Positano
Perhaps the most famous and busiest of the Amalfi coasts towns is Positano, a vision in pastel yellows and pinks hanging off the cliffs all funnelling down to a central beach and dock.
There are certain experiences in life that are hard to explain and riding a bus along the coastal cliffs of Amalfi is one of them; ranging from the bizarre to the sublime, and lurching spectacularly between the two. The bus drivers are savants when it comes to navigating the coastal roads; directly traffic, occasionally getting out to assist stuck cars and generally driving ridiculously close to walls, edges, cars, humans - and all at great speed. They are truly among the more talented individuals we’ve ever come across.
We bussed our way from Praiano to Positano in search of our days activities - shopping, drinking and a ferry to Capri. It was oppressively hot and shade was at a premium so we ducked into a delightful, if frighteningly expensive, bar for a cocktail before jumping on the ferry. It’s only around half an hour on the ferry, but a lovely half an hour it is along the coast, with the isle looming ahead of you.
We weren’t ashore for long before Paul had found a boat tour around the island leaving more or less instantly, so on board we went for an hour long tour, taking in the blue and green grottos, some of the largest yachts you can imagine and just basking in the beauty of the place. There was a group of Spaniards on board who were all very familiar with a song that no one else knew but we all happily bobbed along with them as they sung their hearts out.
Once back on the island we jumped into the ocean for a quick swim before Steph, Hashie and Paul headed up to find the famous chairlift.
Capri
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Monte Solaro Chair Lift
The Monte Solaro Chair Lift had come highly recommended as offering the most panoramic views of Capri so after jumping in a strange, slightly stretched convertible and making our way up most of the mountain, we found the entrance just before closing.
The single person chairlift would never fly under Australian safety standards but it was an exhilarating way to climb the summit, some 590 meters above sea level. During the 12 minute climb we passed over private vineyards stepped into the dry, grassy landscape littered with many hats that had been claimed by the breeze. We didn’t have much time to spend at the top but we made the most of the ten minutes or so we did have taking photos and just generally being in awe of where we were!
The last ferry from Capri…
We took the last ferry from Capri which went to Sorrento just as the sun was starting to set which gave us the most stunning entrance to the cliffs of Sorrento which were glorious in the evening light.
We wandered up from the coast into town and after a little basking in the glow, we grabbed a drink and some snacks and took the last bus back to Praiano. We witnessed another ridiculous driving performance in the dark as the driver directed traffic and flung himself round corners but we got home safe and sound in time to order a few pizzas and enjoy them in the blissfully air conditioned apartment.
