Capri is a rocky island in the Bay of Naples, famous for its limestone cliffs, deep blue water and polished Mediterranean glamour. Ferries and hydrofoils make it a popular day trip from Naples, but beyond the designer boutiques and crowded Piazzetta, the island has quiet walking trails, gardens and villages worth slowing down for.
Capri’s appeal long predates its celebrity visitors. Emperor Augustus admired the island, and his successor Tiberius governed the Roman Empire from Capri for much of his final decade. You can still visit the cliff-top ruins of Villa Jovis, while Villa San Michele in Anacapri preserves the home and collections of the Swedish physician and writer Axel Munthe.
For a first visit, take the chairlift from Anacapri to Monte Solaro for sweeping views, then explore the quieter lanes of the village. A boat trip around Capri reveals sea caves and the Faraglioni rock stacks; the Blue Grotto is memorable in the right light, though entry depends on sea conditions and queues can be long. Walkers can escape the busiest streets on the Path of the Fortresses along the island’s western coast.
Late spring and early autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds than July and August. Boats depart Naples from Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa; book ahead in high season and check the forecast, as rough seas can disrupt crossings. Capri is expensive, so use the buses and funicular to get around, and wear comfortable shoes for its steep lanes and steps.