From beyond the endless blue rises the first signs of land, bleached and faded brown rock dressed in green like a stooped figure in the distance. As the ferry nears and rounds the corner, the landscape changes in a split second to reveal a quaint fishing village adorned in swathes of pastel and adorned by the call of fishermen returning to port. There need not be any sign to confirm the identity of this dreamy harbor, the main port of Capri. Unmistakably, this is the Marina Grande.

Unlike its over the top counterparts in Italy, the Marina Grande has strayed little from its industrial past. Like the tiers of a cake, colorful houses in uniform warm, sun drenched colors are an open invitation for landing visitors to wander the streets and wrap themselves in the village’s charm. The moment you embark, you’re struck by the idyllic pace of it all. Seated by the harbor’s edge, fishermen mend their nets with practiced finesse while their gozzi sorrentini drift along with the gentle tug of the current, their tiny triangular sails rippling in the calm breeze. No vessel that departs from the mainland enters Capri without passing through Marina Grande and its decks are always full with both luxury craft and boats for rent. Dotted all around are traditional joints offering Italian thoroughfare in the form of antipasti and seafood, best savored with a shot of coastal beauty by the side. And yet even as the guests flock in, Marina Grande remains true to its heart and continues to retain its rustic charm it so prides itself upon.