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Andrew Harper ~ The Ultimate Resource for the Luxury Traveler

 

 

Twenty miles from Naples, rising abruptly out of the azure gulf, is the little island of Capri; this Mediterranean island of calcareous origin has been visited over the centuries by intellectuals, artists and writers, all enthralled by its magical beauty.

 

Capri's natural and manmade attractions are indisputable. The island abounds in hills, cliffs, olive groves, vineyards, and garden terraces overlooking the blue water of the Mediterranean. Naples and Vesuvius loom in the distance, with white ferries and hydrofoils zigzagging across the bay. Paths and steps offer countless opportunities to explore the island on foot, while churches, historic villas and ruins offer sightseeing opportunities.

Capri is perhaps Italy’s most elegant island retreat, a favoured holiday spot since Roman times and former home of Emperor Tiberius. In the village of Capri all roads lead to the famous Piazzetta; no matter what lane you are on, you will eventually end up at this picturesque square. The more active can adventure onto the picturesque rocky promenade along Via Tragara to reach the famous beach of Fontelina and check out the breathtaking views over the renowned Faraglioni. On the opposite side of the island, in the Anacapri area, is the Blue Grotto, a 60-metre long and 25 metre wide opening in the rocky island side, reputed since Roman times. Here, allow yourself to be washed into the great blue chasm and swim through the darkness. It is impossible not to experience a sense of awe as you gaze back at the unearthly blue.

Capri is connected by speedboat to both Naples and Sorrento, allowing for unique tours discovering the Campania region and its magnificent sites.

The Bay of Naples is one of the richest areas for archaeological, artistic and monumental works, as well as being a land of great popular traditions, renowned for the warmth of the people and their passion for music, dance and the dramatic arts.Visit the village of Pozzuoli, with the Castle of Baia, the pleasant promenade that leads to Cape Miseno with its Lighthouse, the Phlegraean Fields, famous for its archaeological sites, and the Cuma area with the legendary Grotto of Sibilla.

From the Bay you can easily reach the centre of Naples, capital of Campania and the largest city in Southern Italy. Naples is a sprawling metropolis that was founded by Greeks and enlarged by Romans; as a result the town is rich in history and stunning architecture. Naples is renowned for its beautiful setting and expressive people. The best way to soak up the street-theatre atmosphere of Neapolitan life is to start by walking down Spaccanapoli (literally “split Naples”), the popular name for the long straight street that cuts through the heart of the centro storico. Or you can take a ride on the Circumvesuviana, a small train that starts in Naples with connections to Sorrento, Herculaneum and Pompei.

Pompei is perhaps Italy’s most treasured archaeological site; here wander away from the main streets to immerse yourself in the remnants of domestic life still evident in this provincial Roman town, which came to an abrupt end one day in AD 79. Pompei, along with Herculaneum, was destroyed, and completely buried, during a catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius. Today, Pompei is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Also the small town of Sorrento is worth a visit and is wonderfully located over white steep cliffs offering fantastic views over the Bay of Naples. Sorrento lies on a Tufa terrace and is enclosed by impressive rocks of the Limestone Mountains. For over 2000 years, visitors from all over the world have been attracted to Sorrento by breathtaking sunsets and fragrances of orange and lemon gardens.

Proceeding out of Sorrento, explore the twisting roads of the Amalfi Coast from where you will catch glimpses of little hamlets and bays dotted amidst the brilliant Mediterranean flora. Towns and villages cling to the cliffs which rise from the iridescent blue sea. Here you will find Positano, with its multi coloured houses, the supremely elegant Ravello and exquisitely beautiful Nerano, and many more delightful towns which face out towards the Gulf of Salerno. In this place of spectacular natural beauty various Mediterranean cultures combine, creating a truly unique atmosphere.