Exploring stunning Capri Italy
The Isle of Capri is just a ferry ride away if you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast surrounded by stunningly beautiful blue water views from Mt Solaro, amazing food and gorgeous gardens visiting Capri is a wonderful way to spend a day or so. Situated near the Sorrentine Peninsula, which is a bay away from Naples.
Capri has been called a tourist trap and during the summer months, it is definitely overcrowded. It is a fantasy destination where the famous and infamous visit and vacation, where Mariah Carey owns a villa and visitors such as DiCaprio, Lohan and Lenin have vacationed.
Capri once hosted the Roman emperors Augustus and Tiberius and by the 19th century, it gained a place on the Grand Tour of Europe for artists, poets and romantics. It is a complete tourist trap in July and August but head to Capri outside of those months to enjoy a relaxing but expensive break in the sun.
The area is visited by huge numbers of tourists every year who come to enjoy the scenic beauty and weather along the Amalfi Coast. Why not begin your trip with a visit to Pompeii before you head to Capri and then explore the Amalfi Coast villages and cities before heading home?
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Getting to Capri from Naples
If you fly into Rome from North America I suggest either renting a car and driving yourself to the Amalfi Coast or getting another flight to Naples. The Amalfi coast from Naples is around a 45-minute drive and the only way to reach Capri is by sea. Ferries depart from Naples and Sorrento to Capri year-round.
Since this itinerary starts in Naples and head to Pompeii the fastest and easiest way to reach Pompeii from Naples is the Circumvesuviana train the runs between the Napoli Piazza Garibaldi train station and the Pompei Villa dei Misteri stop in about 30 minutes. From Pompeii to Sorrento you can take the same Circumvesuviana train and journey to Capri by ferry from there.
Visit Pompeii on the way to Capri Italy
You can tour Pompeii alone and without a guide but expect to stay around 4 hours to explore the best of the site. Tickets will cost €22 Euro to enter the Pompeii Ruins. There are three different entrances to the site and the easiest for those of us with limited mobility is the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance.
Pompeii is a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site deeply ingrained in myth and history. Learn of the town’s heartbreaking history as you see remains that are almost perfectly preserved by volcanic ash – from its frescos to buildings, artworks, and even human plaster casts.
Head to Sorrento for the ferry to Capri
From Pompeii head to the Sorrentine Peninsula Where your first stop will be Sorrento. I would recommend booking your tickets for the ferry to Capri before you arrive as they can get quite booked up in the summer high season months.
If you have a day or so before you catch the ferry to Capri enjoy lunch and dinner in the best restaurants like Il Buco or Trattoria da Emilia. Don’t forget to spend a day in St. Agata Sui Due Golfi. Later in the afternoon take a walk around the Bay of Ieranto to watch the sunset.
You might find that Sorrento is overrated as it is just a transportation hub from where you get a ferry, car, or train to move to different locations. Most people arrive at Sorrento and then start their trip to Amalfi and Capri by booking a ferry.
Once you reach Sorrento, it is easily identified through its clock tower in the Cathedral, located over the Corso Italia. Old Sorrento is attractive with its narrow streets, alleyways, colourful shops, and quaint trattorias. Marina Grande is also a beautiful spot alongside the seashore where you can watch fishermen have a great lunch and take a ferry to Capri.
What to see on the Cinque Terre in Northern Italy
How to get to Capri Italy
Capri is a fantastic city that is located off the main peninsula of the Amalfi Coast. Capri is an island paradise and it is located a short ferry ride from the coastline. There is an easy and beautiful ride on the ferry from Naples to Capri. The town of Capri holds the same beauty and charm that the other inland cities hold, but with its own unique characteristics. It is famous for its vast mountains, jagged rocks, and upscale offerings.
Capri is famous for its dramatic stretch of coastline stunning villas, designer boutiques and fabulous restaurants. This stunning Italian island is the playground of the rich and famous but there are many attractions in Capri that appeal to ordinary travellers.
There are two towns on the Island of Capri, the main town of Capri which has been a relaxing resort since Roman times and the town of Anacapri located on the hills to the west.
You might find reaching Capri a bit hectic because you might have to take connecting flights from your home or change a ferry after arriving at the Sorrentine Peninsula. After reaching Capri, check in at your hotel and relax for some time. Then order a Limoncello, beer or any alcohol of your choice and sit on the lawn or terrace and enjoy the enchanting beauty around. This means you need to book a hotel that is in a good location from where you can see nature closely from all corners.
What to see in Capri
The city is also well known as a popular Italian vacation spot for the rich and famous of the world. A visit to Capri will show you designer shops, huge mansions, yachts, and upscale hotels. The whole island is surrounded at all times by boats from the elite. Travellers can even see some with their helicopters on top. Moreover, there are entire streets dedicated to designer stores ranging from Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, and more.
Be prepared before visiting Capri there is a lot of uphill walking but you can always rest at one of the fabulous cafes and enjoy some Limoncello made from those famous Capri lemons. Arriving at the Marina you can take a funicular up to Capri Town
Blue Grotto – the Grotta Azzura
There are a few grottos off Capri but the most famous is, of course, the Grotta Azzura and it is the only one that you can go inside. You will need to book a ticket at the harbour by a tour company such as Viator and make sure it includes a trip inside the Grotto. The opening to the grotto is pretty narrow so to get inside you will move to a smaller boat. The tour operators only allow a visit inside when the water is as clear as glass.
Giardini di Augosto – the Garden of Augustus
The Gardens of Augustus consist of a series of flowered terraces overlooking the Faraglioni of Capri on one side and the Bay of Marina Piccola and the hairpin bends of Via Krupp on the other.
