Located in the Gulf of Naples, the island of Capri is famous for its mild climate, although you may still have a rainy day during your holiday. Clouds and rain don't have to spoil your fun though. When the weather keeps you away from the beaches and boat trips, it can be the perfect chance to discover other unexpected wonders.
There are churches housing masterpieces, homes that also hide amazing stories and treasures and galleries that will take you on an exciting journey through contemporary art. Even on sunny days it’s worth spending some time seeking out these gems dotted around the island. Here are 10 ideas for visiting Capri when it's raining.
- 1
Charterhouse of San Giacomo
Art and spirituality surrounded by romantic views
- History
- Photo
The Certosa di San Giacomo (Charterhouse of San Giacomo) can be reached easily from the centre of Capri: if you leave from the Piazzetta (Square), it's less than a 10-minute walk. The 14th-century Carthusian complex is subdivided into different blocks, with an entrance protected by a fortified tower. A convent was developed around the large and small cloisters, while the pharmacy and church for women were found in the part excluded from convent life.
The refectory houses the Museo Diefenbach (Diefenbach Museum), dedicated to the German painter who moved to Capri in the early 20th century and painted over 300 canvases there. The buildings stand on a rocky spur with a stunning view of the Faraglioni stacks.
Location: Hours vary by season
Open: Via Certosa, 10, 80076 Capri, Italy
Phone: +39 081 837 6218
Map - 2
Villa San Michele
The home with the soul of the doctor/writer
- History
- Photo
To understand Villa San Michele, you need to understand its builder, Axel Munthe. He was a Swedish doctor as well as a successful writer. This cultured, refined gentleman arrived in Capri from Stockholm in the late 19th century and fell in love with the island's light and sea. He decided to build a villa here, surrounded by flowers, plants, gardens and works of art – not just a house but a home with soul.
Munthe decorated the spaces with a collection of artefacts from the Etruscan, Roman and Egyptian periods. He also bought the mountain behind his property to protect migratory birds from hunters. During a visit, you'll discover its extraordinary character and the fantastic environment he created.
Location: Hours vary by season
Open: Viale Axel Munthe, 34, 80071 Anacapri, Italy
Phone: +39 081 837 1401
Map - 3
Casa Rossa
The home of an eccentric American
- History
Walking through Anacapri, you'll be struck by Cassa Rossa, a brightly coloured house with crenelations and sculpted decorations. This Red House was built in the 19th century by Colonel MacKowen, who moved to the island after the American Civil War to devote himself to studying and archaeology. The villa’s architectural style combines classical, medieval and Moorish elements.
As you enter, you'll notice archaeological finds, including the 1st-century statue of a priestess. Besides the works collected by the colonel, there are also Roman statues discovered in the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Cave), dating back to the times when Capri was home to Tiberius' villa. The house also holds Anacapri City Council's painting collection, featuring various painters who have immortalised the local landscapes.
Location: Hours vary by season
Open: Via Giuseppe Orlandi, 78, 80071 Anacapri, Italy
Phone: +39 081 838 2193
Map - 4
White Room Art Gallery
An international breath of fresh air for contemporary art
- History
The White Room Art Gallery, part of the Liquid Art System, is found in the centre of Capri near the Piazzetta (Square). It's a business organisation, with sites all around the world, that promotes contemporary art with an international network of exhibitions inspired by shared principles and aesthetics, and rooted in the local culture and economy. It's the Glocal concept: working at local level with a global vision.
Internationally renowned artists whose works have innovated artistic technique and imagery have their pieces on display. It's an interesting chance to discover the new trends in painting and sculpture. The exhibition changes constantly, with new events and protagonists in the spotlight: you can always find new ideas and suggestions.
Location: Daily from 9.30 am to 11.45 pm
Open: Via Vittorio Emanuele, 35, 80073 Capri, Italy
Phone: +39 081 837 8828
Map - 5
Church of San Michele
Where the floor is a work of art
- History
If you'd like to find out more about the Neapolitan Baroque, the Chiesa di San Michele (Church of San Michele) in Anacapri holds works of extraordinary beauty, starting with the majolica floor featuring a depiction of Adam and Eve's expulsion from Paradise. Another masterpiece is the high altar in white marble, flanked by two sculptures created from one marble block.
