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The Island of Capri


Capri (pronounced CAH-pree) is an enchanting and picturesque island made of limestone rock. A favorite with Roman emperors, the rich and famous, artists, and writers, it's still one of the Mediterranean's must-see places. The island of Capri, located just across the Bay of Naples, has two charming villages (Anacapri and Capri) full of boutiques and sidewalk cafes and is a fun destination for easy-going sightseeing. While the island is small — just four miles by two miles — there's plenty to see and do. Capri is a day of unforgettable views!


Marina Grande


Tourists arrive by boat at Marina Grande, the island's main harbor. Capri is easily visited as a day trip from Naples. The island can be reached by frequent ferries and hydrofoils from the city of Naples. To get to Capri, head across the cruise terminal to the hydrofoil station; the trip across the Bay of Naples takes 50- 90 minutes each way, and the boats dock at Marina Grande. From Naples, the ferry takes about 80 minutes and costs about 9,00 EUR . The hydrofoil takes about 40 minutes and costs 16,00 EUR.


The Blue Grotto

The famous Blue Grotto, Grotta Azzurra, is the most fascinating of the island's many caves. Refraction of sunlight into the cave makes an iridescent blue light in the water. Once inside you're met with the spectacular sight of the blue water. Boats at the harbor offer tours around the island or transport to the Blue Grotto. Daily, regular departures from 9 a.m. throughout the day, depart from Marina Grande. The Blue Grotto experience is more than visiting a cave. Getting there, getting in, and getting back are all part of the experience. You will enjoy a fast cruise partway around the gorgeous island, seeing bird life and local fisherman at work all under dramatic limestone cliffs. Once at the Blue Grotto, you will transfer to a small rowboat that will take you into the cave. A truly memorable experience.

Funicular to Capri

The funicular railway (funiculare) takes visitors up the hill from Marina Grande to the town of Capri. In Marina Grande the ticket office is not located at the entrance of the Funicular railway but, rather, on the left hand side of the port, where the ticket offices of the various navigation companies can also be found.

Capri

Capri, the largest of the island's two towns, sits in a saddle above the port. Piazza Umberto, often called La Piazzetta, is the main square of this cute and touristy shopping town. This is the heart and soul of Capri. It’s a small, colorful square with a 17th-century baroque clock tower. The main drag is nicknamed "Rodeo Drive" for its exclusive boutiques. While prices are steep, the window shopping is free. There are outdoor cafes, countless designer and ceramic shops, 5 star hotels fine restaurants, discos and gelaterias (gelato shops). At the edge of town, elegant villas and a public garden are strategically placed to enjoy the amazing views. Window shop, grab a gelato, and then sit down and take in the breathtaking view.

On glitzy Capri, everything is done with panache. Taxis are white convertibles. Though expensive, they make getting around an unforgettable part of your visit. Remember the view! Public buses run around the island, but they can be crowded. Buses run frequently, although times are subject to variation. Tickets can be purchased directly on board the bus, in the ticket offices of the Funicular railway in Marina Grande or in Piazza Martiri d’Ungheria, close to the Piazzetta, where the bus station is located. Taxi service is reliable and the convertibles taxis are a nice way to travel on warm days. Taxi fare from Capri to Anacapri is roughly 20 Eur. Remember to set the price before you get in the taxi.

Anacapri

The island's second town, Anacapri, has fewer tourists, a little more character, spectacular views of the harbor, and a passion for colorful Majolica tiles. The town's celebrated San Michele Church has a remarkable majolica floor showing paradise on earth in a classic 18th-century Neapolitan style. Ironically, the church's floor is so gorgeous that pews for worshippers are replaced by a boardwalk for tourists.

Also check out Villa San Michele (Anacapri, daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.). The 18th-century home of a Swedish physician, this elegant villa has lovely furnishings, classical art and a gorgeous garden. Villa San Michele, in Anacapri, was built by the Swedish writer Axel Munthe in the late 19th century on the site of a Tiberian villa. Bits of the Roman villa are incorporated into the atrium and garden. Inside are traditional local and Swedish furnishings and hundreds of art pieces from antiquity to the 20th century. Not to be missed are the garden with breathtaking views of the cliffs, harbor, and sea.

Near the central square there's a chair lift to Mount Solaro and a street lined with shops, several of which offer limoncello tasting. Olive trees, grapevines, and flowers give it a Mediterranean charm.

Chairlift from Anacapri to Monte Solaro

For the best views of the island take the single-seat chairlift trip (12 minutes) up to Monte Solaro (rough translation is Solar Mountain). Chairlift operators help tourists in and out of the non-stop chairlift. Roughly 8 Eur round trip. (Tip: Make sure your shoes are firmly attached to your feet or hold on to them.) The view on the way up is amazing and the view at Monte Solaro is worth the trip. Don't miss it!

Monte Solaro

Monte Solaro is the highest and most panoramic spot on the island. At the top you are 1,955 feet above sea level and have a 360° panorama of the island of Capri. The rocky formation is volcanic in origin and is actually and extension of the Sorrentine peninsula. Enjoy the experience while sitting at the cafe on Monte Solaro. Travel back to Anacapri can be made by the chairlift or by walking down a winding path past lemon trees, private homes and gardens with fabulous views.

Oh, and did I mention the view?

Sights to See

Faraglioni,rock formations, are one of the island's natural wonders. The faraglioni make up the classic view one associates with Capri. There are several other unusual rock formations in the sea around the island, including a natural arch.

Certosa of San Giacomo is a 14th century monastery near the town of Capri. It houses a museum and library and holds concerts. Nearby are the beautiful Giardini Augusto, gardens of Augustus. There's an overlook with great sea views.

Marina Piccola, the south harbor, has restaurants and a rocky beach with swimming, beautiful views of the sea, and the Faraglioni rock formations. The marina can be reached by bus or taxi.

Roman villa remains from the 12 elaborate villas built by Emperor Tiberius include Villa Jovis, in a spectacular position on Mount Tiberio and the most elaborate and interesting, and the Sea Palace and Baths of Tiberius near Marina Grande.

The Phoenician Steps, 800 ancient steps connecting Anacapri to the sea and offering splendid views.