Defined by Lawrence as one of the most beautiful places in the world, the island of Capri is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
That is for its mild climate all year round, the tranquillity that pervades it, the inhabitants’ hospitality, and the colors and magnetic atmosphere of the places.
What to see in Capri
The island of calcareous origin has enchanted writers, poets, musicians, and painters. So many celebrities crowded in the past and still flock to the famous Piazzetta Umberto I, one of the most fashionable squares in the world. A lively fruit and fish market in the past it has become a worldwide known place, after the opening of a bar in 1938.
The main architectural feature of the square is certainly the Tower of the clock, on which stands the splendid clock decorated with majolica. Capri has been inhabited since the eighth century BC when Greeks and Phoenicians chose it as their home. But the first real admirer of Capri was the emperor Tiberius who settled here in about 26 BC and built 12 stately villas giving each of them the name of a deity. Among these is the famous Villa Jovis, where the Emperor retired to private life. Spread over an area of approximately 7,000 meters it enjoys a view that embraces much of the Gulf of Naples and the island of Ischia ranging up to Punta Campanella.
From the mid-19th century artists, intellectuals, writers, exiles, eccentrics, and wealthy visitors chose the island as their permanent or seasonal residence, forming a cosmopolitan colony that created the myth of Capri, the Blue Grotta and the famous Faraglioni, three impressive rock formations emerging from the sea, forming the characteristic elements of the island landscape along with the Blue Grotto. The most beautiful view of Capri can be seen from Monte Solaro, the highest point of the island from where the eye has no boundaries. It enjoys wonderful views of Anacapri, the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Gulf of Salerno. But the historic largest building is the Certosa of San Giacomo, an ancient monastery built in the fourteenth century and still today a place of pilgrimage.
The island is administratively divided into the towns of Capri and Anacapri, where you can still walk along with quiet squares and streets colored by geraniums and bougainvillea. Here you can see the Phoenician Steps, stairs connecting Capri to Anacapri and Villa San Michele. It was the home of the illustrious Swedish doctor Axel Munthe, and now it houses an enviable collection of finds from the Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian periods. There is also the beautiful baroque church of San Michele Arcangelo famous for its wonderful tiled floor showing the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden by an angel with a flaming sword.
Capri folk traditions
Very typical are the folk processions in honor of San Costanzo, patron of Capri and St. Anthony, the patron saint of Anacapri, respectively on May 14th and June 13th of each year, during which the statues of the saints are transported while the flower petals are launched from the balconies at the passing of the statues. All the island authorities take part in the celebration, from the clergy to the members of the local congregations, the civil and military authorities, musical groups,, and finally the believers. Another famous tradition is the Anacaprese Settembrata that enthralls thousands of tourists and islanders every year. The event involves men, women, boys, and girls, showing the most sincere and genuine side of the island, with its Mediterranean flavors, typical products, folklore, and songs.
But no words can describe the perfect beauty and magical atmosphere of this place as well as quietness better than the definition of Capri by Charles Dickens: “Nowhere in the world, there are so many opportunities for delicious stillness, as in this small island”.
Luxury villa in Anacapri
Anacapri Relax is a one-floor villa characterized by a very large terrace furnished with tables, chairs, and sun loungers and embellished by flower beds and bushes of plants filling the air with Mediterranean perfumes. It stands in the center of Anacapri and very close to the top of the tiny buses by which to reach Capri and the beaches in ten minutes.
The villa originally built at the end of the 19th century has been freshly restored and redecorated and is very elegantly furnished. It is made up of a living room with a tiled fireplace, two bedrooms (both with a bathroom en suite) and a well-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher.
A solarium with more sun loungers and deck chairs covers the whole structure. On one side of the terrace, there is also an annex with another bedroom, a tiny bathroom, and a laundry, surrounded by meadows and trees. Anacapri relaxes will be your best choice!
There are two towns (municipalities) on the island of Capri: Capri and Anacapri. Anacapri is located in the highest part of the island.
For more information, you can visit www.capritourism.com
5-STAR LUXURY HOTELS in Capri
GRAND HOTEL QUISISANA
Via Camerelle, 2 Phone-number: 0818370788 Web-site: www.quisisana.com
Just 5 minutes from the famous square this historic hotel has made the history of Capri. For more than 150 years it has welcomed jet-setters and celebrities in its wonderful and sophisticated style. Actors, intellectuals, and writers have always appreciated the elegance and capabilities of the premises and impeccable service of the Grand Hotel Quisisana.
