Sights & Activities
BOAT TOUR: We lucked out because this was included in our trip package when we booked it through Bus2Alps, but I would highly recommend doing a boat tour. I don’t think they cost more than 25 euro a person and your tour guide will point out really cool things you might not know otherwise, such as the famous Faraglioni Rocks which are the backdrop for some high end campaigns such as the Dolce and Gabbana advertisements and commercials. They also pointed out where Leonardo DiCaprio stays, as well as where they have filmed a few movies. *It was a little rocky at points so if you get sea sick very easily this may not be the best option*
THE BLUE GROTTO: On our boat tour, we stopped at the Blue Grotto. I had heard of it a few times but didn’t really know what to expect. Our tour boat stops and these tiny row boats come up to us and we split up into small groups of three. We jump into our tiny wood rowboat and then go up to this boat that acted as the cashier because it turns out going in the Blue Grotto isn’t free. It cost us around 10 euro a person not including a 2 or 3 euro tip. Once we paid, our guide told us to lay completely flat in the boat and then next thing I know we’re going towards the mouth of the cave that was 2 meters. You can see the mouth in the photo below where the small rowboats are heading but the actual hole we went through was frighteningly small, about a meter tall (hence why we had to lay down). Once we got inside, it was unlike anything I had ever seen, nor will see again. It’s a natural sea cave that appears to be lit from underground fluorescent bright lights but without editing, this is how blue the water really was. It was absolutely spectacular and I can see why it’s one of the most treasured sights to see in Capri. If you’re lucky, your guide will serenade you with Italian songs as you’re inside the cave, and it’s pretty small so the sound echoes which makes it even louder.
CHAIRLIFT TO MONTE SOLARO: Easily the best 10 euro I spent there. We walked up from Capri Town and took the bus up to Anacapri, the highest point on the island. From there, we walked around and found the signs for the chairlift. I was a little hesitant to get on it because I’m not much of a skier and have very little experience on a chairlift. The seat comes at you quickly and you just sit down in a seat by yourself that takes you on a 10 minute ride up the coast. The view was pretty cool going up but even better going down.
Food and Drink
LIMONCELLO: Limoncello is an Italian lemon liquor mainly produced in Southern Italy in towns like Positano. Usually, it’s made from the zest and skins of Sorrento lemons along the coast that are steeped in pure alcohol until the oil comes out which is then mixed with a simple syrup. It’s the second most popular liquor in Italy and is starting to become popular all around the world now. It’s very sweet and usually served as an after-dinner drink to clear your palette but be very careful because a little goes a long way!
LEMON GRANITA: All over the Amalfi Coast was this incredible lemon granita. It’s a slushy drink (or a semi-frozen desert) made from sugar, crushed ice, and various flavors. It’s like a drinkable Italian ice in the best way, and we saw signs for them all over the place. I’d argue that the most popular was a combination of fresh lemon and orange juice, mixed with the sugary ice, that was just so refreshing after (or before) a long day of walking. The stand we went to also had the option of putting a shot of vodka in it if you’re looking for a little something extra
Shopping
l’ISOLA DI SAPORI: located down the street from the entrance to the chairlift is the place where Capri’s well-dressed locals and in-the-know tourists come to get sandals hand-made to the shape of their feet. Some of my friends bought sandals from here, had their feet measured and paid for the shoes and shipping which was a little pricey but they’re also custom-fit sandals from Italy…how many people can say they have a pair of these? I didn’t end up getting a pair because the line was too long that day and we had limited time but I would say it’s definitely something to consider investing in
CLOTHING: The center of Capri is filled with high end stores like Gucci, Fendi and Prada, making you feel glamorous but don’t forget the small-shop artisans too (like Carlos above). Also, being a college student studying abroad at the time, I personally wasn’t about to go spend money like monopoly money here but if you have the means to, these stores are there for you! Also, this isn’t all that specific to Capri but worth noting that as we were leaving at the bottom of Capri by our boat, there were tons of stores to explore before we left. Many of my friends and I bought the softest sweatshirts we’ve ever owned from here for 10 or 15 euros, as well as a few t-shirts. This was definitely a great place to stock up on shirts and a lot of them have a nautical feel which make them perfect for summer.
