Capri Zoo

Capri is sometimes referred to by Italians as “The Zoo”.  Like a few other places that we have visited there are more tourists than locals especially in mid summer. It looks very pretty from the water.

We gave the Blue Grotto a miss on this visit and decided to look around the island instead. From the Marina Grande, we took the funicular up the hill to the town of Capri and later a bus up to the top town of Anacapri.  This is a delightful place with many historic buildings.  It is much quieter than the very touristy areas of the lower town.  Our favourite place to visit was the church of St. Michele.  What was special about this place was the tiled floor.  Originally from Naples, it depicts the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.  All the animals are there, even the unicorn (before they refused to get on Noah’s ark), but the amazing thing about them is that their faces had human expressions.

                                                  View from the upper level

We caught the tiny local bus back down the hairpin bends to Capri.  Designer fashions, expensive jewellery, top hotels and tourists predominate.  We enjoyed walking the pedestrian streets and the great views looking down over the harbour.  We also visited a church and the duomo – there were far less tourists there!

                                                 One of the top hotels on the island

As boarding time approached, we took the funicular back down to Marina Grande that is more of the same but not quite so grand.  We found a quiet bar overlooking the harbour and watched the ferries fill for the trip to the Blue Grotto.

Back on board we had time for a swim and a read on the sun lounges before sailing.  As we came back on board, we entered through the Water Sports platform.  It is like a floating boat dock and contained the yacht’s tenders – separate to the lifeboats, along with jet skis, kayaks and lots of water toys for the big boys and girls.

                                               Our own mini marina inside the ship

We are the only guests continuing on for the cruise to Barcelona.  It will be just us from 9 am till lunchtime.

     

                                          Leaving the Capri Zoo. We sail on.