Tag: Capri

Escape The Crowds: Discover Punta Carena, Capri’s Secret Coastal Paradise

Looking to escape the shoulder-to-shoulder tourist throngs that flood Italy’s hotspots? We stumbled upon a hidden slice of paradise during our visit to Capri, the tiny island off the coast of Naples in southern Italy. Capri is just as busy and beloved as any other Italian destination—especially in summer and fall—but the place we discovered felt quiet, romantically beautiful, and pleasantly uncrowded.

Locals even say they often outnumber the visitors. That place is Punta Carena, tucked into the far western edge of the island in an area known as Anacapri.

Life moves at a slower pace here, far removed from the ferry port’s chaos, where tourists pour out like ants at a picnic. Perched at a higher elevation, Anacapri offers sweeping views of the coast and the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s where the island’s rugged cliffs meet the horizon—and where you’ll find the Faro di Punta Carena, the second-oldest lighthouse in Italy.

Built in 1867, the lighthouse still operates today, standing tall and pastel pink on the cliff’s edge like a sentinel guiding ships across the sea.

From the small parking lot and bus stop at Punta Carena, walking paths lead downhill: one to the lighthouse, the other to a private beach club (Lido del Faro) and a free public swimming and sunbathing area. Soft sea breezes temper the radiant sun. The air is filled with the sound of cliff-diving locals plunging into ice-blue, crystal-clear water.

We arrived in the early afternoon after spending the morning at the Blue Grotto, just a short bus ride away. As we strolled down the path toward the shoreline, we came upon Da Antonio, a humble bungalow-style café with panoramic sea views. A local landmark since the 1950s, this charming spot is still popular with islanders. We found a shaded table, ordered limoncello spritzes, and lingered over a leisurely lunch.

After the meal, we simply settled into our chairs and let time drift. There was no rush. No lines. No crowds. Just the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun.

A German couple sat at the next table, doing the same. He had grown up on the island, and they often return to visit family. We chatted briefly—just enough to exchange smiles and stories—then returned to quiet contemplation. This is the kind of place where words seem unnecessary.

As the day unfolded, we decided to stay for sunset. The lighthouse faces directly west, offering one of the best sunset views on the island. The sky turned a brilliant, cloudless blue. The sea shimmered like a carpet of diamonds. Distant boat engines buzzed gently in the background. Seagulls called overhead. Waves lapped against the rocks.

Amazingly, only about six other people had gathered to watch the sun go down. It felt peaceful.

We watched as the orange sun dipped slowly into the horizon and vanished beneath the sea. A stirring finale. A perfect ending to a magical day.

Punta Carena Sunset Timelapse Video

Steve Geiger

Mellow Wanderer Creator/Author

Susan Geiger

Mellow Wanderer Photographer
How To Spend The Perfect 3 Days In Capri, Italy

My wife and I visited Capri, Italy, for a three-day weekend in mid-October, and it was nothing short of magnificent. We traveled by train from Rome to Naples, then took a ferry across the shimmering Gulf of Naples waters to Capri. The weather was spectacular—sunshine, blue skies, and mild temperatures all three days. Just perfect.

We rented a small bungalow on a hillside overlooking Capri’s main harbor. The view was breathtaking—terraced gardens bursting with greenery, the island’s famous lemon trees, and the endless blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Exploring Capri and its neighbor, Anacapri, requires stamina. The landscape demands a lot of walking, often up and down steep hills. While taxis are available, they’re pricey, so many visitors rely on the bus system. However, navigating it can be a challenge, especially for first-timers. The bus drivers are gruff, speak little English, and the buses themselves are small, often packed with tourists. If you’re standing, hold on tight—you’ll need your balance. Tickets for the Capri bus system are available at the main marina, but Anacapri operates on a separate system, which we learned the hard way when we tried to transfer.

Capri’s Best View

Anacapri quickly became our favorite spot on the island. It has a charming, laid-back atmosphere, with boutique shops, cozy restaurants, and must-see attractions. One of the highlights is the chair lift to the summit of Monte Solaro, the highest and most panoramic point on the island of Capri. The 12 minute ride up offers spectacular views of the island and the Bay of Naples, but the real magic happens at the top. The vistas are stunning—sheer cliffs plunging into the sea, panoramic views stretching for miles. From high up you’ll see the natural wonder known as the Faraglioni rock formations, Capri’s most iconic sight. It’s the perfect place to unwind, take in the scenery, and even grab a bite and drink at the small cafe.

