Italy> Destinations

Capri Island, Italy

Often called the Blue Island, Capri is a picturesque Italian isle situated in the Gulf of Naples. Thanks to its wonderful climate, unique landscape, and some outstanding historical and cultural sights Capri is a very popular tourist destination.

The only way to get on the island is by ferry or by speed boat (they go to and from Capri several times a day). They will all get you to the charming port Marina Grande. The centre of Capri can be reached by cable car or on foot as there is a walking path that leads to the centre as well. The main places on the island (Capri, Anacapri, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande) are connected by network of buses.

Capri is a small island, with the total surface of 10 square kilometres. The highest mountain is Monte Solere - the Sun Mountain (589 metres), situated in the west of the city of Capri. The climate is rather mild, and the temperature ranges from 10 degrees Celsius in February to 28 degrees Celsius in August. Therefore during summer thousands of tourists visit the isle every year. If you want to feel the wonderful character of Capri and its interesting sights you should visit it rather in autumn or in spring.

The isle of Capri was discovered by Caesar Augustus in 29 BC. It was the Greek's tribe of Teleboi, however, who had settled down on Capri in the 8th century BC. One can still see the fortified wall of their ancient settlement.

There are two towns on the island: Capri and Anacapri. The biggest one, Capri is situated in the east of the isle. About 8000 people live in this charming and outstanding city. The Piazzetta di Capri is the central point of the city. Lots of people visit the Piazza every day. There are several charming bars, expensive boutiques, shops, and restaurants serving delicious Italian dishes. The other areas of the city are much quieter. One should visit Punta di Tragara, the look out point from which one can admire the outstanding cliffs of Faraglioni. Another beautiful sight in the city of Capri are the Gardens of Augustus located in the proximity of the Piazzetta. The remarkable Carthusian Monastery (Certosa of San Giacomo), the truly example of the traditional architecture of the island, is located just next to the Gardens. Anacapri, another town truly worth-visiting on the isle, is located on the hills west from the city of Capri.

While your visit to Anacapri, you should also see the Punta Carena Lighthouse, the second most powerful Italian lighthouse. It enjoys wonderful location on the rocky headland of Punta Carena. One can admire the picturesque headland and the magic blue sea from Belvedere of Migliera - a famous lookout point located in the south-eastern part of the island. Make sure to visit the Migliera at night, when the lighthouse is in operation and the view of the area is totally breathtaking.

Capri is famous for its picturesque landscape and truly breathtaking natural treasures. The most splendid of them is the Blue Grotto (La Grotta Azzurra). To get inside the grotto, one need to take one of the small rowing boats that await tourists outside the cave. In this 60 m long and 25 m wide cave, everyone will feel like heaven. Why? The water in the cave seems remarkably clear and blue thanks to the phenomenon of sunlight reflection. Therefore while sailing on the boat inside the grotto, one has the impression of sailing through a clear blue sky. Tours of the cave are possible all year round, it is however better to visit it under few conditions (a clear sky, transparent water and a diffused sunlight). Around the Capri island there are several other beautiful grottoes (the Emerald Cave, the Sailors Cave, the Cave of the Vela and the Coral Cave among them).

It is impossible to describe the beauty and uniqueness of Capri in just few words. One will find there countless breathtaking views and historical sights, wonderful blue and clean water, warm sun and friendly people. You don't believe me? Explore this fascinating isle yourself and you will fall in love with it!