Capri - the Italian pearl off Naples

Christian Klumpp

Capri is just 10.4 square kilometres in size. The small island, which is located around 5 kilometres off the Apennine peninsula and belongs to Naples, is one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations despite its rocky structure. The island is famous for its sea caves, of which the Blue Grotto is the most popular. Capri has a balanced, mild climate. The evergreen vegetation is complemented by terraced vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees.

The small rocky island is very easy to reach from Naples or Sorrento. The ferry takes about 1-1.5 hours from Naples and only about 40 minutes from Sorrento. A fast ferry (Aliscafo) does this in about half the time.

Capri - the Italian pearl

Once you have arrived, you can spend a whole day exploring the sights. Whether in Capri (eastern part of the island) or in Anacapri (western part of the island) - you will be amazed everywhere you go.

A funicular railway runs between the Marina Grande ferry port and the centre of Capri town.

There is also a public bus network with vehicles adapted to the narrow island roads and numerous large-capacity taxis.

Between spring and late autumn, only locals are permitted to use their own cars.

The use of bicycles is not regulated. Do you want to go high up? Since 1952 there has been a chairlift from Anacapri to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island at 589 metres.

Here is a list of some of the excursion destinations:

The Blue Grotto - one of the most famous excursion destinations on the island - is a cave located in the north-west.

The entrance to the cave is a 1.5 metre high hole in the sea.

The cave itself is around 52 metres long and 30 metres wide, and the water is around 15 metres deep.

As most of the daylight enters the cave from below sea level and is reflected in the seawater, the water inside the cave shimmers in a peculiar blue colour.

The ‘Faraglioni’ rock formation is also one of the island's landmarks and can be seen from afar from the sea.

The mini harbour ‘Marina Piccola’ tends to be spared from the crowds, but has a high celebrity density.

Some US actors, but also German celebrities, are said to have their holiday home here.

In addition to the lively Piazetta and the many luxury shops, Capri also has quiet corners to offer.

The harbour ‘Marina Grand’ is also located on the north coast of the island and is a popular excursion destination, not just for day tourists.

More and more influencers and youtubers can be found here, showcasing the picturesque facades of the small fishermen's houses on social media.

The rock triplets are at the end of the island: they are definitely worth a visit.

However, many tourists find the long walk too arduous.

Did you know THAT:

- a model of the car manufacturer Ford was named after the island of Capri?

- an appetiser salad - Caprese - was named after the island of Capri?

- the brand name of the fruit juice drink Capri-Sun was inspired by the island?

- the name Capri has been used for a fruit ice cream from the ice cream manufacturer Langnese since 1959?

- the German pop song ‘Capri-Fischer’ was written here in the 1950s?

Images: ©Capri Tourism