A Dream Trip to Capri in Italy
The tiny Isle of Capri shines like a jewel in the Mediterranean, just 60 miles off the coast from Naples, Italy. Ever since it served as a royal vacation destination for emperors 2,000 years ago, it has been a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. To me, it's the best place in the world for a romantic vacation, offering the best scenery, food and ambiance you can imagine.
Don't do it on a day-trip, as some do from Naples. Spend a few days here, you will get to experience the true beauty of the island and the people in the morning and in the evening, before and after the tourist crowds. This is the real Capri, not the cruise-ship world some will only experience. We've visited in both summer and winter and although a winter trip provides a more intimate experience as you lack the summer crowds, the island really comes to life during the summer and those nights, where the sun seems to set around 11 PM are truly magical.
How to get to Capri
Capri is reached from the Italian mainland by regularly scheduled ferry and hydrofoil services. From Naples to Capri takes 40 minutes by hydrofoil ($23 for adults) and 80 minutes by ferry ($15 for adults). You can also go to and from Sorrento (another of my favorite places) via the same system.
Transportation on Capri
Private cars and trucks are generally forbidden. Although there are taxis, buses and a funicular railway, the best way to experience Capri is on foot at your own pace. Capri is the name of the whole island, Capri Town is the main area, Anacapri is a separate town up in the hills.
Capri's best hotel
The award-winning Hotel Weber Ambassador is on a cliff overlooking Marina Piccola beach. Steps bring visitors down to the sandy shore and small natural coves for those who want quiet and privacy. We made the happy mistake of staying here for our first visit and are now spoiled and can settle for nothing less.
A sea-view room during high season is about $250 per night and worth every penny. A warning, if you visit their website, you will book a trip. And yes, it really is that beautiful.
Hotel Weber Ambassador
Via Marina Piccola 80073 Capri
Phone 39 081 8370141
hotelweber.com/en
Restaurants
Ristorante Terrazza Ciro a Mare is at beachside near the Ambassador Weber. Dining is informal and the area is called Bagni Internazionali (International Bathing). Dining is moderately priced, and features fresh-caught seafood and traditional Italian favorites with one of the best views in the world.
Ristorante Terrazza Ciro a Mare
Via Marina Piccola, 95, 80073 Capri
Phone 39 0818370264
bagni-internazionali.com
Places to see
Chair Lift Monte Solaro offers a breathtaking ride up the mountain cliffside. There are views of Capri, surrounding ocean and Italian mainland. The ride takes 12 minutes.
The world-famous Blue Grotto is a must-see for everyone who visits Capri. The boat ride through the cathedral-like natural rocky formations set in deep blue ocean water is an experience of a lifetime.
Piazza Umberto I at Capri Town center is the daytime place to people watch. You'll see locals, tourists, backpackers, retirees and families. At night, young people frequent the nearby clubs and cafes, featuring loud music and general revelry. This is the place to come in the early evening, after the day-trippers leave, to see and enjoy real Capri.
Via Camerelle is a narrow commercial street in Capri Town that goes back to Roman times. The ancient columns originally flanked little cave-like homes, now all specialty shops. Shoppers can find the best in leather, antiques, fine art and rare books, a great place to stroll.
The Gardens of Augustus, especially for summer visitors, is a mile-long carpet of beautiful flowers. The dramatic setting dips down in terraces from mountainside to the beaches, offering breathtaking views in all directions. An unusual aspect of the gardens is that the German industrialist Adolph Krupp had them designed in 1904 to decorate his estate at the top of the mountain. A decade later, Italy and Germany were enemies in World War I.
The Isle of Capri has been famous in song and story for centuries. Like I have, today's visitor will find it just as enchanting as Roman Emperor Augustus did when he decided to make his summer home on the beautiful jewel of an island.
Four Incredible Dream Hotel Suites Around the World
Macau Travel Guide
Don't do it on a day-trip, as some do from Naples. Spend a few days here, you will get to experience the true beauty of the island and the people in the morning and in the evening, before and after the tourist crowds. This is the real Capri, not the cruise-ship world some will only experience. We've visited in both summer and winter and although a winter trip provides a more intimate experience as you lack the summer crowds, the island really comes to life during the summer and those nights, where the sun seems to set around 11 PM are truly magical.
How to get to Capri
Capri is reached from the Italian mainland by regularly scheduled ferry and hydrofoil services. From Naples to Capri takes 40 minutes by hydrofoil ($23 for adults) and 80 minutes by ferry ($15 for adults). You can also go to and from Sorrento (another of my favorite places) via the same system.
