Capri, Anacapri and Monte Solaro – In the Footsteps of an Emperor

Capri - Carlos Melia Emperor Augustus might have been the first to land in Capri, but I was determined to conquer my day experience exploring the Island upside down in five hours. so I had to commit to my pace, and have a quick glimpse of the main atractions. and of course, find an amazing local restaurant to enjoy true Italian flair. This was my first time visit to Capri. For those of you unfamiliar with the island, it is divided in three regions, by elevations – Capri, Anacapri and Monte Solaro. How do you get from one point to the other on the Island of Capri? There are four main modes of transportation: bus or taxi, funicular, single chairlift and if you have the time… by foot. You can also read more tips and recommendations by checking and following me on Instagram to see all my past-current-future posts and experiences while in Italy. Capri, an island in Italy’s Gulf of Naples, is famed for its rugged landscape, upscale beach resorts and high-end shops selling handmade leather sandals and signature limoncello liqueur. One of its best-known natural sites is the Blue Grotto, a dark cavern where the sea glows electric blue, the result of sunlight passing through an underwater cave. ( Which you nay or not be able to visit due to weather conditions, winds and tides. In my case I just didn’t have time to do it). Capri - Carlos MeliaAfter a lovely breakfast at my hotel in Sorrento, the Grand Excelsior Vittoria, we went down the private elevator and passage to Marina Piccola, to board the Jetboat that in just 15 to 20 minutes, accross the Bay of Naples, would have us at the very lovely Capri. Another way, as I usually plan it for my clients, I to rent a private yacht for the day, to enjoy a full day sailing, stopping at Fontelina Beach Club and Restaurant and so forth. Upon arrival to Capri, at Marina Grande, we disembarked, and right away took the Funicolare that would take us on an uphill beautiful scenic ride through lemon groves to the heart and main Piazzetta of Capri. Capri itself is charming, but quite frankly wasn’t the highlight of my visit. It is very commercial and overcrowded with tourists that flock for the day. And I was there during off peak season. One thing I truly enjoyed, was the bruef visit to Giardini Augusto. The Gardens of Augustus, originally known by the name of Krupp Gardens, are botanical gardens with breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views of the island of Capri, Mount Solaro, the bay of Marina Piccola, and the Faraglioni. Of course I could not help myself being me, and I had to stop and check some hotels while there. I came to visit the following: Quisisana Hotel ( which I found lovely, but not quite the island experience I would go for ). A refreshing stop for a Lemonade at Jacky Bar at the Tiberio Palace Hotel. Unfortunately, I did not have time to see the JK Place Capri, but you most definetely should keep it in mind. Capri - Carlos MeliaI was ready to move on the a higher altitude, and away from the hordes of tourist, onwards to Anacapri. There are three ways, again to get there, bus, taxi and walking. Of course I took a taxi – ha ha – which was approx. EUR 20 each way. Of course, I did not have much time, so I had toprioritize. First stop was lunch at Barbarossa Ristorante – for a fabulous and simple, local Italian lunch. After so many days of Michelin starred dinning experiences, going local was just what I wanted. After lunch, I took a stroll around Anacapri, and off to the last destination on my exploration of Capri, and I must say, was my favorite. Mount Solaro, the highest point in Capri, accesible by single chairlifts or by a long panoramic hike. The views are spectacular over to the NW of the Tyrrhenian sea, the gulf of Naples. Up the mount there is a statue of Emperor Augustus who first landed on Capri. 5PM was time to say GOODBYE to Capri, and head back to Sorrento and to Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, to get ready for our evening out in town and dinner at Michelin starred restaurant Il Buco Ristorante.

By Carlos Melia – Full Story at the Carlos Melia Blog

Campania Gay Travel Resources

]]>

0 thoughts on “Capri, Anacapri and Monte Solaro – In the Footsteps of an Emperor”

Leave a Comment