In Deep: The Island of Capri

<p>Glamorous, alluring, sophisticated, charmed and lucky … it’s hard to choose the right adjective to describe how I feel when I’m on the <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/italy/amalfi-coast"><u>Amalfi Coast</u></a>.&nbsp;</p><p>World-renowned for its brightly-coloured villages clinging to hillsides, and bustling towns and islands — think Capri, Positano, Ravello — where jet-setters and tourists alike bump elbows, when you make your way to this slice of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/italy"><u>Italian</u></a> paradise, you’ll find it sophisticated, elegant, yet secluded and private all at once.</p><p>You might think it’s impossible to find a spot to yourself in such a touristy part of Italy, but it happens, especially if you’re arriving by private yacht or meandering amongst lemon groves perched high in the mountains. One of the best ways to appreciate the Amalfi Coast is by sea, taking in the colourful houses and golden-domed churches descending to the water, dotted with tiny inlets and coves. &nbsp;</p>

<h3>A Sparkling Jewel of the Mediterranean</h3><p>Often described as the most appealing island in the Mediterranean, Capri boasts a magnificent blend of natural beauty and charm. The island’s rich history is ripe with captivating tales of scandal and colourful characters.</p><p>Located 32 kilometres (20 miles) south of Naples and just six kilometres (four miles) from the Sorrentine Peninsula, the island of Capri is approximately 10 kilometres (six miles) long, covering a total area of about 15 square kilometres (six square miles). The island is divided between the municipalities of Capri Town and Anacapri.</p><p>Evidence of human habitation on the island dates back to the Lower Palaeolithic Era, approximately 400,000 years ago. An excavation of the area near the Hotel Quisisana revealed the remains of continental fauna, including <i>Elephas antiquus </i>(the straight-tusked elephant) — proof that Capri was once joined to the Sorrento peninsula.</p>

<p>The geography of the island is often compared to the shape of a camel’s back: marked by two high mountains (one to the east and one to the west), it flanks a saddle area that slopes gently to the sea on either side.</p><p>Known as the “Emerald Island,” Capri boasts incredible aqua-green waters that sparkle like a jewel in the bright sun. Its overall vibrant green appearance is bolstered by the more than 800 species of plants that flourish on the island.</p><h3>Capri Town</h3><p>The island’s main town is a maze of shops and restaurants, many of which exhibit typical Mediterranean architecture. Its narrow streets and stairways are crossed by buttresses that support the charming whitewashed buildings. Capri Town is home to about 7,300 people.</p><h3>Piazza Umberto I</h3><p>If Capri Town is the heart of the island, then its main square, La Piazzetta, is its pulse. Outdoor cafés surround this social epicentre, where celebrities rub elbows with eccentrics and other interesting characters. No visit to Capri is complete without having had a coffee or <i>aperitivo </i>at one of the piazza’s bars.</p><h3>Church of San Stefano</h3><p>Built by a master builder from Amalfi in 1683, this 17thC baroque-style church is situated above Piazza Umberto I on the site of a former cathedral. Only the clock tower, which was the campanile of the earlier cathedral, remains.</p><h3>Anacapri Town</h3><p>Now considered the island’s second urban centre, Anacapri began its development in the 16th century as an agricultural, forestry and pastoral centre. It has always been less accessible than Capri Town due to its altitude (275 metres/902 feet above sea level), and its distance from both island ports. Today, Anacapri is home to about 6,000 people.</p>

<h3>Church of San Michele</h3><p>This baroque church in Anacapri Town was built between 1698 and 1719. The church is famous for its extraordinary floor of majolica tiles depicting the expulsion of Adam and Eve.</p><h3>Marina Piccola</h3><p>On the island’s south side is Marina Piccola (“little harbour”), at the base of Monte Solaro. In contrast to the chaos of the main port of Marina Grande, this docking area receives little traffic, so visitors can relax on the small pebble beaches. Look for the famous Siren’s Rock dedicated to the spot where mythical enchantresses seduced local fishermen, according to Roman legend.</p>

