Capri Island Become a Travel Agent Near Me

Overview

Introduction

Celebrated for its natural beauty, rich history, mild climate and breathtaking vistas, the Island of Capri is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Italy.

Once infamous as the "Island of Sin," Capri Island, about 15 mi/25 km south of Naples in the Bay of Naples, is now known as a desirable place to visit and a romantic spot for honeymooners. (Its name literally means "goats," coming from the Latin word capraeae, and you might see some of them there.)

For centuries, Capri was a retreat of sorts. Pirates hid their loot there, and it's where Emperor Tiberius built Villa Jovis, the first-century villa where he spent the last, debauched years of his reign. Visitors can see the Salto di Tiberio, the point from which he would fling to their death those who no longer pleased him.

These days, Capri is a retreat for the youngish jet set and assorted Hollywood celebrities. Don't expect lush tropical scenery, but do expect old-world charm, gorgeous grottoes and silver- and rose-colored cliffs that plunge straight into clear blue water.

Also expect superb restaurants, good shopping, watersports, lush gardens, Roman ruins, churches and wonderful streets in which to stroll—as well as some of the highest prices in Italy.

Must See or Do

Sights—Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto); the famous Il Faraglioni Rocks; Arco Naturale; Monte Solaro.

Museums—Villa San Michele; Centro Caprense Ignazio Cerio.

Memorable Meals—Homemade ravioli Caprese at Da Gelsomina garden terrace restaurant in Anacapri; gelato or torta Caprese at R. Buonocore.

Late Night—Cafes in the Piazzetta (main square) in Capri Town; cocktails at the Piano Bar Capri Palace.

Walks—The Giro dell'Arco Naturale (Natural Arch Circuit) along the Via Matermania to the Arco Naturale; the hairpin, winding path of Via Krupp to Marina Piccola; hike along the island perimeter; stroll the ancient Roman road Via Migliara-Belvedere for a view of the Faro (lighthouse) and southern coastline.

Especially for Kids—The Path of Forts; beachcombing at the Marina Piccola; snorkeling and swimming.

Geography

The approach to Capri is by sea, and the main harbor, Marina Grande, is the main terminal for ferries and boats arriving from Naples, Ischia and the Amalfi Coast. From Marina Grande, there is a funicular that heads directly up to Capri Town, the main village on the island, where most of the shops and restaurants are found. There is also a former mule path starting from the Largo Fontana, a small square on the quay side of the marina that leads to the area just below the clock tower in Capri Town and takes about 15 minutes on foot. The two highest peaks are Mount Tiberius (1,095 ft/334 m) on the northeast side of the island, and Mount Solaro (1,932 ft/589 m) situated in the center of the island above Anacapri.

Anacapri, the island's only other town, is an exclusive little village a bit higher up in the hills. A local bus runs regularly from Capri to Anacapri, and from there you can take a chairlift (called the seggiovia by locals) to the limestone formation of Mount Solaro. From this impressive vantage point you can enjoy breathtaking, expansive views over the sea and the Bay of Naples. An alternative way to get to Anacapri is from a hiking trail that runs from Capri up to Anacapri, the Scala Fenicia.

Almost the entire perimeter of the island is accessible for hiking, and walking is the best way to appreciate the beauty and spectacular views off the rocky coast. Other geographical landmarks worth noting include the famous Il Faraglioni cluster of offshore rocks, and a symbol of Capri, on the southeast side of the island. The rock formation can be best viewed from the Via Pizzo Lungo, one of the most beautiful seaside paths in the world. The Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) is a gorgeous cave at the water's edge on the northwest side of the island and is best reached by boats that depart from the Marina Grande or from a bus that runs from the center of Anacapri, and then by boat.

History

Capri Island was first Greek, then Roman. When Emperor Caesar Augustus visited in 29 BC, he was the first to build a villa there, and was then succeeded by Emperor Tiberius, who built the Villa Jovis on Mount Tiberius, one of the island's two peaks. Until AD 7, the island was visited and inhabited by Roman nobility.

After the breakup of the Roman Empire, the island was owned for some time by the Duchy of Naples. It was in turn raided by the Saracens and Turks, and in the following centuries Capri was dominated by the Normans, Lombards, Anjovins, Aragonese and finally the Spanish.

The island experienced a period of glory between the 18th and 19th centuries, driven by the active political and artistic environment in the diocese of Naples. Witness to this period of cultural growth is the architecture of beautiful churches, monasteries and other buildings in the main island centers of Capri and Anacapri. The island came back into vogue in the mid-19th century, with Italian and foreign visitors flocking to the island. The first hotel opened in 1826.

Potpourri

Capri pants (three-quarter-length slim pants) were introduced by European designer Sonja de Lennart in 1948, with the name deriving from the island of Capri. They rose in popularity during the late 1950s-60s when the late Grace Kelly wore them on the island.

Somerset Maughm's short story The Lotus Eater is about a man from Boston who visits Capri and becomes so smitten with the island that he decides to quit his job and live the rest of his life there.

Insalata Caprese is a tomato-and-mozzarella salad that originated on the Island of Capri.

The locals on Capri speak a type of Neapolitan dialect, which is also known as Neapolitan-Calabrian or Southern Italian. In 2008, a law was passed in the region of Campania noting that the Neapolitan dialect was to be protected, and Neapolitan has been recognized by UNESCO as a language and a heritage.

Fossils of a prehistoric elephant and rhinoceros were discovered when excavations for the Grand Hotel Quisisana began.

Canfora, the shop that sells handmade sandals, used to open the store after midnight so that a visiting Jacqueline Kennedy could shop in private.

Location

Capri Island is a port-of-call for some, and a shore excursion for others. Larger cruise ships tend to dock in Naples and offer an optional visit to the island. Smaller ships anchor off the coast of Capri and tender passengers to Marina Grande, which is a small port located a short distance downhill, via taxi, funicular or bus, from the larger Capri town.

Ferries and hydrofoils from Naples and Sorrento also drop visitors off at Marina Grande.

Shore Excursions

The island of Capri offers numerous activities for cruise passengers. You can take a gozzo, a traditional wooden boat, around the island and see some of the famous grottos or head straight to Anacapri and the chairlift at the base of Monte Solaro for a dizzying view over the island and out toward Naples.

For the shopper, stroll along the swanky Via Camerelle for some of Italy's top designer fashions.