The island is characterized by its rugged limestone landscape, sea stacks (Faraglioni), coastal grottoes including the renownedBlue Grotto, and high cliffs overlooking the sea. Notable features include the harbours ofMarina Grande andMarina Piccola, the panoramic Belvedere of Tragara, the ruins of Roman imperial villas such asVilla Jovis, and the towns ofCapri andAnacapri, the latter situated higher up the slopes ofMonte Solaro, the island's highest point.
Administratively, Capri is part of theMetropolitan City of Naples within the Campania region. The island is divided into two municipalities (comuni): Capri and Anacapri.
The origin of the name Capri is uncertain. It may derive from theAncient Greekκάπρος (kápros), meaning 'wild boar'.[2] Ancient Greek colonists fromMagna Graecia were the first recorded inhabitants, calling the islandKapreai (Καπρέαι).[3] Alternatively, the name could come from theLatincapreae, meaning 'goats'.[2] Fossils of wild boars have been found on the island, supporting the Greek etymology.[citation needed] A less likely theory suggests anEtruscan origin meaning 'rocky', referencing the island's limestone terrain.[4]
Archaeological evidence indicates human presence on Capri dating back to theNeolithic andBronze Age. The Roman historianSuetonius recounts that when workers excavated the foundations for EmperorAugustus's villa, they discovered giant bones and stone weapons, which Augustus displayed in his residence, thePalazzo a Mare.[5] (Modern analysis suggests these may have been fossils of large extinct mammals).[6]
The Roman poetVirgil, in theAeneid, referred to the island being inhabited by Greek settlers from theIonian Islands (the Teleboi). The geographerStrabo noted that Capri anciently had two towns, later reduced to one.[7]
Emperor Augustus developed Capri as a private resort, building villas, temples, and aqueducts, and planting gardens.[8] His successor,Tiberius, constructed twelve villas on the island according toTacitus. The most famous,Villa Jovis, is one of the best-preserved Roman villas in Italy. In AD 27, Tiberius moved permanently to Capri, governing theRoman Empire from the island until his death in AD 37.[citation needed] Later, in AD 182, EmperorCommodus exiled his sisterLucilla to Capri, where she was subsequently executed.[citation needed]
In 1496, KingFrederick IV of Naples established administrative parity between the settlements of Capri and Anacapri. Pirate raids intensified during the 16th century; admiralsBarbarossa Hayreddin Pasha andTurgut Reis captured the island for the Ottoman Empire in 1535 and 1553, respectively.[citation needed]
The French antiquarianJean-Jacques Bouchard visited in the 17th century and is considered one of the first modern tourists; his diary provides valuable insights.[citation needed]
Villa Behring, whereMaxim Gorky lived from 1909–1911.
During theNapoleonic Wars, French troops occupied Capri in January 1806 but were ousted by the British in May. Britain established a naval base (a "SecondGibraltar") but caused damage to archaeological sites during construction. The French recaptured the island in 1808 and held it until 1815, when it was returned to theBourbon Kingdom of Naples.[citation needed]
In the 19th century, naturalistIgnazio Cerio catalogued the island's flora and fauna. His work was continued by his son,Edwin Cerio, an author and engineer known for his writings on Capri life.[citation needed]
Capri is located in theTyrrhenian Sea at the western entrance to theGulf of Naples, approximately 5 km from the mainland tip of theSorrento Peninsula. The island has an area of 10.4 km2 (4.0 sq mi). The terrain is mountainous, consisting primarily oflimestone andsandstone; steep cliffs dominate much of the coastline.[4]
The highest point isMonte Solaro at 589 m (1,932 ft). The island's western part, culminating in Monte Solaro, is known as Anacapri, distinct from the eastern part centered around the town of Capri. The two main harbours areMarina Grande on the north coast (the primary port) andMarina Piccola on the south coast.
Notable natural features include the famous sea stacks known as theFaraglioni off the southeast coast, theBlue Grotto sea cave on the northwest coast, and theArco Naturale, a large natural arch on the east coast.
Capri experiences aMediterranean climate (Köppen:Csa). Summers are warm to hot and generally dry, while winters are mild and wet. Sub-zero temperatures are rare.
Climate data for Capri, elevation 160 m (520 ft), (1991–2020 normals)
Panoramic view from the Piazzetta in Capri town.Grotta Meravigliosa sea cave.
Capri's economy is mostly based ontourism. The island has been a major resort destination since the 19th century, attracting visitors from Italy and internationally. During summer, particularly July and August, the island experiences a large influx of tourists, including many day-trippers arriving by ferry from Naples and the Sorrento Peninsula.[20] The centralPiazza Umberto I, commonly known as thePiazzetta, is the hub of social life and tourism in Capri town.[4]
The island is known for upscale hotels, shopping (including luxury brands and local products likeLimoncello and handmade leather sandals, and restaurants. Agriculture is very limited, though somewine andolive oil are produced locally.Handicrafts also contribute to the economy. The popularity of the island has led to concerns aboutovertourism, particularly during peak season, with discussions about measures to limit day-tripper numbers.[21] The international luxury linen brand100% Capri originated on the island.[22]
During the latter half of the 19th century and early 20th century, Capri became a popular destination and residence for European artists, writers, and other prominent figures.August Kopisch's account of his 1826 rediscovery of theBlue Grotto significantly boosted the island's profile.[23]
Marina Grande, the main harbour of CapriTypical open-top taxi used on the island
Capri is accessible viaferry andhydrofoil services operating fromNaples (ports of Molo Beverello and Calata di Massa),Sorrento,Positano, andAmalfi. Services also run fromIschia and other locations during the summer months.[32]
Boats arrive atMarina Grande. From there, the Capri Funicular ascends to Capri town centre (the Piazzetta). A public bus network connects Marina Grande, Capri town,Marina Piccola,Anacapri, the Blue Grotto, and other points.[33] Taxis, often open-toplimousine-style cars, are also available.
Vehicle access for non-residents is heavily restricted for much of the year (typically April to November), due to the island's narrow roads. Visitors generally rely on public transport, taxis, or walking.
^See A. Kopisch,Entdeckung der blauen Grotte auf der Insel Capri (1838).His bookEntdeckung der blauen Grotte auf der Insel Capri spawned the 19th-century fascination with Capri in France, Germany, and England.[citation needed]
^Hazzard, Shirley (2000).Greene on Capri. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. p. 4.
^abc"Events". Capri Tourism. Retrieved2 June 2011.
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