Islands of Naples: what to see in Capri and how to reach from Naples

Let's start from Anacapri, the most authentic heart of the island, which historical center is full of colorful streets and artisan shops. Villa San Michele is a 19th century house which today is a museum with terraces, pergolas and a viewpoint. In the garden there is a Greek tomb with the famous sphinx overlooking the sea. The baroque churches of San Michele and Santa Sofia are also very beautiful, as are the ruins of Villa Damecuta, one of the twelve residences of the emperor Tiberius. 

The Certosa of San Giacomo dates back to the end of the 14th century. Today it houses a high school, a museum and in summer various events or concerts. There are two cloisters, the place ideal for cooling down a little during the hot summer days. 

At the top of Mount Tiberio is probably the most important archaeological site of Capri, Villa Jovis, the private residence of Emperor Tiberius. You can get there from the Piazzetta with a 45 minutes walk; along the road there's also Villa Lysis, wanted by the Count of Fersen in 1904. Today it's a museum that reflects the eclectic personality of its owner, with lounges fournished in different styles and a terrace overlooking Marina Grande. 

Finally, the Piazzetta, the symbol of Capri's glamour. Its real name is Piazza Umberto I and is dominated by the Clock Tower. With its colorful majolica dial, the tower is actually the bell tower of the church of Santo Stefano, located a few steps away. 

Capri is easily reachable from Naples. From the Molo Beverello there are hydrofoils that reach the island in 40 minutes. From Calata di Massa, located a little further to the east, fast ships and ferries will get you there respectively in 50 and 80 minutes. 

Of the three islands of Naples, Capri is the most famous, thanks to a wonderful sea and the famous Piazzetta, a favourite destination for VIPs. Between a big variety of nature, glamour and history, the island has a lot to offer in every season of the year.

Let's find out all there is to do and see in Capri.

All the islands of Naples have a beautiful sea, so a visit to Capri is a must and absolutely you will include a dip in its blue waters. Marina Grande is the main port and has a very populate free entry beach but in this place there are also beaches with paid entry . A little bit far to the center of the island, Marina Piccola is a delightful bay with a view of the Faraglioni. Here is also the rock of the Mairmaids, where according to legend, lived the mairmaids that enchanted Ulysses. 

The beach of Palazzo a Mare is a must see too, here's where once stood a grandiose residence wanted by the emperor Augustus, later inhabited by Tiberius too. 

Punta Carena is instead a rocky cove reachable from Anacapri, far from place most populated of tourism. There's also a lighthouse with a fort dating back to World War II where you can see the island of Ischia. In the zone of Ancapri, near the Blue Cave, there is the small beach of Gradola, that with its deep blue waters is perfect for diving lovers.

The Blue Cave is probably the main naturalistic attraction of the island, a unique place in the world reachable only by the sea, thanks to a wide range of excursions. The entrance is only one meter high, for this reason it's possible to visit only when the sea is calm, and only with private boats. Other things to absolutely see are the three Faraglioni located on the south-east side of the island, this can also be reached by land.  

In Ancapri there's Via Migliera, a road of 2 kilometers that leads to the Belvedere del Tuono. Going on along this road immersed in the nature, you'll reach a second belvedere with an iron cross. From here it's also possible to get to Punta Carena. 

The highest peak of Capri is Monte Solaro, reachable both on foot in an hour and a half, or by the chair lift of Piazza della Vittoria in Anacapri. From the top of the mountain you can see Naples with its Vesuvius, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Near the top there're also the hermitage of Centrella, which stands between wisteria and freesia, and the ruins of Barbarossa's castle. 

Between Punta Carena and the Blue Cave there is a wonderful path of about three hours that runs all around the sea. It's the Fortini's Pathway, which took its name to the three nineteenth-century forts: Orrico, Pino and Mesola. 

Other spectacular views can be admired from Pizzolungo, a pathway immersed in the quiet of the Mediterranean scrub. From the Tragara belvedere you can reach the Arco Naturale, a palaeolithic rock peak with an unusual arched shape. Here's a small square where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Punta Campanella and the Faraglioni. Along this way there are also beautiful villas, including the one of Curzio Malaparte. 

Between spring and autumn the Gardens of Augustus are a real explosion of colors. The flowery terraces overlooking the blue Capri's sea are a show in the show. From here starts the famous Via Krupp, which leads to Marina Piccola through its little bends.