Luminata magazine

The island of Capri is one of the most legendary summer destinations, much of its charm deriving in addition to the wonderful nature also from the island’s 50s and 60s luxury aura, having been the favorite spot of the Hollywood and European influential jet setters. Much has changed in today’s world, but it would be a mistake to think that the blue paradise feeling in Capri has somehow faded away. For me it has been a place to go for twenty years and thus, very difficult to write about, as too many things have remained with me, making it hard to choose. However, here comes my ‘not to miss’ list for those wishing to explore this lovely island.

The smallest island in the bay of Naples, Procida, is actually just 40 minutes hydrofoil ride away from Naples. Perhaps it’s a touch less known than its neighboring islands of Capri and Ischia, but having been the Italy’s Capital of Culture 2022 has certainly put a new spotlight on it, much deservedly so.

Mantecare. Man-te-ca-re. Veeretan seda algselt hispaania keelest tuletatud sõna keelel. Itaalias tähistatakse sellega midagi väga olulist, peaaegu püha. See tähistab nimelt seda hetke, kui äsja al dente keedetud pasta ja armastusega valmistatud kaste pannis ühinevad ning pasta üleni kastmega kattub, selle kreemjasse headusse sulandudes.

Päev Napolist väljas Vesuuvi nõlvadel on täpselt see mis vaja, et hetkeks linnakärast eemale saada ja lasta mõttel puhata. Ilmselt ka hingel, vaadates kevadiselt rohetavat maad ja silmapiiril paistvat säravsinist Napoli lahte, kus joonistuvad välja Sorrento ja Capri piirjooned. Taamal kõrgub üle kõige Vesuuv. Vulkaan, mis siinsele piirkonnale on toonud nii hävingut kui õnnistust.  

Firenze (Florence) and its Renaissance beauty has charmed travelers since its beginnings. It’s no different these days, all year round. The cathedrals and chapels full of masters’ art, museums, palaces, art galleries, fashion, the famous Tuscan cuisine with its wines, its elegant piazzas and streets. Visiting Firenze in winter time, just before the holiday crowds are starting to arrive, is to me, one of the best moments to enjoy this wonderful city to the fullest. Or then again, after the holidays, when the streets are emptier again and seem to belong to you.

Ancient city of Naples in Southern Italy is typically known as the birthplace of pizza and home to the delicious mozzarella cheese. Those who have been there as tourists might add to it the beauty of volcano Vesuvius, historical buildings dating back thousands of years and the sunny Southern Italian landscape. The city is serving also as a port to surrounding Amalfi coast and the islands of Ischia, Procida and legendary blue Capri.

However, the fact that Naples can be used also as a destination for vintage shopping is a closely guarded secret by locals. The best market for vintage is called Resina and it’s being located 10 km outside of Naples in the Portici area. 30 minutes by car and you’re in the middle of vintage shopper’s heaven. Rows and rows of little outlets offering you everything from carnival costumes for style parties to leather garments, as well as suits, dresses, shoes and bags. Layers of fashion history are looking to be discovered: from 50s to nowadays, some rare findings also from 30s. There are also other markets in Naples where one could find some items of value - like in piazza Garibaldi -, but Resina overshadows them to great extent.