Thursday, June 14, 2007

CAH - pree

Marina Grande

If you want to sound like someone-in-the-know, pronounce this gem of an island as the Italians do - accent on the first syllable, not the second. Try it. It almost sounds like COP - ree. Now that we have that out of the way, let's take a look around.

Hydrofoiling to the Isle of Capri

Since Capri is an island, you must reach it by boat, most likely a hydrofoil. The ride is about half an hour and can be quite choppy, so be prepared. Also keep in mind that when the water is choppy, the ride can last nearly an hour each way. If you visit the island it is best to purchase your return ticket back to Naples as soon as you arrive in Capri and keep an eye on your time. It would be terrible to miss the rest of the cruise! Tickets for the ride to the Marina Grande at Capri are available at the dock in Naples. Check out the link on the right of this page for more information about the boats to and from Capri.

Funicular


A Cafe for People Watching


Crowded Shopping Street

As soon as you disembark at Marina Grande from the boat or the hydrofoil, you will find the Public Tourist Office where you can get funicular tickets, maps and information about Capri. From "the Piazzetta of Capri" which is the small town square, the funicular will take you to Capri center in just a few minutes. Here you can shop, eat, or just sip a beverage and do what the locals do - people watch! Please be advised that eating, drinking and shopping can be crowded and very expensive in Capri Town and that the island's other town, Anacapri, is often described as "Capri Town without any of the chic". To reach Anacapri you must take the island bus or hire a local taxi.

Villa Jovis

Or visit Villa Jovis, the splendid residence built by the Emperor Tiberius who ruled from there between 27 AD and 37 AD. After visiting the villa, you could dedicate some time to other attractions in the vicinity, such as the Church of Santa Maria del Soccorso, the Cave of Tiberius or the Lighthouse Tower.

Gardens of Augustus


Gardens of Augustus

The Gardens of Augustus are a beautiful place to spend some time. The gardens belonged to the villa of Friedrich Alfred Krupp, son of the founder of the German steelworks who resided in Capri. Built on the ruins of ancient Roman structures, the gardens were donated by Krupp to the Town of Capri, which later named them for the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar. In a corner of the garden, a statue of Lenin by sculptor Manzu was erected to commemorate his stay in Capri.


Entering the Blue Grotto


Inside the Blue Grotto


Faraglioni Rocks

At the Marina Grande you can also buy a ticket to visit the Blue Grotto. Small rowboats take up to 3 passengers each into the stunning blue water caves. The cost is around 20 € per person and can take up to 3 hours. Or take a 12 € boat trip around the Faraglioni Rocks.

Chairlift ride to Monte Salaro

Want a spectacular view? Ride the chairlift up Monte Salaro. The ride takes 15 minutes each way, but budget some time at the top to enjoy the views.

No comments: