Winding down on the island of Capri

The island playground of the rich and famous, lovely Capri rises dramatically out of the Bay of Naples.

A mere 6km long and 3km wide, Capri was the one-time retreat of emperors Augustus and Tiberius. Some 2000 years on, the island has lost little of its natural charms to the constant stream of summertime day-trippers.

Capri's craggy coastline is best appreciated from the water. Most visitors here hire a motor boat and circle the island, taking in its soaring cliffs, unique rock formations and superb sea caves. Scuba diving, water-skiing, sailing and swimming are other ideal ways to enjoy Capri's azure surrounds.

Back on dry land, the island is a joy to walk around. You could waste hours getting lost in its tangle of narrow back streets and cliff-top paths, stopping to gawk at the mansions, churches, orchards and breathtaking coastal vistas.

And then there's the obligatory cafes, restaurants, boutique shops and souvenir stores to spend your hard-earned cash in; few visitors leave the island without clutching a bottle of limoncello, a tangy lemon liqueur that is Capri's specialty tipple.

Capri is serviced by year-round ferries from Sorrento, Pozzuoli and Naples and a hydrofoil from Salerno, Amalfi and Positano.