Capri

The magical island of Capri has charmed visitors for centuries. Great Roman Emperors to famous playwrights have all found themselves drawn to Capri’s sheer cliffs rising out of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Capri travel is a luxurious escape from the mundane. You will be serenaded by the breeze rustling through fragrant lemon trees, warmed by the blazing summer sun that washes the Sorrentine Peninsula and refreshed by a swim through the enchanting grottos.

The small getaway in the Bay of Naples has been a hot spot for royalty and celebrities since the Roman times. Thus, it is flush with world-class restaurants, breathtaking hikes, five-star hotels and chic shops. Whether you're visiting for a daytrip or for a month-long vacation, you'll be smitten with the laid-back charm of Capri and yearn to return as soon as possible.

A popular way to see the natural wonders of this Southern Italian Island is by boat. Popular attractions such as the Blue Grotto, Green Grotto and Faraglioni can be seen during a short trip circumnavigating the island.

Things to Do

In addition to being somewhat of a playground for the wealthy, Capri is a nature lover's paradise. It's surrounded by sea caves—the most famous being the Blue Grotto—and dramatic rock formations rising from the water. You can get good views of the yacht-studded harbor by taking the Phoenician Steps from the shore to Anacapri, the highest town. Near the central square, there's a chair lift to Mount Solaro, which offers even better views of the island.

In Capri, the main town, you'll find luxury fashion boutiques and restaurants along Via Camerelle. Handmade leather sandals, ceramics, and perfume are some of the island's specialties. And although Capri is notorious for being pricey, you don't have to spend a lot of money: Simply walking around and exploring the gardens, Roman villa remains, beaches, and monasteries is extraordinary.

The Blue Grotto

Known locally as Grotta Azzurra, this is the most beloved of the island's many caves. Refraction of sunlight into the cave makes an iridescent blue light in the water. Visitors can only enter the cave in small rowboats. Tours can be booked through Marina Grande, the Motoscafisti, Laser Capri, and Capri Cruise boat charter companies.

The Faraglioni rock formations

Apart from the Blue Grotto, these are the island's most treasured natural wonders. The Faraglioni is composed of three towering rocks, or "stacks," that protrude from the sea, making for a unique photo opportunity. On the shore, Faraglioni beach is one of the island's most beautiful, too. There are several other unusual rock formations in the sea around the island, including a natural arch.

Villa San Michele

This Anacapri villa 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 is the garden, with its breathtaking views of the cliffs, harbor, and sea.

Shopping in Capri

To bring the scent of your vacation back home, have a stop at Carthusia (Via Camerelle, 10) for the most famous perfume made in Capri with local herbs and flowers, and some delicious soap as well.

What to eat in Capri

The most famous dish on Capri is ravioli capresi, made with simple pasta dough using equal parts flour and water, resulting in particularly light pasta.

When to Go to Capri

The peak months to travel to Capri are June through August, when tourists flock to the island in droves, driving up prices for everything from hotel rooms to hydrofoils. The early and late summer months (April, May and October) are the best times to visit Capri-the weather is still warm, but the crowds have died down. Winters are mild, but rainy and many shops and restaurants are temporarily shuttered.

Getting there

Capri isn’t the easiest spot in the world to get to since it’s a small island without a commercial airport. You need to get to Naples either by plane, train, or car and then take the ferry from the Port of Naples to the Port of Capri. Once you get to Capri, you can hop in a cab to get to your final destination.