The ISLE OF CAPRI

the isle of capri is a playground for the wealthy. in some ways, it always has been, since the roman emperor tiberius had a summer palace built for himself on the highest point of the island. we visited the island on a weekend, and jostled for space alongside foreign tourists from all over the world and local neapolitans getting away from the city of naples for the weekend. perhaps it would be better if one visited capri during the week, and managed to get away from the main port and town to more remote parts of the island. still, it was incredibly picturesque.

marina grande, where the ships from sorrento and naples dock, is the bottom of the town of capri, which winds its way up the hillside.

the streets of the town of capri are lined with fashionable boutiques, and even more fashionable tourists.

there is a pretty view from the top of the town.

we took a boat tour around the island, which showed us its true beauty.

because cliffs drop off so quickly under the water, as above it, the sea takes on an incredible blue-green color.

one of the more famous sites of capri are these tiny islands, called the Faraglioni, seen here from both sides.

hotels and luxury homes for the rich cover most parts of the island.

along the shoreline, caverns and grottoes are equally abundant.

another of capri's most famous sights is the blue grotto, and we had to wait over an hour for our chance to see it.

but it was worth the wait!

there is only a small opening into the grotto, so we had to transfer to small rowboats, and even then duck our heads to get into the cave.

because most of the opening to the grotto is below water, light is refracted through the water before entering the cave. so the light comes from under the water, and glows with an amazing luminescence.

we also took a hike to a remote part of the island.

we walked to what is called the natural arch, hundreds of feet above the shore.

it was a long day, with getting to and from the isle of capri, as well as the boat tour and hike, but it was also a picture perfect day.