 Introduction
A gem in the midst of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the island lies just five kilometers off the coast of Italy. Holiday makers have been flocking to the sumptuous island since Roman times, but in the 1950s it got an especially chic reputation when stars like Brigitte Bardot, Sofia Loren, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis arrived at the breathtaking locale to soak up the sun. Today the island continues to attract hoards of visitors not only because of its wonderful beaches, and olive grove covered landscape, but because of spectacular sites like the Blue Grotto, and jagged mountain ranges that form its rugged coastline.
Arrival Plane
The closest airport is in Naples, the Aeroporto Internazionale di Napoli. It lies 50 kilometers across the sea, and accommodates flights from several Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, Turin, and Venice, as well as flights from around Europe. EasyJet runs direct flights out of London, Paris, and Berlin; and major airlines like Lufthansa offer flights from Munich. Shuttle buses are available from the airport to the port where you can catch a ferry, or hydrofoil to Capri, then drive 15 minutes to reach Anacapri.
Train
There is no train service on the Island of Capri, but if you are traveling to the island from other parts of Italy, you can take a train to either Naples or Sorrento and catch a ferry from there.
Car
A good public transportation system links many of Capri's regions, and considering much of the island is pedestrian only, a car is generally not needed. However, there are many taxis waiting at the Marina Grande where the boats from Naples arrive, ready to whisk you off to your hotel, or give you a tour of the island. From the marina, Anacapri is just a 15 minute drive.
Boat
Capri can be reached by ferry from both Naples and Sorrento. From Naples, take a boat from the Port of Mergellina, or Molo Beverello. Departure from Molo Beverello is recommended. The journey from Naples to Capri takes roughly an hour and twenty minutes. There is a hydrofoil that will get you there faster, in just forty minutes. The journey by ferry from Sorrento takes forty minutes, and by hydrofoil, only twenty minutes. There are also private taxi companies who will take you by boat from Naples or Sorrento.
Bus
A frequent bus service runs to Anacapri from both the marina where you arrive on the ferry from Naples, and the town of Caprimarina. It takes about 15 minutes. Buses also offer convenient connections to other attractions around the island.
History and Culture
Throughout history, the two towns on the island, Capri and Anacapri were rivals. In 1493 the people of Anacapri constructed a gate which marked the border. It was called the “Porta della Differenzia” and it was built because the Plague was rampant on the eastern side of the island. Infuriated, the people of Capri knocked the gate down, but its ruins can still be seen today.
Churches and palaces were constructed on the island during the 18th century, when Bourbon kings sat on the Naples throne. The Island of Capri once again became a popular holiday destination, and has continued to be since then.
Churches and Museums
This museum was set up by a physician and author from Sweden who made Anacapri his home in the late 19th century. Located on some of the island's most gorgeous land, the museum includes a bird sanctuary where migrating birds can take refuge.
Church of Sant'Antonio di Padova
A church for mariners, fishermen used to meet here at sunset. Constructed in the 1700s on the foundation of an earlier chapel, the church is located at the top of the Phoenician Stairway.
Church of Saint Michele
The story of Adam and Eve is depicted in a wonderful tiled design on the floor of this church in the center of town.
Historical Buildings and Monuments
The ruins of this ancient castle lies on Monte Solaro, within the grounds of the Villa San Michele. Conquered by a Turkish pirate in 1535, the castle was named Barbarossa, “Red Beard,” after him.
Villa Damecuta
Inhabited by Tiberius, this ancient villa may also have housed Augustus. Archaeologists suspect the villa was abandoned after Mount Vesuvius erupted in Pompeii, in 79 AD.
La Casa Rossa
The color known as Pompeian Red covers the walls of this interesting villa which was owned by John Cay H. MacKowen. The American moved to Capri after the Civil War, and stayed until 1899. “The Painted Island” is an interesting permanent exhibition of paintings inside the house which gives visitors a look at life on Capri during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Places of Interest
Just 50 minutes by foot from Anacapri, the Blue Grotto is one of the island's most famous attractions. A marvel of nature, the grotto only allows in a tiny bit of light which creates incredibly beautiful reflections and silvery illuminations. Discovered in modern times by the German writer August Kopisch, in 1826, the special place was also known by the Romans who placed statues here. Aside from walking, the grotto is also reachable by bus, taxi, or motorboats which depart from Marina Grande.
Punta Carena
A pretty inlet located on the west side of Capri, Punta Carena is surrounded by lovely landscapes and beaches. Exceptional views can be enjoyed from the Faro Lighthouse found here. It's Italy's second largest lighthouse, and was built more than one hundred years ago.
The Paths of Forts
A long and lovely route, this path takes you along the west side of the island. Along the route you'll encounter gorgeous inlets, striking rock formations, and the block houses, called “Fortini” which gives the path its name. Stretching 5.2 kilometers from Punta Carena to Punta dell'Arcera, the path will take you four to five hours to complete. Though since several roads access different parts of the route, you can focus only on one smaller section if you wish.
Events
Decorations of flowers fill every corner of Anacapri on this special feast day when a statue of the saint is paraded through town. Bread loaves of bread known as “Pane di Sant'Antonio” are distributed to the children.
International Folklore Festival - August
Folk music and dance takes center stage at this annual event celebrated in Alacapri's town square during the first week of the month of August.
The Settembrata Anacaprese - September
The grape harvest is celebrated each year with this grand festival. Games, performances and competitions all take place over the course of ten days.
Links
Train Transport
Train Transport
Town's Official Website
Capri Bus Service
Private Transport Company
Ferry Transport
Museum Official Website
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Anacapri Travel Guide
Single room - From 90€
superior - From 110€
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Single Room No Bal - From 50€
Double room - From 70€