Glow Of The Grotto

Another unforgettable experience is the Blue Grotto, though getting inside depends on the weather and tides. The grotto was closed for the first two days of our trip, but on our final morning, I checked the official website, saw it had opened, and immediately booked our tickets—about 18 euros each. We caught a bus to the grotto and arrived to find a long line snaking down toward the water. Since midday is the best time to see the grotto’s famous electric-blue waters, the crowds were inevitable. After waiting about two hours, we finally boarded a small wooden rowboat, squeezing in with two friendly German travelers.

If you’re claustrophobic, this might not be the excursion for you. Entering the grotto requires lying nearly flat on your back as the boatman navigates through a narrow rock opening. But once inside—wow! The water glows an almost surreal shade of blue, illuminating the cave in an otherworldly light. We floated inside for about 15 minutes, marveling at the mesmerizing colors. The entire experience, from waiting in line to exiting the boat, lasted about 50 minutes.

Sunset By The Lighthouse

After the grotto, we spent the rest of the day at the Punta Carena lighthouse—faro in Italian—and beach. The small, rocky shoreline was the perfect place to unwind. A seaside cafe nearby serves fresh salads, sandwiches, and, of course, limoncello spritzes—the island’s signature drink. We had a bite to eat, sipped our cocktails, watched the waves, and soaked in the island’s slow, dreamy rhythm.

As the day wound down, we were treated to one of the most breathtaking sunsets I’ve ever seen. The sky transformed into brilliant shades of orange and pink, casting a golden glow over the water, as the sun dipped below the sea.

Capri is pure magic—a place where natural beauty, history, and island charm come together in a way that nourishes your soul. If you ever get the chance to visit, go. And when you do, take your time, explore every corner, and let Capri work its enchantment on you.

Capri Photo Gallery

Website Author: Steve Geiger

Website Photographer: Susan Geiger
Italy In Motion: Observing Life One Frame At A Time

Whenever I visit a place with stunning landscapes and cityscapes, I feel compelled to capture them in timelapse video. My camera of choice is the compact and easy-to-pack GoPro Hero. While widely known as an action camera for adventure sports, the GoPro is an incredibly versatile travel companion. Instead of lugging around a backpack full of camera gear, I simply slip my lightweight GoPro into a pocket along with a foldable mini tripod, and off I go.

Recently, I spent seven weeks in Italy as part of a university-based adult learning program. Unlike the typical tourist on a week-long vacation, I had the luxury of wandering at my own pace, fully immersing myself in Italian life. There’s nothing quite like selecting a spot, observing the rhythm of daily life, and capturing it in timelapse. You never know what you’ll discover. One thing I quickly learned is that Italians are always on the move, day and night. The streets and squares of Rome pulse with constant activity.

One early evening in Piazza del Popolo, I watched as locals strolled through, stopping for gelato and chatting with friends. At the center of the piazza stands a towering Egyptian obelisk, originally built in the 13th century BC under Ramses II, accompanied by a grand fountain. It serves as both a focal point and a social gathering place, where carefree children climb and play on the lion statues at its base. To me, that’s a striking sight—an ancient relic turned into a modern-day playground.

In a similar blend of old-world charm and contemporary culture, just across the piazza, a group of teenagers transformed the space between twin 17th-century churches into an impromptu dance floor. With music blaring from a boombox, they executed acrobatic breakdancing moves, blending history with modern expression in an unexpected yet mesmerizing way.

Throughout my journey, I encountered countless other fascinating moments. Two seagulls perched on a ledge of the Colosseum seemed to pose for excited tourists, oblivious to the fact that gladiators once fought for their lives on this very ground. A young couple expressed their love at a romantic lighthouse overlook on the island of Capri. And in Venice, the golden glow of sunset bathed the waterways as gondolas carried couples on the dreamlike journey they had always imagined.

Observing and capturing these moments in brilliant timelapse is not just a passion of mine—it’s a way to keep the journey alive forever.