The Gardens of Augustus

The gardens of Augustus are botanical gardens on the island of Capri, originally built in the early 20th century by the German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp. 

The gardens

Named for the late Roman emperor Augustus,the gardens are built high up on the island and boast a wonderful view of the Mediterranean Sea. Attached to the gardens is an extremely windy road called Via Krupp which leads down to Marina Piccola. Unfortunately this unique road has been closed due to falling rocks (Capri is an island of limestone, so there is always a threat of falling rock).

Via Krupp

 It is a beautiful garden and one of the many few free attractions, so it tends to get crowded. We recommend going early in the morning to beat the crowds. 

Augustus Gardens

What is the Blue Grotto in Capri?

HISTORY:

Many people ask us to explain a bit more about the Blue Grotto-the history and what makes it is special. 

The history of the Blue Grotto dates back to the Roman times, when the Roman Emperor Tiberius allegedly used it as his private bath house during his retirement on the island. Ancient Roman statues were even found there! 

For years, the grotto was avoided by locals, thought to be cursed until a fisherman ventured in with German novelist and tourist August Kopisch. Kopisch subsequently included the Blue Grotto in his next novel,  Entdeckung der blauen Grotte auf der Insel Capri in 1838. Many people claim that after this novel was published, Capri and the Blue Grotto sprung into the limelight as a must-see destination. 

The Blue Grotto is now one of the most sought after sites on Capri. 

  

WHY IS IT SO BRIGHT?

The sunlight enters the cave through an opening located directly under the cave's mouth. This limits the amount of light that enters the cave at any given moment, causing the bright blue effect, which seeps through the rock crevices. 

VISITING:

• The grotto may close due to weather because if there are high waves they will cover the entrance of the cave.  
• Tickets cost €13, to be paid directly at the entrance
• Wait time can range anywhere between 1-2 hours and time in the cave is about 5 minutes
• Visiting the cave is optional and of course not required when purchasing a private speedboat cruise with Exclusive Cruises. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me!