caprese salad

Isle of Capri, Italy

Mysticism, Beauty, Romance

Like an enchanting, exciting woman, the Isle of Capri off the coast of Naples, Italy, invites you to explore her mysticism, beauty and romantic spaces.

Mysticism

Odysseus (aka Ulysses in Latin) sailed past the island, narrowly escaping the fate of those who hear the voices of the Sirens.

Beauty

The writings and legends of ancient Greece expose Capri’s beauty in her natural treasures. Breathtaking landscapes. Stunning discoveries of bewitching, beguiling rocky caves. Winding roads leading to mysterious destinations. The adventure of discovery lies in the journey.

Romance

Throughout time, Capri has seduced the visitor. Even today, she offers romantic inspiration to writers, lovers, and travelers.

Location

Located in the Bay of Naples, Capri is the largest of three rocky islands: Ischia being the largest, Procida the smallest. An 80-minute ferry ride from the port of Naples brings you to the fabled island.

Map of Italy
Gulf of Naples showing Isle of Capri

Geological background

Those breathtaking clifftop views, unbelievably turquoise waters and intriguing caves are a result of limestone formations.

Geologically speaking, the island is Karst. Karst is a landscape shaped by the erosion of limestone over the years.  The result is a formation of fantastic ridges, towers, and sinkholes in the rock. Over time, this process separated Capri from the mainland.

Natural Attractions: Blue Grotto, Faraglioni

Blue Grotto

Where the limestone meets the deep blue sea, craggy oceanic caves have formed. Most famous is the Grotta Azzurra or “Blue Grotto”, identified as a Roman bathing place. This lagoon captivates the senses with a dazzling shifting turquoise blue.

Walkway down to Blue Grotto
Closeup of picturesque walkway
Blue Grotto in a cave at the bottom left (not visible) – access by boat only

Faraglioni

Farther out to sea are three peaks, merging from the deep blue waters, pointing to the sky. Known collectively as the Faraglioni, these peaks are fragments of Capri. Formed when erosion caused a solid land mass to divide and become separated by water, these awesome vertical columns of steep rock are home to a variety of rare wildlife.

People

Early Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Germans were among those who added their influences to shape Capri.

The island may hold her physical charms. But people build her character. Today, Capri attracts the wealthy, the famous, and world celebrities. Tourists find this stunning island a mecca for discovery.

           

Population

About 80% of the people on Capri on any given day are tourists. Capri is inhabited by only 15,000 people, primarily in the two main towns. Yet, Capri is visited by more than two million people a year.

One of the many nice apartments on Capri

Song and Salad

The popular song On the Isle of Capri, written in 1934 by Wilhelm Grosz, is a tango foxtrot. Jimmy Kennedy wrote the lyrics. Legendary song stylists like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin are only two of many talented vocalists who immortalized the song.

The Caprese salad (Insalata Caprese) originates from the island of Capri. Only the freshest island produce is used to create this beautiful, bountiful, simple dish: ripe red tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, newly-picked basil leaves, authentic olive oil, rich balsamic glaze 

Notice how the colours of the salad embrace the colours of the Italian flag!

Caprese Salad

COVID on Capri

As of Summer 2020, there were no travel restrictions for Capri. However, rapid Covid-19 testing may be given. Current Covid information for Italy

Sights and sounds of Capri

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX8MN8ZaJ4A

More blogs from Europe

Travelled: 2010

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