Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Capri is a city with an incredibly rich history that dates back thousands of years. Near the southern entrance of the Bay of Naples in Italy, the island was colonized by Greeks in the 8th century BC who dubbed it “Kapros” (“wild boar”). During the early Roman empire, Capri served as a favorite retreat for Roman nobility, particularly Emperors Augustus and Tiberius. Known for its breathtaking landscapes that transformed it into a playground for the wealthy, Capri offers multiple boat tours, excursions to historical landmarks, and access to natural wonders like the Blue Grotto. Experience some of the rest and relaxation enjoyed by those from antiquity and plan your visit with Gray Line Worldwide today!
Tour Expert, Gray Line Capri
The Blue Grotto is a famous sea cave on the coast of Capri. A popular tourist destination, this landmark is recognizable because of the unique natural phenomenon that has shaped it for millennia. Known since Roman times, the grotto was allegedly used by Emperor Tiberius as a private swimming pool. Today, guests can watch as light shimmers through an underwater cavity and is reflected off the sandy bottom. Only accessible by small rowboats, the Blue Grotto has a very narrow entrance, which means visiting it is an inherently intimate experience.
Villa San Michele is a historic villa located on the island of Capri. Built by the Swedish physician and writer Axel Munthe in the early 20th century, this luxurious household blends harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape. The villa’s architecture is a hybrid between the classical Roman style and local building traditions. In particular, the gardens at this home are known for including diverse plant species. Villa San Michele has featured in several popular culture works, most notably Axel Munthe’s famous “The Story of San Michele.” Today, the villa serves as a full-time museum, but guests can still enjoy the breathtaking views from the hill.
Found on the island of Capri, Italy, the Gardens of Augustus overlook the famous Faraglioni rock formations and the Bay of Marina Piccola. Originally created in the early 20th century, the gardens were designed by the German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp. They were initially intended as a private retreat, but were later opened to the public. Featuring a series of terraces adorned with a variety of Mediterranean plants, flowers, and trees, the layout is intentionally designed to highlight the surrounding landscape and the iconic rock feature. Walk down one of the many pathways meant for leisurely strolls and relax on a bench while looking out at the sea. Accessible from Capri’s main square, the Gardens of Augustus are typically open year-round.
Monte Solaro is the highest point on Capri and stands at 1,932 feet above sea level. With unmatched views of the island, Bay of Naples, and coastline, there are few places on Capri to find a better perspective of the region. By far the most popular way to reach the summit is via a chairlift that departs from Anacapri, a town about 12 minutes from Capri itself and also located on the island. Guests who want a bit more exertion can follow the hiking trails to the top. Once at the summit, clear days enable visitors to see all the way to Mount Vesuvius in the distance. The top also has a small monument dedicated to Alfredo de Musset, a French poet and playwright who fell in love with Capri during the 19th century.
A historic charterhouse (also called a “certosa”) located on Capri, the Certosa of San Giacomo dates back to the late 14th century. Founded by the Carthusian order — a Roman Catholic monastic order that emphasizes hermetic lifestyles and silence — this 1363 construction is one of the oldest monasteries on the island. Today, the Certosa di San Giacomo showcases a museum filled with various art pieces and artifacts from Capri’s long past. The site is also a popular spot for community events and live performances. Since it is accessible to the public, the Certosa is a fascinating stop to make sure you hit before leaving Capri.
Also called Senriero dei Fortini, the Path of the Forts is a scenic hiking trail on Capri that winds its way down the Mediterranean Sea’s coastline. Found on the island’s western side, this path gets its name due to the multiple historical forts peppered along its route. During the 19th century, forts were constructed to defend the island from potential invasions. The most notable are Fortino di Punta Carena — one located near the lighthouse of the same name — and Fortino di Tragara, a famous viewpoint that looks out over the Faraglioni. About 3.7 miles long, the trail takes most visitors about two or three hours to complete.
A charming town located on Capri, Anacapri can be found on the western side and is generally considered less “touristy” than the island’s main town (also named Capri). With a laid-back vibe that contrasts with the bustling feel of the larger urban area, Anacapri is home to quaint streets, local shops, and authentic Italian restaurants. Visit both sides of the island when you travel by ferry from mainland Italy’s Naples or Sorrento. The island offers several buses, taxi services, and funiculars, which make public transportation around it a breeze.
Villa Jovis is one of the most significant archaeological sites on the island of Capri. Built during the reign of Roman Emperor Tiberius around 14 to 37 AD, this structure served as one of his primary royal residences. The second official emperor of Rome, Tiberius moved to Capri in 26 AD and created Villa Jovis as his retreat away from the political machinations of the capital. Although in ruins today, the villa is believed to have been a luxurious residence that included various rooms, terraces, and gardens. It also features a large central courtyard, living quarters, and impressive views of the surrounding seascape. The modern site is home to wall, column, and mosaic remnants, and visitors can explore the villa’s various rooms, including the emperor’s private quarters and dining area. Perhaps most notable is the fact that Villa Jovis maintained an advanced water supply system managed by cisterns and aqueducts.
Located just off the southern coast of Capri, the Faraglioni are a short distance away from the island’s primary urban hub. With a particularly famous viewpoint at the Gardens of Augustus, the rocks themselves are made from limestone and have been shaped by centuries of wind and water erosion. Three distinctive rocks make up the entire formation: Faraglione di Terra (the one geographically closest to Capri), Faraglione di Mezzo (the middlemost rock which stands about 266 feet tall), and Faraglione di Fuori (the tall and stately furthest rock from the shoreline). Book a boat tour that gets you up close and personal with the monument. Swimming and snorkeling are also allowed in the rocks’ immediate vicinity.
Known as Il Salto di Tiberio in Italian, the Tiberius Leap is a dramatic cliff on the western side of Capri. Near the summit of Mount Tiberius — which is itself a part of the larger Monte Solaro — the site is named after the Roman Emperor Tiberius who kept a private residence on the island. According to legend, Tiberius used this cliff as a place to execute those he believed untrustworthy or treasonous and throw their bodies into the sea. Rising about 1,000 feet above the sea, the sheer drop alone would have likely frightened the unlucky individuals who got on the emperor’s bad side. Nowadays, guests can hike from the town of Anacapri to the Tiberius Leap itself. Just be prepared — it can be a bit of a steep walk!
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