Capri Island History and Facts
Capri Island History and Facts
Nestled in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Capri Island is a storied destination with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the iconic Faraglioni rocks and the mesmerizing Blue Grotto, Capri continues to enchant visitors with its natural beauty and cultural allure.
Join us as we delve into the fascinating timeline of enchanting Capri’s history, while discovering meticulously curated tickets you’ll be eager to purchase.
Quick Facts about Capri Island
- Location: Capri is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the Sorrentine Peninsula in Italy’s Campania region.
- Size: The island covers an area of approximately 10.4 square kilometers (4.0 square miles).
- Population: As of the last census, Capri has a population of around 12,000 inhabitants, which increases significantly during the peak tourist season.
- Landmarks: Capri is famous for its natural landmarks, including the Faraglioni rock formations, the Blue Grotto sea cave, and the Monte Solaro mountain.
- History: Capri has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. It was a favored resort destination for Roman emperors, including Tiberius.
- Culture: Capri has long been a cultural and artistic hub, attracting writers, poets, and painters. It has inspired numerous works of art and literature over the centuries.
- Tourism: Today, Capri is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning scenery, upscale boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors come to explore its historical sites, relax on its beaches, and indulge in its delicious cuisine.
7 Fun Facts about Capri Island
Explore the enchanting nuances of Milan Cathedral through these intriguing and delightful nuggets of information:
Name Origin
The name “Capri” is thought to have originated from the Greek word “kapros,” meaning wild boar, reflecting the island’s abundant wildlife in ancient times.
Blue Grotto Optical Illusion
The Blue Grotto, one of Capri’s most famous attractions, creates a magical optical illusion. The sunlight passing through an underwater cavity illuminates the cavern with a surreal blue light, making the water appear incredibly vibrant and transparent.
Tiberius’ Leap
According to legend, Emperor Tiberius would throw disobedient servants off the cliffs of Capri as punishment. This dramatic story has led to the cliffs being nicknamed “Tiberius’ Leap.”
Celebrity Visitors
Capri has been a magnet for celebrities throughout history. Notable visitors include artists like Pablo Picasso and writers like Graham Greene, who found inspiration in the island’s beauty.
Limoncello Tradition
Limoncello, a lemon liqueur, is a popular beverage in Capri and is made from the island’s abundant lemons. It’s often served as a refreshing digestif after meals or enjoyed as a cocktail ingredient.
Caprese Salad Origin
The famous Caprese salad, consisting of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt, is believed to have originated on Capri Island, showcasing the region’s delicious culinary heritage.
Blue Lizard of Capri
Capri is home to a unique lizard species known as the “Blue Lizard of Capri” or “Blue-Tailed Lizard.” These reptiles have bright blue tails and can only be found on the island.
History of Capri Island: Chronological Timeline
8th Century BC
Capri Island is first settled by the Greeks, marking the beginning of its recorded history.
1st Century AD
During the Roman Empire, Capri becomes a favored retreat for Emperor Tiberius, who constructs lavish villas, including Villa Jovis.
Medieval Period (5th-15th Century):
Capri experiences periods of decline and is frequently raided by pirates. It comes under the rule of various Italian city-states.
Renaissance and Enlightenment (15th-18th Century)
Capri gains popularity among artists and intellectuals, attracted by its natural beauty. It becomes a destination for European elites.
20th Century
Capri evolves into a glamorous resort destination, attracting celebrities and travelers from around the world. It remains a beloved destination for leisure and exploration.
In-Depth Summary of Capri Island’s History
Capri Island boasts a rich and varied history that spans millennia. Its story begins in ancient times when it was first settled by the Greeks around the 8th century BC. The island’s strategic location in the Tyrrhenian Sea made it a vital hub for maritime trade, attracting attention from various Mediterranean civilizations.
During the Roman Empire, Capri reached new heights of prominence, particularly during the reign of Emperor Tiberius. Tiberius built opulent villas, including the famed Villa Jovis, where he ruled the empire from 27 to 37 AD. Capri became a favored retreat for Roman elites, who were drawn to its stunning landscapes and mild climate.
In the medieval period, Capri faced challenges such as raids by pirates and shifting political control among Italian city-states. However, the island maintained its significance as a cultural and economic center in the region.
The Renaissance brought renewed interest in Capri’s natural beauty, with artists and writers flocking to the island for inspiration. Throughout the following centuries, Capri continued to attract intellectuals and aristocrats, becoming known as a haven for leisure and cultural pursuits.
In the 20th century, Capri underwent a transformation into a glamorous resort destination, attracting celebrities, artists, and travelers from around the world. Despite modernization and tourism development, Capri has preserved its unique charm and historical heritage, making it a cherished destination for visitors seeking both relaxation and exploration.
Book Top-Rated Tickets for your Capri Boat Tour
Explore below our curated selection of top-rated Capri Boat Tours:
Capri Boat Tours from Sorrento:
Sorrento: Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and Optional Blue Grotto
1982 Reviews
From €159
GetYourGuide
“A great way to see the Isle of Capri from both the water and the land…”
From Sorrento: Capri Boat Tour with visit to the Blue Grotto
859 Reviews
From €109
GetYourGuide
About this Activity
“Goodness, I can’t even begin to describe how happy this activity made me. The sun and wind were great; the water was nice and cool; there was a toilet on the ship; and most importantly, my guides were amazing…”
Capri Boat Tours from Positano
From Positano: Sorrento Coast & Capri Full-Day Trip by Boat
219 Reviews
From €154
GetYourGuide
“This was certainly a highlight for us! It exceeded my expectations. The boat ride is sooo much fun and swimming the ocean was just incredible….”
