A truly original post full of ideas to organize a trip to Capri for at least two nights. Ready to book?
I had never been to Capri, and the impression the island produced on me exceeded all expectations! Write that Capri it is exceptional it is almost banal, the beauty and spectacular nature of nature are added to that of human works. What really surprised me was its versatility, its many different aspects capable of satisfying different needs.
Capri: many facets
Perhaps it will come as a surprise to know that my group of friends and I went there to hike. Yes, because the island, due to its conformation, is very suitable for walking.
But there are also many works of art from the past to see, from the Romans onwards, there are the architectural peculiarities of the stately villas, there are uncovered stories of incredible characters.
There is Seaside Capri, a bit difficult for its harsh landings. There is Capri gourmet, which exploits the sea and a generous nature. And then there is Glamorous Capri, that of shopping and chic clubs.
In short, I think it can offer something unique to the most diverse people. I try to give you some ideas.
Capri for walkers
The most spectacular and also the most challenging trek that you can start from Marina Piccola, going up the Monte Solaro up to Passetiello and then towards Anacapri. The path is all marked, the difference in height of about 600 meters. Climb up to the panoramic church of Cetrella, between Mediterranean scrub, brooms, incredible views.
The same point can be reached from Anacapri with the chairlift, but having it on foot is another story. The views are amazing: Gulf of Naples, Gulf of Salerno, the breathtaking overhangs. After a stretch at high altitude, you gently descend to Anacapri.
From there you can attack the Phoenician staircase, which is not Phoenician: 921 steps, which for centuries have been the only connection between Anacapri (which stands on a plateau at high altitude) and Capri.
Another very beautiful but simpler trekking route is that of Fortini: runs along the entire coast from Blue Grotto al Punta Carena lighthouse. He went down to the sea between the ancient military posts that were built by the English army at the beginning of the nineteenth century to guard the west coast of the island.
Capri for art lovers
Here you are spoiled for choice, and I will list only a few places of interest. In Capri you can visit it Villa Jovis or the Villa of Tiberius, an archaeological site of one of the numerous Roman villas on the island. The Romans had already understood everything! However Tiberius reigned in Capri from 27 to 37 AD
Just below Villa Jovis, another spectacular villa, which belonged to an eccentric aristocrat of Swedish origin, Villa Fersen. Built in a Louis XVI style and located on a splendid and panoramic hill, Villa Fersen (or Lysis) is a real dream. It is a museum, the ticket costs only 2 euros.
Also in Capri you can visit the beautiful Certosa di San Giacomo which bears traces of the typical architecture of the island. Here too the ticket is only 4 euros including audio guide, even 3 euros if you buy the combined ticket with the Gardens of Augustus.
As for Anacapri, it won me over Villa San Michele, Axel Munthe's lush park villa dotted with works from the past. And of an amazing originality I found the church of San Michele Arcangelo, which has a majolica floor that represents Eden, with so many of those animals represented that you lose your head.
Capri of curious (and wealthy) characters
It starts with Axel Munthe, the Swede who chose the good retreat in Anacapri at Villa San Michele. An incredible character: thaumaturge doctor, mistress of the Queen of Sweden, a pupil of Charcot at the Salpêtrière institute in Paris. A convinced animal rights activist who loved animals and humans alike.
And what about Jacques Fersen, who in his villa was dedicated to opium and to his Roman lover, Nino Cesarini. Also Krupp, the German lord of steel, had chosen Capri as a landing place: and to reach his yacht in tranquility he built the Via Krupp, from Capri to Marina Piccola: an impressive zig zag overlooking the sea (unfortunately it can only be admired from the Gardens of Augustus , is closed to the public). And the Red House of Anacapri was built between 1886 and 1899 by the eccentric American colonel John Clay MacKowen, also medical.
As a final piece of advice I will tell you that it is incredibly peaceful, it is an island with a relaxing dimension. There is mass tourism, but they are hikers who mostly arrive in the morning and leave in the evening. When the last ship has left on Capri, peace falls: very few cars circulate because the streets that go up the hill are narrow, often with steps. On Capri you walk a lot, on Capri there are no exhausts or horns. In the evening, the island shows off its absolute charm. If you go there, stay at least a couple of days, to enjoy this incredible magic.
