Capri is an island known for its resorts, high end shopping and five-star seaside restaurants. The island is filled with designer labels and high-class hotels. Luxurious sandy beaches blanket the back side of the island, drawing in tourists from near and far. Capri has become a famous vacation destination for travelers all over the world. However, while the island wasn’t always known for its lavish amenities and shopping opportunities, its roots are tied to vacationing.
First, let’s get some background information. Capri is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, just off the Amalfi Coast of Italy. This part of Italy historically has been a vacation spot. The island is only about 4 square miles but holds around 12,000 residents Capri’s vacation history begins in the age of the Roman Empire. While you visit Capri and
stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets, try to image what the island would have looked like in 27 AD. In this year, Roman emperor Tiberius popularized the island of Capri for the first time. The majesty of Capri would have remained relatively untouched during that time, making it a perfect, luxurious vacation spot for a rich Roman ruler.
If you’ve ever heard of Capri, you’ve probably heard of the Blue Grotto. This magnificent cave is known to be the private swimming pool of Tiberius. Inside, statues of the sea god Neptune have been found. These are thought to have once been decorations for Tiberius’s pool.
The Blue Grotto is still accessible for visitors to enter today, but you’re going to have to time it right. The entrance to the cave is very small, and, if the tide is too high, even the smallest rowboat can’t fit. However, if you’re lucky and the tides are right, a visit to the Blue Grotto is a must do in Capri. It will cost you about 50 euros for a boat to get to the grotto, and then 14 euros as admission to go inside. Make sure to tip your rowboat captain as well – they have come to expect it and can get upset if you don’t!
Now, fast-forward to the 17th century, where the first ever tourist visit to Capri was recorded. The trip was made by French antique dealer Jean-Jaques Bouchard. In fact, his diary is one the main sources about the history of the island. In his writings, Piazza Umberto, Capri's largest and most central piazza, is described for the first time as buzzing with life.
Capri's name itself is actually historical as well. The name originally derives from the Latin "Caprae," named so when the Greeks still inhabited Capri. Since then, the name Capri has been used as a term to name the entire island, although the island is divided into two subsections. The main part of the island visible from Marina Grande is named Capri, while the western part has been named Anacapri.
Since the time of Bouchard, the island has become a popular vacation destination for relaxing and shopping. Enjoy stores like Gucci and Prada just minutes from top rated beaches. Stay in the city center for a history lesson, and make sure to think about what Capri would have been like when Tiberius was vacationing there!
Guests all around the island love Capri's unique history and what Capri has to offer. And don’t worry – you will too!
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