Today we were two of the many hundreds of visitors that spewed out of the ferries from Naples and Sorrento onto the Isle of Capri. We had some idea of what it was going to be like before we had even set foot on the ferry. The men who sell you private tours in their own vehicles were plying their trade as we lined up to buy our tickets. When they missed us here they tried again once we were on board. When we bought our return ticket we were told which ferry web were to return on. There was no choice.

Once off the ferry we were being offered taxis, buses, bikes, boats, walking tours and our very own private tour. My husband and I joined the mob of ‘small spenders’ and headed for the steps that led up the steep hill to the city square. We were determined to enjoy the island and it’s beauty and to do it in our own time and our own way, under our own steam.

We had brought our own food and drink with us and were wearing comfortable clothes and walking shoes and so we were set to see the sights. Interestingly you are not allowed to sit on any steps to eat or drink. We found a convenient brick wall and there were a few seats along some of the paths.

We walked and walked up hill and down dale. Capri is a very beautiful, very expensive place to visit. It is possible to escape the crowds if you walk far enough, and it is possible to spend no money there as long as you take your own food. All in all we only spent 2 euros and this was for each of us to take two trips to use the public toilets