Capri: the island of the Faraglioni
The Faraglioni rocks, the Blue Grotto, the Piazzetta and the Gardens of Augustus: the Mediterranean's most famous island, a ferry from Sorrento.
The island that won the emperors
Capri was the residence of Emperor Augustus and then of Tiberius, who built several villas here; for two centuries it has drawn artists, writers and travellers. Its limestone nature carved the Faraglioni, grottoes and cliffs that give the island its unique look.
What to see
The Piazzetta, the Gardens of Augustus, the Tragara belvedere over the Faraglioni and the Blue Grotto, reached by boat when the sea is calm. Monte Solaro, climbed on foot or by chairlift, offers the widest view of the island and the gulf.
Planning the day
Capri can be walked in one intense day: ferry from Sorrento in the morning, a boat tour around the island, lunch and an afternoon between Anacapri and the gardens. In high season start early to avoid the Blue Grotto queues.
Getting there
From Sorrento, ferries and hydrofoils reach Marina Grande in 20-25 minutes; from Pompei add the roughly 40-minute train. Altogether little more than an hour separates Pompei from the island.