The island of Capri is connected by regular ferries to a small but beautiful coastal town of Sorrento. Sorrento is a cute town with 17,000 inhabitants and is famous for its limoncello liqueur made from lemon zest.

The area is also rich in vines and olives. Some of the surviving monuments in this town date back to the period of Greek occupation of southern Italy, to 8th century BC. The city is built above the harbor to which one can get through the stone steps. Sorrento is about 45 kilometers far from Naples.

Faraglioni of Capri, Campania, Italy by Dennis Jarvis

Capri is full of sights

But turn back to the island of Capri. On the rocky coast of the island you can see the ruins of villas and houses, most of them are now abandoned. Visitors can aboard the sightseeing boat that rides around the island and allows them to see, among others, the red villa standing high on a cliff. It once belonged to the Italian writer Curzio Malaparte.

Although since 1922 the island of Capri was declared a nature reserve and on its territory it was prohibited to build new objects, the writer Curzio Malaparte (1898-1957) bought the cape Masullo (a rocky promontory above the sea level) and built an interesting red villa there in 1938-42.

Villa Malaparte, Capri by Arnaud 25

Due to his provocative critique of fascism he was persecuted by Mussolini’s regime and therefore he escaped to Capri. The author is best known for his novel “Kaputt”, depicting the experiences of the liberation of southern Italy and controversial novel “La Pelle”. After his death, the villa served as the resting place of other Italian writers.

Malaparte claimed that no pictures are needed to be placed into villa, because the most beautiful works of art has already been created by nature itself and he could see this beauty all around from the windows.

Another view of Faraglioni of Capri by Mark Peters

From the sea you can also see the lighthouse, which can allegedly be seen from the distance of 50 miles.

Capri without cars

It is not possible to take the car on the island, only supply cars and taxis are allowed here. There are only two beaches – the private beach Marina Piccola and public beach Marina Grande. There are also several luxury hotels on Capri offering first class services prepared for highly demanding clients.

Marina Grande, Capri by Elliott Brown

Where to go in Capri

When you arrive on the island of Capri, you can start your tour around the island directly from Marina Grande on the northern side of the island straight up the stairs of St. Francis to the Piazza Umberto I in the town of Capri. From here you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views. Along the way you meet the beautiful Gardens of Augustus.

Or, you can start a boat tour around the island through the island’s most famous attraction – the Blue Grotto. Blue Grotto is situated on the northern coast and has become a symbol of the island. The gate to it is as high as about a meter above sea level.

Blue Grotto, Capri by dr_tr

You can also go on the trip to another town of Anacapri most easily reached by bus via a very tortuous and dangerous-looking road. If the crowded bus allows you, you can watch out the window and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea and the vineyards. You will also see the narrow streets with small white houses full of green gardens and parks.

In Anacapri you can visit a church of San Michele, and the Villa San Michele that belonged to the Swedish doctor Alex Munthe, who came here at a time when the whole island plagued with cholera. Here you can also buy some souvenirs from the island of Capri. Streets are full of small perfumeries and lemon liqueur Limoncello.

Streets in Anacapri by Elenagm

If you want to get to the highest point of the island of Monte Solaro (589m) you can go there by foot in about an hour, but you can use also a chairlift if you prefer.

The town of Amalfi

Small fairy-tale town of Amalfi and the Amalfi coast is probably the first place where the tourists relaxing on the island of Capri go for a day trip. The ancient history and breathtaking views are a guarantee of unique atmosphere and unforgettable experiences.

Amalfi, Campania, Italy by Dave & Margie Hill / Kleerup

From the island you can take a boat trip to the small neighboring island of Procida, which is used as the resting place mainly among Italians. It has a small harbor and coastline lined with colorful houses, and a fortress built high on a cliff.

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