What to see and do in Capri? Chairlift
They told me knowledgeable people- you need to go to the island of Capri with at least one overnight stay: then there is a chance to look at Capri not over the heads of the crowding people, but to communicate with him comfortably, and maybe even alone.
But only one day in Capri fit into the busy schedule of my 10-day trip: I arrived there in the morning and went to the Amalfi Coast in the evening. So I made up my mind in advance that this would be an introductory tour in order to get the most general idea of Capri.
The outcome was predictable. My main impression from this trip: the island of Capri is definitely natural phenomenon. At the same time, the predominant feeling experienced by me in Capri was irritation. Annoyance from the crowd, of course: in some places you just had to squeeze through people.
However, everything is in order.
Once a day from (this main port island of Ischia) at 10-35 departs the ship of the company Alilauro. Before Marina Grande- the main pier of Capri - the ship goes 50 minutes. The ticket costs 19.80 euros. After Capri, the ship leaves for Sorrento.
In addition, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, departures from Ischia organized tours to the island of Capri. The cost of tours is 36 euros. Departure at 9-20 - from Ischia Porto, back - at 16-45. In Capri itself, it turns out about 6 hours of pure time.
The largest number of flights to Capri are from Naples and Sorrento. From Naples, the ship takes 45 minutes, costs from 18 to 20.50 euros, depending on the carrier.
Closest to Capri is Sorrento, the ship takes 20 minutes to reach it. True, the ticket is not much cheaper - 18.30.
There are flights to Salerno - with a stop at Positano and Amalfi. From small towns Amalfi Coast (Maiori, Minori) organized day trips to Capri, their cost is 35 euros - less than a regular round-trip ticket.
The ferry schedule can be viewed at https://www.capri.net/en/ferry-schedule.
In general, the website https://www. capri.net take note: it contains a lot of useful information: descriptions of Capri attractions, dishes local cuisine, schedule public transport, there you will find route options depending on your preferences and your wallet. The site has versions in Italian and English.
From Marina Grande to the center of Capri
Our ship was approaching a small, mountainous piece of land rising above the surface of the sea. I stood on the open deck, peered into the distance and was already preparing to be enchanted by the beauty of the island of Capri, sung by many of my predecessors.
Island of Capri. From this angle it is clearly seen that the island is divided into two parts. The higher, western one, with Mount Solaro, is called Anacapri. The eastern part is lower, there is the city of Capri.
However, so far there was nothing to be fascinated by.
The island grew before our eyes. At first it was only outlines, then houses, trees, rocks were drawn. To the right rose Monte Solaro, descending like a wooded slope to Anacapri and facing Capri like a wall of rock.
The island of Capri is elongated from east to west and is divided into two parts by a bridge: in the eastern part is the city of Capri, in the western part - Anacapri. The villages of Capri and Anacapri arose during the ancient Greeks. The eastern part is smaller than the western, but more densely populated: on Anacapri, Mount Solaro, the highest point of the island (589 m), occupies a lot of space.
If the Apennine Peninsula has the shape of a boot, then the island of Capri also partly resembles a boot, only rather curvy, with a short and plump top. The shaft is Anacapri and the foot is Capri.
Jumper - the most low place islands. There are harbors on both sides of the cofferdam: on north side is the main port of Capri - Marina Grande, on the south - Marina Piccola. Marina Piccola is used for sightseeing boats and boats, and there is no real pier there. All scheduled ships moor at Marina Grande.
The main port of the island of Capri is Marina Grande. Mount Monte Solaro rises above it.
We landed too.
In the port of Marina Grande - pandemonium. There are boats in a row - for walking around the island with a swim in the famous Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra).
Here the main task is to get from the port to the city as soon as possible. There are three ways to do this: by funicular, by bus and on foot.
The ticket office is located a little to the left of the berths. One ticket (it is valid for both the funicular and the bus) costs 1.80. Day ticket - 8.60 euros. I bought one-time tickets, spent 3 tickets a day. By the way, these tickets do not apply to the Monte Solaro lift, there are separate tickets (10 euros round trip).
There was a long queue for the funicular.
In 20-25 minutes you can climb on foot.
Both options (on foot and by funicular) are not good: they take a lot of time. The best way to get up is by bus. The bus stop is on the right (when facing the funicular), after the ticket offices of the port.
At the bus stop, we seem to see the same bleak picture - a long line for the bus. However (thanks, kind people suggested) this is the queue for the bus to Anacapri. A little further, on the other side of the stop, there is a queue for Capri, and here it is quite short. Anyway, I left on the first bus.
Small beach under the bus stop at Marina Grande
From Piazzetta to Villa Lysis
Our bus (buses on the island are short, curvy, according to the size of the island) quickly overcame the turns of the serpentine (this serpentine was called Via Marina Grande), drove along a narrow bridge (this is Via Roma) and dropped us off at the final.
Via Roma leads to the Orologio clock tower.
On one side of the tower is an observation deck, on the other main square town of Capri, Piazza Umberto 1st. Everyone simply calls this square Piazzetta.
At the bottom of the tower is the tourism office. There you can take a map of the island of Capri with sights, as well as a brochure, where, in addition to any useful information, there are 3D street maps with houses.
The people rise on foot - overcome the last meters to the Piazzetta
Piazzetta is lined with tables of a summer cafe.
In addition to the Clock Tower on the Piazzetta, the church of San Stefano stands out - white outside and inside.
There was a great desire to quickly escape from the human cycle and crowds and move to a quiet place. Surprisingly, this desire turned out to be easily realizable.
Narrow passage between houses, under overhanging arches
- and I found myself in the tiny square of Cesare Battisti, in front of the red house - Villa Spinola.
The tablet says that from May 1909 to February 1911, the Russian writer Maxim Gorky lived in this villa, and in 1910 Lenin came to visit him.
Soon I emerged from the dense residential development (house on house) and found myself on Via Sopramonte, a street that resembled a narrow corridor.
On the way I came across a small and downright some kind of Arab church, arch. Michael.
The island of Capri is abundantly equipped with signs and pointers to sights indicating the mileage and time to reach them, so that at any time you can easily orient yourself and choose a route to your liking.
I decided to walk to Villa Iovis (Jupiter). This was the name of one of the 12 villas of the Roman emperor Tiberius, built on the very edge of a cliff in the far northeast corner of the island.
Long corridors began. And, in general, so far I have not seen anything so striking and beautiful.
And again stone fences and a narrow passage between them.
Sometimes alleys leading to the villas, or fragments of gardens, were visible through the lattice of the gate.
There were vineyards and fruit trees
The people have practically disappeared. And I no longer looked forward to when I would get out of these labyrinths and finally find myself in a beautiful place.
There was a sign at the fork - to the right, to Villa Jovis - 500 m, to the left, to Villa Lysis - 400.
I decided to go to the Villa Lysis, and then to Tiberius. And went down the left corridor.
Soon the forest began, and then among the trees I saw a villa.
Villa Lysis (Fersen)
The villa is open from May to December. Opening hours: May 10-18, summer months 10-19, September-October 10-18, November-December 10-16. Day off Tuesday. Ticket price - 2 euros.
I walked from Piazzetta to Villa Lisis in 40 minutes.
Villa Lisis is the first place in Capri where I felt beautiful.
In general, the villa does not even have to do with it. Just from this point, amazing views of both the island of Capri and the Sorrentine Peninsula open up. The man, of course, also had a hand here, neatly and tastefully entered the villa into the landscape, built a gazebo on the cliff, arranged rows of columns along the edge of the cliff, threw a bridge over the gorge, and mountain path, leading down, turned into a staircase (now this descent is closed, the path has semi-collapsed).
A wide staircase rises to the entrance to the house. And in front of the stairs there is a sculpture on a marble cube - a bronze boy pulls out a splinter.
The villa itself is a two-story white (white is the predominant color in Capri) building with a flat roof-terrace, with an open veranda on the second floor, supported by columns from below.
The lower part of the columns is decorated with pieces of golden smalt.
Above the entrance is written "Amori et Dolori Sanctum" ("sanctuary of love and sorrow").
And here it is necessary to tell about the owner of this villa, the poet Jacques d'Adelswerd Fersen, a rich man with a difficult fate, who sought solitude here for himself and his love. The love of his life was the young man Nino Cesarini, with whom he lived here for 20 years, until his death.
Fersen's life began extremely successfully: wealth, nobility, poetic gift, artistic environment, Paris. At the age of 20, Fersen published his first book of poetry.
And two years later, he became the main character of the scandal - it became known that orgies with teenage boys took place in his house. They put him in jail for six months. After serving his term, Jacques Fersen, together with his lover Nino, leaves Paris and tries to build a life according to his own rules on the small and beautiful island of Capri.
On Capri, he did not become an outcast at all - on the contrary, a certain circle gathers around him. The island was already quite hyped and attracted people of all kinds, and especially the artistic bohemia, sensitive to beauty and not enduring bridles and conventions. Probably, the fame of Capri as an island of free morals has been going on since the time of Tiberius.
However, the island society was so narrow that even Gorky found it possible to communicate with this circle and published in the Akademos magazine published by Fersen.
At 43, the owner of the villa committed suicide by drinking champagne with a large dose of cocaine. The will stated that Nino Cesarini could live in the villa for the rest of his life. Nino, however, preferred Rome and left the island of Capri.
While traveling in Campania, I kept coming across similar stories, when people with the wrong orientation or, more broadly speaking, who do not live according to the laws of society (as a rule, not poor and creative professions) tried to get lost on the islands in order to be able to lead one a way of life that they like (let's say: in Ischia it is the poet Auden, film director Luchino Visconti, in Capri - the same Fersen, industrialist Alfred Krupp, photographer Wilhelm von Plushov - the founder of erotic photography). By the way, it was von Plushov who made the photographs of naked Nino hanging in the Lisis villa.
Capri in old photos
At the entrance to the villa - a photograph of Oscar Wilde with his lover Bozi. The stories of Wilde and Fersen are quite similar. Oscar Wilde also had a brilliant start, a name, fame, a wonderful family, until an obsession named Bosie entered his life. A loud scandal, two years of imprisonment and letters from prison full of repentance, sobering up, a clear realization of one's guilt before loved ones and a desire to fix everything. He understands how low and mean his lover is, he does not want to see him or hear him.
