The Island of Capri is magical! As you arrive via boat or ferry, the sherbert colored buildings and…read moreplethora of boats in the bay provide a storybook, picturesque vignette to greet you. The scene is stunning and one that is etched in my memory ever since my first visit in 1999. Returning 23 years later, the sight still took my breath away and I was immediately filled with excitement to be back. Yes, many of the shops cater to tourists selling trinkets and souvenirs, and it does get crowded, but I take it all in stride and focus on the beauty. After a boat ride out to experience the Blue Grotto (see my review) we took the funicular up to Anicapri, elevation aprox 500 feet. It's an easy, inexpensive and fast way to get to the top with beautiful vistas along the way. The views from above of the homes, hotels, restaurants and churches nestled into the cliffs surrounded by the Bay of Naples and blue skies transports you. If you want to dine at one of these restaurants with a view, definitely book a reservation online weeks prior, especially in summer months. When you exit the funicular you are at the main square with the pale yellow Clocktower standing tall and outdoor cafes and shops. From here you can wander in several different directions so take your time and explore them all. Capri is definitely a destination for the rich and beautiful and the shops cater to this crowd. Along the high end strip you will find Chanel, Gucci, Emelio Pucci, Prada, Roberto Cavelli, Balencia and several shops featuring products and styles from local designers, which are the shops I prefer. You will find gorgeous cashmere clothing, detailed ceramics, colorful glassware, leather goods and even sandals custom made to fit you. The cobblestone streets wind and turn with views every which way. Purple bougainvillea grows on the buildings; blue morning glory covers the hillsides, palm trees dot the landscape. There are public parks and gardens and churches; all are lovely. If you have time, tour the Villa San Michele and explore several rooms inside the mansion and the lush manicured gardens. What a treat! The restaurants in this area, between the high end shops and hotels, are fabulous. The food is expertly prepared and plated, the setting exquisite, many with unique seating outside. A few tips to make your visit to Capri enjoyable: - If you are going for the day, catch the first ferry and arrive before the crowds - Streets are pedestrian only so if you are staying at a hotel, you will have to walk with luggage or hire the tiny carts to take you to your destination - High season is June-September and that's also when temperatures are higher. if you prefer less people, visit early April or last two weeks of October - Shops open for the season, April-October. - There are public restrooms when you exit the funicular, cost $1 euro. - If you want to experience the Blue Grotto, get there by 9am to avoid long lines. while it costs more, hiring a private tour gives you priority just like tours at museums don't wait in the public line. For us, it was worth it as it gave us more time for other adventures while we were there - Sit at an outdoor cafe, have an aperol spritz or glass of wine and just relax and take It all in - If you plan on shopping, bring a large tote or knapsack! - The lucky bell is a symbol for Capri, I bought a charm & Christmas ornament!

In my life there have been many Peak Experiences. Visiting the Island of Capri and taking the boat…read moreride into the grotto was one of them. The tour guide provided a simple narrative so I had the opportunity to learn. I was awed by the beauty of what I was seeing. I was completely lost in the moment. A store I visited had this music box with the grotto just as I experienced it. Being very limited as to my vacation money I selected my souvenirs with care. I'm posting a photo of the lid and back of the music box. I bought it near the grotto. It's still one of my most cherished possessions after 50 years. It still plays too. I highly recommend you visit this beautiful location. I hope everyone seeks to create their own Peak Experiences in life. This beautiful place on earth is forever burned into my memory.

