Anacapri and Capri: The Coral Island

After our brief stop in Naples, we took ferry to the island of Capri, which is about forty-five minutes from mainland Italy. I really had no idea what to expect traveling to an Italian islet, but I had heard from people in my program that it was very similar to the aesthetics of Greek islands such as Mykonos or Santorini. When we arrived, my conception of Capri was very similar to what I saw in Greece: white houses lined up precariously along large hills and mountains.

Our first plan of action was to figure out how to get to our hotel, named Hotel Bussola located in Anacapri, and this entailed a treacherous and windy bus ride up the steep hills of the city. Once we were dropped off (knowing absolutely no idea how to orient ourselves) we made our way into the tiny city center, and finally found our hotel which was tucked away within many side streets. However, the trek payed off because our hotel was absolutely beautiful. We arrived to discover they had given us a sea-view room free of charge...paradise! The first day we went to one of the local beaches, and just as the sun was setting we ordered Sangria while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. What we thought was finally going to be a luxurious, relaxed, and carefree beach vacation after a frenzied stay in Rome, turned into another couple of days packed with sight-seeing and hiking. Irene was the spearhead of this operation, which I can't complain about now!

We first hiked to the Natural Arc, then around the southern coast of Capri, and ended in the city of Capri to have lunch. Before we left, we also managed to enter the Blue Grotto, the main highlight of our trip. The Blue Grotto is a cave in Capri that was discovered by a German explorer, and is famous for its limestone basin that reflects light that enters the cave in a way that it emits a rare, aqua coloring in the water. Even those that come to Capri specifically to see the grotto are often disappointed because the tide has to be at a perfect medium in order for people to safely enter.

A lot like Greece!

The view outside our room at Hotel Bussola.

Sangria and bruschetta for dinner.

The coast of Capri, world renowned for its coral used to make beautiful coral jewelry.

We made it! The Natural Arc.

Hiking around the coast.

A gargantuan cave we discovered.

Taking chair-lifts around the island.

When entering the Blue Grotto, you had to lay down in the bottom of the boat while the paddler sang to you. Those crazy Italians!

Inside the grotto...so pretty.