Accommodation in this Area

At a Glance

Area Description

Capri and the Bay of Naples is perhaps Italy's most elegant coastal retreat located close to the well reputed Amalfi coastline. A favoured holiday spot since Roman times, this area is one of the richest areas for archaeological, artistic and monumental works, as well as a land of great tradition, renowned for the warmth of its welcome.

Twenty miles from the south side of Naples, off the Sorrentine peninsula, rising abruptly out of the azure gulf, is the little island of Capri. This Mediterranean island of calcareous origin has been visited over the centuries by intellectuals, artists and writers, all enthralled by its magical beauty. Capri's natural and manmade attractions are indisputable. The island abounds in hills, cliffs, olive groves, vineyards, and garden terraces overlooking the blue water of the Mediterranean. Naples and Vesuvius loom in the distance, with white ferries and hydrofoils zigzagging across the bay. Paths and steps offer countless opportunities to explore the island on foot, while churches, historic villas, museums and ruins offer sightseeing opportunities. One of the magical things about Capri is that, even in peak season in August, when the roads are crowded with tourists, one can always find a solitary spot in which to rest, or a hidden bay where to take a swim in the crystal clear waters. Features of the island are the Marina Piccola (Small Harbor), the Belvedere of Tragara, which is a high panoramic promenade lined with villas, the limestone masses that stand out of the sea (the Faraglioni), Anacapri, the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), and the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas.

Capri is perhaps Italy’s most elegant island retreat, a favoured holiday spot since Roman times and former home of Emperor Tiberius. In the village of Capri all roads lead to the famous Piazzetta; no matter what lane you are on, you will eventually end up at this picturesque square. The more active can adventure onto the picturesque rocky promenade along Via Tragara to reach the famous beach of Fontelina and check out the breathtaking views over the renowned Faraglioni. On the opposite side of the island, in the Anacapri area, is the Blue Grotto, a 60-metre long and 25 metre wide opening in the rocky island side, reputed since Roman times. Here, allow yourself to be washed into the great blue chasm and swim through the darkness. It is impossible not to experience a sense of awe as you gaze back at the unearthly blue.

Visitors to Capri are often surprised by the quantity and variety of walking routes on such a small island. Along these pathways, tourists can choose to immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of a coastal village, inhabited by fishermen and sailors; explore the marine caves; walk through masses of sheer rock and peer over precipices which drop dramatically into the sea; saunter through the patches of land cultivated by the country dwellers, planted with olive groves and orchards of lemon and orange trees; or stroll through the centre of Capri with its ostentatiously luxurious boutiques, elegant hotels, artists’ studios, churches, and the remains of Roman villas.

Most visitors reach Capri by getting a plane to Naples and from here proceeding by taxi, rental car, or bus, to the Neapolitan ports serving Capri. Drivers should bear in mind that during the tourist season (generally from Easter to the first weekend of November) non-resident vehicles are not allowed to circulate on the island of Capri. The City of Capri is the main centre of population on Capri. It has two adjoining harbours, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande (the main port of the island). The separate commune of Anacapri is located high on the hills to the west. Capri is connected by speedboat to both Naples and Sorrento, allowing for unique tours discovering the Campania region and its magnificent sites.

Resorts In Luxury in association with Ski In Luxury