Capri

When we were planning for this trip I had commented that I wasn't sure I wanted to visit Capri since I'd been there before and found it very overpriced and touristy.  However, since our friend that is traveling with us has not been to Italy before, we decided we should give it a go.  Boy, am I glad I did!

Since Capri is an island, the only way to get there is by some form of boat.  The port in Sorrento sells tickets for ferries to the nearby ports including Capri.  It's a quick journey that lands you at the only point on the island that is accessible from the water.  From here you have several options: a boat tour around the island(including a stop at the Blue Grotto), the Venicular to Capri, buses to Anacapri (the more interesting of the two communities) or cabs that will take you to Anacapri for $25 euro which is the option we took.

The roads to the top are very narrow and wind their way up the steep cliff.  The views of the bay are quite spectacular.  The taxis are mostly open top with canvas shielding you from the sun.  Considering the people in the buses resembled sardines we thought it was well worth the price.

One of the main attractions in Anacapri is the chairlift to the top of  Monte Solaro.  This was worth the boat ride over and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the island.  You have views down onto the bays surrounding the island.  You also have good views of I Faraglioni, rock formations that jut out of the water in dramatic fashion.  There's a little restaurant at the top along with WC (bathrooms) so you can hang out awhile admiring the views.  The one man chairlifts whisk you back down the mountain when done, dropping you close the the main part of the town.

Walking back down the hill a ways will bring you down a cute little pedistrian street, Via Orlandi, that will take you past Casa Rosa (a red house that is now a museum) and St. Michael's Church.  There are also many small shops and eateries along the way if you need other distractions.  After our stroll and lunch break, we took a cab back down the mountain to the port to catch a ferry to Sorrento.  This really was a great way to spend our day.

Tonight, we met two other friends in Sorrento touring also for dinner at Il Buco.  This Michelin starred food haven was a meal experience which lasted right at 3 hours.  They specialize in gin and tonics which made a couple of our Party very happy.  The food was outstanding and I would definitely recommend a visit if you have a chance.