Tag: Attractions in Capri

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Gardens of Augustus Capri

Giardini di Augusto, or the Gardens of Augustus, is absolutely one of the most beautiful places in Capri. During the early twentieth century, this paradise was created by Friedrich Alfred Krupp. Mr. Krupp was a very wealthy German industrialist. He is also the man behind the gorgeous Via Krupp.

The Gardens of Augustus is only a 10-minute walk away from La Piazzetta Capri. Upon entering the gardens, guests will be welcomed by lovely flowers like brooms, dahlias, and geraniums. Gardens of Augustus Capri also offers a 180-degree view of the Faraglioni, the picturesque bay of Marina Piccola, and Monte Solaro Capri.

Below the Gardens of Augustus Capri is the Tyrrhenian Sea, a portion of the Mediterranean Sea located off the western coast of the lovely country Italy. In addition to witnessing the rich flora of the Capri Island, when visiting the gardens, you will also experience the cool, tranquil breeze of the deep, blue sea.

Getting to the Gardens of Augustus Capri is pretty easy. From the La Piazzetta Capri, you simply take Via Vittorio Emanuele. Then you get on Via Federico Serena, and then lastly, Via Matteotti. A tour to the Gardens of Augustus starts at €1, and is definitely worth every cent based on tourists. The first level of the La Piazzetta Capri features patches of green grass, blooming and colorful flowers, and towering trees. The second level offers a large patio with benches for the guests; a perfect haven to enjoy the sun.

Also located close to Gardens of Augustus Capri is the Certosa di San Giacomo or the Charterhouse of St. James. This is a Carthusian Monastery founded during the 1370’s. According to most tourists, this attraction is a must-visit for inquisitive people who want to discover the rich history of Capri, Naples, and Italy itself.[/tab]

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Address: Via Matteotti, 80073 Capri NA, Italy[/tab]

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Monte Solaro Capri

Monte Solaro, which translates to Mount Solaro in English, majestically stands at 1, 932 feet or 589 meters above sea level. With this height, this mountain found in Campania is the highest point in the island of Capri.

Tourists who wish to visit Monte Solaro Capri can either take a bus from Marina Grande Capri or a chairlift. With a chairlift that departs from Piazza Vittoria, you will reach the peak of the mountain in just 12 minutes. However, be prepared to pay €7.50 for a one-way ride or €10 round-trip. The chairlift operates from 9:30 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon. However, during the winter it is only available until 3:30 PM; perhaps, for safety purposes.

If you wish to visit Monte Solaro Capri earlier than 9:30 a.m., then you can certainly go by foot. The trail starts at Piazza della Pace in Anacapri. It would take you roughly an hour to reach the peak. It is quite a long walk, but the picturesque view that nature offers along the way will make the time go by quickly.

At the summit of Capri Mount Solaro, you are guaranteed to witness the heavenly view of famous Capri attractions like the Faraglioni Rocks Capri and the Sorrento Peninsula, the Galli islands and the entire Gulf of Naples.

Aside from nature, Monte Solaro Capri also offers relaxing man-made establishments such as the Monte Solaro Bed and Breakfast and the La Conzone del Cielo Café. The bed and breakfast conveniently lies on the slopes of the mountain, boasting that all of its rooms offer fantastic sea view. The café is a perfect place for lunch and for sipping drinks to cool you off after the tiring hike.

As mentioned earlier, the chairlift is available for a round trip ride. However, it is recommended to hike down the mountain by foot. On your way down, you will come across the Cetrella valley. Cetrella is home to the Church of Santa Maria, a spiritual retreat venue of the Dominican and Franciscan monks during the 16^th century. Unfortunately, Santa Maria di Cetrella is not available for public tours all the time. Therefore, if you wish to go to Monte Solaro Capri mainly because you want to visit the church, then it is ideal for you to heed to the local tourism office first or ask authorities if the church is open before actually going for a mountain tour.[/tab]

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Address: Via Monte Solaro, 80071 Anacapri, Island of Capri, Italy

• From March to October: 09.30 – 17.30
• From November to February: 10.30 – 15.00
• Tickets: 10 Euro return, 7 Euro single

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Marina Grande Capri

Marina Grande Capri is where your adventure begins when you come and visit Capri.

All tourists who come to Capri, except those who ride a helicopter, will dock at the Marina Grande. The west side of Capri Main Port is for travelers aboard commercial hydrofoils. The east side, on the other hand, is for private sail boats and luxury yachts.

Marina Grande Capri was originally used as a fishing port. At the time locals would exchange all kinds of goods. In 1928 however, the bay was opened to the public for docking. This development has helped boost the tourism of the entire island.