Transportation on Capri
Private cars and trucks are generally forbidden. Although there are taxis, buses and a funicular railway, the best way to experience Capri is on foot at your own pace. Capri is the name of the whole island, Capri Town is the main area, Anacapri is a separate town up in the hills.
Capri's best hotel
The award-winning Hotel Weber Ambassador is on a cliff overlooking Marina Piccola beach. Steps bring visitors down to the sandy shore and small natural coves for those who want quiet and privacy. We made the happy mistake of staying here for our first visit and are now spoiled and can settle for nothing less.
A sea-view room during high season is about $250 per night and worth every penny. A warning, if you visit their website, you will book a trip. And yes, it really is that beautiful.
Hotel Weber Ambassador
Via Marina Piccola 80073 Capri
Phone 39 081 8370141
hotelweber.com/en
Restaurants
Ristorante Terrazza Ciro a Mare is at beachside near the Ambassador Weber. Dining is informal and the area is called Bagni Internazionali (International Bathing). Dining is moderately priced, and features fresh-caught seafood and traditional Italian favorites with one of the best views in the world.
Ristorante Terrazza Ciro a Mare
Via Marina Piccola, 95, 80073 Capri
Phone 39 0818370264
bagni-internazionali.com
Places to see
Chair Lift Monte Solaro offers a breathtaking ride up the mountain cliffside. There are views of Capri, surrounding ocean and Italian mainland. The ride takes 12 minutes.
The world-famous Blue Grotto is a must-see for everyone who visits Capri. The boat ride through the cathedral-like natural rocky formations set in deep blue ocean water is an experience of a lifetime.
Piazza Umberto I at Capri Town center is the daytime place to people watch. You'll see locals, tourists, backpackers, retirees and families. At night, young people frequent the nearby clubs and cafes, featuring loud music and general revelry. This is the place to come in the early evening, after the day-trippers leave, to see and enjoy real Capri.
Via Camerelle is a narrow commercial street in Capri Town that goes back to Roman times. The ancient columns originally flanked little cave-like homes, now all specialty shops. Shoppers can find the best in leather, antiques, fine art and rare books, a great place to stroll.
The Gardens of Augustus, especially for summer visitors, is a mile-long carpet of beautiful flowers. The dramatic setting dips down in terraces from mountainside to the beaches, offering breathtaking views in all directions. An unusual aspect of the gardens is that the German industrialist Adolph Krupp had them designed in 1904 to decorate his estate at the top of the mountain. A decade later, Italy and Germany were enemies in World War I.
The Isle of Capri has been famous in song and story for centuries. Like I have, today's visitor will find it just as enchanting as Roman Emperor Augustus did when he decided to make his summer home on the beautiful jewel of an island.
Ted Sherman is a world traveler and editor of travel4seniors.com. You can follow him on Twitter:@travel4seniors.
More from this contributor:Four Incredible Dream Hotel Suites Around the World
Macau Travel Guide
Published by Ted Sherman - Featured Contributor in Travel
Navy service WWII and Korea, BFA, MA. Retired, experience: exec. speechwriter, advertising, sales promotion, PR, graphic art, photography, travel and humor writing. Follow me: @travel4seniors, Editor of tra... View profile
- The Italian Isle of Capri - The Fate of the SirensPeople who visit the Amalfi Coast can not miss a walk to the exquisite Isle of Capri - the crème de la crème of the tourist destinations in Italy
- Campania, Italy - Revered for CenturiesThe region known as Campania is blessed with some of Italy's most dramatic coastline. It offers a sprinkling of magical islands and a rich heritage in ancient ruins.
Debauchery on the Amalfi Coast: Chapter 1Two best friends, one freshly back from war, on a lavish trip to Italy's western coast for a week of too much booze and too little sleep.- Where to Go in ItalyIt enchanting island provides everything for a perfect vacation
The Top Pizza Restaurants in South Windsor, ConnecticutPresented here, is a guide which briefly profiles the top pizza restaurants in the town of South Windsor, Connecticut.
- Marriott Capri Tiberio Palace Resort & Spa in Capri, Italy
- Capri Island - Two Towns, Many Things to do
- How to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist in New York City
- The Capri Motel in Winnipeg - Great for Budget Travelers
- Isle of Capri Casino in Lula, Mississippi, a Review
- A Neopet Primer: Free Food at the Capri Sun Snack Bar
- Does Porn Star Capri Anderson Have Charlie Sheen's Cell Phone?