Capri and Ischia overview
Capri and Ischia are delightful islands off the coast of the Bay of Naples with stunning views of the Mediterranean and the Bay. Visitors can reach the islands by ferry or hydrofoil from Naples or Sorrento either for a day trip or a longer relaxing holiday.
Capri
Capri is a beautiful island just 10 square kilometres, located off the Sorrentine peninsula which has long been the haunt of the rich and famous including such icons as Gracie Fields and Oscar Wilde. Everyone appears to have their own specific Capri dream; whether it's the myth of Sirens charming seafarers, of dreamy sea views, of ancient Romans, or of 1950's celebrities in big sunglasses, or simply of lazy summer evenings spent browsing in exclusive boutiques.
Whatever your dream, the principal Capri attraction is the island itself; its views, its rocky seashores and its scenic charm. There is plenty of good walking or strolling to be done as you explore the island and top scenic panoramas include views of the Bay of Naples, the Faraglioni Rocks and the Gardens of Augustus.
With its delightful gardens, mountainous terrain and dramatic coastline it provides a quiet hedonistic hide-away despite the multitude of day trippers. It is a wonderful island, most of which can be easily accessed by a series of beautiful walking trails although there are regular buses between the towns of Capri and Anacapri and Marina Grande harbour.
In Capri town itself, boutiques and cafes cluster around the pretty domed church of Santo Stefano in the Piazza Umberto I but you can easily escape to the peace of the shady cloisters of the 14th century Certose di San Giacomo or the Punta Tragara lookout where the rocky islets carved into amazing shapes are a symbol of the island's beauty.
Anacapri
The hillside town of Anacapri with its white villas and flowering bougainvillea dominates the western side of the island. It is the most exclusive and unspoiled part of Capri and from its dominant position, the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa offers breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples and the Island of Ischia. The hotel provides a perfect base for exploring Capri, including trips on its private speedboat or yacht, or guests may simply wish to laze by the pool or relax in the hotel's own spa.
Ischia
Ischia covers 47 square kilometres, lies at the northern end of the Bay of Naples, and is almost as popular as its little sister, Capri.
Ischia is an island of volcanic origins; the bubbling activity below ground evidenced by many fumaroles and thermal springs which have led to the creation of numerous spa complexes. The island boasts delightful views over the sparkling Mediterranean and fine sandy beaches. The highest point is the summit of Monte Epomeo, 789m above sea level and walkers and nature lovers will delight in hiking to the top to experience the unforgettable views from the pinnacle of this extinct volcano.
Map
Climate
Italians tend to take their holidays in July and August, so if you'd like more space on the beaches, and a calmer experience, try visiting outside these months. The islands enjoy a mild climate all year round, and are especially delightful in the spring, early summer and autumn.
Did you know?
Gracie Fields, at one time the highest paid entertainer in the world, acquired a villa on Capri during the 1930s and was required to become an Italian citizen through marriage in 1940. Her first professional performance was in 1905 and her last, at the Royal Variety Show, was in 1978. In February 1979, she was created a Dame Commander of the British Empire seven months before her death, aged 81, at her home on the island. She is buried in the non-Catholic cemetery on Capri.
Capri and Ischia hotels
Capri Palace & Spa
Set on the quieter western side of Capri, in the exclusive hillside town of Anacapri, the luxurious Capri Palace Hotel & Spa boasts exceptionally high levels of service
Grand Hotel Excelsior
This former nobleman’s residence, set amidst fragrant pinewood, boasts spectacular views towards the Bay of Naples
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Il Moresco Hotel & Thermal Spa
Nestling in a pinewood in the fashionable Lido area of Ischia Porto
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Mezzatorre Resort & Spa
Perched above the sea and surrounded by pine woods, the secluded Mezzatore Resort & Spa enjoys spectacular views of the Naples coastline
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Map
Climate
Italians tend to take their holidays in July and August, so if you'd like more space on the beaches, and a calmer experience, try visiting outside these months. The islands enjoy a mild climate all year round, and are especially delightful in the spring, early summer and autumn..
Did you know?
Gracie Fields, at one time the highest paid entertainer in the world, acquired a villa on Capri during the 1930s and was required to become an Italian citizen through marriage in 1940. Her first professional performance was in 1905 and her last, at the Royal Variety Show, was in 1978. In February 1979, she was created a Dame Commander of the British Empire seven months before her death, aged 81, at her home on the island. She is buried in the non-Catholic cemetery on Capri.
Capri and Ischia sightseeing
Capri
Walking
A series of beautiful pathways and trails ensure access to much of the island. Stroll through olive groves and orchards, explore marine caves, discover one of the famous villas and meander through charming villages to find a delightful little café for lunch.
Certosa di San Giacomo
Originally a 14th century Carthusian monastery the site consists of a chapel, large cloister surrounded by monk’s cells, a smaller cloister as well as interconnecting buildings and gardens and houses a school, library and a museum of paintings.
Blue Grotto
Grotta Azzurra is the islands most popular sight and best viewed from one of the boats that leave Marine Grande. To fully experience the spectacular blue hues created when the sun light filters through the water it is best seen at noon, although can be crowded. This marine cave is believed to have served as a nymphaeum (watery budoir) for the Emperor Tiberius in the 1st century AD and has become the emblem of Capri.
Faraglioni
Three fantastically shaped rock formations; Faraglione Stella which is still attached to the island, Faraglione di Mezzo with its huge natural arch, and Faraglione di Fuori, home to a species of blue tinted lizard, believed to have taken its colour from the blue of the sea and the sky.
