Lifestyle
Capri’s ‘mad blue’: Island’s enchanting sea, scenic wonders
Capri is a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the Sorrentine Peninsula coast of Naples. Most visitors rush through on a day trip, but if you want to fully experience the island at its best, I highly recommend slowing down and staying for at least four days. Capri is part of the region of Campania in the Naples province. The town of Capri is the island’s main population center. The island has two harbors, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande.
The island may be small, but a few days will give you extra time to explore the famous Blue Grotto, hike Monte Solaro, Anacapri, the iconic Faraglioni rocks, the mystical Blue Grotto, charming Marina Piccola, historic Villa San Michele, the Punta Carena Lighthouse and of course, Capri’s breathtaking nature and exceptional restaurants. The island that will mesmerize you with its unique shades of blue, and people watching in the Piazzetta without feeling rushed is a memorable experience.
Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Naples, Capri is a destination where every season brings its own kind of magic. There’s so much to see and experience on the island, from wandering the quiet elegance of Anacapri to cruising past the dramatic Faraglioni, swimming in the glowing waters of the Blue Grotto, or simply enjoying a long lunch with sea views.
One of the must-do experiences is a boat tour around the island. It is an unforgettable way to admire Capri’s wild coastline. You can also rent a scooter and explore from one end to the other, or lace up your walking shoes and discover hidden paths and scenic viewpoints on foot.
But let’s pause for a moment because the sea here is a different kind of blue. A “mad blue,” as the locals might say bold, deep and endlessly inspiring. This magical hue has stirred the imagination of fashion icons and artists alike for decades.
On the far side of the island lies Punta Carena, home to Capri’s famous lighthouse. It’s a perfect spot for sunset lovers, quiet, scenic and drenched in golden light. You can walk there from Anacapri in about 40 minutes, or drive/scooter over in 10. While you’re there, don’t miss Sunset Maliblu, a relaxed beach club where you can unwind after a day of exploring. Just don’t forget your swimsuit because between the sunset views and the turquoise waters, you’ll want to dive right in.
Capri Palace Jumeirah
Nestled at the foot of Mount Solaro in Anacapri, Capri Palace Jumeirah is often referred to as the island’s hidden gem. Home to 80 rooms and suites, this elegant retreat is one of Capri’s most distinguished properties, boasting a world-class spa and two Michelin stars. Guests arrive via a picturesque, vine-draped walkway that opens onto a panoramic terrace with sweeping views of nearby Ischia.
Anacapri offers a quieter, more authentic side of the island, where locals still go about their daily lives. Just steps outside the hotel, you’ll find yourself immersed in the relaxed rhythm of village life, far from the more touristy bustle of central Capri.
Don’t miss dinner at the two-Michelin-star L’Olivo restaurant and bar. Off-site, Capri Palace Jumeirah also operates Il Riccio and aMare, a world-renowned pizza spot you shouldn’t miss.
The rooms at Capri Palace Jumeirah are styled in a quintessential Capri palette of blue and white. Milky ceramic tiles with delicate blue patterns and crisp white linen upholstery create an atmosphere that is both fresh and elegant.
This year, the hotel introduced five brand new suites, each designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Patricia Urquiola. These suites, complete with private terraces, feature custom-made ceramics in soft blue tones that reflect the island’s natural beauty.
What truly sets the hotel apart, however, is its impeccable service. The professionalism and warmth of the staff elevate the entire experience, turning a luxurious stay into something truly exceptional.
Villa San Michele
When he died, the Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe left behind a legacy as a healer as well as a reputation for generosity; he would treat impoverished patients without charge. He also left behind Villa San Michele, his home and garden in Anacapri, which has been lauded as one of the most beautiful in Italy. With impressive horticultural knowledge, Munthe filled his gardens with rare and exotic flora. Today, Villa San Michele is a destination for tourists curious to see the idyll Munthe once inhabited.
Monte Solaro
Monte Solaro is the highest point on the island of Capri. From here, you can see the Faraglioni Rocks, Mount Vesuvius, the Isle of Ischia, Sorrento and the Bay of Naples.
From the bottom station in Anacapri, it is a seven-minute ride by chairlift to Monte Solaro. Tickets cost 12 euros ($14) round trip. The entire visit takes about 45 minutes to one hour.
Punta Carena
Located on the southwest corner of Capri, far away from major tourism centers, the Punta Carena Lighthouse is a secluded and picturesque attraction near Anacapri. First used in 1867, the lighthouse is one of the oldest in Italy and enjoys spectacular views of the coastline. There is a public beach and picnic area near the lighthouse, and there are a few charming beach cafes in the area as well. Visitors love the history and secluded nature of this attraction.
