Despite its limited dimension the lovely island of Capri, in the southern region of Campania, catches the eye of people all around the world. You will arrive to the Marina Grande where you can take a funicular up to the Town of Capri, where are located hotels, restaurants and shops. You should visit the Piazza Umberto I also known as La Piazzetta which is considerate the social core of the island. The gorgeous botanic Gardens of Augustus, will leave you breathless, just relax and admire the panorama, don’t forget to take a look to the seaside to the well-known Faraglioni Islands, huge rock peaks emerging from the water, particularly known also because they were the original habitat of a rare blue lizard. From the gardens you can take the particular Via Krupp, built at the beginning of the Twentieth century for want of a German benefactor, this twisted street leads directly to Marina Piccola; due to the danger of falling rocks it may happen for the street to be closed. Furthermore, from the Belvedere di Tragara (Tragara Overlook) you will enjoy a close-up of the Faraglioni Rocks and an amazing view of Marina Piccola.
Villa Jovis, residence of the roman emperor Tiberius, is reachable by hiking in less than one hour: it’s the oldest but best preserved roman villa in the island, nearby is also the Salto di Tiberio.
If you are going to be in the Island just for one day you will enjoy a visit to the Blue Grotto, discovered in 1826 is the most famous cave, many believes that once there was connected to Tiberius place with a secret passage. Nearby the Grotto you can also take the Fortini Trails, a path between sea and rocks that links together three ancient forts.
From the town of Anacapri, the only other town of the island, you get to the Villa san Michele, a mansion once belonged to the Swedish Dr. Axel Munthe, the stunning view is enriched by Roman statues and by its gardens. From Anacapri you can take the chairlift up to the Mount Solaro for a stunning view from the top of the island.
What/where to eat
On the island you will find several traditional trattorias, panoramic places and small restaurants where you can savor local specialties. The cuisine of Capri draws on that of Naples with dishes based on fish including the peppered mussels, but there are also typical dishes of the island, such as Capri ravioli, scialatielli, caprese and locally caught fish including the pezzogna usually cooked with crazy water. In any case, there is no meal that cannot end without a slice of Caprese cake or a babà al rhum and a glass of limoncello.
In Anacapri we suggest the following addresses:
Da Gelsomina. Historic restaurant, born in the 1950s, which offers a beautiful view of the sea from the terrace. They offer free shuttle to / from the center.
L’Angolo del Gusto. Small Trattoria in the center of Anacapri, family-run, where you can taste fresh pasta and excellent traditional specialties.
Cafè Casa Oliv – Villa San Michele. A small charming place, excellent for a lunch or an aperitif based on simple and genuine dishes.
Some clubs and restaurants in Capri:
Gennaro Amitrano. A few steps from the famous Piazzetta, an intimate and welcoming restaurant with only 20 seats and a menu that pays homage to Neapolitan cuisine with a pinch of innovation.
Da Paolino. A romantic and refined place, frequented by many stars, where you can taste the typical dishes of Capri wrapped in the scent of lemons.
Pulalli Wine Bar. Excellent venue for an aperitif based on wine, delicious snacks and dishes based on local products. It also boasts a panoramic terrace on the Piazzetta.
Al Faro. A little off-center but perfect for an aperitif at sunset or a dinner overlooking the sea.
What/where to buy
Even if you will find the biggest international brands, Capri is an island with a long artisan tradition and it is worth taking advantage of the visit to buy unique products. If you love fashion, you cannot leave Capri without a pair of the legendary Capri pants, which is also possible to have made to measure. Staying on the subject of clothing, the leather and handmade sandals of Capri are among the most appreciated products and generally many shops produce them at the moment and made to measure. The flowers and herbs of Capri have been used since the past to produce fragrant fragrances and for this reason around the island you will notice various artisan perfume workshops where you can buy special essences. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a simple and inexpensive object, in the souvenir shops you can buy the Campanella di Capri, a lucky gift available in various colors and sizes. For greedy friends you can buy a delicious Caprese cake made with chocolate and almonds or caprilù biscuits prepared with almonds and lemons. Lemons are the protagonists of another typical product: limoncello, which you can find in stores in beautiful gift bottles. The shopping streets wind around the center of Capri and Anacapri, where you can shop in historic shops, including:
Camphor. An elegant boutique renowned for its sandals, to be made to measure and according to your tastes.
La Parisienne. Another exclusive shop on the Piazzetta where you can have tailored Capri pants made in one day.
Art Tricot. In Anacapri he creates handmade clothes, stoles and shrugs.
Carthusia. Historic and famous perfume shop that creates fragrances with local flowers and herbs.