From Positano: Full-Day Boat Trip to Capri
42 Reviews
From €168
GetYourGuide
““Great tour, fun boat trip around capri before some free time in capri itself. We got in to swim once on the trip to Capri and did one other waterfall activity on the way back.(…) Guides were helpful and fun….”
Capri Boat Tours from Naples:
From Naples: Island of Capri Full-Day Tour with Lunch
1383 Reviews
From €141
GetYourGuide
“Very good excursion, it meets the description. Connie, our guide, explained many things to us about the places we visited and was very friendly….”
From Naples: Capri and Blue Grotto Day Tour
658 Reviews
From €180
GetYourGuide
“We loved this day. The performance of the guide Alberto was remarkable. This guide is friendly with a lot of humor while providing knowledge of the field….”
Private Capri Boat Tours
Capri: Private Island Boat Tour for Couples
70 Reviews
From €160 per person
GetYourGuide
About this Activity
“Ciro was a fantastic guide – very knowledgeable of the area. Despite his English not being great he used a translation app through a speaker so we didn’t miss anything…”
Capri Boat Tours from Sorrento:
Sorrento: Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and Optional Blue Grotto
Embark on an exclusive Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento with an optional stop at the Blue Grotto by a small boat accommodating up to 12 people. Cruise around the island, indulge in snorkeling, and relish 4 hours of free time to explore Capri at your own pace.
Sarah – Australia, Oct. 2023 [Source: GetYourGuide] “A great way to see the Isle of Capri from both the water and the land. Highly recommend paying the little bit extra to visit the island via a boat tour rather than public ferry so you can see all of the island from the water and with four hours on the island this was enough time to explore.”
From Sorrento: Capri Boat Tour with visit to the Blue Grotto
Embark on an early speedboat journey from Sorrento to Capri, avoiding the crowds at the popular Blue Grotto. Dive into snorkeling adventures, explore the island at your own pace, and savor three hours of free time to wander around the city center.
Terri – Italy, Oct. 2023 [Source: GetYourGuide] “Goodness, I can’t even begin to describe how happy this activity made me. The sun and wind were great; the water was nice and cool; there was a toilet on the ship; and most importantly, my guides were amazing. Shoutout to Agatha and Michael for a wonderful time. They took us to the best spots, were extremely knowledgeable and friendly….”
Capri Boat Tours from Positano
From Positano: Sorrento Coast & Capri Full-Day Trip by Boat
Experience a full-day Capri Boat Tour from Positano with round-trip minivan transfers. Enjoy the coastal beauty of the Sorrentine Peninsula and the island of Capri on an elegant boat for up to 12 passengers, with complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Victoria – Australia, Oct. 2023 [Source: GetYourGuide] “This was certainly a highlight for us! It exceeded my expectations. The boat ride is sooo much fun and swimming the ocean was just incredible. Our guide, Luisa, was very knowledgeable and ensured we didn’t miss out on any significant experience. We received (…) The time we were given on the island was a good amount of time.”
From Positano: Full-Day Boat Trip to Capri
Uncover the beauty of Capri on an 8-hour full-day Capri Boat Tour from Positano that strikes the perfect balance between guided exploration and free time. Enjoy pickup and drop-off from the designated meeting point, and unwind on a comfortable boat within a small group setting.
GetYourGuide traveler – USA, Sep. 2023 [Source: GetYourGuide] “Great tour, fun boat trip around capri before some free time in capri itself. We got in to swim once on the trip to Capri and did one other waterfall activity on the way back.(…) Guides were helpful and fun. Shuttle from Positano will call your name at the meeting point (parking garage, has a free bathroom there). The shuttle ride made us more motion sick than the boat, though, haha.”
Capri Boat Tours from Naples:
From Naples: Island of Capri Full-Day Tour with Lunch
Embark on an 8-day guided Capri Boat Tour from Naples to explore the island of Capri via hydrofoil. Visit iconic attractions like Marina Grande, Anacapri, the Piazzetta, and the Gardens of Augustus, complemented by an included light lunch.
GetYourGuide traveler – Spain, Dec. 2023 [Source: GetYourGuide] “Very good excursion, it meets the description. Connie, our guide, explained many things to us about the places we visited and was very friendly. The food in the restaurant was very good. Spectacular views from the island. It’s a shame that we went in December and there weren’t many stores open or many people there, in summer it must have been a great atmosphere.”
From Naples: Capri and Blue Grotto Day Tour
Join this guided Capri Boat Tour from Naples, experiencing the iconic island via a fast ferry. Led by an expert local guide, witness the island’s landmarks and enjoy a visit to the Blue Grotto by minibus.
GetYourGuide traveler – Oct. 2023 [Source: GetYourGuide] “We loved this day. The performance of the guide Alberto was remarkable. This guide is friendly with a lot of humor while providing knowledge of the field. We highly recommend this excursion even if the price is high… but it is Capri, a very exclusive island where everything is expensive (for example €12 per spritz)”
Private Capri Boat Tours
Capri: Private Island Boat Tour for Couples
Embark on a private 2 hour Capri Boat Tour from Positano, Sorrento, or Capri, featuring onboard restroom and WiFi. Escape the crowds to explore secluded coves, coastal grottoes, and witness Roman ruins on this tranquil journey.
Eleanor – Oct. 2023 [Source: GetYourGuide] “Ciro was a fantastic guide – very knowledgeable of the area. Despite his English not being great he used a translation app through a speaker so we didn’t miss anything. There were lots of opportunities to swim in the beautiful sea caves which were magical, plus unlike the larger tour boats we could get much closer to the shore. Well worth the money!”
>> Compare all options with our comparison table and pick the best ticket.
>> Check out the best places to eat on Capri Islandwith our restaurant recommendations.
