The Amalfi Coast and Capri, Part II

Yesterday, I shared the Highlights #1-5 from my tenth anniversary trip to Italy's Amalfi Coast and Capri.  Today, I share # 6-10.

6.  An Evening at Le Sirenuse

In Positano, were content with our choice of the quiet Il San Pietro for accommodations, but it was fun to explore the legendary Le Sirenuse for cocktails and dinner.  We spent a leisurely two hours at the Champagne and Oyster Bar, where the coastline views and people-watching are both fabulous.  We even met the aforementioned author Amanda Tabberer, who just happened to be in town and having drinks with friends.  What fun to tell her that her book had inspired our trip!

Later, we dined al fresco at Le Sirenuse's famed restaurant, La Sponda.  This was my husband's favorite meal, and a close second to Rossellini's for me.  Each course was perfectly executed.

7.  The Flowers.  

I took exactly 541 pictures of flowers on the Amalfi Coast.  Coming from drought-ridden Central Texas, where I struggle to keep anything green alive, I was amazed by the vibrant colors and bountiful blossoms.  Beauty is everywhere, and you don't have to spend a penny to enjoy it:

8.  Anacapri

via

After leaving Positano, we stayed at the Caesar Augustus in Anacapri.  We liked the secluded cliff-top location, and the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle into Capri, or you can take the local bus, which we found very convenient.  We hiked Mount Solaro, shopped for handmade linen dresses for our daughters, and ate the best caprese salads ever.

The Caesar Augustus also encourages languid downtime.  Isn't this reading room, with its crisp red and white upholstery, charming?

I took this picture while swimming in the hotel infinity pool, which seemingly spilled into the sea 1000 feet below:

The bartender at the Caesar Augustus claims he makes the best bellinis in Italy.  His claim is legit; the peaches were fresh off a nearby tree.  With terrace views overlooking the entire Bay of Naples, this was happy hour at its finest:

9.  Capri

The town of Capri is bustling with very high-end retail boutiques, people who like to see and be seen, and dozens of cafes which are perfect for watching such people.  It's a busy place, too busy when the cruise ships dock, but full of charm when the sun sets and the day tourists leave. 

Capri is also home to the Blue Grotto, which is justifiably famous for its stunning waters.  It may be touristy, but it is still a must-do. The water is spectacular in color.

We also spent an entire day getting happily lost in "the real Capri," away from the crowds.  We hiked coastline trails and navigated narrow cobblestone streets.  At one point, we stumbled upon an old monastery that still houses an amazing art collection:

10. Pompeii

We saved a visit to the archaeological site for our last full day in Italy. A quick ferry from Capri to Naples and an efficient taxi ride from Naples to Pompeii brought us to the gates of the old city.  We spent hours perusing the ruins and marveling at the sophistication of the people who lived there.  It is not a "fun" excursion --- the ghosts of the lost Pompeii souls still linger --- but it is a humbling and important one.  

After our day in Pompeii, we checked into the Grand Hotel Vesuvio in Naples, which had a stunning waterfront location.  We ate fabulous pizza nearby, cursorily toured almost a dozen churches and cathedrals, and got a taste of Napoli before turning in to prepare for our early morning flight back to Texas and our kids. 

What a trip.  Luxurious.  Delicious.  Inspiring.  Rejuvenating.  And forever memorable.

(And once again, many thanks to Moonrings for the expert itinerary!)