On the south side of the Gulf of Naples is the beautiful island of Capri, that has been celebrated beauty spot for centuries. Today this small island is a popular resort among well-heeled Italians and international celebrities, as well as day trippers from near by Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. The island rises sharply from the sea and is a beautiful jungle of tumbling purple, pink and white, lemon trees, narrow, winding lanes and pastel houses. Photo by: Pierpaolo.

Capri’s natural beauty was appreciated as far back as Roman times. The emperor Augustus came here to unwind, supposedly creating the world’s first paleontological museum in the Villa Augustus, to showcase the Stone-Age artifacts found by his builders. Augustus‘ successor Tiberius built a series of villas on Capri, the most famous of which is Villa Jovis. The eight levels of walls and staircases which remain today only hint the grandeur the villa must have had in its heyday. Photo by: bekahpaige

Both Tiberius and his grand nephew Caligula were reported to indulge in orgies and torture, even to throw women off the cliff next to the villa, although these may be rumours put about by their detractors. Photo by: just4kiss

Today Capri town and Anacapri, the two towns on the island are crowded with tourists, but the rest of the island is hilly, beautiful and much quieter. Visit the gardens of Caesar Augustus and admire the astonishing views across to the Faraglioni, impressive rock stacks in the sea. At Anacapri don’t miss the wonderful gardens of Villa San Michele. Photo by: Meldrewman

The most charming sight on the island is the Grotta Azzura, or Blue Grotto, a magnificent sea cave on the rocky coast. Some emperors used the Blue Grotto as a private bath. These days has become a famous tourist destination visited by boat. Inside the sea seems to be lit from underwater, making it astonishing, iridescent blue. Photo by: elbelbelb2000

When to go: May, June, September and October. Population: 13,100. Getting there: By ferry from Naples, Sorrento, Salerno, Positano or Amalfi. You should know: Book accommodation before you go in the busy summer months. Photo by: Escapista