Capri – The Best Attractions in Italy’s Famed Rugged Island

Capri island has always been a popular spot in Italy. Even in times long past, the emperors Augustus and Tiberius were fond of escaping to Capris to avoid the hecticness of life in ancient Rome. Today, the island attracts visitors from all over the globe, the sight of its rugged 61-metre crags steeply jutting out of the azure blue Tyrrhenian sea, only 20 kilometres away from Sorrento. 

Measuring at about six kilometres long and roughly 2 kilometres wide, the two towns situated here offer plenty of attractions to make your journey worthwhile. From beautiful scenery to stunning constructions, there’s plenty to experience on this gorgeous island.

Giardini di Augusto (Gardens of Augustus)

These beautifully well-kept botanic gardens were designed as terraces providing framed views of the Faraglioni sea stacks sticking out of the sea below. You can also view the Bay of Marina Piccola and Via Krupp from the terraces and even visit them if you like via a looping path that spirals downwards for 91 meters.

Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto)

Illuminated in an eerie blue glow, this massive flooded cave which opens out to the sea is a popular destination in Capri with numerous small boats huddled up at the cave’s mouth ready to take tourists across the waters in this haunting grotto. With the cave’s mouth being only a metre high at best, you may find yourself having to lie on the boat’s floor to get through, and when the sea’s brewing a storm, entry is impossible. Once thought to be the home of sea nymphs, Grotta Azzurra is now a major tourist attraction in Capri.

Certosa di San Giacomo

Near to the Gardens of Augustus, right in the centre of the Capri town lies the Certosa di San Giacomo. This massive Carthusian monastery was abandoned after 1807 yet its grandiose nature still persists to this day with its gothic doorway, two cloisters and 17th-century frescoes. Today, the convent at Certosa di San Giacomo holds a collection of works, by German Artist Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach, known as the Museo Diefenbach.

Piazza Umberto I (Piazzetta)

Piazza Umberto I is the most famous square in all of Capri, a wonderfully lively destination that’s teeming with tourists checking out the shops that dot the area and eagerly anticipating the chance to catch a glimpse of popular celebrities.

This is the go-to place for shopping in Capri with numerous big-name brands having stores in the area, particularly on Via Camerelle. Souvenirs, flowers, clothing, vibrant pottery, local perfumes and custom made sandals, a Capri speciality, are all proudly displayed in the various shops.