The fresco paintings were done by 18th-century Neapolitan painters. If you're wondering why the Church of San Michele is in Piazza San Nicola, look to the left of the main door and you'll see walls with reliefs in stucco: they're the remains of an old church that stood next to the current structure, dedicated to San Nicola.
Location: April–September daily from 9 am to 7 pm. October–March daily from 9 am to 3 pm
Open: Piazza S. Nicola, 1, 80071 Anacapri, Italy
Phone: +39 081 837 2396
Map - 6
Capricorno Gallery
Discover modern art
- History
When you're in the centre of Capri walking along the fashion street, get off the beaten path and follow a narrow, winding alley where you'll find yourself standing in front of the elegant building that houses the Capricorno Gallery. Inside, you can admire works of contemporary art. The exhibitions and events are organised by a cultural association that aims to promote current artists and trends.
The selection curated by the gallery provides an interesting cross-section of Italian painting and sculpture. It's an engaging visit, even if you're not familiar with the movements and artists in the displays. It's the perfect opportunity to make new discoveries, broaden your horizons or deepen your knowledge.
Location: Daily from 10.30 am to 9 pm
Open: Via Padre Reginaldo Giuliani, 5/15, 80073 Capri, Italy
Phone: +39 081 837 7219
Map - 7
Church of Santa Sofia
Baroque art and modern majolica
- Budget
- History
It's time to discover what's inside Chiesa di Santa Sofia (Church of Santa Sofia) with its dome visible over the houses in Anacapri. In the churchyard, stop to look at the benches around the square: they were done in 1979 with majolica by the master ceramicist Sergio Rubino.
The drawings on the tiles depict the history and traditions of Anacapri, with parties, popular games, harvest and work. The decorations also show the natural elements of the landscape, such as lemons. Inside the church, the white walls and stuccowork highlight the marble decorations on the altars. When you reach the intersection between the nave and transept, look up to see the dome in all its glory.
Location: Daily from 9.30 am to 7 pm
Open: Piazza Diaz, 1, 80071 Anacapri, Italy
Phone: +39 081 837 3198
Map - 8
Church of Sant'Anna
A piece of history from the Middle Ages on the streets of Capri
- History
You might miss the Church of Sant'Anna as you’re navigating the alleyways in the centre of Capri but, if you stop and look closely, the sloping roof and stained-glass window reveal the façade of one of the island’s oldest churches, now deconsecrated. Sant’Anna was built in the 12th century, although one of its most precious works of art was hidden until 2011, when restoration works revealed a 14th-century fresco that had been covered by a wall.
The work shows the crucifixion, with Christ beside Mary, St John and angels. You can see other frescoes from the same period inside the church. The majolica around the altar dates back to the 18th century.
Open: Via Madonna Delle Grazie, 80076 Capri, Italy
Mapphoto by Michela Miccio (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
- 9
Ignazio Cerio Capri Centre
A treasure trove of local history and culture
- History
The Centro Caprense Ignazio Cerio (Ignazio Cerio Capri Centre), established after WWII to promote culture on the island, is a museum with over 20,000 natural and archaeological finds. Temporary exhibitions are held here dedicated to paintings and sculptures by contemporary artists. Beside the exhibition spaces, there’s also a library with volumes, manuscripts, scores and photos of local events and people.
The centre organises educational activities, conferences, seminars and study days to spread and add value to the island’s artistic and natural heritage. If you’d like to see Capri from a historical and scientific perspective, swap the hustle and bustle of the Piazzetta for this cultural itinerary.
Location: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 1 pm (Closed Saturday–Sunday)
Open: Piazza Ignazio Cerio, 5, 80076 Capri, Italy
Phone: +39 081 837 6681
Map - 10
Pasticceria Da Alberto
Where there's a different flavour every hour
- Food
Alberto’s isn’t just a bar and bakery in the centre of Capri. It’s a real institution where you could spend the whole day. Here, time passes at the pace of the delicacies prepared hour by hour. The counters are filled with sweets first thing, to revive those who’ve gone out on the town the night before.
The morning is filled with the scent of hot croissants, one of the house specialities – the best way to start the day. At noon, there are snacks and salads for a quick lunch before the beach. Then come the sandwiches, little pizzas and savoury treats for a break from shopping. Finally, in the evening it’s time for some nibbles to start your night out.
Location: Daily from 6 am to midnight
Open: Via Roma, 9, 80073 Capri, Italy
Phone: +39 081 837 0622
Map