Capri
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When considering glamorous destinations in Italy, it's not very long before the island of Capri becomes part of the conversation.
In a country full of locations coupling breathtaking scenery with elegance, Capri has just that extra little bit of swagger compared to its rivals in that regard. The higher echelons of society seldom reach greater heights than that of an emperor and Capri was once the home of the controversial Tiberius. |
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The second Roman Emperor spent most of his term of office in Capri at Villa Jovis, the ruins of which can still be visited. You can also see where he erm, disposed of people.
In terms of visitor attractions, the most famous is the Blue Grotto; a stunning natural wonder where the light penetrates in just the right way to illuminate this dazzlingly blue cave. The island is surrounded by the colour of water that makes you gasp before grabbing your camera to snap it before it goes away, but it doesn't go away.
You can enjoy swimming in this water at a number of beach establishments around the island and also take in views such as those of the Faraglioni sea stacks, another iconic symbol of Capri.
The island is split into two "comuni" or towns, one called Anacapri and the other simply known as "Capri" (just to cause visitors a little confusion). Anacapri is home to Villa San Michele from where you get wonderful views down to Marina Grande and just a short distance from where you can take the chairlift up to Mount Solaro, the island's highest peak. I'm always amazed by how casually people jump into the chairlifts; they utterly terrify me but for fellow-vertigo-sufferers, help is at hand by way of a long, winding path up the mountain.
On the opposite side of the island to Anacapri there's the aforementioned Capri (town). This is where most visitors to the island congregate; drawn by the lure of expensive shops where window-shopping is the order of the day. You can also "be seen" at the little square known as the Piazzetta or simply watch the world go by from one of the little cafes at its edge; perhaps a good place for a stiff drink should the temptation of retail have been too much for you to resist.
Capri is a very simple place to get to; most visitors come in via Sorrento which is just a 20 minute sea crossing away but you can also get there from Naples (about an hour by hydrofoil) or from Ischia, also an hour away. There are also numerous destinations along the Amalfi Coast with direct connections including Positano, Amalfi and Salerno.
In terms of visitor attractions, the most famous is the Blue Grotto; a stunning natural wonder where the light penetrates in just the right way to illuminate this dazzlingly blue cave. The island is surrounded by the colour of water that makes you gasp before grabbing your camera to snap it before it goes away, but it doesn't go away.
You can enjoy swimming in this water at a number of beach establishments around the island and also take in views such as those of the Faraglioni sea stacks, another iconic symbol of Capri.
The island is split into two "comuni" or towns, one called Anacapri and the other simply known as "Capri" (just to cause visitors a little confusion). Anacapri is home to Villa San Michele from where you get wonderful views down to Marina Grande and just a short distance from where you can take the chairlift up to Mount Solaro, the island's highest peak. I'm always amazed by how casually people jump into the chairlifts; they utterly terrify me but for fellow-vertigo-sufferers, help is at hand by way of a long, winding path up the mountain.
On the opposite side of the island to Anacapri there's the aforementioned Capri (town). This is where most visitors to the island congregate; drawn by the lure of expensive shops where window-shopping is the order of the day. You can also "be seen" at the little square known as the Piazzetta or simply watch the world go by from one of the little cafes at its edge; perhaps a good place for a stiff drink should the temptation of retail have been too much for you to resist.
Capri is a very simple place to get to; most visitors come in via Sorrento which is just a 20 minute sea crossing away but you can also get there from Naples (about an hour by hydrofoil) or from Ischia, also an hour away. There are also numerous destinations along the Amalfi Coast with direct connections including Positano, Amalfi and Salerno.
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Category: Italian Islands
Region: Campania Province: Metropolitan City of Naples Population: 14,162 Size: 10 km² Highlights: Faraglioni, Mount Solaro, Blue Grotto Recommended accommodation: Hotel Quisisana Arrival port: Marina Grande
Journey time from mainland: 20 minutes Distance from nearest mainland port: 17 km |
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