Two years have passed, Wilde is released from prison, and the very first meeting with Bosie crosses out all good intentions - the obsession returns and does not let go anymore. God forbid anyone irresistible, life-breaking passions that a person is unable to cope with, which push him to do things that he would never have done while in a normal state!
So - at the entrance is a photograph of Oscar Wilde. Large hall, from which stairs rise to the second floor.
On the ground floor there is a large bright room.
On the second floor living rooms. Bath.
There is also a basement. There is a smoking parlour, where the owner of the villa smoked opium. This floor was closed when I was there.
The villa itself does not cause any special emotions. But the views from it are enchanting.
An open terrace stretches along the second floor.
Have you ever been on an island that you can walk around in a couple of hours and still want to stay there forever? No? Then buy tickets to Naples right now, and from there to fast ferry go to the island of Capri.
Capri on the map of Italy
The island of Capri is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea and is part of the Italian province of Naples, located in the Campania region.
What to see and do in Capri?
The first thing that comes to mind when you mention Capri (except for cropped pants) is the wonderful writer Maxim Gorky, who spent no less than 7 years on the island! I immediately want to quote the words of the great writer: “It is amazingly beautiful here, some kind of fairy tale, an endless variety unfolds before you. The beautiful sea, the island, its rocks and people do not spoil this impression of carefree, cheerful, colorful beauty.
Capri is one of the most expensive resorts Italy, on a par with the magnificent Sardinia. But tourists are not afraid of the cost of traveling to a fabulous island, and the streets of the island are always crowded with tourists from all over the world.
As soon as you set foot on the island, as Capri envelops the traveler Italian flavor and paints. And the color of the island is clearly not to occupy: the amazing blueness of the water, colorful houses along the entire slope, an abundance of bizarre plants and flowers ... The first minutes you are just afraid to faint and ask to be pinched. Still would! After all, even a small port of the island is just a work of art!
After all, it is here that the main life of the entire island is concentrated: numerous fishing boats, and small boats that send tourists on excursions around the island or to the Blue Grottoes, many small shops and cozy cafes.
Yes, the entire coast is strewn with charming cafes and restaurants, where tourists are offered not only amazing Italian service, but also excellent cuisine, which is hard to find equal!
What does "service in Italian" mean? This is sincere friendliness, sociability and charm of each waiter. And do not be surprised if the owner of this institution serves you - this is an absolutely normal practice.
Capri, like a curled bun, takes enthusiastic travelers higher and higher, revealing not only the beautiful coastal part of the island, but also the magnificent sights of the city of Anacapri.
City of Capri and city of Anacapri
To make it clearer, it is worth explaining that the island itself consists of two cities: the coastal capital - the city of Capri
and cities on a hill - Anacapri. As you might guess, unforgettable panoramas and views open from here: the most high point The island is located at an altitude of 589 m above sea level (the top of Mount Solaro)!
In the evenings, the island turns into a gallery of luxury and glamour: showcases of luxury brands, gorgeously dressed vacationers, who gracefully walk along Via Camerelle
and via Vittorio Manuele. Here you can not only show yourself in full glory, but also see with your own eyes the latest innovations from the fashion world.
You should also not miss the opportunity to visit the famous Anema e Cuore tavern.
Any guidebook will point this institution to the main attractions of the island. Live Neapolitan music, dancing until the morning and an atmosphere of endless fun. Also keep in mind that the tavern attracts a huge number of celebrities, so don't be surprised if Leo Messi or Eva Mendes sit at the next table with you!
Attractions of the island of Capri
The main attractions of the island are Villa Jupiter,
Villa Malaparte, Church of Santo Stefano,
Gardens of Emperor Augustus
blue grottoes
and, of course, the famous Faraglioni cliffs, which promise good luck to everyone who swims under them.
If you expect not only unbridled fun from your vacation, but also an interesting cultural program, then Capri will not disappoint you here either.
The best beaches of the island of Capri
There are many small picturesque bays on the island of Capri, most of which you can only reach by boat. The beaches on the island are mostly either pebbly or stone platforms that descend to the sea.
Marina Piccola is home to the most organized beaches.. The secluded Da Giola Beach is known for its magnificent fish restaurant, which is open in July and August every day, and in June only on Saturdays. Bagni Tiberio beach is one of the best places on the island for families with children - the water here is calm, the bottom goes deeper gradually, and it is quite comfortable to go to the sea along comfortable wooden steps. La Fontelina is located at the foot of famous mountain Faraglioni is a rather rocky beach, which is inconvenient for children. But here you will find a small restaurant with absolutely amazing cuisine. The beach is incredibly popular, so you should reserve places in advance. A 10-minute walk from the city of Anacapri is the beach of Lido del Faro, which is a terrace neatly carved into the rocks, interconnected by stone steps, and on one of these terraces you will see an outdoor pool.
