During mid-May, we took a one-week trip to one of our bucket-list closer-to-us destinations: the truly majestic Amalfi Coast. We flew from Zurich to Naples, rented a car at the airport and headed towards the little town of Amalfi following the coastal road that passes through many picturesque villages. The whole area is indescribably beautiful; I now understand why it has been a ‘muse’ and a magnet for all kinds of artists, painters, composers, writers and all the European and American ‘elite’, even since the ’50s and ’60s. The whole coast is all about landscapes and the most charming Italian architecture you can imagine. Nature is in full bloom and although it is not something I miss here in Switzerland – Swiss natural landscape must be one of the most beautiful worldwide – nevertheless, I have a ‘thing’ for Mediterranean lanscapes and Italy’s is truly a paradise. Having as a base the town of Amalfi, we explored the whole coast and visited Atrani, Positano, Ravello and Capri – the latter twice, well, because, we loved it so much! It is stunningly beautiful to say the least!
The island of Capri is nested in the Tyrrhenean Sea, in the Bay of Naples, opposite the Sorrento peninsula. It is divided into two municipalities: Capri and Anacapri. After we arrived by boat at Marina Grande, we took a cab in order to get to the historic center of Capri. Generally speaking, everywhere you turn your head and eyes there is beauty on this blessed little rock thrown in the sea. There is so much beauty that may even make you cry.
Since I adore architecture, visiting Villa Lysis and Villa San Michele (in Capri and Anacapri respectively) were truly the highlights of my visit and I believe that one should not omit visiting them either. Now, reaching Villa San Michele was easy, but reaching Villa Lysis on foot from the historic center is another story: the path/ road towards the villa is very steep in certain points, so take it easy, walk slowly and take small breaks. You will be richly rewarded when you reach the residence. Both villas cling to cliffs and their views are majestic. Villa Lysis was built by the industrialist and poet Jacques d’Adelswärd-Fersen in 1905 and Villa San Michele was built in the end of the 19th century by the Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe.
The island is full of small paths to discover. It is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have found myself and I will definitely be back to spend more time and discover the rest of its beauties.
Enjoy the photos!
Chrysa
(***All photos are taken by me, please do not use without consent).
