Piano Di Sorrento

6 July
Piano Di Sorrento

Xenia had mentioned that we could get some info on things that we could do in the area. She is incredibly passionate about her region and country. The typical warmth you are told of when people return from trips to Italy. Strangely, we had not discovered these sort yet and so when we met Xenia it was very touching.

My Granny had gone to the Isle of Capri years ago. I had figured that we were pretty close to the Island. Nick and I have both written in our dream books (a book with things we want, want to see and do, etc – and tick off once done) to see the Blue Grotto and potentially swim in it. We had originally heard about the Blue Grotto from very special friends of ours, Dave and Zelda Moore. They had visited it – but in Santorini.

A visit to reception and a chat with Xenia's very helpful daughter, Irene, allowed us to get a great deal on an island tour. Now, you'll have to forgive me. I am usually the keeper of all brochures and flyers. This flyer, however, I have misplaced. So I can't tell you the name. For 34 Euro's per person with a full trip and general guide from Masse Lubrense, with transfers from the meeting point and return and 5 hours to wander Capri on your own it was really worthwhile. Not only this, but our lovely ladies from reception insisted that Xenia will drive us to the meeting point (free of charge).

We left the site at 7.45 with Xenia. She explained that the site was her family's since 1870. Owned by her Grandmothers Grandfather. Everyone there is her family. She explained how she loves her land and her guests. Every word that leaves this lady's mouth is heaven sent. Xenia is one of the worlds little blessings.

The shuttle arrived and we all crammed in.

Arriving at Masse Lubrense we were escorted onto a cruiser. We headed off into the ocean. Nick and I walked Capri. Fortunately, decided to take the, TIP: funicular, to the top and strolled the town.

As both of us are bad shoppers (Nick is better than I) we found a path to the beach on the opposite side of the island. Bearing in mind that we walked enough stairs and mountains this holiday and this walk was only down (not up) it was a gruesome walk. Very pretty nonetheless. Very steep. Plenty stairs. And then there was the reward at the bottom – the ocean.

We attempted to find a route to the beach. In Italy, everywhere matching umbrellas and sun loungers line the beaches. We soon walked, by accident, into one and were informed a swift 18 Euro's per person to be paid for the day. The gentleman at the counter saw our backs shortly. There are small patches of public beaches though. Everything a person needs. Sea, pebbles and sun. Luke warm water. Arrh. What a life!


All Nick could think of was snorkel. He bought one at the local and off he went. Again, the trash and litter problem in Italy is severe. Nick came back saying he saw a good few fish but plenty other paraphernalia. Fishing rods, trash, plates and he even found me a brand new hairband. After a few hours relaxing in the sun, taking a dip, then sunning ourselves, then some floating about we decided to head back to the centre. If the walk down was strenuous – you can only image how up went.

The island is a mountain basically, so wherever you stand you get a great panorama. The town is filled with expensive boutiques, lavished ladies in gorgeous clothing, then plenty a tourist, little restaurants and gelateria's (yes, answers your question, another one) and is very character filled.

Our crew was back at 15h45 (on the nod) – we found a place on the front of the boat. The water had become a little more choppy than the morning. It didn't bother us as we were hoping we could get to swim in the Grotto Azzura.



When we arrived there were many other tour operators waiting in turn for their passengers to get their row boat. Row boats only hold 4 passengers and the rower. It costs 11 Euro per person to go into the Grotto. This is separate to your tour cost. We watched in awe at how these boatmen ask the passengers to duck (lay totally flat) and pull the boat and themselves through the tiniest gap in the wall. Nick and I were the second group to go from our cruise. The boatman preceded to the opening of the cave about 3 foot high and grabbed hold of a chain that is connected to the inside of the cave. This is because the opening of the cave is too small to row through. With one yank and lying down at the same time, we were in the cave.

Nick compared it to being born again. You find yourself in this large opening with this shining blue light. Something you have never seen before. The boatmen started to sing in age old tradition. His voice bouncing from wall to wall. Other boatmen joined in. Nick found a silent moment and asked if we could swim. The man answered “something extra for me?” - basically asking for a tip. Without hesitation Nick jumped in and I followed. Then, the male passenger saw what we had done and joined us. Leaving only his fiance and the boatman behind.

Everytime you touched the water – it would illuminate in electric blues. The feeling of being immersed in it was life changing. Something dreams were made of. It is at this time that I must tell you that I have a really weird fear of swimming in the sea and rivers – especially in the ocean. Never mind the fact that there was no sand underneath me. Just a great depth. The water demon thoughts did not come over me. It was a spiritual and fulfilling experience. TIP: If you are close to the Isle of Capri – join this excursion. It is a must do in life. So far, the highlight of our holiday.

As new boats entered – it seemed that the boatman was told off by his colleague and we had to hop back into the boat. Swimming is apparently not allowed. When returning to the boat Nick grabbed his wallet. The boatman was almost on his way – so Nick stretched out and handed him a tip that equalled the Grotto ticket costs. No money would have ever been enough for the experience.

Image from google
The trip continued. On a high we visited the green grotto, the white grotto, passed the beach we swam in and kissed under the Tunnel of Love. A perfect end to a perfect day.