V.I.P. destination par excellence in the Gulf of Naples, the island of Capri is a luxurious treasure trove of wonders
Faraglioni: An undisputed icon of Capri, the Faraglioni are three rocky peaks located southeast of the island: Stella, Faraglione di Mezzo and Faraglione di Fuori. The most famous is certainly the Faraglione di Mezzo, with its characteristic arch, under which it is obligatory to kiss your beloved.
Curiosity: the Faraglioni take their name from the Greek word for lighthouse (pharos) because, in ancient times, large fires were lit here to signal obstacles, and thus the course, to helmsmen.
Blue Grotto: Named for the clear blue colour of the water in which the sun’s rays reflect through an underwater cavity, the Grotta Azzurra is one of Capri’s most popular destinations. In Roman times it was a place of refreshment for the emperor Tiberius as well as being the subject of many legends over the centuries. Rediscovered later in 1826 by the German painter, August Kopish accompanied by the fisherman Angelo Ferraro, this natural cavity is about 60 metres long and 25 metres wide, and today it is only possible to visit the grotto with an organised boat tour, available to purchase on Capri. Entry into the Blue Grotto is controlled and takes place by means of a small rowing boat with the help of experienced and authorised boatmen, who must enter through an archway 2 metres wide by 1 metre high: for this reason, entry times during peak summer hours can be very long.
Piazzetta di Capri and Via Camerelle: Known as the Piazzetta of Capri or Capri’s “little square”, Piazza Umberto I is considered the drawing room of the world. From the opening of the first café in the 19th century, the town’s social life and tourist nightlife all starts here. Relax in one of the bars on the square with a coffee or an aperitif and enjoy the view and the stroll at all hours. It’s never rare to come across celebrity tourists during your stay. From Capri’s Piazzetta, walk towards the luxury shopping street: take Via Camerelle to breathe in the atmosphere of the island’s glamorous heart, with its designer shops and local handicrafts.
The Gardens of Augustus and Villa Jovis: Enjoy the views of the Faraglioni, the Bay of Marina Piccola and the hairpin bends of Via Krupp. The Gardens of Augustus are an unmissable stop if you want to enjoy an exciting view of Capri, and they are within easy walking distance during a one-day visit. Villa Jovis also offers a 360° panoramic view of the island and preserves the remains of the largest of the original twelve Tiberian villas built on the island for the emperor.
Anacapri is perhaps the most authentic and certainly the least crowded part of the island, where you can stroll among white walls and bougainvillea. Here we recommend a visit to the Red House, a building constructed by wealthy New Orleans citizen, John MacKowen, where you will find Roman statues found in the Blue Grotto; St Michael’s Church with its extraordinary floor, entirely covered in majolica tiles, and the Villa San Michele, one of the island’s most beautiful treasures, once the home of Swedish doctor Axel Munthe, who turned it into a museum-house. Once there, don’t forget to touch the back of the 3200-year-old Egyptian Sphinx, the symbol of the villa, for good luck.
Recommended boat tours to Capri