You can access this attraction by boat, foot or bus. Many boat tours pass around the lighthouse, and sunset views of it from the water are spectacular. The hike from Anacapri on Via Nuova del Faro takes about an hour. If you’d prefer to take the bus, you can take the Faro Anacapri route from Piazza della Pace, which will take you right by the lighthouse.
Restaurants
Da Gelsomina
A Culinary Gem Above the Bay of Naples, tucked away in the peaceful hills of Anacapri, Da Gelsomina is one of the island’s most beloved dining spots, celebrated for its traditional island fare and breathtaking views stretching across the Bay of Naples. Meals are served beneath a vine-draped pergola or on a panoramic terrace, where the Mediterranean landscape unfolds in every direction from the countryside of Anacapri to the distant silhouettes of Mount Vesuvius and Ischia.
Here, the menu honors time-honored recipes passed down through generations. Savor island classics like ravioli capresi, coniglio alla cacciatora, pollo al mattone (brick pressed chicken) and spaghetti alla chiummenzana, tossed with sun ripened tomatoes. Each dish is prepared with seasonal ingredients from the garden and cooked with the same care and authenticity that has defined Da Gelsomina for decades. By day, the view is drenched in sunlight; by evening, it’s bathed in golden hues as the sun sets over the sea. The perfect backdrop for a truly Caprese dining experience.
Aurora restaurant
More than just a restaurant, it’s a story of passion and inspiration passed down through generations. A legendary destination favored by icons such as Valentino, Jackie O, Truman Capote and Giorgio Armani.
Be sure to try the signature pizza all’acqua, a cherished century-old recipe, alongside a curated wine tasting experience and irresistible traditional Neapolitan sweets.
For over 100 years, the iconic Aurora restaurant and pizzeria, run by the D’Alessio family, has been delighting Capri’s visitors with exceptional food and wine. Nestled on the stylish Via Fuorlovado, Aurora has earned international acclaim for its refined Mediterranean cuisine and beloved Neapolitan and Caprese classics. Under the creative touch of Chef Franco Aversa, these time-honored dishes are reimagined with subtle innovation, securing Aurora’s place among Capri’s most exclusive dining destinations.
Travel tips
From Istanbul to Naples International Airport, there are two flights per day in summer. Turkish Airlines flies one in the early morning and one in the afternoon to Napoli.
I recommend purchasing your ferry tickets from Naples to Capri in advance. Especially during the holiday season, the ferries fill up quickly.
Standing on the ferry as it waits to dock on the Greek island of Ithaca, Giorgia Ongarato is only too keen to talk about the “Odyssey” – the epic poem that inspired Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film.
The Italian lawyer said it was her dream to come to Ithaca, widely believed to be the same island as the home of Odysseus in the poem.
Dressed in a T-shirt emblazoned with the word “Odyssey” in ancient Greek alongside a line from the poem, she enthused: “I studied Greek when I was a child, and I studied the Odyssey.”
While she stressed that the film was not her entry point into the tale of the hero battling his way back home from the Trojan war, the 50-year-old said she was also a fan of the film, describing it as “wonderful”.
The island’s businesses and officials now expect the film to inspire many more to follow in her footsteps.
Ithaca, in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of mainland Greece is far from the country’s tourist hubs, and despite limpid waters and spectacular bays, it has never been a regular stop for travelers.
Its interior is rugged, carpeted with olive and cypress trees, and strikingly calm even at the height of the tourist season.
Although the movie has undoubtedly piqued the interest of many, it has also been slightly controversial in Greece. Although some Greek locations were used, not a single scene in the blockbuster was actually shot on Ithaca.
Homeric monuments abound
That decision has left some crestfallen on the island of roughly 3,000 inhabitants – where the film has been shown twice in open-air screenings since its July 16 worldwide release.
Xhimi Xoxha, who runs a restaurant in Ithaca’s capital of Vathi, said he was content that the movie was already “generating publicity for the island”. He predicted the positive effects would continue.
While Ithaca mayor Dionysis Stanitsas agreed that the publicity was “tremendous,” he could not hide his disappointment that the island itself did not feature.
“We had reached out to the production team and asked that some scenes be filmed here on the island,” he said. “Unfortunately, that wasn’t feasible.”
He is, however, counting on rising demand next year, and the island was already fully booked for this season by the time the film came out.
