Its exclusive atmosphere, combined with the landscapes framed by the intense blue of the sea, make Capri a pearl set in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the ideal destination for those who want to experience an adventurous excursion, without renouncing the fascination of discovering its enchanting places.
Why visit Capri
Easily reachable from nearby Ischia, but also from Naples and Sorrento, Capri owes its fame to the many characters of the cinema and sports champions who since the 1960s have made it the main destination of their holidays, thus giving way to the myth of summer in the shadow of the Faraglioni.
It was known for the unique beauty of its numerous grottoes hidden in the rugged coastline as far back as Roman times. Throughout its history, Capri has hosted the summer residences of emperors, nobles and intellectuals who took refuge here to find inspiration or to retire to private life.
What to see in a day in Capri
If you are on holiday in Naples, Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast - or are thinking of going there on one of our tours - why not dedicate a day to an excursion to the beautiful island of Capri?
We have designed an easy and adventurous trek between Villa Jovis and the Faraglioni to appreciate the wonders of Capri.
Here are the highlights:
- The Piazzetta: 'the world's living room';
- Belvedere Tragara: a natural window on the Bay of Naples;
- Grotta di Matermania: between romance and mystery;
- Villa Jovis: the Emperor's refuge.
Walking among the wonders of Capri: the Slow Active Tours proposal
We have created an itinerary for you to view and download:
Following the proposed route, here are all the stages of this trek on Capri:
First stop: the Piazzetta of Capri
The itinerary we propose starts from the port of Marina Grande, from where a funicular railway will take you directly to Piazza Umberto I: known throughout the world as 'La Piazzetta' for its size, it is a jewel surrounded by the natural beauty of the island. In addition, the presence of clubs and restaurants outside make it the symbol of Capri's social life.
Leaving the venues of the centre behind, your journey will begin. You will feel as if you are gradually immersing yourself, as the road descends, in the lush nature of the island until you arrive at the Belvedere Tragara, a marvellous and enchanting window on the stupendous sea of Capri reserved directly for you by Mother Nature! Arriving here after walking along Via Camerelle, abandon yourself to the scent of the beautiful flowers that adorn the ancient walls. The silence will then be broken only by the birdsong that will accompany your eyes into the deep blue of the Gulf of Naples.
Second Stop: the Matermania Cave
Recharged mind and spirit with this spectacular view, it will be time to cross Via Pizzolungo, a scenic road linking the evocative beauty of this portion of the island of Capri.
Starting with the Grotto of Matermania: a cave set on the south-western side of the island that owes its name to the classical cult of Cybele, a divinity of nature and animals also known to the Romans as Mater Magna. Throughout its history, this sacred place has been at the centre of numerous events that give the Grotto a romantic and mysterious face. It is a natural phenomenon of erosion of the limestone rock already known in Roman times, which transformed it into a sumptuous nymphaeum. The Roman period also saw the construction of some architectural elements that safeguarded the complex over the years, such as the round arch and the terracing wall with which the area near the entrance was reinforced.
Third Stop: Villa Jovis
The island of Capri is a suitable place to reconcile with nature, which here manifests itself to the fullest, as the road climbs again until we reach the highest point of the excursion where we will reach the Salto di Tiberio (leap of Tiberius), a sheer precipice over the sea on which the majestic Villa Jovis stands. Built in the 1st century A.D. and dominating the eastern promontory of the island, opposite Punta della Campanella, it was the principal residence of the Emperor Tiberius, who often fled from chaotic Rome to take refuge on Capri and thus devote himself to idleness and contemplation. Its architecture faithfully reproduces the characteristics of classical Roman villas but with elements that make it resemble a fortress. In the centre of the complex, the cisterns that were used to collect rainwater for the baths are clearly visible.
Travel tip: visit Villa Lysis
Once you reach the Villa di Tiberio, you will be rewarded with an enviable view of the Gulf of Naples, while turning your gaze to the north side, you will catch an incredible glimpse of the centre of Capri.
From here those who feel like it can reach Villa Lysis. Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, it was the home of the French Count Jacques d'Adelsward Fersen, who had it specially erected in 1905 as a place where he could live out his unbridled passions in peace. The eclectic personality of the Parisian nobleman is perfectly reflected in the style of Villa Lysis, which, as well as being the place where he took refuge, became a point of reference for artists, intellectuals, poets and writers who began to frequent the island in those years, enraptured by its fascinating beauty.
The architecture of the Villa, which takes its name from Plato's dialogue 'Lysid' dedicated to friendship, reveals elements of a classical nature that recall the count's personal taste for works of Greek and Roman antiquity, as demonstrated by the colonnade and the sturdy staircase that decorate the important entrance.
This is combined with elements typical of European culture of the time and in particular the opulent taste typical of the 19th century, evident in the decorations on the banister of the staircase that make Villa Lysis a fascinating treasure chest full of symbolic references.
Having reached the highest point of this excursion and having recharged your batteries while enjoying a panorama that intoxicates the senses, it is time to return to the Piazzetta, the end point of this itinerary on the welcoming island of Capri.
All you have to do is put on your most comfortable shoes and put your rucksack on your back - off you go for an incredible experience!