Marina Grande can be considered as the melting pot of all the things that Capri has to offer.There are some small restaurants and shops nearby, as well as local transport options around the island. This place is the home of the Tourism Office of the town, the funicular station, and the bus depot. Wanderers will not be able to reach other places in the island without this port.

Villa Jovis Capri, Villa San Michele, and La Piazzetta Capri are just some of the many beautiful places in Capri. However, before visiting these places see to it that you have explored Marina Grande itself. If you love the waves and have your skin kissed by the sun, then do not fail to visit the free beach of Capri Marina Grande. Otherwise, if you prefer a more secluded hideout in order to peacefully unwind, then opt for Le Ondine and Lo Smeraldo, which are two elegant private beach establishments.

Comfortable hotels and restaurants serving delectable dishes are also found just a walking distance away from Capri Main Port. These hotels include Hotel Bristol, Hotel Excelsior Parco Capri, Relais Maresca, and Villa Marina Capri. Villa Marina Capri is a 5-star hotel and spa. Relais Maresca, on the other hand, is a hotel with sea front location. Guests who want to catch as much sun as possible can either book the deluxe room sea view with terrace, the attic room with terrace and patio, or the family room with sea view and balcony.

From mainland Naples, tourists can take boats and hydrofoils to Marina Grande Capri. Then, from the port, buses can be taken to reach Anacapri while funiculars is also available which can take people to the Piazzetta.[/tab]

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Address: Capri, Island of Capri, Italy[/tab]

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La Piazzetta Capri

Umberto I Square

The word ‘piazza’, when translated to English, means marketplace or public square. The Italian suffix ‘etta’, on the other hand, is a diminutive. Meaning, if we put ‘piazza’ and ‘etta’ together, then it would mean a small marketplace. Grammatically speaking, this is true for La Piazzetta Capri. However, in terms of popularity, Capri Piazzetta comes ‘big’. In fact, it is considered as the most famous and fashionable square in the whole world.

La Piazzetta Capri, or Capri Piazza, was originally known as Piazza Umberto I. This small and crowded yet elegant public square is considered the center of life in Capri Island. This is why tourists should not hop on the plane back home without paying a visit here. Originally, this served as a marketplace where locals would purchase fresh produce, meat and fish. When Raffaele Vuotto first started to place tables outside his bar in 1938, the Piazzetta began to attract tourists as well. Today, La Piazzetta Capri is visited by thousands of people every year. Even famous hollywood stars have been seen here.

What are the things you can possibly do when in Piazza Umberto I? Well, there are many. You can check-in to Foursquare; have a hot cup of coffee in one of the posh bars; or take a stroll to Corso Vittorio Emanuele. If you are curious about the rich history of Capri, then you can also visit the Centro Caprense Ignazio Cerio. It is located just a few meters away from the Piazzetta. Or you can just sit on a bench, face the sea, and watch the majestic sunset along with some picture taking.

By the way, this public square is not only perfect for history buffs and people watching; this is ideal for shopaholics too. Locals and tourists alike can have some shopping for designer clothes and jewelries in the many luxurious shops in the square.

Getting to La Piazzetta Capri is pretty simple. From the Marina Grande Capri port, simply take a funicular train; this will take you to the terrace of the square straight away (no more than five minutes). You also have the option to take a bus from Anacapri, and then just walk few meters from the main terminal to the Piazzetta.[/tab]

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Address: 2 Via Longano, Capri, 80073, Italy[/tab]

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Punta Carena Lighthouse Capri

Capri Island is home to several beaches, yet the most beautiful of them all is perhaps Punta Carena. It is not really a beach but rather a bay with clear, blue waters tossing into huge rocks. What makes this place even more attractive is the ‘Il Faro’ or the lighthouse. Punta Carena Lighthouse Capri dates back to 1867 (although it was originally constructed in 1862), it is the second brightest across Italy. This is next to the Faro di Genova (Lighthouse of Genoa) that is popularly called as ‘Lanterna’ or lantern.

Tourists can reach Punta Carena Lighthouse Capri by foot or by bus. Walking could take up to an hour. The trek will start at the heart of Anacapri taking the Via Nuova del Faro. If you go to this romantic place by bus, you would take the Piazza della Pace to Faro to Anacapri route.

Travelers who need a quite yet gorgeous view of nature will certainly love Punta Carena. This place is a little distant from common Capri attractions that are frequently visited by day-trippers, which could be an edge to those who are in search for a serene environment.

Actual beaches in Capri Punta Carena are available. Tourists can visit the Da Antonio or the Lido del Faro. Da Antonio is a ‘terrace by the sea’ offering a snack bar while Lido del Faro is a beach club with a gourmet restaurant and swimming pool.

