Ischia
There are castles and then there’s Ischia’s Castello Aragonese, a veritable fort-city set on its own craggy islet, looking like a cross between Harry…
Must-see attractions in Gulf of Naples Islands
Capri
Villa Jovis was the largest and most sumptuous of 12 Roman villas commissioned by Roman Emperor Tiberius (AD14–37) on Capri, and his main island residence…
Capri
Sitting in an old-fashioned chairlift above the white houses, terraced gardens and hazy hillsides of Anacapri as you rise to the top of Capri's highest…
Capri
This beautifully melancholic art-nouveau villa is set on a clifftop on Capri’s northeast tip and was the one-time retreat of French poet Jacques d…
Ischia
A symphony of plants, La Mortella (the myrtles) is the former home and gardens of the late British composer William Walton (1902–83) and his Argentine…
Villa San Michele di Axel Munthe
Capri
The former home of Swedish doctor, psychiatrist and animal-rights advocate Axel Munthe, San Michele di Axel Munthe should be included on every visitor’s…
Capri
Anacapri’s chief building is famous for its handsome floor, a veritable work of art depicting the Adam and Eve story in multicoloured tiles. So masterful…
Capri
This pebble beach is home to the island's most popular beach club (entry €20), where you can swim amid the ruins of a Roman villa. It's a 10-minute walk…
Capri
Capri’s most famous attraction is the Grotta Azzurra, an unusual sea cave illuminated by an otherworldly blue light. The easiest way to visit is to take a…
Capri
Rising 589m above Anacapri, Monte Solaro is Capri’s highest point. To get to the top, you can either take the seggiovia (chairlift) from Piazza Vittoria…
Capri
Located beneath the 17th-century clock tower and framed by see-and-be-seen cafes, this showy, open-air salon is central to your Capri experience,…
Capri
These three limestone pinnacles rise vertically out of the sea just south of the Belvedere di Tragara, from where you can admire them. Measuring 109m, 81m…
Capri
Founded in 1363, this substantial monastery is generally considered to be the finest remaining example of Caprese architecture and today houses a school,…
Ischia
The good news is that this museum is well signposted and has a car park. The bad news is that it's on a perilous corner on Ischia's mountain road between…
Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo
Procida
Soak up the dizzying bay views at the belvedere before exploring the adjoining Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo. Built in the 11th century and remodelled…
Capri
As their name suggests, these gardens near the Certosa di San Giacomo were founded by Emperor Augustus. Rising in a series of flowered terraces, they lead…
Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae
Ischia
Housed in the elegant Villa Arbusto, former home of local celeb Angelo Rizzoli, the Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae enjoys a heady historical location…
Ischia
To anyone of average fitness, an ascent of Ischia’s slumbering volcanic peak is practically obligatory. The views from the rocky summit are superb. And,…
Ischia
Among all those posh, dreamy (sometimes expensive) spas, it's nice to have access to something that's thermal and free. Located at the bottom of 300 steps…
Capri
The striking Moroccan-style ‘Red House’ was built by American colonel John Clay MacKown in 1876. Constructed around a 16th-century defensive tower, the…
Capri
Little more than a series of private bathing facilities, Marina Piccola is on the southern side of the island, directly south of Marina Grande. A short…
Capri
This panoramic platform, reached via a 30-minute walk along a paved path from Anacapri, has spectacular sea views. From Piazza Vittoria, take Via…
Ischia
The vision of local botanist Giuseppe D’Ambra, who has collected plants since the 1960s, this 6000-sq-metre garden pays homage to the not-so-humble cactus…
Capri
This imposing natural arch is a 1.3km walk east from Piazza Umberto I, down Via Matermània and Via Arco Naturale. Dating back to the Paleolithic era and…
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso
Ischia
This diminutive white church perched above the water in the town centre was originally part of a 14th-century Augustinian monastery; its side chapel and…
Procida
Procida has limited beach appeal, but this long, narrow ribbon of brownish sand with views of Marina Corricella in the distance has a loyal local…
Capri
The most 'local' beach on Capri, Spiaggia di Faro is by the lighthouse and away-from-the-action, and known for its wonderful sunsets. There are a couple…
Ischia
Long, sandy and very popular, this beach was a favourite landing spot for pirates, who would bury their loot beneath the sand. Reach it by bus from Barano…
Capri
Capri’s best beach is at Marina Grande, where you'll find a little sand among the pebbles; unsurprisingly, it's perennially popular with families. From…
Ischia
Located on Ischia's northwestern tip, this secluded rocky spot is perfect for a solitary swim in clear, deep water. To get here, follow the walking path…
Capri
This well-loved lookout, 15 minutes walk from Piazza Umberto I, has heady views of the Isole Faraglioni. Steps near the belvedere lead down to a small…
Ischia
Just outside Lacco Ameno and wedged between two headlands, this gorgeous bay is the place for warm, shallow, crystal-clear waters. It's situated in front…
Ischia
This pint-sized museum encased in the larger Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae pays homage to the man who turned humble little Lacco into a celebrity…
Capri
This is the island’s oldest church and the only real sight around the marina. Dating from the 5th century, the whitewashed chiesa is dedicated to the…
Ischia
A striking 15th-century watchtower, Torre del Mare, now serves as the bell tower to this church that is also Ischia’s cathedral. The current church,…
Ischia
If you are an old salt at heart (or have a penchant for model ships), don’t miss Ischia’s maritime museum with its lovingly documented exhibits. Objects…
Procida
Linked to Procida by pedestrian bridge, pocket-sized Vivara is what remains of a volcanic crater dating back some 55,000 years. The island is home to…
Capri
This humble 16th-century hermitage is in the valley of Cetrella, halfway up Monte Solaro. The bell tower and two barrel-vaulted naves form the oldest part…
Capri
Though not remarkable in itself, Capri’s main church, named after its patron saint, is a tempting haven from the bottlenecks of tourists on the streets…
Capri
Rising above Punta Carena, Capri’s rugged southwesterly point, is the faro, Italy’s second-tallest and most powerful lighthouse. The rocks nearby are a…