PUNTA TRAGARA
Via Tragara, 57 Phone-number: 0818370844 Web-site: www.hoteltragara.com
On the panoramic viewpoint of Tragara, the terrace overlooking the mythical three Faraglioni rocks stands the prestigious Hotel Punta Tragara, designed by the famous architect Le Corbusier. Its suites and rooms have a stunning view of the Faraglioni and are elegant and mix elegantly furnished and equipped with modern technology. You can enjoy a romantic dinner by candlelight in the restaurant “Monzù”.
5-STAR HOTELS in Capri
CAESAR AUGUSTUS
Via G. Orlandi, 4 telephone-number: 0818373395 Web-site: www.caesar-augustus.com
Its exceptional location with views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples, 300 meters above the sea, makes the hotel Caesar Augustus one of the most prestigious luxury hotels in Capri. The rooms and suites are attentively furnished to the smallest details and for the guests, there is a beautiful swimming pool overlooking the sea.
CAPRI TIBERIO PALACE
Via Croce 11/15 Phone-number: 0819787111 Web-site: www.capritiberiopalace.com
Near the square, you will find this contemporary-chic hotel located in a 19th-century building. The Capri Tiberio Palace has elegant design rooms with all amenities. It offers a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea where you can taste typical local Mediterranean dishes. The Restaurant Terrazza Tiberio is also the only koshèr restaurant on the island, certified by the Orthodox Union.
CASA MORGANO
Via Tragara, 6 Telephone-number: 0818370158 Web-site: www.casamorgano.com
Just a few steps from the famous square there is Casa Morgano, a boutique hotel that combines all the features of the villas in Capri, with tiled floors and terraces overlooking the sea and infinity pool with panoramic sea views.
J.K. PLACE CAPRI
Via Provinciale Marina Grande, 225 Phone-number: 0818384001 Web-site: www.jkcapri.com
The hotel J.K. Place Capri overlooks the Gulf of Naples and it is just a few steps from the beach of Marina Grande, the departure point for boat trips to the Sorrento Coast, the islands of Ischia and Procida and the coasts of Capri. All rooms and suites are a triumph of elegance and comfort and at the restaurant kitchen you can taste typical seafood dishes. For true relaxation, there are spa treatments at the JKSpa.
LA SCALINATELLA
Via Tragara, 8 Phone-number. 0818370633 Web-site: www.scalinatella.com
Elected by the magazine Condé Nast Traveler magazine the best hotel in the world, the Hotel La Scalinatella has welcomed since the ’50s those who are eager to plunge into Caprese reality. It is only 400 meters from the famous square and features 2 outdoor pools with panoramic views and 30 elegant rooms with stylish Caprese furnishings. At the restaurant, you can taste typical Caprese fresh dishes.
MELIA VILLA CAPRI HOTEL & SPA ADULT ONLY
Via G. Orlandi, 103 Telephone-number: 0818373924 Web-site: www.melia.com
Located in the historic center of Anacapri, the Meliá Villa Capri Hotel & Spa-Adults Only features an outdoor pool with Jacuzzi, a spa, air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Built with the finest materials and attention to the smallest detail, the hotel intended for an audience over the age of 18 years offers maximum comfort and peace during your whole stay.
VILLA MARINA CAPRI HOTEL&SPA
Via Provinciale Marina Grande, 191 Phone-number: 0818376630 Web-site: www.villamarinacapri.com
Housed in a twentieth-century villa surrounded by a beautiful park, the Hotel Villa Marina has decorated rooms and they are furnished uniquely in memory of the distinguished guests of this hotel, like Neruda, Axel Munthe, and Coleman. It’s possible to live a relaxing time in the spa “Stai” or enjoy the beautiful view of Capri from the solarium terrace.
4 STAR HOTELS in Capri
AMBASSADOR WEBER
Via Marina Piccola Phone-number: 081 8370141 Web-site: www.hotelweber.com
Ambassador Weber, overlooking the bay of Marina Piccola and just a few meters from the beach, is the ideal place for a relaxing holiday. You can choose between Standard, Deluxe, Superior rooms and Suites, some with a view of the Faraglioni. The hotel has three pools, two with whirlpools, where it’s possible to spend pleasant and indulging moments.
BEST WEST SIRENESYRENE
Via Camerelle, 51 Phone-number: 081 8370102 Web-site: www.hotelsyrene.com
In the most famous street of the blue island, via Camerelle, we find the Best West Syrene that synthesizes the traditions and characteristics of the island. The rooms meet all the customers’ desires, from panoramic sea views to the lively center of Capri. The restaurant is famous for its cuisine, local, national and international, a real pleasure for the palate.