Punta Carena Lighthouse Capri is a 28-meter (92-feet), two-story brick tower that is octagonal in shape. It is painted white with red vertical stripes. The view from the lighthouse dominates whether in the morning or in the afternoon. Nothing compares to the beauty of the place if you visit during dusk. Sunset viewing at one of Capri’s most beautiful attractions; how romantic is that?

Overall, the most interesting features of Punta Carena include the rocky coastline and the rich flora of the Mediterranean. In addition, the stone cliffs and pine grove along the bay, and of course, the lighthouse. If you are looking forward to spending a romantic night under the moon and the starry sky, then do not hesitate to visit Punta Carena Lighthouse Capri.[/tab]

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Address: Str. Faro di Carena 80071 Anacapri NA Italy

located on the west side of Capri[/tab]

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Capri Philosophical Park

In the beautiful island of Capri, tourists can find a unique attraction called Parco Filosofico. Known in English as Capri Philosophical Park. It strategically lies in the small of town of Anacapri, specifically at Belvedere di Migliara. Gunnar Adler-Karlsson, a Swedish professor, along with his wife founded this park in the year 2000. This place is called ‘philosophical park’ because it features dozens of quotes by over 50 Western philosophers. The quotes are written on small tablets.

Getting to the Park

Upon arriving in the island, take a bus to Anacapri. Take the bus to the end of the line, the last stop is after La Piazzetta Capri.  From here, you will continue by foot. You will be heading towards the Belvedere di Migliara, where the park is located. I would say it is about a half an hour walk.

One-of-a-Kind

In Japan, specifically in Kyoto, there is also a place called The Philosopher’s Path. However, unlike the Philosophical Park in Capri, this Japanese stone path and cherry blossom garden does not have a single inscription. Another difference is that The
Philosopher’s Path in Japan has nearby boutiques, cafés, and restaurants while the philosophical park in Anacapri is isolated. In fact, the latter can be an ideal hiding place for self-meditation.

Quotes and Philosophers

When in Capri Philosophical Park, some of the quotes you will encounter are:

“Conosci te stesso.” (Know thyself.)

–      a Delfic maxim inscribed in the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi

“Cogito, ergo sum.” (I think, therefore I am.)

–      by the French mathematician, writer and philosopher René Descartes

A Serene Haven

Capri Philosophical Park in Anacapri is quite far from the hustle and bustle of downtown Capri. Although getting here means traveling some miles, the effort is worth it. This place is perfect for travellers who are looking for a quiet and peaceful yet truly beautiful haven. This philosophical park which is along the Migliera Path offers both amazement and relaxation to the eyes and soul.

Visitors simply walk on the narrow paths leading to sixty different quotes. The experience is simple. However, the untouched natural beauty of the park and the substantial quotes make the trip an overall unforgettable journey.[/tab]

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[tab name=”Information”]Address: Via Migliara, 80071 Anacapri, Italy[/tab][end_tabset][end_tabset]

 

 

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Arco Naturale Capri   

Natural Arch

The view is amazing, Arco Naturale itself is majestic, and the color of the sea viewed through the arch will leave you speechless.

Arco Naturale is found on the east coast of Capri Island. It is said to be the remains of the collapsed grotto and dates back to the Paleolithic age. The Italian word ‘arco’ means arch in English; and the arch spans 12 meters at a height of 18 meters above the ground.

What is Natural Arch?

A natural arch is a natural geological formation; a rock arch is formed along with an opening underneath. Arco Naturale Capri is made up of limestone.

How to Reach  Arco Naturale Capri

There are two ways to get to Natural Arch. The first way is from La Piazzetta Capri, and you actually just follow the well positioned signs to the Arco Naturale. It gets less traveled the further you get away from the center of town. There are restaurants and houses along the way. It is very peaceful and quiet, with nice views out to the sea every now and again.

It should take about 45 minutes to get there, and 30 minuets back. The walk back is an easy downhill stroll. Walk steadily.  Do not rush or you will get tired rather quickly. There are many ups and downs, so please remember to have on sensible footwear.

When you head back, you can either return the same way or choose the steps that say City Center. There are a lot of steps that can be very steep and narrow. However, it does have some great views in certain areas.

The other way to reach Arco Naturale Capri is walking from Gardens of Augustus Capri. However, be aware there are many stairs from that direction.

Tips:   Take some water and snacks with you. Wear a good pair of shoes. Bring a hat and sunscreen.

Senior citizens may want to opt out of the long walk if they are not used to it.

