Caesar August linked this island with holiday time, nearly 2000 years ago. He used to call it "the island of sweet inactivity". The Roman empire has lost its power since then, but Capri, nowadays and for more than half a century, continues to be an undoubtedly attractive tourist destination, there in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

And because you can reasonably wonder where the Tyrrhenian Sea is, we are explaining that it is the sea that rains western Italy, and the islet that caught our interest this time is across the city of Naples.

Not only the older celebrities, but the moderns too, show a weakness for the natural beauty, the Mediterranean tones and the relaxed rhythms of this corner of Italy. Jackie O, Elizabeth Taylor and Brigitte Bardot are just some of the ladies who walked on the streets of Capri over the past decades. Today is a magnet for Hollywood stars, fashion and famous writers.

It has about 12,000 inhabitants, with 7,200 of them living in the capital. It is also good to know that it has two ports, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande, where it is also the main port of this rocky island.

July and August, the island sinks from visitors, who easily get to Capri from neighboring Naples and even closer Sorrento. Perhaps the most appropriate time is now or in September as visitors are clearly less and the weather even milder.

What you will see and eat in Capri

The coasts of the island are mostly steep, but keep well-hidden caves, blue coves and pebble beaches where access is only possible by boat. If you decide to get there then do not forget to rent a traditional gozzo at the marina Piccola for a private tour, and visit Blue Groto, the blue cave. Be prepared, as your boatman will most likely ask for an additional € 12 (per person!) to ride up to the inside of the cave, where the water is magnificent!

Enjoy your meal at La Fontelina, and then take the lift to the top of Mount Solaro, from where you will enjoy the view of the opposite shores of Sorrento. Choose the hard one and walk down to the shore, through the pine forest. It's about an hour's route, but it's worth it. Finally reward yourself with an ice cream at Caffe Caso.

Da Gelsomina comes to prove that it's not all expensive in Capri. It is a popular tavern that started in 1950 as a canteen. Its evolution is wonderful, as it offers its customers not only its own vegetables but also its own wine. Favorite pollo al mattone specialties, chicken lemonade baked in bricks.

For fresh fish and delicious wine, choose Lo Smeraldo. If you still want more refined and recognized flavors, go to Il Riccio with a Michelin star. Try pasta with sea urchin sause and you will understand.

Two things before you leave the island

Capri's recent story was linked to its ... sandals! Fashion began in the 1960s when the famous visitors of the island bought the leather sandals from the local craftsmen and made their walks along the streets and magazines of the time. So visit a lab and, why not, become part of the story by buying a couple.

Take a last lift from Marina Grande - the city of Capri with an open taxi and enjoy the color, the architecture and the intense rocky and pine-covered landscape. 

info: Food & Travel, wikipedia.gr, iefimerida.gr

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