Situated on the south side of the Gulf of Naples, in the middle of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Island of Capri is nothing but a piece of heaven. It goes without saying that I couldn’t have missed this part of Italy during my latest trip in the area.
Blessed with incredible landscapes, lively squares, small coves and narrow cobblestone streets, the Island of Capri has a lot to offer. The main tourist attractions of the island are situated around the towns of Capri and Anacapri.
I must confess that I didn’t have enough time to visit the entire island, but I enjoyed the most beautiful and interesting places in the town of Capri and its surroundings.
First of all, in order to get to this island I took the ferry from Castellammare di Stabia, a small and quiet village situated very close to Pompei. You can also get to the Island of Capri if you take the ferry from Naples, Sorrento or Amalfi, but it depends on the place where you will stay during your trip.
I started my adventure in the commercial harbor of the island and I was impressed by the lively atmosphere I felt there. This is a great place in case you want to admire the Tyrrhenian Sea in all its splendor.
Marina Grande Beach which is the main beach of the island is situated near this harbor. After exploring the beauty of the island, spending a few hours on this lovely beach might be exactly what you need. As far as I’m concerned, the moments of relaxation I spent on the sand of Marina Grande were simply perfect, especially after I had tried to visit as many places as possible.
After you visit the harbor you have two options to get to the town of Capri. The first option is to take the cableway. The second option is to walk and this is the perfect opportunity to admire a few narrow cobblestone streets embellished with a multitude of colored flowers.
Walking down the lovely streets of Capri and letting yourself charmed by the wonderful sights is indeed a mandatory condition in case you want to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of the island.
Besides admiring the scenery, you can also enjoy yourself and visit the multitude of luxury shops which turn the island into an exclusive destination.
When it comes to luxury and fashion, La Piazzetta can be considered an important landmark. Vittorio Emanuele Street and Camerelle Street are just a few examples which offer a little bit of the flavor of luxury. The prices are really high, but at least you experience the feeling of admiring so many luxury goods in just one place.
Piazza Umberto, as La Piazzetta is called, has a really special charm and its vibrant atmosphere makes you experience a unique feeling. Situated in the heart of the town, this square is considered one of the little theaters of the world, thanks to all the events and festivals which take place here. La Piazzetta is the place where you can admire a really beautiful panorama.
In case you want to enjoy this view while having a drink, be prepared to pay almost triple at the terraces situated in the panoramic points.
Piazza Umberto also shelters the old Clock Tower, the rustic Chiesa di San Stefano and Centro Caprense Ignazio Cerio, which is considered to be a museum.
Not far from the town center, you will find the famous Giardini di Augusto (Augusto Gardens), an extremely beautiful place where you can admire breathtaking panoramas. As the name suggests, these gardens were founded by Emperor Augustus and they display a variety of flowers and statues.
At one end of the gardens there is a place called Belvedere of Punta Cannone, which offers an incredible view over the Faraglioni. This is the name of three limestone rocks which seem to rise from the sea.
The icing on the cake is the famous Via Krupp, a path which leads to the sea. In case you decide to follow the path of Via Krupp, you will have the chance to admire the greenish water of Marina Piccola Beach.
La Certosa di San Giacomo is another place situated in the same area. Considered the finest remaining example of Caprese architecture, this picturesque monastery shelters a school, a library, a museum and an exhibition area.
Situated among steep cliffs, carved grottoes and high rocky peaks, Arco Naturale (The Natural Arch) is definitely a place you should not miss during your trip to Capri. In order to get to this place, you should follow the path which leads to Pian della Noci and Via Matermania. Once you reach these streets it will be easier to find your way to the Natural Arch. This 20 meter-high imposing arch blends with the blue sea in a harmonious way and creates an incredibly beautiful scenery.
There are a few grottoes which I would have liked to visit, especially Grotta Azzuro, but I didn’t have the chance because all the boat tours were canceled due to the turbulent sea. Maybe next time I will have this chance. Who knows?
Overall, the entire experience in Capri was a great one and I spent very beautiful moments there. All things considered, make sure you will enjoy your own experience in Capri because words and pictures are not enough to portray the entire essence of this place.
