Sun-kissed tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil dressed in extra virgin olive oil: those are ingredients of Caprese salad that set Island of Capri on the map. However, this tiny island has more to offer than a tasty salad.
Capri may be the most famous and glamorous of all Italian islands, but don’t let its popularity fool you. The island with a mythical charm, towering mountains, deep blue sea and elegant villas is a paradise in pocket size. It has breath-taking natural beauty and also world-class shopping. With its bright-white cliffs, the wonders of the natural world, both on land and at sea, Capri island seems to be the creation of an expressionist painter.
It’s no surprise that Capri is a popular honeymoon destination.
Though Capri may hold status as a playground for the rich and famous, it is by no means the only reason to visit. A big part of Italy’s most famous island is its atmosphere. No wonder why Emperor Tiberius escaped the bustle of ancient Rome and built his palace here.
THINGS TO DO ON ISLAND OF CAPRI
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1. Marina Grande
Marina Grande backdropped by beautiful mountains
Every visitor begins and ends its adventure on Capri Island at Marina Grande. The main port of Capri lined with pastel-coloured houses, boats, and a beach surely makes a powerful first impression. This charming harbour is also a place where are many restaurants, souvenir shops, and tourist offices located. It’s a point of departure for many boat tours, and a bus to Anacapri also leaves from here. Besides, the funicular runs between the Piazzetta in Capri town and Marina Grande.
2. Piazzetta Umberto I
Piazzetta
After you arrive from Marina Grande to the town centre, you will find yourself in adorable Piazzetta. The world-famous square with a beautiful clock tower and many cafes is undoubtedly a must-visit attraction in Capri. Though this lively place can feel a bit touristy, it is famous for celebrities-watching. There are also plenty of charming restaurants all over the glitzy square so you can stop for a refreshing drink.
3. Villa Jovis (Villa di Tiberio)
After a refreshing drink, you’ll want to explore what else this beautiful island has to offer. Although Capri is famous for world-class shopping and celebrity spotting today, its past is not forgotten. The island-dotted with Roman remains has been a popular destination since ancient Rome. Not only this tranquil island was once home to 12 luxurious Roman villas, but Emperor Tiberius spent the last ten years of his tyrannical reign here.
Tiberio built his Roman palace on the northeast of the island. The Emperor could see any boats approaching the island.
To learn more about Capri’s Roman history, stroll along the path from Piazza Umberto I. A 45-minute uphill walk lined with whitewashed villas will bring you to Villa Jovis. If you’re lucky enough, you might even be able to explore it on your own. The remains of the Villa de Tiberio rise in terraces and offer breath-taking views of the Sorrento peninsula. Visiting Villa Jovis is one of the best things to do in Capri if you are a history lover.
4. The Old town, Island of Capri
If shopping is what you are after, then Capri is your desire island. Despite how crowded it can get, it’s easy to see why people fall in love with Capri town. Small boutiques line the bougainvillaea-covered streets selling everything from refreshing Limoncello to luxury clothing. The prices are more than a little inflated here; hence expect to pay more for anything from souvenirs to perfumes. The big-names designer stores have a high concentration on Via Camerelle.
5. Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto)
The views of limestone rocks from Gardens of Augustus
If you are more interested in natural beauty, it is worth exploring the Gardens of Augustus. Just a short walk from the heart of the town brings you to the Capri’s botanical gardens. The beautifully maintained gardens, founded by Emperor Augustus, overlook some of the island’s most famous attractions. Therefore, exploring the terraced Gardens of Augustus is one of the best things to do in Capri. With floral arrangements and breath-taking views, there is plenty to keep your eyes occupied.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Gardens of Augustus are arguably one of the Capri’s most recognizable landmarks. Hence, visitors flock here in thousands. Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a more tranquil experience.
6. Via Krupp, Capri
The hairpin Via Krupp – a dramatic path carved into the steep mountain was once the original way to reach Marina Piccola from the Capri town.
Those who would like to walk the Via Krupp with beautiful scenery along the way should note that it’s not possible due to safety issues. The zigzagging hiking trail that connects Marina Piccola and the Gardens of Augustus is permanently closed due to a rockfall. Nowadays you can only have a look at it from the Augustus Gardens or the sea.