Capri is considered a gem for a reason. Gulf of Naples: despite its small size, the island from the first visit becomes one of the favorite places in Italy and does not leave indifferent even the most sophisticated traveler.
Capri falls in love at first sight. How else to explain the fact that this tiny Italian island in the Tyrrhenian Sea (only 10 sq. km!) Bunin and Merezhkovsky dedicated poems, and Mayakovsky himself compared him with a “woman in a pink bonnet”? Almost all the "heroes of their time" visited the island. Leonid Andreev and Maxim Gorky, Le Corbusier and Somerset Maugham, Oscar Wilde and Winston Churchill. The beauty of Capri was immortalized on his canvas by Ivan Aivazovsky. According to Homer, sailors were lured to these rocks by sweet-voiced sirens.
Today the island is the cradle of idleness and chic, home to expensive restaurants and luxurious villas. Eminent fashion designers, Hollywood superstars and simply rich people of all stripes are looking for relaxation here to match their status. And countless crowds of tourists come here just for a day to get at least one glimpse of this dream come true.
How to get to Capri
Getting to Capri is convenient from Naples. Direct flights between it and Moscow, Aeroflot and Alitalia (departures from Sheremetyevo), as well as Es Seven (from Domodedovo) provide. From St. Petersburg you will have to fly with a transfer.
From the air harbor of Naples, you can immediately rush to the pier, to ferries and boats. The cheapest way is to take the city bus route 3S, it collects passengers at stops near the exits of terminals 1 and 2, up to seaport Beverello goes for almost an hour. An alternative is the comfortable Alibus buses of the AMN carrier. Their parking lot is located between terminals 1 and 2. They run from 6:30 to 23:40 and reach the port in 35 minutes. Tickets - from the driver or at the box office near the bus stop.
For a taxi ride they will take 20 EUR, the fare is fixed. The driver must clearly say "la tariffa predeterminata" so that he does not turn on the meter.
Ferries to Capri from Naples run from 5:00 to 21:00: some from the pier at Molo Beverello, 2, others from the Hafen Neapel pier on Calata Porta di Massa. Travel time - from 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the company. The boat can be reached in 40 minutes, they moor off to the side of Molo Beverello. From Sorrento, boats depart for Capri from the pier of the same name.
It is not necessary to push in the crowd of tourists; you can order a helicopter transfer to Capri. Expensive and fast: 2000-4000 EUR, 17 minutes.
Prices on the page are for July 2018.
Search for flights to Naples (nearest airport to Capri)
Resorts of Capri
There are two iconic holiday destinations in Capri - these are the bay resorts of Marina Grande and Marina Piccola (part of the city of Capri). Ferries from Naples and the surrounding area bring tourists to the harbor of Marina Grande, to the right of the pier is the largest beach on the island, Marina Grand Beach, along which “high-star” hotels crowd. It is noisy, crowded and crowded on the pier - it is better not to linger, but, taking a ticket for a bus or funicular, go inland.
Marina Piccola is famous for its postcard views: from here you can walk to famous rocks Faraglioni and the cliff of the sirens. Famous fish and Italian restaurants serve guests in the same part of the island. Lush gardens, named after Emperor Augustus, are also laid out here.
In the resort of Marina Piccola, it is pleasant to spend not only the summer months, but also the winter months - the harbor is sheltered from strong winds. And for families with children, this part of the island is better than others.
Transport
You can move around the island economically, with health benefits and pathos. The first method includes buses that scurry from early morning until midnight from the pier to Capri, Anacapri, the Blue Grotto, the lighthouse at Cape Carena and Marina Piccola. On the way, they spend from 10 to 20 minutes.
Good for health - on foot (if you have time and desire) or by bike. Few hotels offer them for rent, as there are no equipped tracks for skating. And in general, the whole island is solid serpentines and slides "up and down", pedaling in such conditions is a dubious pleasure. But you can rent a scooter.
Car rental on the island is also unpopular, as an option - to transport the car by ferry from Naples. But you can hire a boat, and for leisurely trips - a boat or a yacht.
Sweep through Capri in style in a convertible or, as visitors call them, "in cars with a cut top" - that's it. This mode of transport has long been calling card islands. Not only the rich can afford it, but also everyone who has free 20 EUR in his pocket for a cabriolet taxi.
Another mode of transport that should not be ignored is the funicular. True, he himself is a little old and few people are able to impress, but he will provide delivery to the observation deck of the island in the best possible way.
Endless, but fast-moving queues for transport - another "business card" of Capri.
Capri Hotels
Without exception, all hotels in Capri are beautiful because they are located on picturesque island Tyrrhenian Sea and even from the most remote you can walk to the center of the nearest city in just half an hour. In addition to the standard "three-four-five", vacationers are waiting for apartments, family hotels and villas.
Accommodation prices correspond to the level of the resort: a single room in a modest family hotel will be rented for 55 EUR, in apartments or a three-star hotel - from 110 EUR per night. Despite this, the rooms are sorted out like hot panzerotti, so you need to book in advance.