I suggest early morning or sunset. Under the hot sun of noon can make this trip unpleasant.[/tab]

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[tab name=”Information”]Address: Capri, Via Arco Naturale, Naples, Italy[/tab][end_tabset]

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Phoenician Steps Capri

(Scala Fenicia)

Phoenician Steps Capri begins at Marina Grande (main port of the island) and ascends up to the cliff of Capodimonte of Anacapri. Up until 1877, the Phoenician Steps Capri was the only way people traveled from Marina Grande Capri to Anacapri. According to history, construction is credited to the ancient Greeks. They carved the steps out of the rock face. It was used to transport goods up the hill. They also say women would collect fresh water from the local spring, and then walk up the steps with the water pitchers on their heads.

By taking the Phoenician Steps from Anacapri and going downhill to Marina Grande, you will come across some of the best views of Marina Grande and the bay of Naples. So, remember to bring your camera. There are about 900 steps, so be prepared. They are a bit rough and quite uneven. You will need to watch where you place your foot, as the steps are very old. It should take about 45 minutes to go down the steps. Can be a bit dangerous after rain. The steps get a little slippery, so be careful. Halfway down the hill, there is a small seventeenth century church. There is a bench where can rest. Also a terrific spot to take some pictures.

Phoenician Steps Capri is definitely worth a visit. It is very solitude, as only a few people take advantage of this spectacular spot. As I mentioned earlier, go down the stairs (obviously, a lot easier). And then, get a ride on the bus to take you back up. I would suggest going early in the morning, or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Make sure you are wearing a real good pair of sneakers. Please remember to bring water, and just take your time. It’s a terrific way for burning all those carbs from all the pizza and pasta you will be eating while visiting Italy. It is a little hard on the knees and your muscles will ache the next day. However, it is worth it!

Before you take the trip down the Phoenician Steps, you should visit Villa San Michele Capri. It is situated at the top of the Phoenician Steps. It might be one the best spots on the island, with the most incredible views. It is the villa and gardens built by the famous philosopher/author Axel Munthe (The Story of San Michele). It is full of ancient and modern artifacts and all well worth a visit.[/tab]

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Address: V. Capodimonte, 80071 Anacapri, Island of Capri, Italy[/tab][end_tabset]

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Faraglioni Rocks Capri

Faraglioni di Capri in Italian translates to ‘sea stacks in Capri’. A sea stack, according to geology, is found near a coast and formed by erosion. Faraglioni Rocks Capri consists of three massive rocks standing majestically just few meters from the island’s southern coast.

Each stack is given a name. The first spur of rock is named; Stella. The second one is Faraglione di Mezzo. And the third is Faraglione di Fuori. It also known as Scopolo, which means a head that stretches into the sea. Stella, which is connected to the island, is the tallest among the three sea stacks. It stands 109 meters tall. It is followed by Scopolo, standing 106 meters. Mezzo is the smallest of the three, it only reaches 82 meters.

From Marina Grande Capri, tourists basically have three great spots to go so they can take a photo of the grandiose Faraglioni Rocks Capri. You can head to the Hotel Punta Tragara Capri, the Gardens of Augustus Capri, or the Belvedere dei Filosofi. Faraglioni Rocks Capri are breathtaking both close up and from afar.

I think the best way to view the Faraglioni Rocks Capri is by sea during a boat tour of the island. The captain of the boat will take you around the island and will actually go between the rocks. The captain will point out the blue and green Grottos as you make your way around the island. The tour will take you at least 45 minutes to an hour. Truly amazing to see them so close. The beautiful turquoise water against the massive rocks is absolutely beautiful. It is something you will always remember. Anyone going to Capri should not miss this! You can also rent a personal boat to take you through the rocks, if it fits in your budget.[/tab]

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Address: At The End of Via Tragara, Capri, Island of Capri, Italy[/tab][end_tabset]

 

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Grotta delle Felci

Grotta delle Felci is a cave located on the south east coast of the island of Capri.

(Grotto of Ferns)

In Campania, a region in the island of Capri, tourists can find what locals call ‘Grotta delle Felci’. This Italian name translates to Grotto of Ferns in English. It is a cave that has evidence of human life on the island as early as the Neolithic Era. According to officials, this cave opens to Monte Solaro Capri, a 589-meter mountain in the same region of Campania.

Grotto of Ferns Capri, is located on the south east coast of the island. It consumes the underlying of Marina Piccola, which lies directly opposite of the famous Faraglioni Rocks Capri.

It has been reported that 549 archaeological findings have been discovered inside the cave. The first excavations in the cave was pioneered by Ignazio Cerio in the year 1882. These were followed by several other excavations including those during World War II.

Materials (religious items,fossils,ceramics, ect.) that have been discovered from Grotta delle Felci Capri (Grotto of Ferns) are now preserved in several museums in Naples.

It is considered by many people to be one of the most important prehistoric sites found on the Capri island.[/tab]

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Address: Via Grotta delle Felci, 40, 80073 Capri, Italy[/tab][end_tabset]