Capri

Ever since ancient times, this luxuriant, saddleshaped rock in the Bay of Naples has captured the world's imagination os a place where dreams can be realized and life can become an earthly paradise. Hopes and wishes notwithstanding, the island does have something special, perhaps generated by its lush vineyards an lemon and olive groves that seem to cover every available corner. The mythic power ok Capri runs far deeper and Warrants more exploration then the quick package-tour tone it sometimes strikes.
Villa Jovis Emperor Tiberiu's 1st-century-AD villa is now in ruins but the views of the Bay of Naples, from the highest point at is end of the island, are dazzling.
Marina Grande Whether by ferry, hydrofoil or provate yacht, virtually all visitors to the island arrive at this little port town. it's a colorful place, but the bustle is only skindeep - in reality it's just as laid back as the rest of Capri.
Capri Town Piazza Umberto I, known simply as "Piazzetta" is the town's outdoor salon, filled to the brim with chic bars and restaurants. Night time is when the true Capri denizens come out to play.
Arco Naturale Follow sings from the centre of Capri Town for this easy-going walking trail, where a series of rocky staircases offer fine panoramas of the mainland coastline. The imposing "Natural Arch" itself consist of a huge limestone crag, jutting out and with the bright torquoise sea seen far below.
Via Krupp & I Faraglioni Via Krupp is a switchback path carved into the cliff face. From here there are views of "I Faraglioni" rocks for isolated out to sea.
Marina Piccola this mall harbour has private bathing huts, a pebbly arc of beach, wonderful rock for diving from and several good fish and restaurant.
Blue Grotto The island's most famous attraction is this stunning sea-grotto, of a colour and intensity of blue that can be experienced in no other way. Local oarsmen ferry visitors inside.
Villa San Michele Built by a swedish doctor on the site of one of Tiberius's houses, this villa is an eclectic mix of Romanesque, Renaissance and Moorish styles, surrounded by gorgeous gardens.
Monte Solaro No trip to the island is complete without a funicular ride up to Capri's highest peak, from which you can look down on the pastoral timelessness of lemon groves, little white houses, and endless flower gardens that cover the island. Once up top, the 360-degree views are breathtaking.
Anacapri & Punta Carena Before 1877, when the road was built, Anacapri was truly isolated and is still less pretentious than the rest of the island. From here, another great jaunt is to the lighthouse at Punta Carena, where an uncrowded rocky beach awaits, as well as good facilities and excellent restaurant.

A Glamorous Past Capri emerged on the up-market tourist map in the 19th century, but the high point of famed "Gay Capri" was the early 20th century, when it attracted literati such as Norman Douglas, Graham Greene, Somerset Maugham and Maxim Gorky. More recently, yhe 1960s, the era known as "Capri People", Brought the international jet-set to the island,including La Dolce Vita swingers, Hollywood film stars, and even the beautiful newly-wed Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Tourist information: Piazzetta Cerno 11, 081-8370424
Ferries (traghetti) and hydrofoils (aliscafi) leave from many ports, including Mergellina and Beverello in Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi, Salerno, Ischia and castellamare di Stabia.
Journey times to Capri are: 80 minutes from Naples; 40 minutes from Sorrento. Hydrofoils take half these journey times.
In Capri town Da Gemma provides fine views as you dine on pizza, buffet choices or traditional dishes. To get a feel for the isalnd, take one of the recommended hikes - ora better yet, rent a kayak and go exploring along the otherwise inaccessible coastline areas.