Capri is a beautiful island located off the coast of southern Italy, known for its stunning natural beauty, luxurious resorts and famous landmarks
All about Capri, a useful post to discover one of the best island in Italy
The Must-See spots in the island of Capri
Some of the must-see spots on the island include:
–Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), a sea cave that is illuminated by a brilliant blue light.
–Villa Jovis, the largest of the 12 Roman Emperor Tiberius’ villas on the island.
-The Piazzetta, the main square of Capri town, known for its designer boutiques, cafes, and lively nightlife.
-The Faraglioni, three iconic sea stacks that are a symbol of the island.
-Gardens of Augustus, a beautiful terraced garden offering panoramic views of the island and the sea.
The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzura) in Capri
Blue Grotto, or Grotta Azzurra in Italian, is a sea cave located on the island of Capri, Italy. It is one of the island’s most famous and popular tourist attractions. The cave is known for its brilliant blue light that illuminates the water inside, making it a unique and magical place to visit.
The Blue Grotto is accessed by a small rowboat and it is possible to go inside the cave and admire the blue light. The cave is around 60 meters long and 25 meters wide. The light that illuminates the cave is caused by sunlight that filters through an underwater opening, which is just a few centimeters wide. The light passes through the water and reflects off the cave’s white walls, creating the striking blue color.
The cave has a long history, it was already known in Roman times and it was even visited by Emperor Tiberius, who built a small palace on the island, Villa Jovis, in the 1st century AD.
Please note that access to the Blue Grotto can be limited at times due to weather conditions, waves, and high tide, and the cave can also be closed for maintenance or safety reasons. Also, the number of visitors allowed inside the cave at one time is limited, and there can be a wait time to enter the cave, so it is best to plan your visit accordingly.
Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)
Blue Grotto can be accessed by boat from Marina Grande, the main port of Capri. There are several tour operators that offer boat tours to the Blue Grotto and other nearby grottos and caves, such as the Green Grotto, the White Grotto and the Cave of the Sirens. It is also possible to reach the Blue Grotto by swimming, but it is not recommended and it is forbidden during high season.
Villa Jovis
Villa Jovis, also known as the Villa of Tiberius, is an ancient Roman villa located on the island of Capri, Italy. It is one of the island’s most famous and popular tourist attractions, known for its historical and architectural significance as well as its stunning views.
The villa was built by the Roman Emperor Tiberius in the 1st century AD as one of his 12 villas on the island. It was used as his main residence during his self-imposed exile from Rome. The villa was built on the highest point of the island and offers panoramic views of the coast and the sea.
Was built using local limestone and marble, and it was decorated with frescoes and mosaics. The villa’s architectural design is a mix of Roman and local styles, and it is believed to have been influenced by the traditional architecture of the island.
Villa Jovis consists of several structures, including a palace, service buildings, thermal baths, and terraced gardens. The palace, which is the main structure, is the largest of the villa’s buildings and is divided into several rooms, each with its own function. The palace also features several terraces and a large balcony that offers breathtaking views of the coast and the sea.
The Villa Jovis is open to visitors and guided tours are available. The tour takes visitors through the palace, service buildings, thermal baths, and terraced gardens, giving them an opportunity to see the villa’s architecture, frescoes, mosaics, and views.
Please note that access to the Villa Jovis can be limited at times due to weather conditions and maintenance, and the number of visitors allowed inside the villa at one time is limited, so it is best to plan your visit accordingly. To reach the Villa Jovis, you can take a bus, taxi or a private car from Capri town, or you can walk the path from the town, it’s a steep walk, around 1 hour and half.
The Faraglioni
Faraglioni are three iconic sea stacks located off the coast of the island of Capri, Italy. They are a symbol of the island and are one of its most famous and popular tourist attractions.
The Faraglioni consist of three stacks: the Faraglione di Mezzo, the Faraglione di Terra, and the Faraglione di Fuori. The Faraglione di Mezzo is the largest and most famous of the three, and it is also the only one that is accessible by boat. Faraglione di Terra is the middle stack and the Faraglione di Fuori is the outermost stack.
Faraglioni are made of limestone, and they were formed over time by the erosion of the coast. They are around 50 meters high and they offer a great view of the sea and the island. The Faraglione di Mezzo has a natural arch that is also known as the “window of the sirens”, it is a popular spot for swimming and boat excursions.
