12 minute read
Capri
Whether or not we are fully aware, sensory experiences are a big part of making a trip memorable. A color, a sound, an image, a person you were with ... all those small things combined can turn a simple day into the perfect day. For me, I can say that my first time in Capri was the pinnacle of any travel day I have experienced.First impressions count. I am not going to lie. I had a specific idea of what Capri could be: a popular summer destination, probably lacking authenticity and certainly too crowded for my taste. All I really knew about Capri was that I wanted to go. Because days spent in Capri typically include an itinerary, I decided to go without a plan. Give it a try sometime. Unplanned days can turn out to be the best days of your vacation.
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As you get closer to the island, you see it's majestic cliffs rising from the deep blue sea. It truly is hypnotizing. The Marina Grande sure is the hub of the island. There is nothing to see here, so hop on a convertible taxi or get a ticket to ride the funicular (closed from January through March for maintenance) to get to the old town main square on top of the hill.
Benvenuto a Capri
My goal for the day was really to see what Capri was all about. Because it was so hot that day, my plan quickly turned into getting to the beach. This volcanic island may be not trying to impress you with large sandy beaches, but it sure has some incredible spots.
Capri Rooftop
Marina Picola is probably the image that comes to mind when thinking of Capri--rocky beaches with lounge chairs and umbrellas. While looking on my phone for a way to walk to Marina Picola, we ended up by mistake walking from the old town center towards the "Gardens of Augusto," since on the map it looked like it could be a close access to the beach. I later realized my mistake didn't account for the cliffs. But, this little misguidance brought us to a breathtaking lounge bar. Capri Rooftop is facing Capri's dramatic Faraglioni. The lounge bar is home to a beautiful shaded terrace to enjoy the view and some food. I could have not asked for a better setting. The view was a must, but we sure came back a few times after that for their delicious frozen lemon watermelon drink.
Capri RoofTop
Viale Matteotti, 7 - 80073 Capri (NA) - Italy
The pedestrian way to Marina Picola called Via Mulo connects the center of the old town to the beach. It is a beautiful downhill walk in a quiet path under the trees and bordered by flowers.
With crystal clear water, a gigantic cliff, and a cooling breeze, there is something unreal about this place. It is known as the bay where Ulysses was seduced by Sirens; if you want to believe in that story, you may also want to believe that calling spell still goes on to this day.
You can sure try to find a spot on the tiny public beach, if your idea of relaxation is to share your beach towel with the people around you. You made it to Capri, so indulge yourself! Pick one of the private beaches, and rent a lounge chair and an umbrella for the rest of the day. We opted for Bagni da Maria and Le Sirene Beach Club.
Bagni da Maria was a good pick to immerse ourselves into the Italian summer. There were a lot of locals and families. For a little extra privacy and quietness, we selected a lounge chair on one of the sun decks that comes with a private cabin to leave your belongings. Drinks and snacks are available at the bar.
Italian summer at its finest ...
Le Sirene Beach Club
Bagni da Maria
Yes the water is that amazing in Capri!
Marina Piccola
Le Sirene Beach Club is a fancier beach with a great restaurant. Their octopus salad, fried tiny fishes and San Pellegrino makes for a perfect lunch. It is the only beach resort situated on the rocks which extends into the sea and benefits from a pleasant sea breeze. Le Sirene Beach Club is truly an oasis of relaxation and tranquillity embraced by the warm sea.
The only unpleasant experience we had here was having to leave. We left Capri charmed forever.