Those who want to feel like a Hollywood star for a little while are waiting for the "fives" suites and secluded villas with fantastic views and impeccable service. The pleasure of being a guest of the famous Villa Marina will cost 825 EUR per night, and a deluxe suite in Villa Mediterranea Capri will cost from 1800 EUR.
The beaches of Capri
No matter how much vacationers are told that Capri is not a beach island, the highlight of all tourist programs here is idle wallowing on the shore. You can’t call it comfortable - the beaches of the island are either pebbly or rocky. But what a sea, what views!
The beaches of Marina Grande Bay, where ferries arrive, are the first to welcome guests. The concentration of people per square meter here exceeds all norms, the infrastructure is well developed. The entrance to the sea is pebbly, safety shoes will come in handy. You can not be afraid of boats and yachts - they pass far from the coast.
Between Marina Grande and the Azure Grotto is one of the most popular beaches on the island - Bagni Tiberio. The restaurant of amazing seafood cuisine Bagni Tiberio and the remains of an old imperial villa brought him fame. You can take children to this beach, although the entry here is also pebbly.
In the southwest of Capri, near the lighthouse, is the beach of Lido del Faro. Here the hubbub of children's voices is stronger than anywhere else - kids and parents like the pool with sea water. Lido captivates with terraces that are carved directly into the rocks and connected by stone steps. Bars and a restaurant are ready to provide a hearty snack for a couple of cocktails or a full meal.
Almost all beaches in Capri have public and paid areas. At the last entrance - 20-25 EUR, umbrella rental - 5 EUR.
Marina Piccola is considered the most equipped beach area islands. A little away from it lie the beaches of Di Giola, La Fontelina and Luigi a Faraglioni. Seekers of solitude Di Giola should be given preference and tribute to the dishes of the restaurant that operates in the summer in this bay. In La Fontelina, launching into the water is not very convenient - in this regard, he, and other competitors, is superior to Luigi a Faraglioni. There, a stone platform with gentle steps is covered with a carpeted path. And the views of the Faraglioni rocks are the best here.
When going to any of the beaches, you should remember that the sun on each of them is in different time. In Marina Piccola - only in the morning, on Bagni Tiberio - until noon, on Marina Grande and Lido del Faro - until late in the evening.
Diving
The island cannot be called the Mecca of diving - even in neighboring Sorrento there are many more dive centers. However, there are some interesting sites in the Capri area. The best time to dive is from June to last numbers October. Equipment, as well as a boat, can be rented in Marina Grande. Experts will tell you where to direct the fins.
For beginners, the Fosso Papa dive site is suitable: during the dive, you can gawk at large lobsters, colorful flocks of fish and other marine flora and fauna. Professionals will take your breath away at the dive sites at Keel Point, II Traliccio and Punta Carena. The first two are considered deep-water - 43 and 62 m, respectively, the latter is known for strong undercurrents.
What to bring
There are two main symbols of the island - capri pants and lemons. Pants can be sewn to anyone literally in a day from natural cotton and other fabrics. Lemons from the island will be advised to grab in the form of a drink, sweets, cosmetics or perfume brand Carthusia.
"Limoncello", local spirits - the most popular "product" from the lemon. Capri has been trying to win the right to be called his homeland for a long time and not quite successfully from Sorrento and Amalfi. It should be drunk thoughtfully, in a very chilled form from a frozen glass - and be sure to take it home.
"Must-have" with Capri - sandals like Jacqueline Kennedy, Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. They are made by hand in the Canfora store on Via Camerelle, 3, generously decorated with beads and stones. Ranks " best gift» local ceramics, red coral crafts and Chantecler jewelry bells are also worthy.
Cuisine and restaurants in Capri
The Capri people are very sensitive to their (read - Italian) cuisine, so it is difficult to find establishments with dishes of other peoples on the island. Tourists do not complain and are happy to eat pizza, fettuccini, conchiglioni, prosciutto sandwiches and the caprese salad, named after the island, in restaurants and cafes - a salad of tomatoes, mozzarella, basil with herbs and olive oil.
Cheeses of Capri - separate topic for conversation and tasting. Silano, Provolone, Caciocavallo, Mozzarella from buffalo milk are good both on their own and as part of cannelloni, pasta and frittata.
In addition to cheese, the most popular ingredients are zucchini, chestnuts, buffalo and sheep milk, from which cottage cheese is made, seafood - from the simplest fish and squid to lobsters and mussels.
The iconic restaurant century history Aurora at 18 Via Fuorlovado surprises with pizza on the water, trash can pizza, deep wine cellars and an impressive list of celebrity guests. For a light dinner with not the most expensive alcohol, they will take from 150 EUR plus 15% as a tip. In a mid-range restaurant - 80 EUR, and 25 EUR per couple is enough for a sandwich or a piece of pizza with a drink.
Guides to Capri
Attractions and attractions in Capri
The tourist route to Capri is different for everyone. Some are led at a brisk pace or driven on buses by talkative guides, others slowly wander through the winding streets, hoping to see all the sights in the time available. But they both start the same way - with a visit to Mount Solaro. Delivers there lift, located in Marina Grande. It will not be possible to pass it, and there is no need: for the views that open from Solaro, you just want to praise the heavens.