7. Marina Piccola, Capri
Capri may be famous for its energetic Marina Grande, but the island is home to another marina. More laid-back Marina Piccola has not only one of the best beaches in Capri but also cliffs that protect her from the winds. Besides, a visit to Marina Piccola is one of the best things to do in Capri, because it offers a more authentic atmosphere. This little harbour on the south coast also offers beautiful views of the Faraglioni rocks. It is also a popular sunset spot in Capri.
FUN FACT:
Did you know that Marina Piccola is a place where you can find the Siren’s rock? It was here where mythical sirens sang to Odysseus’s sailors on a rock.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Arrive early in the morning if you would like to secure a prime spot. Both pebbled beaches have crystal clear waters and offer excellent swimming opportunities.
8. Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)
The Blue Grotto is a place to go for everyone who loves unique attractions.
Grab yourself a gelato and head down to Marina Grande, where you can catch a boat tour to the mysterious Blue Grotto. Visiting this spectacular sea cave illuminated in unusual shades of blue is one of the best things to do in Capri. The natural cave is unique due to the crystal waters and the reflection of the sandy seafloor light in the cave underneath the mountains.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Those who would like to experience the Blue Grotto need to visit the famous cave only on small rowboats. Due to its small entrance, you will need to lie down on the back in a boat. It is also important to note that it is illegal to swim in the Blue Grotto because it is dangerous.
Nowadays, the Blue Grotto is one of the most popular attractions on the island of Capri. Unfortunately, a visit to the Blue Grotto is never an intimate experience that you would hope for. Therefore, get ready for many boats.
TIP:
It is possible to visit the Blue Grotto from the land. All you need to do is take a bus from Marina Grande to Anacapri and then another bus to the road’s end at the Grotta Azzura. After that, go down to the small dock where you can find boats which can take you to the famous cave.
9. Faraglioni
After exploring the Blue Grotto, you’ll want to make sure that Faraglioni rocks are another place you want to see from the boat. This massive rock formation not only symbolizes Capri island, and it’s also home to a variety of rare wildlife. If you have time, see the famous rocks from the Gardens of Augustus and outside the Hotel Punta Tragara. Alternatively, the peaceful Via del Pizzolungo hiking trail near the same hotel also offers stunning views of Faraglioni.
10. Anacapri
After exploring the busy streets of Capri town, your next stop should be Anacapri town. A short drive from Marina Grande will bring you to the quaint Anacapri on the other side of the island. The twisting turns and dangerous drops of this route might be enough to put off some travellers. But they shouldn’t, because this part of the island offers spectacular views that no other place in the world can match.
The appeal is obvious – Anacapri offers a slice of authentic local life rather than the luxury boutiques and big crowds. There are numerous attractions in the town, such as the Villa San Michelle or the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo. Besides, this whitewashed town located at the highest point of Capri is very peaceful. Charming Anacapri also offers many picturesque spots with unforgettable views of the island.
If you’ve got the time and the leg strength – it might also be worth taking the Phoenician Steps from Marina Grande. Walking 921 steps carved into the cliff is an alternative to taking the bus to Anacapri. Back in the times, this was the only way how the locals could reach the town and how they could get fresh water. It is important to note that walking the Phoenician Steps isn’t one of those attractions in Capri that will disappear from your memory anytime soon!
11. Monte Solaro, Island of Capri
No trip to Capri island is complete without a visit to Monte Solaro. Take a chairlift from Anacapri up to the top of Monte Solaro for panoramic views of the island. A twelve-minute ride on an old-fashioned chair lift will bring you the highest point of the island. If it doesn’t sound like an option for you, it is also possible to reach the mountain via a hiking path from Anacapri. After about an hour will get to the summit of Monte Solaro. Expect to see lush-green vegetation, bright-blue waters, the Bay of Naples, and also the Amalfi coast to see from here. A visit to Monte Solaro is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Capri because this stunning viewpoint offers unforgettable bird’s-eyes views of the island.
12. Punta Carena Lighthouse
After exploring Monte Solaro, make sure that Punta Carena Lighthouse is another place where you want to stop. Punta Arena lighthouse is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Capri. Besides, this rocky area on the southwest corner of the island with a small beach is ideal for dips in the sea.
WHY VISIT ISLAND OF CAPRI
With so much to do, explore, and experience, there is no reason not to visit Island of Capri. Whether you’re booking your holiday to relax, or you’re exploring an island for a day or two, Capri is a travel destination you’ll never want to leave.
Now you know what to do on the island of Capri, Italy!
Have you been to Capri Island in Italy? What was your favourite thing to do there? Let us know in the comments below 🙂
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