It was an exquisitely beautiful spring morning in Italy when my friends and I boarded a ferry to the Isle of Capri.

We pulled out of the harbor at Sorrento and headed to the open sea.

Sorrento Italy

Sunlight dazzled our eyes as it danced across the waves, illuminating the brilliant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

Amalfi Coast

Whenever I travel, I try to find ways to get out on the water. Whether it’s a ferry, a fishing boat, or even a paddle boat, I love being in the sun and the wind, bobbing along watching the world go by.

Our ferry pulled into the Marina Grande and tied up at the Via Cristoforo Columbo.

boat mooring

We clambered onto the stone quay, delighting in the morning sun shining on the brightly colored buildings clinging to the terraced hillside.

Capri Italy

It was still early morning but already the sun was blazing, so we gratefully took seats under the shady awning of a nearby cafe.

Our first adventure was to be a boat ride around the island, but we had just enough time for a leisurely coffee and a salad in the style of Capri, the ubiquitous (and delicious!) Insalata Caprese. Made of sliced fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh basil, and seasoned with salt and olive oil, it was cool and refreshing. Just the fortification we needed before our 3-hour boat trip.

Capri cafe

We slurped down the last of our coffees then boarded the little craft. Soon we were out of the harbour and motoring along the coast of Capri, staring up in awe at towering cliffs and rocky fortifications.

cliffs of Capri

We weren’t the only ones out on the water. I loved the look of this beautiful wooden boat rocking gently just off shore. I would love to fall asleep on the deck under a sky full of stars.

Italian sailboat

Next time we’ll head to a few of the gorgeous grottoes tucked along the rocky coastline of Capri.

Do you like being out on the water, or would you rather stick close to dry ground?