The Crux of Captivating Capri
When life gives you lemons… make limoncello! How fitting that just like making the best with lemons, Capri has grown into the romantic Rodeo Drive of the Mediterranean - from its humble beginnings as a rocky outcropping of limestone, dolomite, and volcanic ash.
Those geological ingredients worked well and gave the island a head start - endowing it with much breathtaking natural beauty. From its stunning sea views atop Monte Solaro to its grottos (blue, green, white) and impressive rock formations (Faraglioni), it’s easy to understand why 20,000 people a day flock to the isle at peak season.
But herein lays Capri’s crux: so much splendour, so much sophistication, and so much history but so, so, so many sightseers. Even in the latter part of October, it was a sea - of people. As such, the island caters to the vast visitors’ needs, giving a very obvious “tourist trap” vibe. This makes it difficult to get an authentic local experience as it seems there are visitors and vendors everywhere.
If you can accept the crowds as a price for paradise, then there’s much to experience on this wondrous island. While Capri offers fantastic views of the sea (take a funicular up to Anacapri or the chairlift to the summit of Monte Solaro), the island itself is quite picturesque. A boat tour (and there are many options - we went with Laser) is the best way to appreciate its spectacular geography. And if you’re lucky, the waters will be calm enough to fully explore the Blue Grotto.
And if you’re really lucky, you can secure a stay at the Capri Palace Hotel. Lux accommodations paired with smiling staff, fine food, and of course spectacular island views will make for an unforgettable experience. Thanks Karina and Sahil for celebrating your wedding there! Another hotel option is Hotel Bougainvilla. It has a very intimate, family-owned feel to it. Very courteous staff and helpful front desk also make this more local stay very comfortable.
Capri is where heaven and earth meet. A romantic mecca for food, fashion, and frivolity. The Blue Grotto was closed during my stay, thankfully. This just means I’ll have to conquer the crowds and come again to complete my visit of Capri. No sour lemons here.