From the observation deck you can go to the city of Anacapri, on the coast to the Faraglioni rocks or to the city of Capri. The first path promises a date with the historical center of Anacapri, where the church of St. Sophia with an 18th century bell tower (Piazza Diaz, 1, 80071) and the church of St. Michael (Piazz San Nicola, 80071) beckon under their arches, on the floor of which the scene of Adam's exile is imprinted and Eve from Paradise.
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A few words about the history of the island of Capri
Story islands of capri is rich and begins from primitive times: traces of ancient settlements were found on it. It has always been a tidbit because of its climatic conditions, wonderful nature, the beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea, in whose environment it is located.
The Greeks believed that the Sirens lived on it, and connoisseurs of literature believe that the landscapes in the works of Homer and Hesiod, like no other, reflect the landscapes of Capri. This place was later chosen by the Roman emperor Augustus for his stay, and it was he who began to build the first villas here, and his successor Tiberius settled on the island for a long 10 years, leaving Rome. Of course, you won't find hotels like http://volga-tver.ru/ in Tver here, but there are also chic places to stay here. You can easily verify this by reading this article about traveling to Capri.
How to get to the island of Capri
You can get to Capri by boat from the nearest cities of Naples or Sorrento.
There are also boats from Positano. We took a boat with a colorful helmsman Giovanni, but how could it be otherwise :)
And he paused where there was something to see, commented on the landscapes and simply created a wonderful addition to the surrounding Italian landscape. All the photos of the Amalfi Coast, taken from the sea, I was lucky enough to take during our trip from Amalfi to the island.
Perhaps the emperors liked this place because of its inaccessibility, thanks to the surroundings of the sea. Fortress walls with observation towers of those times, or a little later, have been preserved along the coast to this day.
But communication with the world had to take place, because even during his reign, at the beginning of a new era, the port of Marina Grande was built. Behind long history the island was torn apart by the British, French and Italians, and Turkish pirates in the person of Barbarossa also claimed it. Our compatriots, Gorky and Lenin, if they did not claim to own it, then they felt quite good there: apparently the fresh air of freedom hovering on the island played an important role in shaping the idea of \u200b\u200b"liberating the people" ... it may very well be ... Interesting the fact that in our time Capri - a favorite place of stars, fashion designers, actors and writers - is also associated with inspiration and a sip fresh air? Maybe...
Sights of Capri
A walk in Capri includes the obligatory "rounding" of it to see the beauties of the island from all sides.
The first thing that meets those sailing ashore from the south is the Faraglioni rocks, which are called the "three sons of Capri".
And the youngest of them, Faraglioni di Mezzo, with an arch, has become one of the symbols of Capri.
Before your eyes - the oldest of the operating lighthouses in Italy on the cape of Punta Carena, built over a hundred years ago.
There are 2 ports on the island - Marina Grande (Big) and Marina Piccolo (Small). First we sail Marina Piccolo: we will see this harbor even later, from above, from the mountain.
Another attraction of Capri that follows our path is its grottoes: the Blue Grotto (Grotto Azzura) and the Green Grotto. More popular with tourists is the Blue Grotto. Therefore, getting into it is not so easy, you need to leave your motor boat, transfer to small boats with rowers and go inside the Grotto in them. Having sailed to the Grotto, we saw a cluster of boats that foreshadowed us at least 2 hours of waiting ... But before that we were quite satisfied with the beautiful view and the opportunity to swim in the purest, transparent azure water Green Grotto, which is not mentioned in all guidebooks.
We arrive at Marina Grande.
The two cities of Capri and Anacapri
There are two cities on the island - Capri and Anacapri. It can be conditionally said that Capri is seaside, more touristy and glamorous, and Anacapri is mountainous, although there are also a lot of tourists there. We're going to Capri. You need to go up to the city: you can take a bus or a taxi.
But cars get only to a certain point, and then by legs, there is no transport in the city, only such cargo transportation vehicles supplying food and beverages to hotels and restaurants.
We chose the funicular to go up.
The queue for it is quite long, but the trailer takes a lot of people and it didn’t take long to stand. In 5 minutes, the funicular overcomes 650 m. At the exit, a stunning view of Marina Grande and the Tyrrhenian Sea opens up.
Central square of Anacapri
Near the exit of the funicular central square the city of Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto Primo) is a meeting place, the center of numerous restaurants and cafes.
Pedestrian streets with numerous boutiques of Italian fashion designers scatter from the square in different directions - the most expensive and glamorous place in Capri.
But it is worth going a little deeper along the streets, and it’s not so rippling from glamor, and crowds of tourists disperse around the island, and there is already something to breathe and something to see. Someone follows in the footsteps of Gorky, someone between fashion brand stores, the majority, like us, just wanders around. Here everything is conducive to relaxing and not thinking about anything ... We didn’t even buy cards, fortunately, every 300-400 m there were cards on the stands marked "where I am now."
Since the building on Capri is stepped, then on the slopes of the mountains, the roofs of the houses are terraces for relaxing with a picturesque view.
We reach Punta Tragar with an observation deck, from where a beautiful view of the Faraglioni rocks and the port of Marina Piccola opens.