“As more people see it, they will begin planning trips to visit the island,” he said.
Visitors will not find a palace of Odysseus or any spectacular archaeological site likely to confirm the existence of the Homeric hero.
But village squares and the town hall are dotted with statues of Odysseus and Homer.
And there are other pointers to the island’s rich literary heritage.
In the small sun-drenched port, boats bob in the green water bearing names like “Telemachus” (the son of Odysseus) and “Calypso” (a goddess and nymph who imprisoned him).
Trinket shops offer busts of Homer and Penelope, Odysseus’s wife.
T-shirts can be found amid the jumble featuring the Cyclops Polyphemus – one of the many monsters vanquished by Odysseus.
And the truly devoted can splash out for a wall plate decorated with a Trojan Horse.
Archaeologist Spyros Couvaras is among those expecting a dramatic upsurge in visitors, saying it was clear that visitors wanted more than just sand and sea – they wanted the history and the mythology.
None of those are in short supply here.
A short distance from the shops and restaurants of the port, holidaymakers stretch out on deck chairs under parasols at Dexia beach, enveloped by the sound of cicadas.
According to legend, this is where Odysseus landed after years of voyaging.
Couvaras said the “driving force” of the renewed interest was undoubtedly the movie.
“But behind Nolan’s film stands Homer,” he said.
Traveling with babies and toddlers can be daunting for parents. Questions about air travel, what to pack and safety are often top of mind, especially on long-distance flights and international trips.
“Traveling with kids is a whole new world,” said Shannon Thompson, a pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, adding that it’s important to “enjoy your kiddo on your trip” as much as you can.
Here are some tips and tricks for parents to travel safely with young children – and have fun with them, too.
Before you decide where to stay, consider your options for baby-proofing.
Check whether items like portable playpens, cribs and high chairs are offered to guests. If you are staying somewhere with stairs, a balcony or a pool, inquire about baby gates; if they are not provided, see if they are available for rent nearby or consider bringing travel-friendly foldable mesh gates. Pack electrical outlet covers and wipes to clean any dirty surfaces your kiddo might touch.
For babies, safe sleeping is still essential on vacation. Children younger than 1 should sleep on their back on a flat, firm surface such as a mattress in a bassinet, crib or playpen with nothing more than a fitted sheet, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The organization also recommends babies sleep in the parents’ room – but not in the parents’ bed – for at least the first six months.
You should also consider how you will get to your lodging: Will you fly in and rent a car or take a taxi, or take public transit from the airport? Will you mostly be driving or walking? For parents, these factors can determine whether you want to bring a stroller and a car seat, both of which you can gate check for free when you fly, or rely on using a sling or baby carrier.
“Flying with kids is one of those big, intimidating things,” said Thompson, the pediatrician. “I think the biggest thing to think about is always safety and then of course their comfort.”
While children under two can fly in their parents’ lap, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends securing them in their own safety seat, such as a car seat certified for use on planes. This requires buying a seat for your child.
For long-haul or international flights, ask the airline if they have bassinets available.
Food and drink for babies and toddlers, including breast milk, formula and puree pouches, are considered medically necessary liquids by the Transportation Security Administration. That means they are not subject to the standard 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) limit for carry-on liquids. The same goes for ice packs used to keep such liquids cool. Let the TSA officer know if you have these in your carry-on when you go through security screening.
In addition to snacks, don’t forget to carry on diapers, wipes, a portable changing pad and sealable plastic bags for disposal. Bring extra clothes to layer or change in case of accidents or messy spills.
Swallowing and chewing can help with ear pressure, so nursing little ones or giving them a bottle or pacifier can ease discomfort during take-off and landing.
Speak with your pediatrician beforehand if your kiddo is prone to ear infections, and before traveling abroad, ask them what vaccines may be recommended.
For flights with young kids, Christy Slavik, owner of the travel agency Mom Approved Travel, recommends “having little surprises that you can distract them with,” such as sticky mats for travel-sized Play-Doh, suction cup toys and other games that are small and light to pack.
If sightseeing once at your destination, think about ways to make activities more fun and interactive. For art museums, bring notebooks that kids can draw in, or ask them what types of animals they can find in the paintings, Slavik said.
“Kids need a mission. They need games,” she said. “You have to get creative sometimes when you’re traveling.”
Exposing children to other cultures, foods and languages can also be fun. Some may enjoy picking out snacks at markets, for example, or learning foreign words for their favorite dishes and activities.
