Mellow Wanderer

Tag: lighthouse

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
Experience The Unforgettable Panoramic Views From The Top Of The Key West Lighthouse

Press Play To Watch Video

Key West is a lazy, laid-back carefree town steeped in history. I couldn’t wait to explore all the historic landmarks that the island had to offer. One of the first places on my list was the Key West Lighthouse, an iconic landmark in the Old Town neighborhood. I was excited to learn about the fascinating life of lighthouse keepers and their families.

As I approached the lighthouse, I was struck by its tall, sturdy structure and the sweeping view of the surrounding landscape. I made my way up the spiral staircase, step by step, pausing at several pullouts along the way to get a glimpse through some portholes. Frankly, it was more to pace myself and rest my body more than anything else. I’m in reasonably good shape, and you have to be to able ascend the 88 steps to the top. It’s well worth the effort, and good exercise, too, especially to work off that slice of key lime pie I had at lunch!

Finally, I reach the top of the lighthouse. The views are magnificent! You see the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the island life on the narrow streets, and the roof tops of the many bungalows below. Walk around the top of the lighthouse and take in a 360° stunning view of the entire island.

After spending some time at the top of the lighthouse, I descended back down the stairs to explore the living quarters. Walking through the rooms where the keepers and their families once lived was like taking a step back in time. The rooms were filled with antique furniture and personal artifacts, giving me a glimpse into what life must have been like for the lighthouse keepers and their families.

As I continued my tour, I learned about the lighthouse’s history and the important role it played in guiding ships safely through the dangerous waters of the Florida Keys. I also discovered the challenges that the keepers faced in maintaining the lighthouse, from dealing with hurricanes to keeping the light burning bright every night. The first lighthouse was built in 1825. It was made of coral rock and topped out at the height of 65 feet. Over time, as trees grew taller and buildings increased in height, a new lighthouse was needed, so one was constructed in 1846 to a height of 86 feet.

By then, new technology had emerged: The Fresnel lens, pioneered by French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel. The new lens increased the reach of the light beam to 16 nautical miles. Several versions of the Fresnel lens, each more powerful than the last, were developed and installed over the years until the Key West Lighthouse became obsolete and was decommissioned in 1969 by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Today, the Key West Lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction. It’s owned by the local government, but is maintained by the Key West Art & Historical Society. Visitors can spend a lovely day exploring the lighthouse, the grounds, museum, and gift shop, which has restrooms. Special evening events include group sunset viewing from the top of the lighthouse with wine and food tastings. Whatever way you choose to visit, the lighthouse is a must-see experience to get a true taste of Key West history.
What A View From The Top Of This Historic Lighthouse!
A Popular Old Lighthouse On The Edge Of The Pacific Gets A Makeover

You can appreciate what it took to help ships navigate the rocky, fog-shrouded, and windswept northern Pacific coast when you journey far out to the isolated Point Reyes Lighthouse. It is a hike to get there. From the parking area at Point Reyes National Seashore, you first ascend a steep paved walking path and then descend a long winding stairway of more than 300 steps – the equivalent of a 30-story building. The trip back will tax your legs and raise your heart rate. Consider this before you go: The walk down to the lighthouse takes between 5-10 minutes; the return trip up is approximately 20-30 minutes or longer depending on your fitness level. At the top of the stairway, the lighthouse appears as a mere speck on the horizon. This no man’s land surrounded by water had no mercy on the human spirit. Lighthouse keepers spent lonely days perched on a cliff at the western tip of Point Reyes that juts 10 miles out into the sea. No other lighthouse in America experienced more fog and wind than Point Reyes. It still stands as a beacon in the Pacific nearly 150 years after it became operational in 1870. Until the lighthouse was retired by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1975, keepers occupied and maintained the house, the machinery, and the powerful Fresnel lens that alerted mariners.

FRESNEL LENS/NPS PHOTO

The lighthouse surely prevented casualties at sea, but not all. Over 50 shipwrecks still occurred, killing countless crews and passengers. Since the lighthouse has historical maritime significance, an ambitious full restoration project kicked-off in early August 2018. It took 13 months to complete and cost $5 million. Restoring the huge Fresnel lens was the centerpiece of the project. This required specialized work from a lampist who disassembled, repaired, and reassembled the lens’ 1,032 original crystal pieces made in Paris. The lighthouse’s observation deck is open to the public and is a great place to watch for marine life, especially gray whale migrations during winter and spring. If you love history, nature, and don’t mind an aerobic workout along the way, plan at least a half-day excursion out to the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Click the video below to learn more about the life of a lighthouse keeper, a behind-the-scenes look of their workplace, and the challenges they faced.

If You Go…

NPS PHOTO

Bring your own food and water.

Wear comfortable walking/jogging shoes.

Wear layered clothing for fast-changing weather conditions, including fog and rain.

Cell phone service is limited and sometimes non-existent.

Pets are not allowed beyond the parking area.

Public restrooms are available.

Map Your Journey…