Villa San Michele
Made famous through the literary work of the Swedish doctor and writer Axel Munthe this delightful villa in Anacapri is a mix of baroque and Roman antiquities and boasts beautiful gardens with fantastic views across the island and the bay.
Ischia
Castello Aragonese
Perched on a high rocky islet the fortress of Castello Aragonese dominates the surrounding area of Ischia Ponte and provides some truly stunning views. The most famous of the island’s landmarks it houses several points of interest including a nun’s cemetery, a church and a small museum.
La Mortella Botanical Gardens
Situated at the foot of Monte Zaro, between Lacco Ameno and Forio, these wonderful landscape gardens were created by the wife of composer William Walton and are home to over 800 plant varieties as well as pools, cascades and fountains.
Procida Island
Spend a day visiting the neighbouring island of Procida, the smallest of the three islands it can easily be discovered in a day.
Sant’Angelo
This charming little seaside village where houses cling to the slopes facing the sea offers numerous restaurants, cafes and shops.
Forio
A pretty little town, situated under the slopes of the highest mountain on the island Monte Epomeo, it is home to an interesting 15th century tower offering splendid views, a small church, a spa complex and a beach.
Map
Climate
Italians tend to take their holidays in July and August, so if you'd like more space on the beaches, and a calmer experience, try visiting outside these months. The islands enjoy a mild climate all year round, and are especially delightful in the spring, early summer and autumn.
Did you know?
Gracie Fields, at one time the highest paid entertainer in the world, acquired a villa on Capri during the 1930s and was required to become an Italian citizen through marriage in 1940. Her first professional performance was in 1905 and her last, at the Royal Variety Show, was in 1978. In February 1979, she was created a Dame Commander of the British Empire seven months before her death, aged 81, at her home on the island. She is buried in the non-Catholic cemetery on Capri.
Capri and Ischia cuisine
Capri
Using the very freshest ingredients the cuisine on Capri is very similar to Neopolitan cooking with plenty of fresh fish,seafood, olive oil and tomatoes as well as aromatic herbs, capers, olives and anchovies featuring highly.
Local specialities include ravioli stuffed with fresh sheep’s milk cheese and marjoram usually served as a first course, or a simple but very tasty Insalata Caprese with vine-ripened sliced tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil and excellent quality extra virgin olive oil. Try wild quail with pancetta and fresh peas in white wine or stuffed calamari accompanied by a glass of the local Capri Bianco, and to finish off Torta Caprese, a deliciously rich chocolate and almond cake.
An impressive selection of restaurants, cafes and bars can be found around the Piazzetta area of the main town of Capri and fine dining can be enjoyed at some of the island’s hotels, such as L’Olivo Restaurant at Capri Palace Hotel & Spa, recently awarded its second Michelin Star and where Mediterranean cuisine is served with a contemporary flourish.
Ischia
Using the very finest, locally-sourced ingredients the cuisine on Ischia is very similar to Neopolitan cooking with plenty of fresh fish, seafood, rabbit, olive oil and juicy tomatoes as well as aubergines, artichokes, olives and garlic featuring highly. Regional specialities include simple but flavoursome roasts and stews such as coniglio all’ischitana, rabbit stewed in white wine with tomatoes, rosemary, garlic and chilli peppers and spezzatino, a tempting veal and vegetable stew.
Fresh fish and seafood are particularly popular and try spaghetti with shellfish, or simply grilled sea bass, fried red mullet or delicious gamberi, large grilled prawns. The dessert menu usually features a selection of delicious pastries, fresh fruit, and of course, traditional Neopolitan ice creams.
The fertile volcanic soil, especially around Mount Epomeo, ensures that a selection of delightful wines is available, with whites especially good with seafood or antipasti. A variety of good restaurants can be found throughout the
island and many of the hotels feature excellent restaurants.
Map
Climate
Italians tend to take their holidays in July and August, so if you'd like more space on the beaches, and a calmer experience, try visiting outside these months. The islands enjoy a mild climate all year round, and are especially delightful in the spring, early summer and autumn.
Did you know?
Gracie Fields, at one time the highest paid entertainer in the world, acquired a villa on Capri during the 1930s and was required to become an Italian citizen through marriage in 1940. Her first professional performance was in 1905 and her last, at the Royal Variety Show, was in 1978. In February 1979, she was created a Dame Commander of the British Empire seven months before her death, aged 81, at her home on the island. She is buried in the non-Catholic cemetery on Capri.
Capri and Ischia offers
Capri Palace & Spa
Set on the quieter western side of Capri, in the exclusive hillside town of Anacapri, the luxurious Capri Palace Hotel & Spa boasts exceptionally high levels of service
1 offer
Mezzatorre Resort & Spa
Perched above the sea and surrounded by pine woods, the secluded Mezzatore Resort & Spa enjoys spectacular views of the Naples coastline
3 offers
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Map
Climate
Italians tend to take their holidays in July and August, so if you'd like more space on the beaches, and a calmer experience, try visiting outside these months. The islands enjoy a mild climate all year round, and are especially delightful in the spring, early summer and autumn.
Did you know?
Gracie Fields, at one time the highest paid entertainer in the world, acquired a villa on Capri during the 1930s and was required to become an Italian citizen through marriage in 1940. Her first professional performance was in 1905 and her last, at the Royal Variety Show, was in 1978. In February 1979, she was created a Dame Commander of the British Empire seven months before her death, aged 81, at her home on the island. She is buried in the non-Catholic cemetery on Capri.