Capri
Capri from above
The paradise Island of Capri is where all the rich and famous hang-out.
This fascinating place has been very popular since Roman time; it was once loved by Caesar Augustus and The Emperor Tiberius who spent the last years of his life on the island. He had several villas on Capri and in fact the best preserved remains of imperial villa,Villa Jovis, was built at the beginning of the 1st Century AD; it could be found on the north-eastern side of the island with imperial quarters, entertainment areas, halls, baths, gardens and with beautiful views across the sea.
Villa Jovis
Villa Malaparte
Villa Malaparte is located on Punta Massullo, on a high cliff on the eastern side of the island. It can be reached on foot from the "Piazzetta", or (weather permitting) by boat and then a staircase of around 100 steps cut into the rock to reach the house. However, there is no pier.
The villa was built by the writer Curzio Malaparte in the 1940s. After his death, the house was abandoned and left to its destiny. The house was vandalised and damaged by many years of exposure to the elements. In the early 1990s, restoration work started and Malaparte's great-nephew Niccolò Rositani brought it back to its former glory. Much of the original furniture and fittings are still there and in working order.
The Famous Piazzetta
Piazza Umberto I is the main square of the island, also known as the famous “Piazzetta”. It is the heart of Capri, both for tourists and locals alike. This is where all the rich and famous hang out; the place to see and to be seen. With its many cafés and restaurants, it is the perfect place to relax.
From the square you can head uphill to the magnificent Augusto Gardens. In the square you will find also the Town Hall and the Tourist Information Office.
Augusto Gardens
The Giardini di Augusto (Augusto Gardens) are just a short walk from the Piazzetta. Located on top of the cliff and very well maintained, this delightful gardens were commissioned by a wealthy German, Friedrich Alfred Krupp also famous for the picturesque Via Krupp. From the Gardens you can enjoy fabulous views over the Faraglioni, the Charterhouse of St. Giacomo, Monte Solaro, Monte Tuoro and the Marina Piccola.
Faraglioni
Views of the Faraglioni
These rock formation are called Faraglioni: Stella (still attached to the main island), Mezzo, and Scopolo (Fuori). They are Capri's most famous landmark. These unique rocks have survived millennia of coastal erosion and all kinds of atmospheric weather.
Other places you should visit are the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra): here the sun shining through the cavern creates a blue reflection that illuminates the whole grotto. The interior of the grotto feels like something you have never experienced before: it is surreal, almost magical. The Roman believed that the Blue Grotto had mystical powers and could prolong youth.The Blue Grotto can be reached from the port of Marina Grande.
Blue Grotto
Marina Grande
Marina Piccola
Overview of main harbour
Today Capri, with its beautiful emerald and turquoise sea, remains a very much desired destination. Capri was and still is a very enchanting place well worth visiting.
How to get to Capri
The island can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil from Naples, Sorrento, Positano, Praiano and Amalfi.
