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Capri is a famous island in Italy. Many people know it because of its beautiful houses, white streets, and expensive shops. But this is only one part of Capri. There is another side that is very different and more natural.
Walking the Hidden Paths
When I said I wanted to walk the Trail of the Little Forts, people told me, “Take water. There is nothing there.” This trail is about 6 kilometers long. It goes along the edge of the island and past old military buildings. I walked for two hours and saw only one other person.
The trail was rocky and had many plants like rosemary and prickly pears. I found a small fountain one kilometer back. That was the only water source.
Capri has two towns: Capri Town and Anacapri. Capri Town is where most tourists go. It has cafes, shops, and fancy places. Anacapri is at the other end of the island. It is quiet, wild, and has beautiful sea views. People hike, wear simple clothes, and enjoy nature here.
Capri Town is more famous because:
- It is easy to visit from the port.
- Many travel tours go there.
- Social media shows only this part of Capri.
Capri Town looks rich and stylish now, but long ago, it was a small fishing village. The Ancient Romans also liked this place. Later, artists and filmmakers came, and it became popular with tourists.
Exploring Anacapri
Anacapri is different. It is calm and full of nature. You can walk between orange trees and old stone paths. Some people ride scooters or small three-wheeled vehicles. It is easy to get lost but also fun to explore.
Many people visit places like the Blue Grotto, Monte Solaro, and 19th-Century Lighthouse. Locals love to relax on beaches near the cliffs and swim in the sea.
One favorite place is Lido del Faro, a beach club and restaurant where you can enjoy a nice drink and watch the sunset.
You can start a walk near the Blue Grotto and finish near Punta Carena. This walk gives you beautiful sea views. It takes about three hours. You can also take a chairlift up Mount Solaro, the island’s highest point. From the top, you see the sea, vineyards, and the town far below.
If you walk instead of taking the lift, you may see mountain goats on the way!
If you are strong, you can walk up the Scala Fenicia. This is a 921-step path between the towns. It was made by Ancient Greeks. You walk past trees, flowers, and old gardens. At the top, you arrive at Villa San Michele, a beautiful old house with a garden and museum.
The Famous Blue Grotto
The most visited place in Anacapri is the Blue Grotto. It is a sea cave with blue light. Many people wait in boats to enter the cave. It is best to go early in the morning.
Local people go to the cave and then walk to a nearby small terrace with a restaurant. It is quiet and peaceful there.
After a long day of walking, you can rest in the village. Anacapri has nice hotels like Giardino dell’Arte and old houses with gardens. One beautiful house is La Casa Rossa, a red building with interesting design. You can also visit the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, which has a colorful floor showing Adam and Eve.
Capri is a famous island with two sides. Capri Town is busy and stylish. Anacapri is natural and quiet. If you want peace, beauty, and adventure, Anacapri is the place to go.
Source: bbc.com
Vocabulary for the Article
Island – land with water all around it
Example: Capri is a small island in Italy.
Town – a small city
Example: Anacapri is a quiet town on the island.
Trail – a path for walking
Example: The trail goes along the cliffs.
Cliff – a high rock next to the sea
Example: Capri has many beautiful sea cliffs.
View – what you can see from a place
Example: The view from the top of the mountain is amazing.
Quiet – not noisy
Example: Anacapri is quiet and peaceful.
Tourist – a person who travels to visit places
Example: Many tourists visit Capri in summer.
Famous – known by many people
Example: The Blue Grotto is a famous place on the island.
Chairlift – a seat that takes people up a mountain
Example: You can take a chairlift to Monte Solaro.
Steps – small flat parts to walk up or down
Example: The old Greek steps lead to the top of the hill.
Nature – everything not made by people (trees, sea, sky)
Example: People love the nature in Anacapri.
Peaceful – calm and quiet
Example: It is peaceful to walk near the lighthouse.
Cave – a big hole in the ground or rock
Example: The Blue Grotto is a sea cave.
Terrace – a flat area to sit and enjoy the view
Example: There is a small terrace near the sea.
Sunset – when the sun goes down
Example: We watched the sunset at the beach club.
Lighthouse – a tall building with a light to help ships at night
Example: We walked to the old lighthouse by the sea.
Grotto – a small cave, usually near water
Example: The Blue Grotto is the most famous grotto in Capri.
Chairlift – a seat that carries people up a mountain
Example: I took the chairlift to see the island from above.
Village – a very small town, often in the countryside
Example: Anacapri feels like a quiet village.
Culture – the ideas, customs, and traditions of people
Example: Visitors can learn about the local culture in Anacapri.