Vietri pottery is common here, as it is throughout southern Italy. In Capri, in addition to souvenirs, you can constantly see it in the waypoints and the names of streets and villas.
The last photo, taken from the boat, is Capri in the rays of the setting sun. These outlines in good weather we could see from the terrace of our room. It was interesting to see them up close and understand: what is what in this alluring circuit.
CAPRI. ITALY. Island of Capri, Italy
This small island is located in the southern part of the Gulf of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The mild climate, beautiful nature and numerous monuments of antiquity have made Capri one of the most popular resorts in the world.
Getting to the island of Capri
Ferry companies: Caremar and SNAV.
- Approximately 40 minutes by boat from the port of Ischia or Forio to the port of Marina Grande in the north of the island of Capri.
- Ferries from : 20 departures per day, €16, 40 minutes.
- Ferries from Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento: 15 flights a day, €14, 20 minutes on the road.
On the island of Capri:
- cable car from the port of Marina Grande rises to the city of Capri
- boats depart from the port blue grotto.
- Buses around the island of Capri: 1.30 € per trip, €2.80 - ticket for 60 minutes without restrictions on the number of trips, € 6.70 + deposit for the card € 1 - unlimited number of trips for 1 day.
Buses leave:
- from the port of Marina Grande to the city of Capri: every 15 minutes.
- from Capri to Anacapri: every 15 minutes (many people)
- from the port of Marina Grande to the city of Anacapri and the Blue Grotto - every 15 minutes.
Tourist Office of the Island of Capri
- Piazza Cerio, 11
- 081 837 53 08
- April - October: hedgehog. 8:30 - 20:30
- November - March: hedgehog. 9:00 - 13:00 and 15:30 - 18:30
- Map of the island of Capri - €1
- Internet - Bar Augusto- 6:00 - 20:00
History of the island of Capri
The first settlements on the island of Capri arose in the Paleolithic era. In historical times, Capri was colonized by the Phoenicians, later by the Greeks, and in 326 BC. the Roman period began, at the beginning of which the island belonged to a faithful ally. This continued until 29 BC, when Emperor Augustus arrived in Capri. The beauty of the island impressed Augustus so much that he offered the Neapolitans to exchange Capri for the island of Ischia, which at that time belonged to the Roman Empire. The exchange took place: he received a larger and more fertile island, and the emperor - an island small and mountainous, but fabulously beautiful, on which he built a residence.
Emperor Tiberius, the successor of Augustus, also lived on Capri, but it is difficult to say what kept him here stronger - admiration for beauty or fear of death. After those close to Tiberius assured of the impending conspiracy, the emperor built 12 villas on the island, and no one was supposed to know which of them he would spend the next night.
In the Middle Ages, the island of Capri was under a protectorate, and in 866 King Louis II transferred the island to the maritime republic of Amalfi. The island was ruled by the Lombards for a short time, they were replaced by the Normans, then the Suebi came, and in 1230 Capri became the fief of Count Eliseo Arcucci. During the reign of the Angevin, and then the dynasties, the island was given many privileges. in the second half of the 19th century, the island became popular resort among European artists and writers.
Attractions of the island of Capri
Above two vast plateaus on which cities are built Capri And Anacapri, mountains rise, the highest of which - Monte Solaro(589 m). The plateaus are connected by a narrow isthmus formed by bays cutting into the sea - Marina Piccola(Marina Piccola) from the south side and Marina Grande(Marina Grande) - from the north. The latter serves as the starting point for excursions - here is located built in 1928 Port of Marina Grande. Beaches stretch to the west of the port, behind them are what little remains of the Sea Palace of Emperor Augustus, and on the very shore are the ruins of the baths of Tiberius.
1. Baths of Tiberius
Baths of Tiberius (Bagni di Tiberio) represent the remains of the baths of the villa of Augustus, from which fragments of the walls and the open-air temple have been preserved. Initially, the baths were lined with marble, a short staircase led to a small harbor and reservoirs for breeding fish and shellfish.
Not far from the port piazza della Vittoria (Piazza della Vittoria) a lower station was built funicular connecting Marina Grande with the city of Capri. The funicular covers a distance of 650 m in 5 minutes and delivers passengers to a panoramic platform (138 m above sea level) next to the famous Piazzetta.
2. Church of San Constanta
You can also get to the top on foot, climbing up via Colombo (Via Colombo), which passes into via Marina Grande (Via Marine Grande). The latter stretches to Capri (you can slightly shorten the path by turning closer to the city into one of the streets), and leads to Anacapri Fenian stairs(Scale Fenicia) starting at the bottom via Marina Grande. at the foot of the stairs stands Church of San Costanzo(XIV century), dedicated to the heavenly patron of the city of St. Constantine.
3. Gardens of Augustus
Gardens of Augustus ( Giardini Augusto) have nothing to do with the Roman emperor - they were defeated at the beginning of the 20th century at the request of the entrepreneur Friedrich Krupp.
In the 1930s, the gardens of August became the property of the municipality, they were landscaped, decorated with sculptures and installed stele dedicated to Lenin, who visited the island in 1908 (Giacomo Manzu, 1970).
