My family vacation to Italy with stops in Rome, Florence and a full week's stay in Positano was already the best it could be—so how could it possibly get better?
"I booked the six of us on Blue Star for a day trip to the Isle of Capri," said my daughter A. She reserved spots ($60EU per person) in advance for my sister N and me, A and her friend J, and my son D and his girlfriend Jo, for a midweek voyage from Positano to Capri.
I'm so glad I followed this advice.
Boating to Capri
"Welcome aboard," said our captain, Pepe, as we climbed onto the boat at the dock early Wednesday morning. The water was choppy and the boat bobbed in the waves. Those who had eaten were feeling seasick. (I highly advise not eating before going out on the water and was glad my stomach was empty. If you must eat, I recommend taking Dramamine beforehand.)
Pepe was our captain on Blue Star.
"Unfortunately, the Blue Grotto is closed today due to high winds. I'll take you to the Green Grotto," Pepe said. "We'll go swimming in the Mediterranean, you'll have time to explore Capri, and we'll stop for a swim on the way back."
The Green Grotto Cave is awesome.
He revved up the motor and off we went. Pepe told tales about mermaids and the Romans along the way. Halfway there he dropped anchor at the bay as promised and offered us a chance to jump into the clear aquamarine water. My companions took the plunge. Not wanting to walk around Capri in a wet bathing suit, I held off. (Note: Wear your bathing suit if you plan to go swimming. Towels are provided.)
The two rocks leading to Capri are a landmark for lovers.
Once everyone was back on board, we traveled between the two landmark rocks leading to Capri. "You are supposed to kiss your lover when you go through for good luck and good life," Pepe said. My son D and Jo did the honorary gesture.
High Up in Anacapri
With only hours to explore the island, we took a taxi to Anacapri, the town on the hill where many shops and restaurants are located. There we found exclusive designer boutiques, decorative ceramics and souvenirs and places to have leather sandals made to order. I can see why Capri is a popular destination for lifestyles of the rich and famous.
Pepe encouraged us to take the tram ride to Monte Solaro, the highest peak on the island. We got in line, paid our $11EU for a roundtrip ticket, and stepped on the platform to grab the tram. What an adventure looking out over the entire landscape. Up, up, up, we went. Up, up, up we went even more. I was starting to get a little nervous as the tram went higher and higher before stopping at the top—almost 2,000 feet above ground level.
We took the tram to the top of Capri.
It was well worth the trip. The views from Monte Solaro are the best-ever-ever. I could have stayed there all day and meditated on the top of the mountain.
Remember the two rocks? See how high up we are on the mountaintop?
I could have stayed up on the mountaintop all day.
The Best Day of My Life
When the clock struck 4 p.m., I felt like Cinderella who had to rush home. I wish I could have left my glass slipper (or maybe my flip-flop) on the island and a rich man could have found it and brought me back to live in Capri. A boomer girl can dream!
The six adventurers on top of Monte Solaro.
"The Best Day of My Life" was playing as the boat turned and headed back to Positano. We had a second chance to swim among the fish in the Mediterranean. It was an experience unlike any other.
Swimming in the Mediterranean water was awesome.
Pepe toured the boat around the Green Grotto. The colors of the water glistened from the sun rays. "Look closely and you will see coral growing on the sides of the cave walls," said Pepe. It was easier to see the coral when the waves subsided.
Sadly one of "the best days of my life" was coming to an end. As we approached the shore, Pepe gave us limoncello to toast our perfect day. Despite a few upset stomachs, we all agreed that our trip to the Isle of Capri was a major highlight of our week on the Amalfi Coast.
Visiting Capri was a highlight of my family vacation to Italy.
Tired and weary from a very full day, we waved good-bye to Pepe and said we'd be back sometime to see the Blue Grotto.
We were all very hungry after not eating for most of the day. Pizza and pasta for dinner and gelato for dessert. One thousand steps later and we were tucked in our beds with memories to savor for a lifetime.
Pasta for dinner in Positano.
Pizza for dinner.
We walked back up the hill as the sun set on another fabulous day on the Amalfi Coast.
P.S. If you missed my previous posts about Italy, you'll want to read First Stop Rome, More to See in Rome, A Fun Day in Florence, and Paradise Awaits in Positano.
This post originally appeared on aboomerslifeafter50.com.
