Capri, Neapolitan Riviera, Italy
Capri has two towns, Capri which spreads out from the Piazzetta and Anacapri which can be found high up, on the slopes of Mount Solaro. Capri is the more glamorous destination with it's designer shops and nightclubs and Anacapri is much quieter and less crowded. Buses run frequently between the two towns and just takes 10 minutes.
There are many sights to see in the town including the ruins of the Imperial Roman Villas, the small harbour and the limestone masses that stand out of the sea that are known as the Faraglioni. This busy resort offers so much to see and do and is as popular with tourists as it is with the Italians.
Capri
This busy resort is as popular with Italians as it is with others, mostly due to the beauty of the island. There are many sights to see in the town including the ruins of the Imperial Roman Villas. Other features include the small harbour and the limestone masses that stand out of the sea that are known as the Faraglioni. The central area is home to luxury boutiques and expensive restaurants.
Read more about: Beaches | Things to Do | Out and About | Nearby Attractions | Capri Reviews
Beaches
Marina Piccola is one of the best known beaches in Capri and can be reached by foot or public transport. Bagni di Tiberio is another popular beach and is considered to be one of the best. The beach here is a mixture of sand and pebbles with large rocks for sunbathers.
Take a shuttle boat from Marina Piccola to Faraglioni beach. There are two private beach clubs here with white mattresses spread out on the artificial sand and is a popular beach among the rich and famous.
Faro di Punta Carena is popular with the locals for sunbathing and snorkeling and there is also a restaurant here. It is a good twenty minute walk from Anacapri but worth the walk.
Those looking for a secluded beach should take the time to visit Piscina di Venere. This is not a well known beach so pack your lunch and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Things to Do
Once you step off the ferry, cross the street and take the funicular up to the Piazzetta. This bustling square is the heart of Capri and is a must see on any trip to Capri. There are four cafe bars in the square so if you fancy some people watching then this is the place to be.
For those who don't mind heights, jump on the chair lift that will take you to the top of Mount Solaro. The views are fantastic so it is well worth the trip but you can choose to walk instead if you prefer. The chair lift will also take you down or you can walk down in around 40 minutes.
One of the island's most important tourist attractions is the Church of San Michele Arcangelo. The church has a fantastic painted floor which depicts the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden, the floor was painted by Leonardo Chiaiese and is a must see. The Church of Santa Sofia is also worth seeing and boasts a red brick paved piazza and decorated marble benches.
The Gardens of Augustus are great, not only are the gardens very pretty but they offer some fantastic views of the Faraglioni and it zigzags all the way down to Marina Piccola. Nearby you will find a stall selling citrus granita which is ideal to cool you down on a beautiful day.
Out and About
There are some fantastic shops in Capri and the narrow streets are full of designer boutiques like Prada, Valentina and Dolce and Gabbana but there are also traditional shops selling homemade items such as perfume, limoncello and sandals which will take approx an hour so simply have the cobbler measure your feet and select your material and they will make them for you.
Many of the bars at the Piazzetta will stay open till approx 2am but if you would rather hang about somewhere less touristy then you will find plenty of other options. Some clubs can be found in the streets off the Piazzetta and many of the hotels offer entertainment into the early hours.
There are many restaurants in Capri and not only do some of them offer some fantastic pizza and great seafood dishes, they also offer some spectacular views. Whatever your taste, I'm sure you will find something to suit.
There are many festivals and different events running throughout the year in Capri eg The Summer Sunset Concert Series which runs from June to August and features opera and classical music and the International Folklore Festival which is held in Anacapri in the first week of August. There are many events such as folk dancing and music for everyone to enjoy.
The Settembrata Anacaprese is a competition between the ancient quarters of the town who compete in different areas such as organisational, artistic, culinary and tailoring to see who is the best. There are floats, sporting competitions, flee markets, gastronomic evenings and prizes for the best dressed house and shop. Everyone gets involved and it is a fantastic way to see the real Capri.
Nearby Attractions
There are many organised boat trips available from Capri so whether it is just to explore the many quiet coves in the area or just to enjoy some peace and quiet away from the crowds, it is worth hiring a skipper for half a day or so and relax. There are many other places to visit such as Naples, Pompeii, Positano and Sorrento, all are very beautiful and just a short ferry ride away, well worth seeing and spending time exploring.
Another place worth visiting is the Blue Grotto which is just a 10 minute boat ride from Marina Grande. A small rowing boat will take you into the grotto where you will see the sunlight reflecting on the water which gives it its iridescent blue colour.
Search the sunshine.co.uk website:
×