Closer to Naples than Rome, the island of Capri in the Gulf of Naples offers Italian travelers an opportunity to move south away from the more popular northern and central towns and regions. During the summer days, this picturesque Mediterranean island abounds with day-trippers from Naples and Rome, but after the last ferry leaves, the island is transformed into a peaceful getaway for those smart enough to stay the night in Capri. Sip on a limoncello on the Piazzetta in Capri Town, eat lunch in quiet Anacapri, and take in the island’s rugged, inimitable scenery by foot or by boat. From the famous Blue Grotto to the Marina Piccola, Capri offers both natural and manmade attractions that make exploring this island, filled with its charming villas, olive groves, and vineyards, an unforgettable experience.
Visit one of Capri’s many bathing establishments and enjoy sunning and swimming. These exclusive locales offer sun terraces, chaise lounges, wide umbrellas, drinks, and snacks to make your time in the sun more comfortable. The Bagni Internazionale, just one of many bathing areas at Marina Piccola houses a great seafood restaurant, while Bagni da Maria provides its own private beach. The bathing establishment Da Gioia also offers fresh seafood and La Fontelina (39-081-837-0845), accessible by a small trail from Marina Piccola, sits at the base of the Faraglioni rocks providing an amazing close-up view of this natural spectacle.
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After floating through the Grotta Azzurra, visit the Charterhouse of St. Giacoma which houses the Diefenbach Museum, to see the large Roman statues that were found on the bottom of the Blue Grotto in 1964. This museum also contains a number of works by Wilhelm Diefenbach, a German artist who lived in Capri for some time. The monastery of the charterhouse itself was built starting in the 1360’s by Giacomo Arcucci and now includes secluded and sunlit cloisters built in renaissance style with marble and stone columns, intricate frescoes, and cross vaults. Here you can also see the Chapel of the Women, the sacristy of the church, and the workshops, stables, and granaries of the monks.
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Walk up from Viale Axel Munth or ride up in a chairlift to reach Capri’s highest peak, Mount Solaro, about 589 meters above sea level. At the top, enjoy a spectacular view of Anacapri and the gulfs of Naples and Salerno. Continue on foot to a secluded church, the Santuario Santa Maria a Centrella, and then move on to one of the smaller masses of Monte Solaro where the ruins of the Barbarossa Castle can be found, built between the eleventh and the thirteenth centuries. To get to the top of the mountain, take a chairlift from the Piazza Vittoria, about twelve minutes, or enjoy the climb on foot, about one hour.
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One of Capri’s most well-known attractions, the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) deserves its reputation as one of the world’s most breathtaking limestone caves. The reflection of sunlight diffusing through an underwater entrance of the cave gives the grotto its blue glow, lending credence to the local fishermen’s believe that it was once frequented by malevolent spirits. Statues of pagan gods from Roman times were found at the bottom of the cave and through the transparent water you can still see what is left of the Roman walls that once lined this spectacular cavern.
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One of the best ways to get to know Capri is to explore the island’s coastline by boat. Since many of Capri’s most picturesque areas are only accessible from the sea, those who organize a boat tour will be rewarded with the opportunity to bathe in isolated bays and view the wild crags high above the Mediterranean. These tours generally last about two and a half hours, as your captain leads you through secluded creeks and coves, usually allowing time for an extended swim in the clear waters surrounding the more out of the way corners of the Isle of Capri.
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Most tourists spend their time Capri sunbathing, shopping, and visiting the more well-known sites such as the Blue Grotto, forgetting that the Isle of Capri is also home to fascinating archaeological ruins. West of Anacapri, visit the Villa of Damecuta situated atop the rocky crags above the Mediterranean. Then hike over to the Villa Jovis, the ancient residence of Emperor Tiberius on Capri, which sprawls over Mount Tiberio and consists of a complex warren of atria, baths, changing rooms, servants’ quarters, and the Emperor’s decadent private apartments.
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Taking the time to explore Capri on foot is an opportunity that should not be missed. You will pass by charming cabins, isolated vineyards, and enchanting orchards. Follow a path on the side of Monte Solaro until arriving at Belvedere della Migliara, a terrace with unrivaled views of the island. After absorbing Capri’s quiet beauty from this solitary terrace, continue walking to get to a restaurant, Da Gelsomina, which is accessible only by foot. Offering an open terrace and uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean, as well as a swimming pool during hot weather, this isolated restaurant is the perfect locale to take a rest from your hike up from Anacapri.
