Luxury Villas in Capri
Capri is one of Italy’s most glamorous destinations. The island of Capri sits approximately 30 km off mainland Italy in the stunning Gulf of Naples. It is nestled between the islands of Ischia and Procida. Just 4 square miles in size, it has been home to a wealthy set for centuries. Even as far back as Roman times, both Emperor Augustus and his successor Tiberius had numerous villas built on the island. And more recently, in the 1950s and 1960s, celebrities such as Jackie O wandering Capri’s charming streets simply added further to Capri’s appeal. Today, it remains a popular haunt for celebrities.
There is plenty to see and do on the island. There are caves to explore, beaches to relax at, gardens to stroll around in and villas to admire. There are towns to be explored, hikes to enjoy and views to marvel at. It’s the perfect day trip when enjoying a holiday on the Amalfi Coast. Or it make a great base for a holiday in Italy too.
Whilst the Bookings For You team don’t yet have any villas on Capri itself, these villas in Sorrento are situated within an easy boat ride of the island.
Refine and personalise your results
About Capri
The island of Capri stands approximately 30 km off mainland Italy on the south side of the Gulf of Naples in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The island is easily reached in 40 minutes by taking a ferry or hydrofoil from Naples or from Sorrento in just 25 minutes. However, during the Summer months, there are also additional sailings from Positano, Amalfi, Ischia and Salerno.
For most of the year, vehicles aren’t allowed on the island but don’t worry – you really don’t need one. The island is small, measuring just 4 square miles, there is just one road and the public transport is excellent. Whilst much of the island can be reached on foot, if you’re only there for a day, you may need to take advantage of the buses, taxis and even funicular.
Towns and villages of Capri
The island of Capri has two main towns – Capri and Anacapri. The former sits on the western side of the island and is certainly the busier and more crowded. In contrast, Anacapri is found on the eastern side of the island.
Capri town oozes luxury. Head to Via Camerelle to shop for high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, Versace and Valentino. Even if your pockets aren’t quite deep enough to afford to shop here, it’s worth going just to soak up the glitz and glamour. Alternatively, head to Capri’s main square – the Piazza Umberto I – and enjoy a spot of people watching whilst enjoying a coffee in one of the cafes here.
Anacapri may not be as glamorous as Capri town but we prefer it. We feel it is slightly more authentic than its neighbour and there are a few attractions to admire here such as the San Michele Church, the Casa Rossa museum and the Church of Saint Sophia.
What to see and do in Capri
There is more to see and do on Capri island than just exploring its two main towns. If you’re visiting Capri, you’re most likely to arrive at the Marina Grande. This port is where you will find Capri’s largest pebbled beach. There are beach clubs here as well as an area with free beach access too. However, this is by no means the only beach on Capri island. Our favourite is probably the Lido del Faro, a beach nestled behind Capri’s famous lighthouse. Also of note is the smaller pebbled beach at Marina Piccola. We can also recommend the beach clubs at the base of the Faraglioni rock formations. This is a rocky promontory and the sea here is accessed by diving in or climbing down a ladder, so it’s better for adults and teens rather than those with younger children.
If you prefer a more active lifestyle, then there are some wonderful hiking trails on the island, many of which boast some incredible viewpoints. Our favourite is the Pizzolungo Coastal Trail which stretches all the way from the Arco Naturale (Natural Arch) to the Faraglioni.
There are plenty of others though such as the trail that leads from Anacapri to Capri’s highest point on Monte Solaro. At 589 metres above sea level, visitors can admire the Faraglioni rocks from the summit as well as see Sorrento approximately 16 km away on the Italian mainland.
We also recommend you take the 1 km walk along the Via Krupp. This twisty, bending path leads from the Gardens of Augustus to the Marina Piccola below.
Many of these walks will also take you past some of Capri’s stunning villas. The history of the island goes back centuries so some of the oldest of these such as the Roman Villa Jovis is in ruins. But they are still worth a visit, not just to admire the ruins but also for the views that they enjoy! After all, it’s not a surprise that Tiberius chose the best spot on the island! Other villas include Casa Malaparte, Villa Lysis and Villa San Michele with its incredible gardens.
These aren’t the only gardens on Capri. Larger gardens include the Parco Astarita, a free park that covers an area of 150,000 square metres as well as the Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto). The two terraces here enjoy an impressive vista over the sea below to the Faraglioni rocks which have become quite a symbol for Capri. Alternatively, admire the rocks by boat instead.
It’s certainly worth exploring the seas around Capri. The Blue Grotto – a cave whose water is a distinctive bright blue colour – is arguably Capri’s busiest tourist attraction. Centuries ago, it was the private swimming pool of Emperor Tiberius. These days it’s a far busier spot attracting hundreds of tourists a day in peak season.
Our Capri travel guide will provide more inspiration on what to do in Capri.
When to visit Capri
If you’re after the heat, then temperatures in Capri across the Summer months will certainly hit the spot. They can easily reach the early 30s. However, just as temperatures surge, so do the crowds. Capri in July and August is definitely crowded! If you prefer a quieter vibe, opt to visit in the Spring and Autumn instead. We certainly do think that it’s particularly pretty at these times. The weather is wonderfully mild, perfect for relaxing days sunbathing with a book and for sightseeing. It’s also when you can enjoy the orange blossom blooming and the bougainvillea at its very best. These are certainly the ideal seasons for trying out some of the many wonderful hikes that the island offers. In the winter, Capri is quiet and sleepy but, if that’s your vibe, then you’ll certainly enjoy the peace and quiet.