<h3>Torre Damecuta</h3><p>One of the many villas of the Roman Emperor Tiberius, the Torre Damecuta offers one of the island’s most incredible views. Still remaining beneath the medieval tower are the ruins of a smaller Roman residence and an alcove tucked into a cavern, which explains the roots of the villa’s name: <i>domus</i> means residence and <i>cuta</i> means cavern. The villa was covered in ash and abandoned following the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD.</p><h3>Villa Jovis and Palazzo di Tiberio</h3><p>Villa Jovis was the largest and perhaps most important of the 12 residences belonging to emperor Tiberius on Capri; from here he governed the Roman Empire during his final years (27-37 AD). Dominating the rocky spur of Monte Tiberio, the remaining walls and foundations give a good indication of the Imperial Palace’s former grandeur.</p><p>To the villa’s eastern side, on the summit of Monte Tiberio, is a tiny church, Santa Maria del Soccorso, from which there are spectacular views: Golfo di Napoli, the islands of Ischia and Procida, Mount Vesuvius, the Li Galli rocks (just off Positano) and part of the Golfo di Salerno. Nearby is the <i>faro </i>(lighthouse), once part of a messaging system of semaphores (signals) to Rome. Also noteworthy is the sheer cliff known as Salto di Tiberio; Tiberius is said to have hurled enemies and lovers he had grown tired off of this very cliff.</p><h3>The Faraglioni</h3><p>Just opposite Punta Tragara (a landing point used during Roman times) are three enormous rocks. Erosion has separated these limestone pinnacles from the island, thereby creating accessible caves, grottoes and fascinating natural archways. Two rare animals live on these isolated rocks: a blue-stomached lizard (Lacerta caerulea faraglionensis) and a “guffawing” seagull.</p>

<h3>Arco Naturale</h3><p>This dramatic, massive limestone archway evolved from centuries of marine erosion and dates to the Paleolithic age. It was originally a large grotto that penetrated the mountain.</p><h3>Via dei Fortini</h3><p>“The Pathway of the Forts” is a spectacular trail cut into the cliffs of Capri. A staircase magically appears as if carved into the rocky masses scattered off as far as the eye can see.</p><p>With crystal clear turquoise waters to one side and rocky promontories on the other, the now-abandoned fortresses along the path were originally built for protection from Saracen raids and were later rebuilt by the British during the Napoleonic Wars of the early 1800s. This ‘undiscovered’ side of Capri affords you breathtaking views of the sea and the occasional odd goat along the trail for company.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Experience the real </i><a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/italy/amalfi-coast"><i><u>Capri</u></i></a><i> with Butterfield &amp; Robinson on a trip that will have you remain long after the day trippers have departed, taking you to the quieter spots of the island most people don't even know exists.</i></p>

Discover a deeper side of Capri—from secluded walking paths and historic villas to local culture, island history, and the timeless beauty beyond the crowds of Italy’s iconic island escape.

In Deep: The Island of Capri | Hidden History & Local Culture Guide

Discover the Amalfi Coast

<p>Glamorous doesn’t begin to describe it. Commonly regarded as Italy’s most spectacular stretch of coastline, this treasured region comes by its reputation honestly, having welcomed visitors for thousands of years.&nbsp;</p><p>The whitewashed towns cling to towering slopes, the dramatic cliff-side vistas, hidden bays and beaches bask in the Mediterranean sun, and historic places like Ravello, Positano and Amalfi Town—together they provide a daily diet of comfort, culture and fabulous cuisine, and an escape unlike any other.</p>

Discover Italy’s coastal paradise of sun, sea, and savour

Walk the Path of the Gods from Ravello to Positano on small group or private bespoke trips on the Amalfi Coast, with terrace dinners and clifftop stays.

