The Isle of Capri is famous the world over as a classy and beautiful holiday destination. There are few who won't sigh and express their envy when you tell them of your trip. Everyone has their own Capri myth, whether it's a myth of Sirens charming seafarers, of ancient Roman orgies, of dreamy seaviews, of 1950s celebrities in big sunglasses, or of lazy summer evenings spent browsing in exclusive boutiques.

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Capri Tourist Attractions and Holiday Information

Capri is an island which some people love and some people hate. Those against the island are generally those who arrive for a daytrip, and find an expensive commercialised destination crammed to bursting with other daytrippers. Others, however, love the combination of island simplicity, natural beauty and busy glitz. And if you stay overnight, you'll find a different Capri. After the last daytrippers leave, a kind of exclusive peace settles over the island as those who are privileged to be staying overnight emerge for their evening passeggiata, or to sip drinks on the famous little square, the Piazzetta.

There are two towns on Capri; Capri town itself, which is in the centre of the island, and is where most of the hotels are located, and Anacapri. Anacapri basks on the hill above Capri, and is a quieter, more 'normal' town. Accommodation is generally cheaper, although you're still not far from the hub of things, and there is a regular bus service. From Anacapri you can take the chairlift up to the top of Monte Solare and enjoy the views before the trip back down (on foot if you're so inclined). San Michele, the home of Swedish doctor and writer Axel Munthe (see book section below) is located in Anacapri, and is open to the public.

Boats jockeying for position at the entrance to the Grotta Azzurra

The principal Capri tourist attraction is the island itself; its views, its rocky seashores and its scenic charm. There is plenty of good walking - or strolling - to be done as you explore the island. Top scenic panoramas include views of the Bay of Naples, the Faraglioni Rocks and the Gardens of Augustus.

At the ruined Villa Jovis you can see the remains of the Emperor Tiberius's palace, and also the cliffs over which he is reputed to have had his enemies tossed. Back in Capri town, the 14th-century Certosa di San Giacomo is a handsome old monastery-fortress, now hosting a school and art exhibitions. For shopaholics, Capri town is a dream, with all the big designer names and expensive boutiques. Almost every Capri visitor makes the trip to the Grotta Azzurra, the Blue Grotto. Like the island itself, it tends to split its visitors in two - those who find the blue-lit cave an unforgettable experience, and those who find the jostling boatsmen and extortionate prices a rip-off. A boat trip around the island, though, is a more rewarding experience. You can admire the coastline and the island's other grottoes in a leisurely fashion.

Capri History

The privileged and talked-about have been coming to Capri for two thousand years. The Emperor Augustus took a fancy to it, and swapped it for his island of Ischia, and his successor Tiberius made it his home when Rome became too hot to hold him. By all accounts he had a good time on Capri; if his Roman biographers are to be believed, he got up to all sorts of scandalous behaviour on the beautiful island. You can still visit the ruins of his villas, and appreciate the spell that charmed the Emperors.

Later, and presumably better-behaved inhabitants were the monks who built the Certosa in an attempt to defend the island from invading Saracens. The Romantics and Grand Tourists later admired the island's rocky natural beauty, while the French occupied Anacapri and fought the English here during the Napoleonic wars.

In 1826 the Grotta Azzurra was 'discovered' by a German tourist, the poet August Kopisch, and gradually the island became established as a desirable holiday haunt for artists, writers, royalty and celebrities, a status it still holds today. The port at Marina Grande was built in the twentieth century and enabled visitor numbers to rise as tourism became the island's chief industry.

Capri Travel Information

Get to Capri

The blue sea of Capri, with the Sorrentine Peninsular in the background

Regular ferries - weather permitting - run to Capri from Naples and Sorrento. In Naples, ferries and hydrofoils embark from Molo Beverello (near Piazza Municipio) and Molo Mergellina (near the railway station of the same name). Journey time is approximately 40 minutes with a hydrofoil and 1hr 20 mins with a ferry. The trip from Sorrento is much shorter, and there are plenty of crossings a day to cater for daytrippers.

Get around Capri

Capri ferries arrive at the port of Marina Grande. From Marina Grande, buses run up to Capri town and Anacapri. There is also a funicular which travels to Capri town. If you don't fancy lugging your suitcases around, you can hand them over to a porter who will deliver them to your hotel for a fee (many hotels will arrange a porter service for you). Buses travel busily around the island, connecting Capri, Anacapri, Marina Grande, the Grotta Azzurra, Faro and Marina Piccola. Boats also run around the coastline. The island, however, is highly walkable so you may not bother too much about public transport when you're there.

Guides to Capri and Capri must-reads

	The Story of San Michele by Axel Munthe First published in the 1920s, this book has a devoted following, and comprises the memoirs and musings of a Swedish physician who made Capri his home. San Michele, the home he created and filled with art and artefacts, is one of the island's big tourist attractions. Buy now from Amazon.co.uk
	I Love Capri by Belinda Jones Escapism in the 'citrus-coloured' girly genre. The heroine leaves her flat in Cardiff and finds herself on sunny, glamorous Capri, being pursued by charming Italian men. Lightweight fun, but very good at scene-setting and the book will add to the anticipation before your visit - or make for good reading as you sun yourself by the pool. Buy now from Amazon.co.uk
	Sorrento, Amalfi Coast and Capri This popular book, published by Sunflower Books, is probably the best specialist guidebook you'll find for the area. Especially good for walkers, it includes recommended walks (and strolls) in the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento area, including practical information about public transport. Amazon.co.uk usually offer the book at a reduced price - click here to buy it.
	Time Out Guide to Naples, Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast The Time Out Guides always give good advice on places to visit, places to shop and place to eat and drink. Their Naples guide also includes Capri and the Amalfi Coast, so it may be a worthwhile purchase, especially if you are spending time in Naples too. Buy now from Amazon.co.uk Buy from Amazon.com

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