There are options for places to stay that are family-friendly, with amenities such as pools or games. For those traveling abroad on a budget, many hostels offer private rooms for families so they don’t have to share a dorm-style room with bunk beds. Hotels and hostels provide the opportunity to meet other travelers, including fellow children who can become playmates.
Helping moms actually enjoy their vacation – and relax amid the stress that can come with planning and traveling – is a core goal of Slavik’s travel agency.
One way parents can get a break is by planning trips with grandparents or other family members. This helps with babysitting duties, while also allowing loved ones to have special bonding time with kiddos. Just make sure they also have their own downtime and aren’t wearing themselves out, Slavik said.
“When you bring grandparents to a vacation, you’re giving them the opportunity to experience those moments together,” she said.
Çakıl Island (Pebble Island), located in the Erciş district of Van province, eastern Türkiye, welcomes visitors during the summer months with its cool turquoise waters, a beach covered in white pebbles and natural beauty.
Set along the lake’s northern edge, the island offers an alternative for those looking to cool off in its clear, soda-rich waters. Its shoreline, surrounded by white pebbles and untouched natural scenery, creates views reminiscent of tropical islands.
The beach has become a popular destination, especially on hot summer days, for visitors seeking to spend time surrounded by nature.
Visitors enjoy the unique scenery created by Lake Van’s turquoise waters and the white pebbles, relaxing in the natural surroundings until sunset.
Deniz Özçelik, who traveled to Van from Izmir with her family for a holiday, said she was impressed by Çakıl Island, which she visited for the first time.
Saying they would like to return to the region whenever they have the opportunity, Özçelik said: “I had heard a lot about the beauty of Lake Van before. After coming here, I had the chance to see it firsthand. The lake’s saline, alkaline waters is good for the skin. The natural surroundings are truly beautiful. I thought the beach being covered with white pebbles was created later, but I learned that it is completely natural. Çakıl Island is a place worth seeing. If you are in the area, you should definitely stop by. Our country has many beautiful natural wonders waiting to be discovered, not only in the west but also in the east.”
Yusuf Göktü Koç, who visited the region from Ankara with his family, also said he was impressed by Çakıl Island.
“This place is truly beautiful. The view of Lake Van is breathtaking. I really enjoyed Erciş. The shoreline of Çakıl Island is crystal clear. Its turquoise color is reminiscent of the Maldives. I recommend that everyone come and see it,” Koç said.
The historic Kadıkalesi site in the Aegean district of Kuşadası in western Türkiye has been added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List as part of a multinational heritage nomination.
According to a statement from the Aydın Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, Kadıkalesi was added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List as part of the serial nomination “Trading Posts and Fortifications on Genoese Trade Routes from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea.”
The addition recognizes the site’s archaeological significance, strategic location and rich cultural heritage, strengthening its status as one of Türkiye’s key candidates for future inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Kadıkalesi, also known by its historical name Anaia, served as an important settlement along medieval trade routes connecting the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
Archaeological excavations at the site are continuing under the direction of Suna Çağaptay of the Department of Art History at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University’s Faculty of Letters.
Sometimes the most memorable journeys are not defined by the reason that brings you there, but by the places you discover along the way.
One of the first impressions visitors have of Kosovo begins at Pristina International Airport. Operated by the Turkish company Limak, the airport stands as a visible example of the long-standing economic ties between Türkiye and Kosovo. Arriving in a new country and being welcomed by the name of a Turkish company was an unexpected reminder of how infrastructure can quietly strengthen connections between nations. It was a small but meaningful moment that immediately made me feel connected to the destination.
Stepping into Pristina, I was welcomed by a city full of youthful energy. Its cafes were buzzing with students, public squares were alive with conversation, and every street reflected a generation eager to shape the future. Rather than trying to imitate Europe’s larger capitals, Pristina embraces its own identity with confidence. Modern architecture, independent cafes, creative spaces and a growing cultural scene reveal a capital that is evolving while remaining authentic.
During my visit, the city welcomed thousands of international visitors, bringing an extraordinary atmosphere to the streets. Despite the heavy traffic and crowded avenues, there was a sense of excitement everywhere. Restaurants, cafes and public spaces were filled with people from across Europe, transforming Pristina into a lively meeting point where different cultures naturally came together.
As a fashion designer, I found myself paying just as much attention to the people as to the city itself. Walking through Pristina felt like exploring an open-air fashion exhibition. Festival-inspired fashion blended effortlessly with everyday street style. Cowboy boots, crochet dresses, oversized denim jackets, metallic fabrics, sheer layers, lace details and colorful scarves reflected a generation that dresses with confidence rather than conformity.
