10 Things to Do in Capri When it Rains

The Certosa di San Giacomo (Charterhouse of San Giacomo) can be reached easily from the center 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.

To understand Villa San Michele, you need to understand its builder, Axel Munthe. He was a Swedish physician 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 artifacts 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.

Walking through Anacapri, you'll be struck by Cassa Rossa, a brightly colored 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 archeology. The villa’s architectural style combines classical, medieval and Moorish elements.

As you enter, you'll notice archeological 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 immortalized the local landscapes.

The White Room Art Gallery, part of the Liquid Art System, is found in the center of Capri near the Piazzetta (Square). It's a business organization, 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.

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.

When you're in the center 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 organized 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.

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.

You might miss the Church of Sant'Anna as you’re navigating the alleyways in the center 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.

The Centro Caprense Ignazio Cerio (Ignazio Cerio Capri Center), established after WWII to promote culture on the island, is a museum with over 20,000 natural and archeological 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 center organizes 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.

Alberto’s isn’t just a bar and bakery in the center 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 candies 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 specialties – 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 savory treats for a break from shopping. Finally, in the evening it’s time for some nibbles to start your night out.