Return to Capri photos

First, let's pronounce it like a native. While Americans say Ca-PREE, Europeans say CAP-ree. Just didn't want you to be embarrassed, that's all.

The island of Capri, one of the most beautiful and most visited of the islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is in fact an extension of the peninsula of Sorrento (see Amalfi). Although small (about 1 mile by 5 miles), its dramatic beauty (cliffs up to 2,000 feet above the sea) and ideal Mediterranean climate have made it a favored resort of Italians and world travelers since the early Roman Empire. Emperors Augustus and Tiberius built at least 12 villas there. The most famous, and the one best viewed today, is Villa Jovis, set on one of the most impressive clifftops on the island. One of the pictures is taken from the top of the Villa Jovis cliff, looking down to the rocks and sea where Tiberius (who spent the last 10 years of his reign as Emperor there) often threw enemies for punishment, and others just for his amusement. The cause of his own death is uncertain, but very likely was suffocation on orders of his nephew and successor, Caligula.

Today, the island has two main towns, Capri and Anacapri, plus several small villages and a major marina. Homes range from hidden villas of the rich and famous to simple (but generally clean and well-kept) small homes. There are many sights, including a large Certosa (religious order charterhouse or monastery), the Church of St. Michel with an outstanding tiled floor, winding trails to magnificent clifftops, and of course, the world-famous Blue Grotto (sorry, no pictures!).

All in all, Capri (along with Amalfi and Taormina) is one of the most beautiful sites of our experience in Italy. We're as sorry as you must be that our stay was so short, and that it came on a relatively cloudy and blustery Spring day. Next time…….