The Isle of Capri has long inspired authors and artists to put pen to paper and brush to canvas. Once the pleasure haunt of Roman emperors, Capri is now Italy's most glamorous seaside getaway. The craggy island occupies a prominent location at the southern approach to the Bay of Naples. Unlike the other islands in the bay, Capri is not of volcanic origin but is an integral part of the limestone chain of the Apennines, left above water when some subterranean cataclysm sank its connecting link with the mainland.
Historians believe the first people arrived here during the Paleolithic era. The island, however, remained undeveloped until the Romans made it their playground. Emperor Augustus vacationed here and Tiberius built 12 villas, scattered about the island. He spent the later years of his life on Capri, refusing to return to Rome. Thousands of legends concerning the lives and loves of mythological creatures, Roman emperors, Saracen invaders and modern eccentrics combine to give Capri a sensuous and intoxicating allure that still captivates today's visitors.
All boats for Capri dock at Marina Grande. Above, Capri Town looks like an opera set of shiny white houses, tiny squares and narrow medieval alleyways hung with flowers. Resting on top of rugged limestone cliffs, hundreds of feet above the sea, it can be reached by bus, funicular or on foot. From the upper station you walk out directly to Piazza Umberto, better known as the Piazzetta, the island's social hub. This bustling square is bordered by expensive boutiques; a variety of souvenir shops line the Via Vittorio Emanuele.
The island's only other town is Anacapri, reached via a tortuous road. Here is the starting point of the chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro. Anacapri also invites for nice walks away from the crowds and offers such highlights as the tiny San Michele church and the Villa San Michele, former home of Swedish scientist Axel Munthe.
From Marina Grande excursion boats leave for the 60-minute tour to the Blue Grotto. Often there is a backup of boats waiting to get into the famous cavern, leaving little time to enjoy the iridescent blue shimmer of the sea’s transparent waters. Although this excursion is high on most visitors' list, the chance to get inside is frequently hampered by weather and sea conditions, which have to be just right for the boats to enter the Blue Grotto.
Whether you plan to explore the sights, dine, shop, or people-watch, the island’s magic will not disappoint you.
View all the cruises that call at Capri, Mediterranean cruise destination
Hebridean Island Cruises,
Seadream,
Princess Cruises,
Celebrity Cruises,
Costa Cruises,
Royal Caribbean International,
Star Clippers,
Windstar Cruises,