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At the Gardens of Augustus, leave behind the flocks of people in the garden and turn left towards the grounds of La Certosa. Follow the paths through the gardens of this old monastery to arrive to a string of vistas in which you’ll be hard-pressed to find another tourist in the vicinity. If the monastery is open you can enter to see an interesting collection of paintings.
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Located on a narrow street leading from Anacapri to Villa San Michele, this fine restaurant serves up amazing local cuisine, such as Capri style ravioli made with homemade pasta, caciotta cheese, and fresh tomato and basil sauce. After a satisfying al fresco meal on a large terrace with a view, finish up with a cup of coffee and traditional Caprese cake, made with chocolate and almonds.
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This restaurant is one of Capri’s oldest dining establishments and serves up not only simple delicious pizzas, but local seafood dishes prepared to perfection.
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One of Capri’s longest running restaurants, La Pigna dishes up traditional local recipes to both islanders and tourists. The atmosphere here is charming and friendly, with guitarists moving from table to table strumming classic Neapolitan music.
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Established in 1872, this traditional trattoria in the heart of Capri is unassuming but serves excellent authentic Caprese cuisine. They specialize in fresh seafood dishes and traditional favorites, but also offer more contemporary pizzas and pastas.
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This fine, out-of-the-way restaurant specializes in traditional dishes with a modern flare. Try the potato stuffed baby octopus accompanied with a classic red wine from the owner’s vast wine cellar.
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This restaurant is well known for its family-oriented and friendly service, as well as their extensive menu offering a range of salads, pizzas, pastas, and wines. The emphasis at this restaurant is on fresh and flawlessly prepared seafood.
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This small restaurant uses only the freshest local ingredients to prepare its specialty pizzas which are then baked in a traditional wood burning oven, giving these homemade style pies an unforgettable flavor.
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Follow a winding road ten minutes from the center of Anacapri to arrive at the bathing establishment and seafood restaurant Lido del Faro. Run by the D’Esposito family since 1971, this popular restaurant offers al fresco seafront dining from a large terrace. Their menu is varied, offering entrees such as linguine with prawns and grilled baby squid.
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This pizzeria near the Arco Naturale has a terrace which offers stunning panoramic views from the Amalfi coast to the coast of Salerno. Enjoy gracious service and traditional island cooking and pizza while drinking in the beautiful vistas. You’ll deserve it after navigating the 120 steps to the restaurant from the Punta Tragara and Faraglioni.
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Although Capri is a wonderful place to bathe in the warm Mediterranean waters, the beaches and shorelines tend to be rocky in many areas. It is recommended that you bring water shoes with rubber soles to wear when walking around the beaches and when swimming in the water.
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Finish up a perfect day in Capri by sitting outside of the Bar Tiberio right off of the Piazzetta. Drink a glass of Italian red wine and watch the people walk by. Frequented by both locals and tourists alike, this comfortable and authentic café-bar also offers cakes and snacks.
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Another great place by the square is the Piccolo Bar, more hidden than its competitors, but no less popular. Also facing the Piazza Umberto, this bar is not only one of the oldest but also the rendezvous point where the waiters from all the other restaurants come to drink. Don’t forget to try Capri’s classic limoncello, a cool lemon liquor made from lemon rinds, alcohol, and sugar
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At Taverna O Guarracino, you can sip on a beer or enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the rustic décor of what used to be a 17th century olive press. Listen to and sing along with the lively renditions of traditional Neapolitan songs performed nightly at this popular tavern.
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For a more upscale night out, try Number Two, where it isn’t unusual to see celebrities from Europe and the U.S. dancing to house and techno. This nightclub is one of the island’s most fashionable hangouts for the pampered and the privileged that come to Capri for relaxation and a chance to sample island nightlife.
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Through a plain and rustic doorway in the center of town lies one of Capri’s most well-loved nightclubs, run by local celebrity Guido Lembo, who also provides rambunctious vocals to accompany the Neapolitan melodies that sing from his guitar. This famous tavern draws locals, tourists, and foreign celebrities who come to Anema e Core to enjoy its jovial atmosphere and to dance on the tables.
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Dance on a moonlit terrace overlooking the Mediterranean in this huge disco in Anacapri. This is one of the most trendy nightclubs in Capri and always filled to capacity during the high season. Don’t show up too early, though, because the young local islanders don’t start showing up until about 2 a.m.
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