Is this a tourist trap? Yes, absolutely, they know it and at every turn you are paying or tipping…read moresomeone. But, is this a must do experience? Yes, absolutely. I had to see that blue water for myself and I'm so happy I did it. Having been to Capri once before and not seeing the Blue Grotto, this trip we made sure to schedule this first thing in the morning and went with a private tour to simplify the process. Since it's popular and the grotto itself is small, there is often a long wait for your small boat to enter the cave. Especially in high season. Best advice, get there early, before it even opens at 9am otherwise you can wait 1-2 hours. That's waiting in a small boat in choppy waters! Also be aware that if the weather is bad and the water is too rough, the boats can't access the cave. We took a ferry from Sorrento to Capri then hopped on a boat that took the 25 of us over to the Blue Grotto. The ride there was about 15 minutes with beautiful views everywhere. We got there early before the cruise ship passengers and other tourists so the small boats and rowers immediately came over to us and explained the process which I will share, because if you are like me, the details matter. We sat on the edge of the larger boat and stepped down into the small boat with the help of the skipper and then immediately sat flat on the floor, legs stretched out. Each boat can hold 3 or 4 passengers based on weight,, 2 per side, and the second person sits within the legs of the first. Since we were the first boats this day, we didn't get wet but later in the day, I can imagine you will definitely be laying in water. The skipper took us over to a larger boat where you pay an entrance fee. After some discussion and showing proof that we already paid, they let us pass. Be prepared because they will try to get more money from you! The skipper then rowed us over to the cave entrance where we all had to lay flat as he grabs a metal chain attached to the inside wall of the cave and pulls the boat into the cave. It takes just a few seconds and then you can lift your head and marvel over the iridescent blue water inside. The water is as blue as the pictures, a result of the sunlight passing through an underwater cavity that shines upward creating a spellbinding blue color. It's truly one of natures miracles and wonders. The cave is small, much smaller than I envisioned. I assumed once we went through the opening it would be a large pool of water. It's not. It's a small area and there are 10 or 15 other boats and they row around in a circle. All of the skippers serenade their passengers but not in unison! It's quite an experience. It was challenging to get good pics inside. I recommend taking a video as that provided the best capture. After just a few minutes, the ride is done and you exit the cave, once again laying down. The skipper takes you back to the larger boat. This is when I got nervous wondering if I could get out without falling or tipping the boat! You step onto a wooden board that goes across the small boat, then sit on the edge of the larger and turn to bring your legs inside. Phew! Made it. The skippers are aggressive about tips but mine didn't have to be. I happily gave him $5 euros for the experience and for getting me out of the darn boat safely! So yes, it's touristy, but for me, it was a bucket list item and I'm happy I experienced it. Others in my group had been to Capri before and did the Blue Grotto so they passed and just spent more time exploring the shops and cafes. When I go back to Capri, I'll do the same as this is not something I have to experience twice.

How can you rate this other that 5 Stars? What an experience my wife and I enjoyed. The history…read morestory our boatman told and the little singing he did was icing on the cake. Make the best of you trip to Capri and see the Blue Grotto. Also enjoy the shopping on the island. My wife bought several pairs of sandals while the cobbler made them. Great experience overall.

3.5/5 stars Naples…read morereminds me a lot of NYC or Paris, minus things to do and green spaces or charm. TBH I was only here for a few days for pizza and Pompeii. Loved my Airbnb. Loved a couple cafes. The city is fun to walk around for a day, but I can't imagine spending more than a few days max. I don't believe Naples is a fair representation of Italy; it's just a dirty big city that gets incredibly crowded from huge cruise ship tourists pouring in daily.

Napoli is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city in Italy, after Rome and…read moreMilan. As of 2022 population was 909,048 within the city's administrative limits. Now it has been a while since I visited but since my maternal grandfather was born in Napoli I have to review. When I was there I saw why my grandfather loved spending the second half of his life in South Florida. I felt like I was at home. To me the food was a memorable experience. Delicious fresh pasta and seafood combination at a family owned restaurant. I have old photos that are precious to me. I'm recommending you visit and take your own!

A must if you are visiting Capri! Though if you are afraid of heights, this one may not be for you…read more It's a chairlift that is continuously moving, and it slows down a bit for you to hop on, where a moveable metal bar acts as your protection from falling out of the chair. Though I made that sound pretty terrifying, it seems relatively safe. As long as you're not shifting about while you're up there, which you probably wouldn't want to anyway. Seats are for single riders, unless you have a small child, in which case, they'll have to sit on your lap. Tickets are €11 one way or €14 round trip. But I can't imagine why you would buy a one way. Perhaps you can hike up/down? But I didn't see anyone doing that. It takes about 7 minutes each way, and we spent maybe 30 minutes at the top taking pictures/walking around. There is a little cafe at the top, and a toilet but it costs €1. If you want to see Capri from way up above, this is the thing to do!

The attitude of the very rude chair lift gate attendant totally ruined my vacation on the day. He…read morewas highly hostile. I was a 68 year old tourist quietly enjoying my trip to Italy. I was not saying or doing anything to offend anybody. Out of nowhere, with an intense hateful look he was yelling in my face in the language I do not understand. His manner was in a way as if I had violated his family . I would have given lower star rating for the experience but unfortunately one star is the lowest available.

