Capri History and Culture
One of Italy's most beloved isles
While Perillo's ItalyVacations cannot, per se, find each of our patrons a Marcello Mastrioianni or Sofia Lauren, the rest of Capri's famed luxuries are there for the taking, chief of which, its pristine waters and alluring coastline. The first thing you will notice about Capri's beaches is that they tend to be on the rocky side due to the natural mountainous landscape. The result, however, is very pleasing, because the handful of Capri's stunning sandy beaches are surrounded by scenic and dramatic cliffs, creating a rather remote ambience. Perhaps most famous of these is Bagni Nettuno, which is a private beach (the better ones tend to be). Thankfully, the entrance fees are relatively inexpensive and well worth the price since they include use of a cabana, lounge chair, and a towel, which are all part of Capri's luxury experience. If you can imagine sitting back and contemplating the rocky, untamed surroundings while casually sipping on a crisp white wine, you are half way there. Swimming at Nettuno is equally marvelous, as one can travel through the smooth waters to the rock cove of the nearby Blue Grotto. This is one of Capri's most beloved sites particularly for its famous natural caverns, which are penetrated by sunlight to give an awe-inspiring bright azure hue to the ocean water.
Exploring the town of Capri begins at the resort town's nucleus, Piazza Umberto I. This is where Capri's thriving and relaxed café culture is best appreciated by ordering an espresso, some chilled wine, and/or one of their various panini or other light fare; and as you are taking in your exquisite surroundings, don't be at all surprised to see celebrities doing the same around you. From here, a nice way to continue is a passegiata, a walk Mastrioianni-style, down the Via Vittorio Emanuele. Along the way one will encounter several of Capri's defining elegant hotels and a host of its natural delights, which lead to the charming Giardini di Augusto. This attractive park is a great place to regain one's breath and to take in Capri's gorgeous flora. At the highest point, one can get a striking panorama of the island and all of its crystal marinas and imposing cliffs. Moving back toward Piazza Umberto I to wander through the maze of the town's other alleyways one will encounter several delightful Renaissance and medieval churches, as well as some nicely preserved Roman ruins. The most famous of these is the Villa Jovis, named in honor of Jupiter by the Roman Emperor Tiberius.

Vacations you may enjoy in Capri:
- 14 Day South and Sicily
- 14 Day Italy North Continental
- Cosmopolitan Paradise
- La Dolce Vita
- Lavish Rome, Decadent Capri
- Captivating Capri
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