Capri is one of the three major islands in the Gulf of Naples. The island is known for its natural beauty, for its stunning panoramas, and for the movie stars and other celebrities who love to visit.
All about Capri (Island)
History
The island of Capri has been known for its beauty since time immemorial, and it has been since time immemorial that wealthy people have loved to spend their time here. It is not for nothing, then, that it earned the nickname “Island of the Emperors” early on.
Emperor Caesar Augustus chose it as his favorite vacation destination and Tiberius spent the last years of his life there.
The Swedish physician and writer Axel Munthe also settled on the island, had the Villa San Michele in Anacapri built and wrote a famous book about it.
The island actually consists of two towns, the mundane Capri itself, and the quieter Anacapri. To travel from Capri to Anacapri, take a bus from the central square, which is simply known as Piazzetta, but is actually called Piazza Umberto I.
Sightseeing in Capri
The most famous natural attractions are the “Blue Grotto” (Grotta Azzurra), the Faraglioni and the shell beach.
There are a number of ruins from Roman times, although the magnificent Gardens of Augustus are not among them. The well-preserved residence of Emperor Tiberius, from the 1st century BC, is known as Villa Jovis. The Via Tragara, which leads to the Belvedere, is also of Roman origin.
Several streets offer magnificent panoramas of the Gulf of Naples and the Mediterranean. The best known are the Via Krupp and the Via Tragara. Also from the so-called Phoenician Steps one can enjoy magnificent views.
This Villa is located near the so-called Piazzetta, which can be seen as the central point of the island. The official name of this square is Piazza Umberto I, whose main attraction is the Torre dell’Orologio. It is from this square that the city’s main shopping streets fan out. The most prestigious street on the island is Via Camerelle, where branches of the most famous fashion houses can be found. Here it is quite possible that you will unexpectedly bump into a movie star. The Palazzo del Municipio, with its photogenic arch, is also on the Piazzetta.
The Certosa di San Giacomo and the Villa San Michele are the most famous historical buildings.
From Punta Tragara, at the end of the street of the same name, one overlooks the Amalfi coast and the Marina Piccola, with the Scoglio delle Sirene and the beautiful beaches with luxurious stabilimenti.
The highest point on the island is the 589-meter-high Monte Solaro. Those who want to go up on foot start at Via Axel Munthe in the center of Anacapri. The Santa Maria di Cetrella Church stands at the top of this mountain.
How to reach Capri
From Naples there are ferries and hydrofoils throughout the year. The ferries leave from Porto di Massa and take just under 2 hours to travel. The hydrofoils from the Molo Beverello take only 45 minutes.
Except during the period between early November and Easter, only residents are allowed to bring motor vehicles onto the island. This is not really a problem, since there is really only one real street. Moreover, there is an excellent public transportation system.
From Positano, Amalfi, Salerno and Ischia there are ferries only during the high season.