Capri. ‘Wild boar island’ according to Ancient Greeks or a ‘goat island’ according to Romans. Wherever the name comes from it doesn’t change the beauty of this place. Huge limestone and sandstone rock located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrentine Peninsula. WOW effect guaranteed.
During our stay on Amalfi Coast we decided to take a ferry to Capri. We got to Marina Grande just before 10 o’clock. We knew we don’t have much time since the last ferry back to Positano was at 6.30 p.m.
When you ask people what is a must do there, everyone would answer: the Blue Grotto. It is probably true but we did run out of luck this day and it was impossible to visit Grotta Azzurra due to very rough sea. Quick plan change and a stop in the tourist office to pick up the map. Surprisingly the little tourist map had all the info we needed. Hiking paths, main sights, bus stops etc. Amalfi Coast tourist office could learn a bit from their neighbour.
We decided to walk around with the map in our hands. We wanted to see Arco Naturale, Villa Jovis and Monte Solaro and all other things would be just a plus. Since we didn’t have much time we just grabbed bread and some delicious Italian ham and decided to have a picnic later on.
We started our Capri ‘hike’ just next to Marina Grande. You can take a funicular up to the center of the village but we just wanted to explore. Stairs, and more stairs and then you find yourself in the center. Shops, restaurants, pretty tiny streets with flowers and tons of charm and too many tourists.
First stop:
1. ARCO NATURALE
Arco Naturale is a natural arch that is remains of a collapsed grotto and dates back to Paleolithic age. To get there from center of Capri is more than easy. Just follow the signs ‘Via Arco Naturale’ and you’re good. It’s not a long walk, it’s not a hike, you’re just walking on the pavement all the time. Easy and pretty as hell.
2. VILLA JOVIS
From Arco Naturale we decided to make our way towards Villa Jovis. Villa Jovis is a palace built by emperor Tiberius and is the largest of twelve Tiberian villas on Capri covering around 1,7 acres. It is situated on Monte Tiberio (334 m) which is the second highest peak on the island.
After Villa Jovis we just walked around. Found a perfect picnic place and went back to the center.
3. MONTE SOLARO
After walking back to the center we took a bus to Anacapri to reach our target – Monte Solaro. Monte Solaro (589 m) is the highest peak on the island. Since we didn’t have that much time left we took a lift up and hiked down. On the top of Monte Solaro there’s a statue of Emperor Augustus who first landed on Capri.
Views are just…well freaking stunning. Walking down is not hard at all and it is a hike situable for all.
We had to make a little off piste as we saw a cross on a nearby mountain and it was a good idea. 5 minutes later we were up.
After Monte Solaro it was time to get back to Capri and slowly go to Marina Grande to catch our ferry back to Positano. Bus from Anacapri back to the center of Capri takes around 15 minutes. Then we slowly walked down to the port, enjoyed last Capri drink and hopped on a ferry.
Practical information:
Capri is an island where you will find two towns: Capri and Anacapri. When there the easiest way to travel between the two is to take a bus that takes about 15 minutes.
It is quite expensive to have a drink, we took a beer in Marina Grande that cost 10 Euros each (a bit too much for bloody beer).
If you’re going for just 8-9 hours skip the restaurants, take a picnic, saves you time and gives you more time to explore the island.
It is all well marked there so no chance of getting lost. Grab a map in tourist office and you’re fine for a day.
Text: Agnieszka Wajs