CANASTA
Via Campo di Teste, 6 Phone-number: 081 8370561 Web-site: www.hotel-canasta.com
Open all year in a central location, this quiet and reserved hotel has made the hospitality its watchword. The rooms are tastefully furnished, equipped with all comforts and some have terraces overlooking the sea. For those in search of rest, there are a pool and a solarium.
GATTO BIANCO
Via V. Emanuele, 32 Phone-number: 081 8370203 Web-site: www.gattobianco-capri.com
In the historic center of Capri, near the Piazzetta, in a central location, since the nineteenth century, the Gatto Bianco has welcomed travelers from everywhere in the world. The rooms are bright and all furnished in Caprese style with ceramic tiles, vaulted ceilings, and private terraces overlooking gardens of lemon or orange trees and the roofs of the houses of Capri.
HOTEL CAPRI
Via Roma, 71 Phone-number: 081 8370003 Web-site: www.htlcapri.net
A few meters from the Piazzetta stands the Hotel Capri, once an elegant nineteenth-century private villa. Today this hotel in neo-liberty style offers spacious rooms with attention to details and provided with every comfort.
HOTEL DELLA PICCOLA MARINA
Via Mulo, 14/16 Phoner-number: 081 8379642 Web-site: www.hoteldellapiccolamarina.it
Small and sophisticated hotel in a central location, it offers customers 40 spacious rooms, elegantly furnished and equipped with every comfort. Some have balconies and terraces that offer spectacular views of the island. The hotel is surrounded by a garden and a rooftop pool.
LA PALMA
Via V. Emanuele, 39 Phone-number: 081 8370133 Web-site: www.lapalma-capri.com
In the center of Capri since 1822, the hotel La Palma has hosted famous people in an easy and friendly atmosphere. It’s the oldest hotel on the island and has 70 large, airy rooms and the floors still have the original Vietri tiles. The restaurant Relais La Palma is the perfect place for those who are looking for the flavors of the traditional island dishes.
LE RESIDENZA Via F. Serena, 22 Phone-number: 081 8370833 Web-site: www.laresidenzacapri.com
This elegant and welcoming hotel is located in the center of Capri, a short walk from the Piazzetta from the shops and nightlife. The rooms and suites are all tastefully decorated and equipped with amenities. At the 4 star restaurant of the hotel, you can enjoy the local cuisine, and if you want to pamper or relax you can linger in the pool.
MAMELA
Via Campo di Teste, 8 Phone-number: 081 8375255 Web-site: www.hotelmamela.com
In the very heart of Capri, there is an elegant and quiet hotel Mamela. The rooms in Caprese style have terraces overlooking a spectacular view of the sea. The beautiful and large swimming pool and the sun terrace invite the guests to relax and make the best of their stay
REGINA CRISTINA
Via F. Serena, 20 Phone-number: 081 8370744 Web-site: www.reginacristina.it
If you are looking for a warm and welcoming atmosphere where to spend your vacation, the Regina Cristina Hotel is the ideal place. Featuring 55 rooms equipped with all modern facilities and the restaurant “La Veranda” where you can taste typical dishes of the Mediterranean cuisine, it is in an ideal location just a few minutes from the very heart of Capri.
RELAIS MARESCA
Via Prov. Marina Grande, 284 Phone-number: 081 8379619 Web-site: www.relaismaresca.com
The hotel is placed inside a building dating back to 1876, one of the oldest of the island. It boasts a seafront location and 27 elegant rooms, all furnished with Vietri tiles and bright colors. Just 50 meters from the harbor and beaches it is the ideal starting point to organize boat daily trips around the island.
VILLA SAN FELICE
Via Li Campi, 13 Phone-number: 081 8376122 Web-site: www.hotelsanfelice.com
A few steps from the Piazzetta this elegant villa dating back to 1645 and transformed into a stylish, sunny hotel is perfect for those seeking a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere surrounded by kindness and helpfulness. The hotel has 35 rooms all overlooking the garden.
VILLA SARAH
Via Tiberio, 3/a Phone-number: 081 8377817 Web-site: www.villasarahcapri.com
Just a few minutes from the Piazzetta this peaceful and quiet hotel lies surrounded by a large garden with a vineyard. The rooms are simply furnished and decorated with classic furnishings and overlook this peaceful garden. The guests have at their disposal a swimming pool with Jacuzzi and a solarium.