Visitors to the Amalfi Coast can rarely resist the short hydrofoil journey to the exquisite Island of Capri.  The legendary home of the Sirens and holiday retreat of the rich and famous since the early Roman emperors, this small island draws record numbers of day-trippers from the mainland each summer.

The ferries dock at the Marina Grande and from here you can either take a boat trip around the island to see the famous Arco Naturale, Faraglioni Rocks and the Blue Grotto, hire a funky cabriolet taxi or catch the funicular up to Capri Town. This chic town is bustling with life but don’t forget to pack your credit card if you fancy a spot of shopping amongst the luxurious jewellery stores and designer boutiques.  For a genuine souvenir of your visit, there are also perfume shops, local artists and the original home of the Limoncello di Capri - a distinctive lemon liqueur.  Most visitors then head for the Giardini Augusto (Gardens of Augustus), a beautifully planted public garden with fantastic views of the sheer limestone cliffs along the coast.

Further out from Capri Town is the Villa Jovis.  Built for Tiberius in the 1st century it is the largest imperial villa on the island.  The remains of the villa were first discovered in the 18th century and further excavations suggest an uncommonly tall building on different levels with an observatory, large gardens and an impressive, panoramic balcony.  Legend has it that the emperor would dispose of his enemies over the tall cliffs nearby.  The villa is open to the public and the steep climb is rewarded by incredible views of the neighbouring islands.

The island’s second town is Anacapri.  Here you will find numerous souvenir shops and tourist restaurants.  For a more peaceful and scenic retreat, take the chair lift up to Monte Solari, the highest point on the island with expansive sea views. The church of San Michele, with its ornate mosaic floor is also well worth a visit.
 
The Villa San Michele can also be found in Anacapri.  Open to the public and built on the site of ancient Roman ruins, this imposing villa was built for the Swedish writer Axel Munthe, providing a stunning backdrop for his collection of Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian artifacts.  The gardens are particularly striking and there are fantastic views from the colonnade.   The design of the villa gave rise to the philanthropist’s famous quote “My home shall be open in order to let in the sun, and the wind, and the voices of the ocean, like a Greek temple, and there shall be light, light everywhere!"

For a spot more culture, visit the Damecuta-Archaeological Park in the west of the island.  The famous Vesuvian eruption which destroyed Pompeii sent out a large cloud of dust which descended on Capri, damaging buildings and causing the population to abandon their homes.  Excavations here are ongoing but recent finds include residential buildings, a watch tower, elaborate marble coverings and mosaics. There is also some conjecture as to links between this settlement and the Roman artifacts found at the nearby Blue Grotto.

Discovered in 1826, the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is now one of the island’s most well-known attractions and boat trips bring continuous visitors throughout the summer, eager to see the haunting blue light from where the cave gets its name (caused by sunlight shining through the water from an underwater tunnel).  The boat journey to the cave is an enjoyable one in pleasant weather, providing excellent views of the towering cliffs and coastal birdlife. However, in inclement weather, visitors are unable to access the grotto if the water becomes too rough.