Capri: The VIP Island of Blue Grotto and Glamour

Capri is much more than an island: it's a dream that takes shape in the deep blue of the Gulf of Naples. This legendary island, beloved by Roman emperors, writers, artists and international stars, represents the essence of Mediterranean glamour. With its limestone cliffs plunging into crystal-clear waters, gardens fragrant with lemons and bougainvillea, and the atmosphere of exclusivity that permeates every corner, Capri continues to be the preferred destination of the international jet set.

The azure island, as it's often called, offers a perfect balance between breathtaking natural beauty and refined elegance. From the luxury boutiques of the famous Piazzetta to the panoramic trails that offer unforgettable views, every moment spent in Capri becomes a precious memory. It's no coincidence that personalities like Gracie Fields, Axel Munthe and Jackie Kennedy chose this paradise as their refuge.

The Magical Blue Grotto: A Unique Natural Phenomenon

The Blue Grotto undoubtedly represents the most iconic symbol of Capri. This natural wonder, already known during Emperor Tiberius's time, owes its charm to an extraordinary optical phenomenon: sunlight filtering through an underwater cavity illuminates the water creating reflections of electric blue impossible to forget.

Access to the grotto is exclusively via small rowing boats, and the moment of passage through the opening of just one meter is as exciting as it is spectacular. Once inside, visitors find themselves immersed in a natural cathedral where the water seems illuminated from within, creating a magical and surreal atmosphere.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• The grotto is accessible only with favorable sea conditions
• Ticket price includes boat transport and entrance
• Best times are early morning or late afternoon
• The visit lasts about 15-20 minutes
• Advance booking is recommended during high season

The Faraglioni: Stone Towers in the Sea

Capri's three Faraglioni are probably the island's most famous postcard. These imposing limestone rocks emerging from the crystalline sea have conquered artists, photographers and travelers from around the world. Each faraglione has its own personality: the first, still connected to the mainland, is called Stella; the second, separated by a striking natural arch, is the Faraglione di Mezzo; the third, the most distant, is known as Scopolo.

The most spectacular view is enjoyed from the Gardens of Augustus or the Tragara Belvedere, but the most exciting experience is certainly navigating between the faraglioni by boat, passing through the natural arch that divides Stella from Faraglione di Mezzo. According to local tradition, passing through the arch by boat brings good luck to lovers.

The Best Panoramic Viewpoints

• Gardens of Augustus: classic view with faraglioni in the background
• Tragara Belvedere: close and evocative perspective
• Via Krupp: panorama during the descent to Marina Piccola
• Punta Carena: view from the lighthouse base

The Piazzetta: The World's Living Room

Capri's Piazzetta, officially called Piazza Umberto I, is the beating heart of the island and one of the most exclusive places in the world. This small space, surrounded by elegant historic cafés, luxury boutiques and dominated by the Clock Tower, has been dubbed "the world's living room" for its ability to attract famous personalities from every corner of the planet.

Here time seems suspended between the tinkling of coffee cups, conversations in a thousand different languages and the continuous passage of known and unknown faces united by the search for authentic Capri experience. The tables of Gran Caffè and Caffè Caso become privileged stages to observe this daily spectacle of elegance and worldliness.

"Capri is an island where everything is possible, where dreams become reality and where every sunset is a promise of eternal beauty." - Norman Douglas, English writer

Anacapri: The Island's Authentic Side

Anacapri represents the other face of Capri, more authentic and less worldly, but equally fascinating. Located in the upper part of the island, this locality offers breathtaking panoramas and a more relaxed and genuine atmosphere. The center of Anacapri revolves around the characteristic Piazza San Nicola, dominated by the Church of San Michele with its splendid 18th-century majolica floor.

Not to be missed is the chairlift ride to Monte Solaro, the island's highest point at 589 meters. During the 12-minute ascent, the panorama gradually opens revealing the entire Gulf of Naples, the Sorrento Peninsula and, on the clearest days, even Calabria. The view from the summit is considered one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.

Villa San Michele: An Architectural Jewel

Villa San Michele, created by Swedish doctor Axel Munthe at the beginning of the 20th century, is one of Anacapri's most evocative places. This villa-museum, built on the remains of a Roman villa of Tiberius, houses a precious collection of ancient art and offers one of the island's most beautiful gardens, with a panoramic view spanning from the Gulf of Naples to Vesuvius.

Beaches and Secret Coves

Despite its rocky nature, Capri offers numerous possibilities to enjoy the crystalline sea. Marina Piccola is the most famous and easily accessible beach, composed of small beach establishments nestled among the rocks. Here the water takes on incredible shades of blue and turquoise, and the view of the Faraglioni makes every moment unforgettable.

For those seeking privacy and exclusivity, the Green Grotto and White Grotto are accessible only by sea and offer a unique bathing experience. Bagni di Tiberio, reachable with a 30-minute walk from Capri center, represents one of the island's most evocative coves, where history and nature merge in a wild and uncontaminated environment.

Historic Beach Establishments

• La Canzone del Mare: elegance and tradition since 1950
• Bagni di Tiberio: wild and natural atmosphere
• Marina Piccola: the classic Capri beach establishment
• Da Luigi ai Faraglioni: exclusive location with breathtaking views

Capri Gastronomy: Flavors of the Azure Island

Capri cuisine is a triumph of Mediterranean flavors that reflect the island's history and geographical position. The signature dish is undoubtedly Caprese salad, with San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil, dressed with local extra virgin olive oil. But the island's gastronomy offers much more: from Capri ravioli filled with caciotta cheese and marjoram, to chocolate Capri cake, from lobster linguine to Capri lemons transformed into limoncello.

The island's restaurants, many of which are Michelin-starred, offer creative interpretations of local tradition, using zero-kilometer ingredients like Piennolo cherry tomatoes, Cetara anchovies and oil from the Santa Sofia Monastery. Historic pizzerias serving authentic Neapolitan pizza with sea views are not to be missed.

How to Reach and Get Around Capri

Capri is connected to the mainland by ferries and hydrofoils departing from Naples, Sorrento, Salerno and Castellammare di Stabia. Marina Grande port is the main arrival point, from where characteristic buses depart climbing toward Capri center and Anacapri. The island is famous for its automobile traffic restrictions: only residents can drive private cars, while tourists can use taxis, public buses or rent electric scooters.

The most authentic way to explore Capri remains on foot, through the numerous panoramic trails connecting the main points of interest. The famous Via Krupp, a winding road carved into the rock, represents one of the Mediterranean's most spectacular walks, although it's currently closed to the public for safety reasons.

Capri is not just a tourist destination, but a total experience that involves all the senses. The azure island knows how to conquer every visitor, from the traveler seeking relaxation to the celebrity seeking privacy, from the young adventurer to the elegant lady who loves luxury shopping. Every corner tells a story, every panorama gives an emotion, every sunset promises a return. Come discover why Capri continues to be, after two thousand years of history, the island of dreams in the heart of the Mediterranean.