Constructed in 1279, and for centuries the Royal residence of Naples' kings into the 16th century,…read morethe gothic exterior of this massive fortress with five towers is a magnificent reminder of Napoli's medieval history and maritime prowess, with an entrance over the largest man-made moat I've seen. Arriving at 5pm on a weekday afternoon, I scrambled (ie. speed walked for half a mile) to make it before their assigned last entry time, which I thought was 5pm for a 6pm closing time, though apparently it's last entry at 5:30pm. Well...I got an extra workout. There's a small ticket window to the left inside the main doors, which takes cash or card, and can also validate your city/museum pass (I had a Naples Pass). Regular admission is €15, tickets for local residents €10, free for children under 18. However because of ongoing renovations to major sections, they were offering reduced admissions of €10 and €6 respectively. Inside what's available to view as of mid-April 2026 are several components. To me each stands alone and feels a bit disjointed to the others, though given its lengthy history and different functions over time perhaps the range of spaces truly embodies the story of the castle, one embued with varied relevance and purpose. - Palatine Chapel: an austere chapel with stone block floors, inset with ledger stones.* - Archaeological route and former Armory room: this is where the ruins can be viewed below a glass floor--of what's believed to be past of a lavish Roman villa from 1st century BCE beneath the castle. Tours need to be pre-booked in advance if you want to descend to the underground level to visit these. - Hall of the Barons: this is the kind of grand hall I'd imagine medieval royalty to preside over, with a massive octagonal star-shaped arched stone ceiling and central round skylight, though it was actually a later construction in the 15th century. The layout includes a U-shaped wooden seating arrangement where the current Napoli city council meets. - Chapel of the Souls of Purgatory: single room with entrance off the courtyard to the right of the entrance to the Palantine Chapel, the frescos are colorful though space is small. - First floor Civic Museum - Art Gallery: this is up a flight of steps (aka the second floor for those of us across the pond), a gallery of about 50 works ranging from 15-18th century religious Neapolitan art, transferred here from other historic buildings that are no longer in use. - terrace on second floor with partial view of the port: I was a little disappointed since I thought the roof of the castle would be accessible though I'm glad I didn't rush here on my first day in Naples and instead went to Monte Echia nearby where the views were much better, more panoramic. It took about 30 minutes to walk around the parts that were open, there are more extensive galleries on the upper stories that were under renovation. I felt it made sense to reduce the price since some portions were closed. For more info: https://www.comune.napoli.it/vivere-il-comune/luoghi/castel-nuovo-maschio-angioino/#orari_apertura https://www.naplesinsider.com/en/e/castel-nuovo-maschio-angioino *an inscribed stone slab usually laid into the floor of a church to commemorate or mark the place of the burial of a deceased person. (as per Wikipedia)

Castel Nuovo was one giant construction site when we were here…read more Of course, it's been under construction for nearly nine hundred years. From Charles I House of Anjou, to the Kingdom of the two Sicily's (1266), to the Kingdom of Naples. It was also used by Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, who lived there for a short time in 1535. But no Italian history would've complete, without the involvement of de' Medici family of Florence. Seemed Alfonso V of Aragon (1443), had established a royal court here after conquered the throne of Naples and as with most little boys, he needed his to be, er um...grander. He intended for the Castel Nuovo to compete with the one in Florence by Lorenzo de' Medici. Ultimately he ended up completely rebuilding the entire fortress. A famous architect friend once observed to me, that it's important to be able to distinguish between "good" and "better." LOL The castle is very imposing. It has five huge turret like towers, that can be seen throughout Naples. Our driver couldn't figure out how to drop us off because of all traffic on Via Nuova Marina, so we settled for the nearby Galleria Umberto mall (see review) instead. LOL. See photos.

One of the best experiences I've ever had. We had an archaeologist-led private tour and couldn't…read morehave asked for more. Amazing history, absolutely huge - I didn't understand the scale of Pompeii until we were there. Worth the trip to Napoli to visit Pompeii alone! Spectacular 10/10 highly recommend!!

The Scavi di Pompei is the English name for the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, which is an ancient…read morecity once buried by ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It's one of the most remarkable sites in Italy for visiting, and I would suggest at least make it a half day trip or a minimum three hours visit here.

This is a small gift shop specializing in donkey themed merchandise, a traditional regionally…read moreimportant animal for the coastal towns established on steep hillsides. Notably there's a small man-made grotto on its exterior north face that exemplifies this region's longstanding love of miniature town and nativity scenes. The irregular coral-like stone formations form the landscape for hundreds of little figurines, shown herding sheep, preparing meals, gathering firewood, even drinking a beer. A few brightly colored goldfish live in this small fountain too. Amusing for a quick stop while walking down the central street in Amalfi.

Located on the outside wall of the restaurant building for Il Miracolo. The face shows a sense of…read moredetermination and purpose, the eyes arrested on some unseen person or event in the distance. By street artist Jorit Agoch (Jorit Ciro Cerullo) this mural depicts a romanticized take on San Gennaro (Saint Janarius), Naples' patron saint, a mien said to be modeled after a local mechanic, a friend. The artist is known for using locals as subjects depicting sacred or royal personages, with a signature two distinctive red lines on subjects' faces, symbolizing how all are part of the Human Tribe, humanity united by dignity and common struggle.