Capri

Capri is a limestone island at the southern entrance to the Bay of Naples, in Campania, Italy, about 30 km by sea from Naples. Hydrofoils from Molo Beverello (Snav or NLG) take about 50 minutes and cost roughly EUR 22-30 one way, while the Caremar ferry from Calata Porta di Massa takes about 80 minutes for roughly EUR 14-17. Both arrive at Marina Grande, where the funicular (about EUR 2.50) climbs to Capri town, and buses connect to Anacapri. In Capri town, visitors can stroll the Piazzetta, walk Via Camerelle past the luxury boutiques, and reach the Gardens of Augustus, whose terraces overlook the Faraglioni rock stacks and the winding Via Krupp. In Anacapri, the Monte Solaro chairlift rises to about 589 m for views across the whole bay, and Villa San Michele, built by the Swedish physician Axel Munthe, has gardens and a Roman sphinx viewpoint. Boat trips to the Blue Grotto leave from Marina Grande, weather and sea conditions permitting, and cost extra. A suggested one-day arc is to take an early sailing, ride the funicular to the Piazzetta, walk to the Gardens of Augustus before the crowds, then take the bus to Anacapri for the chairlift in the early afternoon, returning to Marina Grande for the last hydrofoil with a comfortable margin. May-June and September offer good weather with fewer crowds than July and August, and arriving early matters because day-trip numbers peak from late morning. Return transport costs about EUR 45-60 by hydrofoil. Food stops include the cafes around the Piazzetta, which are pricey, and more modest trattorias in Anacapri and the backstreets of Capri town, while the local specialities are caprese salad, ravioli caprese and lemon desserts. Carrying cash is useful for small cafes. Bad sea conditions can cancel hydrofoils, so booking the first sailing out and the last back, and checking operator notices, is prudent. Walking shoes are advisable because the lanes are steep and include many steps.