Island of Capri
A limestone island in the Gulf of Naples shaped by dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and two distinct communities whose separation reflects centuries of geographical and cultural division.
At a glance
Capri sits between the Sorrento-Amalfi peninsula and the islands of Procida and Ischia, its terrain defined by high precipices and numerous cave systems. Two towns coexist on the island: Capri and Anacapri, each with distinct identities rooted in geography and tradition.
History
Ancient Greek historian and geographer Strabo theorized that Capri once formed a continuous landmass with the mainland—a hypothesis later supported by geological evidence and archaeological findings. The two urban settlements developed distinct characters over centuries, shaped by their position relative to the sea and their economic ties to the Kingdom of Naples. Perpetual tensions between Capri and Anacapri were fueled by competition for autonomy and resources, as both communities struggled against administrators imposed from the mainland who controlled local economic interests. Roman emperors favored the island: several visited and commissioned twelve villas on Capri.
What you see
The island’s limestone composition creates striking natural features. Mount Solaro dominates the western slopes while Mount Tiberio rises to the east. Sheer precipices ring much of the shoreline, creating dramatic vertical walls that plunge toward the sea. Numerous sea caves punctuate the lower cliffs, their entrances carved by millennia of wave action against the stone.
Cultural significance
Capri embodies layers of Mediterranean history—from Strabo’s geological observations to Roman imperial leisure and the enduring social geography that divided its two towns. The physical separation between Capri and Anacapri reflects broader patterns of island settlement and the tension between local autonomy and continental control that shaped southern Italian communities.
Key facts
- Location: Gulf of Naples and Gulf of Salerno, between Sorrento-Amalfi peninsula and the islands of Procida and Ischia
- Composition: Limestone
- Principal peaks: Mount Solaro (west), Mount Tiberio (east)
- Roman villas: Twelve imperial villas documented on the island
- Address: Comune di Capri
- Phone: 081 8386201
- Coordinates: 40.5532009, 14.222154000000046
- Website: http://www.cittadicapri.it/
Practical information
The island is accessible by ferry and hydrofoil from Naples, Sorrento, and other ports in the Campania region. Two distinct towns require separate ferries or local transport to reach both communities.
Getting there
Capri is reached by boat from mainland ports. The most common departure points are Naples and Sorrento. Check the official website for current ferry schedules and routes to both Capri and Anacapri.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una foto