Plan a trip to Capri

The island has been attracting vacationers and tourists with its beauty throughout history– from the emperors Augustus and Tiberius of the ancient Roman Empire to Hollywood celebrities of today.

In addition to basking in its beauty, what is there to do in Capri?

The main attraction on the island is the Blue Cave. It is said that the Emperor Tiberius, who was hypnotized by the mystical kiss of the Blue Cave, used to hold parties in "modest clothing" in its waters, illuminated by blue light. To get to the Blue Cave, you have to hire the services of the boatmen who are waiting at its opening, sailing their boats to and from the cave. Entrance to the cave is dependent on the waves – at times, the opening is blocked at high tide. Once you've arrived and stepped inside, the sight is indeed unforgettable.

Capri was used in the years following the fall of the Roman Empire as a place of refuge and exile for monks, and it was revived in the 19th century when tourists from Germany and England discovered its magic. The island can be reached by speedboat, ferry, and private boats which are available for rent. Once on the island, there are minibuses and open-top taxis to take you around.

Even if you haven't entered the Blue Cave, a visit to the island is highly worthwhile, especially the ride in the steep, open cable car that climbs slowly from the center of the town of Anacapri to the top of Monte Solero, the Mountain of the Sun. Rising high above gardens full of lemons, tomatoes, and basil bushes, you’ll reach a breathtaking 360 degree view of the island and its surroundings.

Many movies have been shot on Capri, and it received additional publicity thanks to the book, “The Legend of San Michele," written by the Swedish doctor Axel Monte who lived there for several years and tell its story. A winding path through the white houses in Anacapri leads to the writer's villa which now serves as a museum.

In the two towns on the island, Capri and Anacapri, you’ll enjoy seeing small alleys between white houses, well-kept gardens, shops, restaurants, and many lemon trees from which they make the famous local limoncello drink. While spending a day in Capri can be enough to see the sites, you may want to stay overnight in one of the small boutique hotels, relax in one of the restaurants with a magical view, and order the local specialties. Caprese is an outstanding dish which originated on the island and is made of sliced local red tomatoes topped with slices of good mozzarella cheese, fragrant green basil leaves, and, above all, a sprinkling of virgin olive oil. And, of course, finish off with a shot of refreshing limoncello. The good life...

Ready to start planning your trip to Capri? Tourist season on Capri is traditionally from the spring to the first weekend in November, and April to mid-June and September to mid-October are considered by locals to be the ideal time for a visit.