This gorgeous and glamorous rocky island has long attracted the wealthy, powerful and well-known, from Roman Emperors to Hollywood legends.
Small as it is, the Mediterranean island of Capri is packed with many things to see and do. Discover crumbling Roman remains, quiet coves, rugged rock formations and cliff-lined coasts, as well as streets lined with designer boutiques and piazzas bordered by chic cafés filled with well-dressed patrons.
Capri has been a go-to holiday spot for centuries, with Roman emperors Augustus and Tiberius both spending their down time here. Later came a wave of artists, intellectuals and writers, including Russian novelist Maxim Gorky and Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, and Hollywood stars such as Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot and Rita Hayworth. Hang around the outdoor cafés of Piazza Umberto I, more commonly known as the Piazzetta, after dark for the best chance of spotting a famous face.
The island is home to two towns: Capri and Anacapri. Capri is the more upscale and busier of the two, and is packed with upmarket boutiques. Anacapri, set on a plateau above Capri, is a little more laid back. From Anacapri, ride the chairlift up to the 589-metre (1,930-foot) summit of Monte Solaro for bird’s-eye views over the whole island. Anacapri is also home to Villa San Michele, the former resident of Swedish doctor Axel Munthe. Stroll around the idyllic garden, built on the ruins of a Roman villa.
Scattered across the island, away from the town centres, are a range of other attractions, both man-made and natural. The most famous and most frequently visited by tourists is the Grotta Azzurra, or Blue Grotto. Paddle into the cave, where the waters glow blue under the streaming sunlight. Or, hop aboard a boat and float through the arch of the Faraglioni,a trio of rock formations jutting out of the sea off the southeast shore of the island. For a fix of history, explore Villa Jovisand examine the ruins of Roman Emperor Tiberius’ main base on the island.
To get to Capri, take the ferry from Naples or Sorrento. During summer, boats also depart from the Amalfi Coast. Boats arrive in Capri’s Marina Grande. From here, ride the funicular up to Capri town.
