Anacapri

Hi Sally, This question made me laugh, because my husband and I took the lift in 2007 and he still ribs me about it. He got on first and I was in the chair behind him. For some reason, the ride up scared me a little even though you aren't really more than 10-15 feet off the ground (I'm bad with guesstimating distance). I did manage to take some pictures, though, while one hand had a death grip on the chair pole. Once we were both at the top my husband was grinning from ear to ear and talking about the amazing views on the way up and that's when it told him I was shaky from the ride. He was incredulous, and kept saying, "But we were never that far off the ground..." Needless to say, we walked down and although it was 4 years ago, I seem to recall it didn't take very long, maybe 20 minutes or so?

Anacapri is a village. You take a bus to Anacapri - where there is a church - St. Michael's - with an amazing floor and the very nice Villa San Michele. You can then choose to take the lift up Monte Solaro. If you don't want to go up, there are good views available from the walk around the shore - the Pizzolungo. I also recommend checking out Marina Piccolo, Capri's second, and much smaller, harbor, where there are likely to be fewer people.

I also loved Marina Picolo, it's very picturesque. We dined at Ristorante Ciro, outside overlooking the sea. It was lovely.

Thanks Angela, Kathy and kerry. I am tempted to try the lift. I figured when will we go back again? There are still so many places to go to in Europe. If time permits, we will try Marina Picolo.

Anacapri is definitely worth the trip. While I didn't take the chairlift, it didn't look scary. I hear the views are breathtaking.

the lift is on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SFGd-WaFq8

we did take the lift and the views are amazing. I think you would have to have a terrible and powerful fear of heights to be scared. -but if you do, there are lovely things to see and do without it. It is not hard to get on and off.
Christine

The "hardest" part of the chairlift is the getting on and getting off. The worker at each end helps....but basically the chairs keep moving, so you sort of quickly sit as it comes around, the safely bar goes in place, and away you go. It is an extremely peaceful ride, and the views are amazing, especially at the very top. Great photo ops. There are some quaint, well-tended vegetable gardens along the chairlift route, and I had fun waving to the gardeners. If you like great gardens, the Villa San Michele in Anacapri is not to be missed. This is about a 5-minute walk from where you would catch the chairlift to ride to the tippy top of Anacapri. Also in Anacapri you will find a few nice shops, featuring lemon products, shoes (including custom sandals, in-lay wood furniture & art, and clothing stores.

As other posters have noted, Anacapri is a village, and you can take the lift from Anacapri to the top of the island. But the lift was not scary to me at all: very simple to get on and off, and very scenic. There is a way to get to the top by walking, so you can hike up and/or down if you wish. As to how long that would take, I'm not sure because I have yet to do it myself. But visit the top one way or another; it's well worth it.

Sally:
I am scaredy cat and let me tell you - the ride is AMAZING. I refuse to go on carnival rides but this was slow and just the most beautiful view that you can image. You will love the castle-fortress or whatever you want to call it at the top. Hang out there for a while looking out at the water with a glass of wine and the 12 minute chair ride will seem like the sweetest thing in the world! I am heading back in 2 weeks so perhaps I will see you at the top!!! Melanie

Go on the lift up Monte Solaro! It is like getting on and off a ski lift. There are people at both ends to help you on and off. You get to see people's gardens (and the gardeners too) from above. I would not miss it.

Thanks everyone for all the wonderful feedbacks regarding Anacapri. I am apprehensive about the lift but with all the positive comments here, it is one that I will not miss. I will certainly try it , Thanks again!