had already returned from their trip there. The waiting did pay off, as all of a sudden the prices dropped by 50% per person and we even managed to get a private boat to the cave. Again, it was a local who pointed us in the right direction.

To see the Grotto, you need to take a smaller boat from Capri, get to the grotto where you wait for your turn, then climb into an even smaller paddling boat (max 4 people). Then they sail you up to the paying station, where you pay the “entrance” into the cave. You spend maximum 1 minute in the cave with many other little boats whist the boat driver likes to remind you constantly that you have to give him a good tip (nothing under €10 is accepted). Then you are taken back to your main boat and can head back to the island. The experience was rather disappointing and just felt like a money making venture but the colour of the water is amazing in the most stunning blue I’ve ever seen! Would I recommend it? I can’t say yes, and I can’t say no! I am glad I did see it, but I probably would not return to see it again!

Back on land we had about an hour left before our boat arrived to pick us up and take us back to the main land. We found a cute little bar and enjoyed an Aperol Spritz in the sunshine whist taking in the beauty of this unique island. Capri is probably one of the most stunning places I have ever seen, I would love to go back and spend more time on the island and maybe (probably!) without children. I would say it is the perfect romantic get away with your partner, but make sure you save up your pocket money as everything is three times the price compared to the already expensive Amalfi Coast mainland.

“Capri on the Amalfi Coast in Italy is my ultimate holiday destination.” – Vidal Sassoon, I now absolutely get your point!