The first stop on our sunny boat ride around the Isle of Capri was the Blue Grotto.
Our boat stopped in the small harbor filled with numerous rowboats navigated by roguish Italian fellows who rowed standing up.
We were directed to a stationary boat manned by several fierce-looking chaps who looked like they were on a break from their day jobs as Italian hit men. A little nervously we handed over our money then settled back into our wobbly craft, thankful to have a cheerful rower who not only smiled but sang!
We joined a queue in front of the narrow entrance to the cave and when it was our turn our rower instructed us to lie flat in the bottom of the boat so we wouldn’t knock our heads whilst an obliging wave lifted us up and into the grotto. With much laughter and hilarity we somehow managed to shimmy about in our most inconvenient skirts and sundresses until we were wedged along the bottom like giggling sardines.
With a swish we were through the cave entrance and into the luminescent beauty of the Blue Grotto.
With the jostling of waves and rocking of the boat, it was nearly impossible to get a clear shot of the Blue Grotto, much less capture the ethereal wonder of floating atop a sea that glowed vivid turquoise. But I shall never forget the feeling of awe I experienced as we dipped and twirled our way round the cave, serenaded by various rowers singing lustily at the tops of their lungs, all of us bathed in a dancing azure light.
I know there are some who dismiss the Blue Grotto as a tourist gimmick, a scam perpetrated by Italians eager to strip visitors of every last euro. But I can’t see it like that.
It is exquisitely beautiful, a place straight out of an old European fairytale, a delicious escape from the ordinary.
And seriously, being ferried about in a magical grotto by a handsome Italian man singing opera is worth ten bucks ANY day of the week.
What is the best “touristy” thing you’ve ever done?
Touristy gimmick, or not, it is beautiful! I cannot imagine what it must have been like to experience first hand. And btw, the pics of the boats, water and sky are just amazing, soooooo blue! I love it. Um, let me see, the best touristy thing I have ever done? Cruise across Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, such a gorgeous lake.
The color of the water and sky is what mesmerized me too, Melody! 🙂 SO rich. 🙂 I’ve never heard of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, so I had to look it up. Wow. What a stunning place. 🙂
There are loads of caves all around the nearby coast that have the same light effect inside and are absolutely tourist free and cost nothing to enter, just hire a kayak and go find them!
That is such a great idea, Nicki! I did get to see a few more grottoes and you’re right, they’re so beautiful! 🙂 I didn’t know about the kayaks though. I would LOVE to do that!!
I hope the seas are kind and I am able to capture these images Krista when I am there. I wold like to take a boat to the island of Proceda and wander among the colourful homes and dip my toes in the azure sea. The most touristy place I have ever been was Mt. Rushmore:D
I do too, Val! We went first thing in the morning and things were very, very calm. They got rougher as the day went on. A trip to an island sounds absolutely wonderful. 🙂
And I have been there! And I totally forgot about it! I now remember being scared to death as our guide timed our entry into the cave so that a wave would not crush us.
Too funny! 🙂 I wonder how many of them have crashed their boats until they mastered the knack of getting through unscathed. 🙂
Beautiful pics, K! It looks like you had a good time…
Thank you, T!! It was a ripping good time. You would LOVE it. 🙂
I have no doubt that I would! Someday I’ll have to check that out…along with the battle sites from the Siege of Malta, of course… 🙂
Absolutely!! 🙂 Bear and I are reading “Blood Rock” set in Malta, and it’s all about the siege. Yeesh. I had NO idea how bad it was!
Oh my, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a blue quite that ‘blue’ – it’s so deep and rich, it almost looks unreal!
Isn’t it incredible, Hila??!! I couldn’t stop staring. Felt like I was in a fairytale kingdom of some sort. 🙂
Rowing while standing up must be very difficult and implies a good sense of equilibrium. It definitely makes a good shot. Great picture.
I was VERY impressed with their balancing skills, @dbbdc27abda12ac1c1465ca632f0e80e:disqus 🙂 I would’ve toppled over for sure!
This is so beautiful. I don’t take issue with touristy things. In fact, I enjoy them most of the time and when you have fun experiences like this, it doesn’t matter what anyone says. 🙂
That’s such a great attitude, Christina. 🙂 I feel the same way. I figure they’re touristy for a reason – they’re amazing! 🙂
That blue is so dreamy. I would really like to experience it in person some day! The most touristy thing I’ve done was probably visiting the Empire State Building. I often avoid things like that, but it’s fun to do it once, especially if you go at an off time so you don’t have to stand in line forever.
Isn’t it glorious, Amy? I’ve never seen colors like that before. 🙂 I wanted to stay in that cave for hours!! I’ve never seen the Empire State Building before. 🙂
He he, love the comment about the Italian hit men, too true – you never know! Been on a few “interesting” tourist boats myself where I wasn’t sure who we were stepping on board with! I agree, touristy or not, a must-do for Capri – what a gorgeous place!
Isn’t it true, Tuula?! 🙂 They’re either the cutest things you’ve ever seen or you want to run for the hills. 🙂
I just can’t get over how blue that water is. Amazing.
I know what you mean, Joanne. It still astounds me. 🙂
You seem to have a never ending supply of beautiful photos of your travels to share with us Krista, just keep them coming.
Thank you, Linda. 🙂 I’m so glad you like them!
I loved Capri when I went there but unfortunately the water was too rough to go into the caves. Hopefully next time!
Oh that’s too bad, Spencer. I didn’t realize the water got so choppy. I hope it’s smooth as glass for you next time. 🙂
Gorgeous, gorgeous water. Such a fun experience. I live in New England so I’m always doing touristy things. They’re almost always fun!
You must have amazing sites to visit in your area, El. 🙂 I’ve never been to your part of the country, but sure would love to. 🙂
Some things are very touristy, but for good reason, they are beautiful to see – and to photograph.
I agree completely, Ayngelina. 🙂