The Via Krupp (which is now closed) is a famous hairpin turn of a road which used to be open to the public but can now only be seen from the gardens. The garden is relatively small and costs €1 Euro to visit but it is stunning and the views from here are absolutely exquisite.
Relax on the Beautiful Capri Beaches
Marina di Pennauro and Marina di Mulo
These are two of the most popular beaches on the island primarily because they are free but you need to get there early. The bay of Marina Piccola is where you will find them. There are stunning views of the sea stacks of the Faraglioni. They are located on the southern coast of the island and can be reached by bus from the centre of Capri. These are sheltered beaches protected by a steep rock wall and the bay is almost always warm.
Marina Grande Beach
The Marina Grande beach attracts all the celebrities so you may spot some famous folks, however, you will have to pay for the privilege. A lounger on this beach costs €29 euros.
Villa Jovis – Ruderi di Villa Jovis
The ruins of Emperor Tiberius of Rome are found here at Villa Jovis. Villa Jovis is situated in the very northeast of the island atop Monte Tiberio. Apparently, Tiberius moved from Rome to Capri because he was afraid of the nasty Roman politics and the potential for his assination. The villa is situated at a very secluded spot on the island and Tiberius’s quarters in the north and east of the palatial villa were particularly difficult to reach and heavily guarded.
Be warned, it’s a long walk. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid the hottest hours of the day. From the Piazzetta, take via Longano and continue and, once you reach the crossroads, continue on via Tiberio the walk takes around 40 minutes and ends with the climb up to the Villa ruins.
Visit La Certosa Di San Giacomo
La Charterhouse of San Giacomo is one of the oldest structures on Capri, built in 1371 by Count Giacomo Arcucci of Capri, Secretary to Jeanne I of Anjou, and originally a convent. If you are walking to the Gardens of Augustus make the stop at the Charterhouse and rest in the cool shaded gardens.
The former refectory hall holds canvases by Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach, a German painter belonging to the European Symbolism Movement, who lived on Capri until his death in 1913. In the Prior’s apartments, there are often temporary photography and contemporary art exhibitions.
Visiting Anacapri
Anacapri is the other town on the island sitting on the slopes of Mount Solaro and the two towns are only around 2 miles apart so if you want you can walk to Anacapri or take a local bus or taxi. It is much quieter in Anacapri but you can see some incredible views at Monte Solaro, visit the Villa San Michele or visit the Castle.
Villa San Michele
The Villa San Michele was built in 1885 by Swedish physician, Axel Munthe as his dream home and is now a museum. This majestic villa showcases several different levels and some of the best views of the Bay of Naples along a beautiful rocky cliff.
The museum’s artefacts include ancient Roman paving, marble, columns, and sarcophagi from Egypt, there is even a Greek tomb in the garden, featuring a granite sphinx that gazes out across the island.
Castle Barbarossa
Castle Barbarossa is named after the pirate Redbeard or Barbarossa who invaded Anacapri in the 16th century to raid the island. Perched atop the cliffs of Anacapri the exact construction dates are unknown, but it is thought that it was built in the 9th century from materials removed from Roman ruins.
This site is now an observation station recognised by the WWF and is used to study migratory birds in the area. Though the caste is usually closed to visitors, the natural landscape which surrounds it is wild and offers stunning views as well as the opportunity to take in some of the local wildlife. Butterflies and fern gardens are found here, and you may even see one of Capri’s beautiful blue lizards.
Ride the Chairlift to Monte Solaro
The best views in Capri can be found on Monte Solaro and bonus there is a chairlift to the top if your mobility is a problem like mine. Monte Solar stands almost 2,000 feet high and has some jaw-dropping views. You will find the lift in Piazza della Vitorria in Anacapri.
The chairlift takes 12 minutes, offering incredible views of the island from the top. You also have the option to hike, though be prepared! It will take you close to an hour and a half to hike this summit for the same views.
Capri is a very unique location along the Coast that puts luxury travellers and mundane travellers together in one place. And the best part is there is something to do and see for both. If you love an Italian Island destination why not head to Sardinia and check out the beaches there?
You get at least five days to enjoy yourself in Capri. This means you have ample time to explore nicely Roman-style Villa Jovis, and Monte Solaro. Rent a boat to spend one full day in the water. While at night enjoy drinks and food in the best restaurants near the lighthouse. Shopping is also important, so don’t forget the street shops and marketplace to explore.
Shopping in Capri
You can’t go wrong with a little retail therapy on an Island like Capri. Full of designer boutiques and fancy shops you may find a bargain or simply a great piece to remember your visit by.
One of the best things to buy are custom-made Italian sandals and they are made while you wait. Or how about some gorgeous perfume made at the Carthusia Perfumery?
Tours of Capri, Italy
Fantastic Tour to discover the most famous island in the Mediterranean. We will approach all its corners of paradise, caves and coves, bays, ravines and the famous Faraglioni stacks, we will visit all the beauties that have made Capri famous in the world. On board our boats, you will live an experience of relaxation and adventure, in full relaxation and with all comforts. You can swim in the most beautiful spots and have many toasts and aperitifs, our expert captain knows the most hidden corners and will tell you about all anecdotes that link these places to myths and legends. You’ll have the chance to visit the city and walk through thanks to 3-5 hours of free time on land.
Read more about Capri “All Inclusive” Private Boat Tour + City Visit and Walking Through
Before booking your flight tickets, it is good to explore everything about the cities and coastal areas online. This way, you can prepare the best itinerary within budget.
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