Faraglioni can be seen from several points on the island, but the best view is from the Marina Piccola beach, the Punta Carena lighthouse and from the sea. There are several tour operators that offer boat tours around the Faraglioni, which allow visitors to see the stacks up close and to swim in the crystal clear waters around them.
Please note that swimming around the Faraglioni is not allowed during high season, and it is also forbidden to climb on the stacks or to access the natural arch. The sea around the Faraglioni can also be rough and unpredictable, so it is best to take a guided tour and to follow the safety instructions of the tour operator.
The Piazzetta
Piazzetta is the main square of Capri town, located on the island of Capri, Italy. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and is known for its charming atmosphere, designer boutiques, cafes, and lively nightlife.
Piazzetta is a small square located in the heart of Capri town, also known as Capri’s “living room”, it’s the place where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the island’s beautiful weather and socialize. The square is surrounded by elegant buildings and charming boutiques, and it is home to some of the island’s most famous bars and restaurants.
The Piazzetta is also a great place to people-watch, you can sit at one of the cafes and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the square. It is also a great spot to enjoy a traditional Italian coffee or an aperitif at sunset.
“Piazzetta” in the heart of Capri town
The Piazzetta is also home to several important landmarks, such as the Church of Santo Stefano, the Governor’s Palace, and the Clock Tower. These buildings are worth visiting as they are great examples of local architecture and are rich in history.
Piazzetta is easily accessible by foot from any point in Capri town. It is also a great starting point for exploring the rest of the island, as many of the island’s main attractions and landmarks are located nearby.
Please note that the Piazzetta can get crowded during peak season, especially in the evening, so it’s best to plan your visit accordingly. Also, some of the shops and restaurants in the Piazzetta can be quite expensive, but it’s a great spot to indulge in some luxury shopping or to enjoy a nice meal.
Gardens of Augustus
The Gardens of Augustus are a beautiful terraced garden located on the island of Capri, Italy. The gardens offer panoramic views of the island and the sea, and are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. They are also known as the Villa San Cipriano and are located on the highest point of the island, near the Villa Jovis.
Gardens were built in the early 20th century by a German businessman named Otto Geleng, who was inspired by the ancient Roman gardens and wanted to create a similar garden on the island. The gardens are divided into several terraces and feature a wide variety of plants and flowers, including Mediterranean plants, succulents, and cacti. The gardens also feature several statues, fountains, and a small pond.
Gardens of Augustus are open to visitors and are accessible by a scenic path from the town of Capri, the walk is around 15 minutes; are a great spot to relax and enjoy the island’s beautiful nature and fresh air. The view from the garden is breathtaking and visitors can see the sea, the Faraglioni, the island of Ischia and the Gulf of Naples.
Please note that the Gardens of Augustus can be closed at times due to maintenance or weather conditions, so it’s best to check in advance before planning your visit. Also, the path to reach the gardens can be steep, so it’s not recommended for people with mobility issues.
Capri island in Italy
What to visit in Capri
If you’re looking for other places to visit on the island, here are a few suggestions:
-Visit the Certosa di San Giacomo, a 14th-century charterhouse located on the island’s highest point.
-Take a boat tour to explore the coast and beaches of the island.
-The Villa San Michele, a 19th-century villa turned museum that was once owned by the Swedish physician and writer Axel Munthe.
-Visit the Marina Piccola, a small beach and marina located on the island’s southern coast.
–The Natural Arch, a natural rock arch located on the island’s west coast.
5 Best Hotels in the island of Capri
Where to sleep in Capri? A list of the best accommodation in the island
Here is a list of 5 of the best luxury and boutique hotels on the island of Capri:
-
Villa Marina Capri Hotel & Spa – This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Capri town and offers stunning views of the sea and the island. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a spa, and a restaurant. Discover More
-
Hotel Punta Tragara – This 5-star hotel is located on a cliff overlooking the sea and offers panoramic views of the island and the Faraglioni. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a spa, and a restaurant. Discover More
-
J.K. Place Capri – This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Capri town and offers elegant rooms and suites, a spa, and a restaurant. Discover More
-
Hotel Capri Tiberio Palace – this 5-star hotel is located in the center of Capri and it offers luxury rooms, a spa, and a panoramic terrace with a sea view Discover More
-
Hotel La Minerva – A romantic hotel, with all the glamour of Capri coupled with the intimacy of it’s secluded gardens and lovely seaviews Discover More
