Capri

The Isle of Capri known as the "Island of Sin," is located 15 mi/25 km south of Naples, in the Bay of Naples is now simply a desirable place to visit and a romantic spot for honeymooners. For centuries, it was a retreat of sorts. Pirates hid their loot there, and Emperor Tiberius used to hold orgies on the island. It's a retreat for the young jet set and assorted Hollywood celebrities in these days. Don't expect lush tropical scenery, but do expect Old World charm, gorgeous grottoes and silver- and rose-colored cliffs plunging straight into clear, blue water. Also expect superb restaurants, good shopping, water sports, castles, churches, wonderful streets in which to stroll and some of the highest prices in Italy. East of town are the ruins of Villa Jovis, where he spent the last, debauched years of his reign. Read Robert Graves I, Claudius to get an idea of what went on. Read his wonderful autobiography, The Story of San Michele, for a good introduction to the island and the special significance of the villa itself. It is very chic to have an after-dinner drink in the famous piazzetta, the small square in the center of town. Higher up in the hills is another village, called Anacapri, from which you can take a chairlift to the summit of one of the highest peaks on the island to enjoy the wonderful view over the sea and the Bay of Naples. Also in Anacapri is the beautiful Villa San Michele, which houses the art collection of Swedish doctor Axel Munthe.