Amalfi Coast Walking Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

<p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The Mediterranean has been a hallmark of well-being for centuries, and the Phlegraean Islands in the Gulf of Naples are no exception. History, natural beauty and glamour fuse against the sparkling azure backdrop of the sea. Colourful houses terrace the coastline dramatically while the hoovering volcanoes in the distance draw the eye upward. In this flowering cradle of civilization, you’ll be warmly greeted by the locals and privy to the best coastal secrets: understanding what makes the sirens sing and the lemon trees grow, all in the heavenly rhythm of island time.</span></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(109, 109, 109);">Our decades-long love affair with the Amalfi Coast has us feeling like members of the Amalfitano family, so don’t be surprised if the barmen or concierge greet you like old friends. Here, nature forces life to slow down. Grapes are harvested by hand on terraced plots, then shuttled by mule along trails that connect colourful fishing ports. Boats cruise to Capri only when the Mediterranean is calm enough to allow it. And pizzas are garnished with hand-picked, wild herbs. If superb accommodation, challenging walks and ocean views are what you seek, then a bespoke trip to the Amalfi Coast is for you.&nbsp;</span></p>

La Dolce Vita in Amalfi

Scenic Walks, Stunning Views

Exclusive Local Experiences

<p>The Amalfi Coast doesn’t rush—so neither should you. Hike cliffside trails where grapes ride mules, boats only sail when the Med says so, and pizzas come topped with wild herbs and sea air. From family adventures to romantic honeymoons, limoncello to luxe lodgings, Amalfi is a love letter to slowing down in luxurious, spectacular style.</p>

The allure of southern Italy's colourful coastline, Amalfi   

immerse yourself in the elegance of amalfi

<p>Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.</p>

Hike the Path of the Gods, boat sea caves and dine on clifftop terraces on a custom Amalfi itinerary. Italy's most photogenic coastline, accessed beyond the

Amalfi Coast Private Tours: Path of the Gods, Sea Caves & Clifftop Dining

<p>“A dream place"—that’s how Steinbeck described Amalfi. And when you take in the Path of the Gods, the hotels (we stay at Le Sirenuse, just like he did), the food and the Limoncello, you’ll understand why. Dream place? More like fantasy land—but who are we to correct a Nobel laureate?</p><p><em>B&amp;R Experience Designer Courtney Mundy has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.</em></p>

Breathtaking Landscapes

One-of-a-kind Hotels

Insider Access

<p>“A dream place"—that’s how Steinbeck described Amalfi. And when you take in the Path of the Gods, the hotels (we stay at Le Sirenuse, just like he did), the food and the Limoncello, you’ll understand why. Dream place? More like fantasy land—but who are we to correct a Nobel laureate?</p>

In the Footsteps of Gods

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Experience Designers

Spend 5 nights hiking Capri, Ravello and Positano in a small group, with a stay at Le Sirenuse. Path of the Gods and the Amalfi's most dramatic clifftop trails.

Amalfi Coast Walking Tour: Path of the Gods, Capri, Positano & Le Sirenuse

<p><strong><em>Glamorous </em></strong>doesn’t begin to describe it!<strong>2</strong></p>

<p>Here, sweeping mountain vistas and the spectacularly placed Caesar Augustus (your Relais &amp;&nbsp;Châteaux away from home) conspire to make the sirens sing. Go at your own pace—with local guides at your beck and call—as you traverse the glittering coast (on foot and by private boat), and take in Amalfi’s idyllic mix of luxury and rustic charm.</p><p><em>B&amp;R Experience Designer Courtney Mundy has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.</em></p>

Great Walks

Unique Gastronomy

Experience By Sea

<p>Amalfi’s beauty runs deeper than postcard-perfect vistas (though they’re delightful, too). Wander at your leisure along cliffside trails, discover why lemons grow as big as your head, and eavesdrop on goats gossiping hillside secrets. From glittering coastlines to charming mountain paths, experience the luxurious-yet-rustic rhythm of life that inspired Steinbeck, and still beckons the Sirens to sing.</p>

Amalfi's stunning coastline

$11,995 based on two travellers. $11,595 based on four travellers. $11,095 based on six travellers.

Spend 5 nights hiking Capri, Ravello and Positano self-guided in a small group. Walk the Path of the Gods at your own pace, with hidden grottos throughout.

In Deep: The Island of Capri

By Courtney Mundy

Amalfi Coast

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