Things To Do in Capri

Certosa di San Giamaco is the oldest structure on the island, built in 1371. The finest remaining example of Caprese architecture, the monastery is made up of three blocks of buildings that includes one that was reserved for a life of seclusion with a series of cells around a late Renaissance cloister, one that holds the women’s church and pharmacy, and another a guest space. Today, it’s primarily a museum but it also houses a library, school, and temporary exhibition space, as well as serving as a concert venue. It has a rather harrowing history as a stronghold of Capri’s powerful Carthusian fraternity. It suffered from a vicious attack in the 16th century during pirate raids and in the 17th century monks avoiding the plague came here and faced an irate public who threw corpses over the walls. The dark past is brightened by some beautiful 17th-century frescos in the church, however.

One of the prettiest spots in Capri, Villa Lysis offers a bird’s-eye view over Capri, Anacapri, and Marina Grande. A 20th -century villa, it sits on expansive grounds with elegant gardens, many impressive works of art, and marble décor as a popular gathering place for intellectuals, writers, and artists for many years. It has close links to the tastes and the life of a Parisian count who retreated to the island to escape a series of scandals back home. The eccentric personality of the nobleman can be seen throughout the home and grounds, which is opulent and reserved at the same time. The seclusion and privacy allowed him and his Roman lover to build a life together far from Parisian society gossip. The grounds and the Mediterranean stretched below are stunning. While the blend of architectural styles, including neoclassic, Louis XVI, Greek, and art nouveau, along with the furnishings are sure to impress as well.

You’ll want to spend time in Anacapri, providing the chance to escape the glitz and glamour of the main town of Capri and enjoy a little more authenticity and tranquility. It floats like a dream atop a plateau, accessed via over 500 stone steps that were built in Phoenician times, although there is also a two-mile roadway with buses that connect it to the lower town. If you want to enjoy a serene walk, you can stroll the peaceful paths in Capri Philosophical Park which sits close to the end of the Migliera walking trail. There are three paths that ascend the hillside, dedicated to a different philosophical theme: Wisdom, Realism, and Idealism, with ceramic plaques along the way that quote writers and philosophers from the 7 th through the 20 th centuries. The 18th-century church of San Michele is worth a visit, with its majolica tiled floor depicting the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.

The Sentiero dei Fortini Borbonici is a coastal path that will bring you to see the wild side of Capri. Enhanced by unique vegetation, aromas, and colors, it travels along the rugged western shores and showcases a series of three old fortresses built in the early 19 th century, located between the Blue Grotto and Faro di Punta Carena, the lighthouse. The Pino, Mesola, and Orrico forts were built by the English and later strengthened by the French who took control of Capri in 1808. While walking you’ll also take in some of the most breathtaking, rarely seen views. The path traverses deep coves with crystal-clear blue water and rocky limestone promontories where you’ll pass the “Fortini” that gives the trail its name. It ends near the Blue Grotto where you can head inside by boat before returning via a local bus. Or start near the Blue Grotto and end at a small beach ideal for a refreshing dip.

The Punta Carena Lighthouse is a destination of its own at the extreme southwestern point of the island. Built in 1866, the picturesque tower is the second tallest in Italy, vital for sailors making their way around Capri meant to warn Sicilian merchant ships of treacherous rocks below. It makes a great photo op for visitors today, with old defensive walls behind it constructed by the British to protect the area. This remote spot is also one of the top places to enjoy sunbathing, home to one of the island’s best beach clubs, Lido del Faro. It’s more of a local favorite, ideal for swimming. While there isn’t a wide, sandy beach, there’s a pool that sits atop the rocks and provides access to the sea along with the usual umbrellas and sun loungers. There’s also a bar if you want to grab a cocktail and a fantastic restaurant for sundowners and seafood.

While there’s lots to do on Capri, while you’re here you won’t want to miss the chance to explore the Amalfi Coast. With quick, frequent ferries, it’s easy to reach on a day trip on your own or join one of the many private boat tours available. The area can be toured by sea or land, with the views from the water being some of the best. Of course, you can take in that unobstructed vista of pastel homes and buildings clinging to the famous cliffs and then stop to explore on land. One of the most popular villages is Positano, west of the natural terrace on the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea with winding lanes lined with shops that sell custom-made leather sandals (cheaper than on Capri), art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. In Sorrento, you’ll want to try the region’s famous limoncello made from the Sorrento lemon and perhaps haggle for a bottle to bring home.