The main town of the eponymous island, Capri has a lovely setting, tucked between two mountains, facing onto the harbour, and with boats and hydrofoils pulling into and out of the Marina Grande. The island has been a tourist spot since Roman times of course. Emperor Augustus retreated here to escape the pressures of life in Rome, and Tiberius even moved the imperial capital here. Go back further, and the Sirens of myth would beckon sailors onto the rocks here. If you must be shipwrecked, what lovelier a place. It became a chic destination again in the 19th and 20th centuries, being especially popular with the British. Graham Greene, DH Lawrence, Bernard Shaw and Gracie Fields were among those enticed onto its shores.
From the Marina Grande, a funicular runs up the hill to Capri town. And arriving here IS breathtaking. The town, set around the main square of the Piazza Umberto, is absurdly pretty, with little alleyways running up and around the hill, and the citta appearing to tumble down the mountain toward the sea. At night, lit by a a million fairy lights, the effect is magical. Capri isn't cheap, it's far too fashionable for that, but you will find superb bars, restaurants and cafes, and for a romantic Italian vacation it's very hard to beat.
Sights include the old monastery of Certosa San Giacomo, the lovely gardens of Giardini Augustos, with superb views of the cliffs above and Mediterranean below. Great views too from the Belvedere del Cannone, and there is Tiberius's old holiday home, the Villa Jovis. There is the little Marina Piccola, and it's an enjoyable hike out to the rocks at the Arco Naturale. Finally see the shrine to the Sybil at the Grotta di Matermania.
To the left you'll find a selection of Capri hotels, just to whet your appetite.
See also Capri hotels (full listings) and our Capri hotel map.
