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CAPRI, A BEAUTIFUL ISLAND NEAR NAPLES, AND GROTTA AZZURRA

Capri, a beautiful island near Naples, and Grotta Azzurra

 

Capri Island is mostly appreciated for its exclusive atmosphere, its Roman villas and the breathtaking natural beauties

Itinerary: Capri, Anacapri, Marina Grande, Grotta Azzurra
Capri, a beautiful island near Naples, and Grotta Azzurra
Capri (pic n°1), this amazing island is located in the Gulf of Naples, not so far from Sorrento Peninsula. It takes just an hour by hydrofoil to get there from Naples, and it is one of the most famous and appreciated destinations in Italy among Italian and foreign tourists. This is because Capri is like a little paradise, thanks to its crystal clear waters, breathtaking landscapes, and picturesque villages.
Capri was already well known and appreciated for its beauty in Roman times as well, and even Emperor Tiberius used to live here for some time.

The first place you will see once you get to Capri Island is the village of Marina Grande surrounded by the thriving Mediterranean vegetation and characterized by colorful fishermen's houses, bars, and restaurants overlooking the sea, where you can try the local fish-based dishes. Do not leave Marina Grande before taking a walk in the port, especially at night!

The next stop is Piazza Umberto I, the main square of the town of Capri. This square, with a beautiful Clock Tower and Church of Santo Stefano, is known as Piazzetta, and it is likely to be one of the most exclusive squares in the world, where lots of international and Italian artists, movie stars, or other important people VIP love to meet up.
From here, you can have a walk along Via Camerelle and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the shopping hubs of the island. Take a look at the windows of the many luxury boutiques along the streets, and try the typical Caprese sandals on!

From here, you can keep on walking along Via Tragara first, with beautiful hotels and villas, and then along Via Pizzolungo. From this path, you can admire a spectacular view over the coast, Marina Piccola, and the breathtaking Faraglioni pic n°4, which are three huge rocks that emerge from the sea and represent as well one of the main attractions of the island.
Continue along the path and you will reach the Natural Arch, an impressive, 18 meters high rock formation. From Via Pizzolungo, another path will lead you to Punta Massullo, where Villa Malaparte is located. This is a private villa that was built in 1930 at the request of the writer, poet, and journalist Curzio Malaparte, and it is considered one of the most emblematic buildings of modern architecture.

The island has got many other natural or historical beauties to offer. Augustus Gardens are amazing terraced gardens where to stop and enjoy the beautiful view over the whole coast. You can reach the gardens by Via Krupp pic n°6, a pedestrian winding road that was built by the German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp. Nearby there is the majestic Certosa of San Giacomo, a fourteenth-century religious complex with a magnificent portico.

On the north-east side of the island, you will find the ruins of a Roman villa called Villa Jovis (pic n°5), built in the first century A.D. by Emperor Tiberius. Here, there are still now some well-preserved halls you can visit, and of course, you can enjoy the amazing view of the beautiful Gulf of Naples. Emperor Tiberius had owned altogether 12 villas in Capri and apart from Villa Jovis, you can also visit Villa Damecuta and Bagni di Tiberio. Not so far from here, you will find the so-called Salto di Tiberio Tiberius' Jump, a cliff rising sheer from the sea and reaching 197 meters above sea level. According to the legend, the Emperor used to throw the convicts down the overhang. Today, it is an impressive lookout point to enjoy a wonderful view from!

Another not-to-be-missed part of Capri island is the town of Anacapri, located on the western side. Take a walk along Via Giuseppe Orlandi, the main street of this quiet village, with lots of local stores and picturesque corners, then visit some of this town's milestones:
- the sixteenth-century Church of Santa Sofia with a beautiful Baroque façade,
- the Church of San Michele Arcangelo with an amazing majolica floor,
- Casa Rossa, a particular red house built in different styles,
- Villa San Michele is located not so far from the historic center. It was built 327 meters above sea level at the request of Swedish doctor Axel Munthe, who arrived in Capri in 1885. Today, the villa is home to a very interesting museum, with archeological findings dating back to the Roman age.

From Piazza Vittoria, the main square of Anacapri, you can also take the funicular to Monte Solaro (pic n°2), 589 meters above sea level: here, you will enjoy the most beautiful view, which expands from the whole coast of Capri to the Gulf of Naples and beyond.

Finally, consider taking a boat trip as well around the island in order to discover all the awesome grottos and bays along Capri's rocky coast. Among them, you will be able to visit the most stunning, the most beautiful, and the most popular one, which is the famous Grotta Azzurra pic n°3. This grotto is 60 meters long and 25 meters wide, but the entrance hole is quite small, so you will have to lie down in the boat when you enter Grotta Azzurra. Once inside, you will not believe your eyes: the water here is bright blue with silver hues, thanks to the sun rays that filter by a submarine natural window. This one-of-a-kind place will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale!

Departure: Capri
Arrival: Grotta Azzurra
Length: Km 15

Some pictures of Capri Island:

Capri pic n°1; View from Monte Solaro pic n°2; Grotta Azzurra pic n°2; Faraglioni, the three huge rocks pic n°4; The ruins of the Roman Villa Jovis pic n°5; Via Krupp pic n°6;

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Tour in Italy: Capri, a beautiful island near Naples, and Grotta Azzurra  - pic 1
Tour in Italy: Capri, a beautiful island near Naples, and Grotta Azzurra  - pic 2
Tour in Italy: Capri, a beautiful island near Naples, and Grotta Azzurra  - pic 3
Tour in Italy: Capri, a beautiful island near Naples, and Grotta Azzurra  - Pic 4
Tour in Italy: Capri, a beautiful island near Naples, and Grotta Azzurra  - Pic 5
Tour in Italy: Capri, a beautiful island near Naples, and Grotta Azzurra  - Pic 6
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Capri, a beautiful island near Naples, and Grotta Azzurra  - Mappa

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Tour: Capri, a beautiful island near Naples, and Grotta Azzurra

Category: Country sightseeing tour

Published by/Copyright: Touring-Italy.net

Location: Seaside

Region: Campania , Italy

Area: Amalfi Coast & Naples

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