Capri

Today we decided that it was high time to visit the Isle of Capri, and also to go on one of the walks in our fine guidebook. So we set off bright and early on the nine o'clock ferry which whisked us over to Capri in about twenty minutes. Oh Capri is beautiful! There are lots of trees and white villas on the hillside with the deep blue sea below. 

After much consulting of the guidebook James decided that we would walk to the Arco Naturale (yes, it's a natural arch!) through which spectacular views can be seen of the sea below. Up we went in the funicular to Capri town - very pretty - then we ascended gently along quiet, narrow roads. Like many tourist destinations, you don't have to go far to escape the crowds and soon it was just us and a postman who was using a wee electric buggy to deliver Amazon packages! I tried to keep cool by following James' instructions: breathe through your nose, don't start panicking, and enjoy the walk rather than worry about how you will manage it. 

When we got to the Arco Naturale (only about 25 minutes easy walk) we found that it was completely covered in scaffolding! There is a big project going on to preserve it, which I can understand because it's a beautiful and famous attraction, but as James pointed out, it was caused by erosion in the first place so it feels a bit false to try to freeze it in time forever rather than let nature take its course. A few minutes before arriving at the viewpoint we had passed a wee restaurant called Le Grotelle, so we went back there and I had a lemon spremute which was very refreshing. The views over the sea were delightful and the restaurant was extremely cute, nestled against the cliff edge; it was one of the prettiest places I have ever visited.