Capri and Sorrento

Starting in Sorrento Harbbor, this update will take us to the island of Capri and a tour through the mainland port town of Sorrento, which is quite a few steps up from the port. Hey, I'm no wimp, I'm just saying.

First, we'll ferry from Sorrento to Capri. That would be the ferry.

While crossing over to Capri, we met a lovely couple, Sylvia and Gus. They are originally from Argentina and now live in Miami. They are taking a guided tour of Capri with Luigi. We meet Luigi and he promptly sells us on the tour to visit Capri and Anacapri (means above Capri). I'm sold on the choice between 972 steps up or a bus ride. We're in. First stop; Anacapri and a look back towards the Italian coast and Sorrento.

There is the main harbor below (Marina Grande) with marina fees of 7,500 euros per day (OK, I made that up).

Beyond the harbor and the eastern tip of Capri is Pta. Campanella where we rounded from Positano the day before. Doesn't look it now but it was rough. The weather reports all said light winds and seas - thanks.

Luigi is a good tour guide. A photographer, not so much, unless it was his intention to chop my head off. In that case, he's pretty good. By the way, we are part of the blue dot group.

We walk through a tunnel built by the Romans, and we see pretty much the same view. This time with my lovely wife.

Luigi is getting better.

We are now strolling along Viale Axel Munthe towards the Villa San Michelle. Axel Munthe was a writer and architect of the property restoration here around 1876 and is so honored.

That is Luigi leading the way. Nice guy.

Of course there are shops along the way. Safe to say, Capri has the best of everything when it comes to shopping. The nicer hotels run in the $1500-2000 per night category. Very nicer.

The views are spectacular.

Now we are visiting the Giardini di Augusto (Augustus Gardens) in Capri.

We love a nice garden.

Here is Jenée with Sylvia and Gus.

We continue our walk through the gardens.

We pay 1 Euro each to go to the special viewing area. Well worth it as I got that kind of cash.

This is the famous Pta. Di Tragara and Isla Faraglioni. Sailors, navy ships, cruise ships all like to pass through here at speed for a photo op. sailboats are warned to look for power boats planning to blow through before attempting passage themselves.

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Now looking the other way (west) towards the anchorage. We were on our way here the day before, but opted for Sorrento. It turned out to be the more comfortable choice, as it was a bit roll-y down there.

An incredible view, still looking west.

We can see the walkway down to the beach and anchorage.

Quite a stroll. Quite a view.

We head out of the Gardens.

Plenty of beautiful sights on the way back to Capri town center (Piazza Umberto I)

We took the ferry back to Sorrento and home to Jungle. The ferry stopped just steps away, very nice.

Tonight we will walk up the steps to the main part of town and to dinner at a place recommended by Sylvia and Gus - Liona Rossa (Red Lion). It turned out to be possibly the best meal we've had in the Med. We ran into them at the restaurant - back for more.

It's Wednesday night in Sorrento and this place is happening.

The cafes are buzzing.

The streets are alive.

All shops are open for business.

We had a great dinner and stroll around Sorrento. We'll head back to Jungle and come back in the morning to buy provisions before heading out.

It's morning and we are back in town.

Its provision time! The Admiral is ready to shop for food. Hey, it's also my birthday. What a day!

We buy our food and its time to head back down. First we go through here.

Then down here.

Cross the street and go down here.

And we come back to Jungle. We head for Isola d'Ischia shortly. It's kind of a laid back Capri.

How's this for shortly. We make it to Isola d'Ischia and anchor out in a small deserted bay. After a nice dinner and breakfast we head east to Isola Ventotene. This island features the Roman harbor cut out of rock - Porto Vecchio. Its considered a marvel of Roman engineering and I happened to watch the special on the port on the Discovery Channel, so I'm looking forward to the visit. More to come. Ciao.