Tuesday, 15 May 2012

Naples, Sorrento and the Island of Capri

From Rome we ventured further south towards Napoli (Naples).  A 2.5 hour drive from Rome, Katherine jumped in the saddle for the final hour and a half into Naples.  We soon found out that even though Naples has a population of near 1 million, their main road into the city consisted of - uneven cobble stones, no lanes, shared by cars, trains, scooters and trucks in a "survival of the fittest" fashion. The first fail from our trusty tomtom also guided us down an impossibly narrow street, with cars coming both ways, attracting the interest of a police man who told us to hurry up and move on.. as "it was dangerous" yep it actually was.  


Managed to find a "garage" park where we nervously gave over the car keys for the car to be parked in a sardine type basement. We set out on foot (sigh of relief) in search of Napoli's famous pizza and a whizz around the waterfront which appeared to be "under construction" and was a bit of a mess. Some ruins had clearly been found and as we all know this will slow a construction job up. 


Found a pizza place, it was unfortunately not as good as other pizza we have sampled in Italy. Back into the car, Kat quickly jumped in the passenger seat and off to Sorrento.


Castel Nuovo

Napoli harbour marina

Mt Vesuvius in the distance, driving around the gulf of Naples coast

The first day in Sorrento we caught a ferry out to the Island of Capri.  Super touristy but some amazing vistas, a novel chairlift and lots of steep stairs.  We bused up to the top and decided to try walking back down to the port.  590m of stairs later we arrived at the port, kat in wedge heels even!  



We had read about the Grotta Azzura (Blue Grotto) which is a cave formation at the north end of the island, which can be entered by row boat.  The cave has an amazing blue illumination.  But, the day we arrived the sea was too rough and the cave opening was blocked by waves crashing in.


Waves crashing into the supposed entrance to the Blue Grotta

Chairlift to the highest point on the island, novelty plus.

View from the top

Self pic


View from the top

On our way down

Camouflaged lizard we found on the way down from the lookout

View out over the Port

Ferry heading for the Italian mainland

Colourful dingys on the waterfront










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