What impressed me most was that fashion here was not driven by luxury labels but by individuality. Young people mixed vintage finds with contemporary pieces, creating looks that felt authentic rather than curated. In today’s digital world, where every street corner can become the backdrop for a photograph, personal style has become an extension of identity. Pristina captured that spirit beautifully.
After experiencing the vibrant rhythm of the capital, I traveled to Prizren, a city that immediately offers a completely different atmosphere.
Often described as Kosovo’s cultural heart, Prizren is where history quietly accompanies everyday life. Ottoman bridges, elegant mosques, churches, traditional stone houses and cafes lining the Bistrica River create an environment that encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate the details. Every narrow cobbled street reveals another layer of the city’s multicultural past.
One of the highlights of my visit was climbing to Prizren Fortress, where the panoramic view stretches across terracotta rooftops framed by the surrounding mountains. As the evening light settles over the city, Prizren reveals a timeless beauty that perfectly explains why it is considered one of the Balkans’ most charming destinations.
The city’s rich culinary scene adds another dimension to the experience. Traditional Balkan flavors sit comfortably alongside Ottoman influences, while local cafes invite visitors to spend hours simply watching life unfold beside the river. It is a place where history is not preserved behind museum walls but continues to exist naturally within everyday life.
Leaving Kosovo, I realized that what stayed with me most was not a single destination but the balance between its two most distinctive cities. Pristina represents confidence, creativity and youthful ambition. Prizren offers history, culture and quiet elegance. Together, they present a country that is steadily building its future while honoring its past.
Sometimes the most memorable journeys are not about the event that brings you somewhere – they are about the people you meet, the streets you walk and the stories a place leaves behind. Kosovo did exactly that, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for a destination that deserves to be explored far beyond the headlines.
The widely anticipated transfer of Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah to Türkiye’s Trabzonspor is drawing attention not only to the Süper Lig club but also to the city itself – a green, picturesque gem on the northeastern edge of Black Sea coast.
While rumors were indicating that Salah, a Liverpool icon, could sign for Beşiktaş, one of three Istanbul giants, Trabzonspor confirmed late Tuesday in a public statement it had opened negotiations to bring the veteran scorer to Türkiye.
Salah then flew to Istanbul, where on Wednesday morning he was welcomed by numerous fans while social media was still abuzz about the transfer.
“Trabzon, are you ready? I can hear you. See you very soon,” Salah said in a video message posted on the club’s official X channel.
Renowned for its historical and natural richness, Trabzon has over recent years turned into a hot spot, particularly for Arab travelers, offering a harmonious blend of lush green landscapes and mesmerizing azure waters.
It has seen strong inflows of tourists, including those arriving from Gulf countries and the Arab world, and many speculators see a growing interest in the city amid Salah’s transfer.
Salah was a free agent after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season. There was speculation the 34-year-old Egypt international would end his career in Saudi Arabia, but it emerged this week that Trabzonspor was leading the race to sign him.
He established himself as a Premier League great with Liverpool, where he won two league titles and the Champions League among eight major honors.
Trabzonspor, often regarded as the fourth-top team in Turkish Süper Lig, last clinched the title in the 2021-22 season, securing their first league championship in 38 years.
Its hometown, Trabzon, is renowned for historical sites such as Sümela Monastery and Trabzon Hagia Sophia, as well as famous meatballs named after one of its districts – Akçabaat köftesi.
The natural lake Uzungöl and its surroundings are also one of the primary attractions for travelers seeking greenery and peace, far from urban rush.
Meanwhile, the photos shared in Turkish media and on social media already indicate enthusiasm among locals to welcome its new football star to the city.
Some commentators went further and said that Salah’s transfer is also a “great advert” for Türkiye-Egypt relations.
-
Sports2 days ago6 Arab federations reaffirm support for Infantino amid FIFA rift
-
Sports2 days agoBeşiktaş sign Juventus forward Vlahovic on 3-year deal
-
Economy3 days agoBaykar duo tops list of highest taxpayers in Türkiye for 5th year
-
Politics3 days agoTürkiye says Mecca pact to enhance regional security, not rival NATO
-
Economy2 days agoCan global oil stocks weather another 6 months of US-Iran war?
-
Economy3 days agoRecord-low Danube forces Romania to shut its only nuclear plant
-
Sports19 hours agoFerran Torres joins PSG from Barcelona on contract through 2031
-
Economy2 days agoHyundai launches IONIQ 3 production to embolden Türkiye’s EV ambitions