4. Faraglioni rocks
scenic road Via Krupp(Via Crupp) descends from the top of a rocky cape and goes along the coast. It was laid in 1901 according to the project of Emilio Mayer and connects the gardens of Augustus with the village of Marina Piccola - a resort with good beaches on a romantic south coast. There is also a "wild" rocky beach, called Torre Saracena. From the observation deck, located above the Via Krupp, opens great view to the rocky southern coast, the boundless sea and rocks Faraglioni (Faraglioni).\
5 Villa Iovis
Villa Iovis (Villa iovis, villa of Jupiter) is located on the top of the mountain Monte Tiberio(334 m) and is the ruins of a huge structure (more than 6000 m2) in several floors, with corridors, stairs, passages and water storages. In that part of the building, from where the most beautiful view opens, the imperial apartments with a magnificent loggia were located.
The city center of Capri is piazza Umberto I (piazza Umberto I) or Piazzetta(Piazzetta). You can get to the square through a medieval entrance or from the funicular platform, from where a beautiful view of the bay opens (in clear weather, the islands of Ischia, Procida and Vivara, the port and the villas immersed in the greenery of the gardens are visible).
- Villa Iovis
- daily 09.00 – 1 hour before sunset
6. Chiesa di San Stefano
The stairs of the church lead to the Piazzetta San Stefano(Chiesa di San Stefano, XVII century), with a baroque facade and stylized "Arabic" round domes. Inside is a silver bust of the heavenly patron saint of the city, St. Constantine.
Opposite the church stands palazzo cherio(Palazzo Cerio, XVII century), built for the Queen of Naples, Giovanna I. Now the building houses a foundation dedicated to the study of the history of Capri.
From the square you can go to the Carthusian monastery San Giacomo(Certosa di S. Giacomo). The construction of the monastery began in 1363 on the initiative of Count Arcucci, who owned the island. defensive tower was erected later, in the 16th century, when the monastery was repeatedly attacked by pirates. The sudden collapse of the tower in 1806 was taken by many as a sign of trouble, which really happened soon - in the same 1806, the Napoleonic government abolished the monastery. Deprived of property and privileges, the Carthusians had to leave the island. In 1927, work began on the restoration of the monastery complex, but continued only in the 1980s. The cells of the brothers, the shelter for pilgrims, outbuildings, as well as the cloister of hermits, where a huge water cistern with a vaulted ceiling and lunettes were preserved, were restored.
7. Grotto Matermaniya
If from the center of the city of Capri go strictly to the east, then, moving along via matermania, you can go to Grotto Matermania(ital. Grotta matermania - "Great Mother"). The Romans, who gave this natural structure the name of the goddess of the earth and fertility, equipped inside the grotto Big hall and several rooms. Perhaps the walls of the hall were lined with marble, and there were seats on the floor. Nearby, framed by dense vegetation, there is natural arch(Arco naturale) made of sandstone, which is a fragment of a collapsed grotto.
To the top Monte Solaro(Monte Solaro) from the city of Anacapri you can go up by lift (10 min) or on foot (1.5 h).
8. Chiesa di S. Maria Cetrella
From the church Santa Maria Chetrella(Chiesa di S. Maria Cetrella, XV century) offers a view of Capri, the Gulf of Naples and Salerno, their islands and peninsulas, and in good weather - even the Apennines.
The city of Anacapri is the second largest settlement on the island. This resort, surrounded by greenery, has been especially popular with artists and intellectuals since the 19th century.
9. Villa San Michele
Villa San Michele ( Villa San Michele) was built at the beginning of the 20th century for the Swedish writer Axel Munte, on the ruins of one of the villas of Tiberius. The owner bequeathed the building and collection of antiquities to the Swedish state, which turned the villa into a museum.
- Villa San Michele
- daily May–Sept. 09.00–18.00,
- March 09.30–16.30,
- Apr, Oct 09.30–18.00,
- Nov. - Feb. 10.30–15.30
10. Chiesa di Santa Sofia
Church of Santa Sofia (Chiesa di Santa Sofia) was built in the 16th century and rebuilt many times. The chapels date back to the 17th century, two bell towers were built in 1878.
In the baroque interior Churches of San Michele(Chiesa di San Michele) noteworthy is the floor of majolica tiles on the plot "The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise" (1761). The Neapolitan master depicted the animals inhabiting paradise, including the unicorn.
11. Blue Grotto
One of the most famous sights of the island of Capri - blue grotto (Grotta Azzurra). The color of the water in the grotto is due to the optical effect that occurs when rays of light pass through the water column, penetrating into the grotto through an underwater crevice. You can get inside by boat, due to the low entrance in stormy weather, the grotto is not accessible.
12. Cape Punta Carena
On Cape Punta Carena ( Punta Carena) - most southern point on the island of Capri, which separates the southern and western coasts of the island, a lighthouse (XIX century) has been installed, which is still operating today. The cape was of great strategic importance, and its fortifications from different eras rise above the beach area located to the west, called Swimming pool at the lighthouse(Bagni del Foro).
Map of the island of Capri
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