Capri Travel Guide
Island Paradise with Breathtaking Views.
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Capri was know as the island of the Sirens, who drew sailors to their deaths and yet it is the wealthy and well to do who for centuries have visited this island gem that floats on the horizon of the Bay of Naples. With a mild climate, wonderful garden-like scenery, history, nature, culture and events it is difficult to describe the islands magic other than to say that visitors leave with plans to return. The Blue Grotto and the villas Jovis and San Michele are just a few of the highlights of this wonderful island.
Once part of the mainland the island of Capri has been inhabited since the earliest of times. Virgil records that Greeks from the Ionian Islands lived on Capri and Tacitus says there were 12 imperial villas. Famously Tiberius built villas on Capri, the Villa Jovis being the best preserved.
As with other settlements of the area including Sorrento pirates were a constant threat and these raids continued fir the 500 years between the late 9th century to the 16th. The French arrived in 1806, followed by the British for 2 short years before the French returned and later handed over the island to the ruling Bourbons of Naples. It was at this time that Capri became a fashionable and elite holiday destination for the European gentry and well to do.
The coastal perimeter covers a distance of about 17 km, Mt Tiberio (334 m.) to the east and Mount Solaro (589 m.) to the west are the island’s two main massifs, between which we find the small town of Capri (138 m.) straddling Marina Grande (to the north) and Marina Piccola (to the south). The other centre is Anacapri (286 m), located in a large verdant plain to the west of Mount Solaro.
Today, whilst busy in summer, it retains its wonderful atmosphere and a visit, especially at the start or end of season is unforgettable.
Attractions in Capri
Capri is a place for strolling, enjoying the views, a gelato and browsing the notable villas.
The Villa Jovis is Tiberius’s Roman villa, whilst the the Villa San Michele was built around the turn of the 20th century, by the Swedish physician, Axel Munthe. The Blue Grotto is a beautiful sea-cave accessed by boat and Monte Salaro can be accessed by chairlift for incredible views.
The island’s flora is one of the richest in the whole of Italy, giving the island a lush appearance even during the cold season – perfect for those interested in botany. Similarly, the island’s fauna, which includes a large number of marine species, enrich its deep waters; the land fauna includes many non-migratory birds, such as the large albatrosses, and saurians like the rare blue lizard of the Faraglioni.
Activities in Capri
Allow a least a full day on Capri, ideally with a night spent here, longer if possible.
Relaxing
The island is one big relaxation experience (at the right time of year!) – go for a stroll and enjoy the breathtaking views and sit with a gelato in the piazza, or enjoy the chairlift to Monte Salaro.
Getting Around
The island is made for walking with many sign posted routes, though getting up from the Marine Grande is a tough climb. A funicular links the Marine Grande with Capri town, then there are island buses.
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