Hiking through Roman ruins on the Island of Capri (and Anacapri)

There are so many views of Capri, Italy I’ve enjoyed over the years. It's an island of Ancient Roman mystery and organic beauty: from the soaring cliffs from the Gardens of Augustus on Capri to the sweeping view of the exhausting but glamorous Via Krupp hike.

The beauty of Capri is difficult to convey, one must stand in its presence and breathe the sea air and smell the lemon trees, the flowers, and the herbs growing on the soaring cliffs and hike through wildflower meadows and climb between the rocks and trees to swim in its thick salty sea and mingle among its people, sleepily creating living memories among the dreamy Mediterranean island atmosphere.

Hiking up from Capri Town to Anacapri on the way to Villa Lysis or Villa Jovis (Tiberius' Roman ruins) you climb many winding stone and paved paths, meadows, forest trails, as the beauty of Capri unfolds in white against the blue, blue sea and azure sky.

One of my greatest pleasures on Capri and Anacapri is wandering off the beaten path and (quietly and respectfully) admiring the beautiful villas and homes and unique garden ornaments of the locals. The island still has many artisans designing and hand painting tiles and statues.

The quiet moments on Capri / Anacapri are my favorites: admiring the gorgeous blues, grays, browns, and whites of the surrounding islands and land near Capri... or beautiful remnants of the artisan trade on Capri / AnaCapri, everything still hand made and painted stone tiles on locals' homes and in their gardens.

The ruins of Tiberius' Roman villa are on the same cliffs and rocks and sea where he was writ to have had his enemies thrown or entertained, depending on their fates, or perhaps on his whims. The steep climb is worth the trek and climb to see the Villa Jovis and its panoramic views.

Supposedly you can even stand on the very spot of the grounds of the Villa Jovis where Emperor Tiberius had his enemies thrown down onto the rocks and washed away at sea. The only way to get to Villa Jovis is to hike a paved path or a more rugged 18th century wooded path, (I have done both many times)!

Plants and flowers and goats decorate the Villa Jovis Park, the goats’ ancestors were brought over in ancient times and their lines still thrive there today. Capri is also an island full of exotic birds and butterflies who stop on their way migrating south for the winter.

Capri is a getaway that has a little something for everyone.

The sun, the flora and fauna, the ruins, the little tiny art museums, the villas open for architectural luxuriating, the lush gardens, the long rambles, the boating and the swimming, the spas and quiet spots tucked away, the local cuisine and the shopping, the getaway that keeps on giving.

The sun rises and the sun sets, the stroll and the romance, the transporting feeling of going back 60, 70 years ago in time. The slice of paradise.

Capri makes you want to find your passions.