Some geologists believe that Capri Island was once part of the Sorrento Peninsula of mainland Italy, and that it was separated and thrust out into the sea by major tectonic upheavals. It now stands some 5km offshore, west of Naples, it's breathtakingly sheer limestone cliffs soaring way up out of a turquoise sea.

This dramatically beautiful island was colonized by the Greeks around 600 - 500BC, and somewhat later, between 100BC and 100AD by the Roman Emperors, who built their holiday villas and palaces here. After the collapse of the Roman Empire the island fell prey over the following centuries to mixed fortune, and attacks and ravages by pirates.

Capri was a powerful British naval base, similar to Gibraltar for a very brief period in the early 1800's, after which it began to attract visitors. Many artists, writers and other celebrities favoured the island, and settled there, or holidayed there. By the 1950's Capri had been discovered by the Jet Set and has been a favourite secluded haunt for celebrities and millionaires ever since.

Tips for Your Capri Visit

Don't make the common mistake of planning a rushed day trip to this special island.

Spend at least two nights here, so you can absorb the unique atmosphere in this tiny piece of Italy.

The fast, hassle free way to get to the island is by hydrofoil from Naples (about 35 minutes). There are also ferries and all services are reliable, but note that bad weather and rough seas will affect their schedules.

It is very difficult to hire a car on, or take a car to, Capri. Excellent taxi and bus services solve this problem. Be prepared to walk quite a bit as well, so don't forget sunhat, sunblock and comfortable walking shoes. Pack some mosquito repellent as well, especially if you are travelling in the summer.

Buy a map as soon as you arrive, so you can locate yourself and find your bearings from the start.

You will arrive at Marina Grande, the small, colourful main port. From here, you ascend by funicular railway to the loggia just off the main square of Capri Town. .

The other, smaller, town is Anacapri, perched at the very top of the island. To get there take a bus or taxi.

The island is prone to rock falls in the higher, more remote areas, and this can sometimes affect some the paths and minor routes. It's a good idea to check with your hotel, or the tourist office before you set out.

There is no surface water on Capri, and all rainwater is stored in cisterns around the island. Do not drink the tap water; rather buy several litres of bottled mineral water when you arrive.

Top Sights for Your Visit

Capri and Anacapri are both charming, pretty towns, so take some time to stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy the sights.

• Boat trip

  Boats leave regularly from Marina Grande and will take you right around the island in about 2 ½ hours. This trip affords great views back towards the island.

• Blue Grotto

  The entrance is very small and you will have to transfer to a smaller boat to get through at low tide. The beautiful cave is filled with aquamarine light caused by the sunlight reflecting up from the sandy bottom of the sea.

• Faraglioni

  Vast, sheer free-standing rocky islets rocketing to an incredible height against a dazzling sky.

• Walk up to Villa Jovis

  Steps and alleyways flanked by high walls and shuttered houses. Ornate wrought iron gates sometimes allow a glimpse of secluded private villas. Charming small gardens with lemon, olive and fig trees, and some vines.

• Villa Jovis

  Ruined palace of Roman Emperor Tiberius, more than 7000 square metres, sprawling on the cliff tops. Spectacular views, especially from, Tiberius's Leap (335metres), over which, it is rumoured, disloyal slaves were forced to jump to their deaths.

• Piazza Umberto 1

  Main square of Capri town and an excellent place for a light lunch in the shade, or a sundowner on a warm evening.

• Marina Piccola

  This is the beach area, and charming smaller port. This is a good place to have lunch in the sun, overlooking the sea.

• Villa San Michele

  Axel Munthe's house and garden, spectacularly placed almost at the very top of the Island, with amazing views.

• Monte Solaro

  589m to the summit, with splendid views on a clear day as far as the Appenine Mountains in north Italy.

• The Phoenician Steps

   Eight hundred ancient steps, cut into the bare rock of the north eastern buttress of Monte Solaro. For centuries, until the motor road up to Capri was built in 1877, these were the only means of communication between Anacapri and Capri town.

Buon Viaggio!