Hotel La Minerva Capri

With just 19 rooms, we pride ourselves on our warm Italian hospitality, treating each client as a personal guest of our family on our beloved island of Capri.

During your stay with us at La Minerva, we will share our local recommendations and tips to make your stay unforgettable. With our passion as islanders, we’ll make sure you experience the Capri of your dreams.

La Minerva is located in the center of Capri town, in a quiet spot with picturesque views just a few steps from the famous Piazzetta, the boutiques of Via Camerelle, and the charming Via Tragara lane which leads to the beaches facing the Faraglioni. The Gardens of Augustus, with their breathtaking view over Via Krupp, are just minutes away.

Gaze through the windows of La Minerva’s sun-washed lobby and take in the breathtaking view over the lush landscape and turquoise sea. This same panorama can be enjoyed from almost all our guest rooms, the swimming pool, and the rooftop terrace where buffet breakfast is served.

La Minerva has been recently renovated, with a chic interior design that blends contemporary decor with classic elements of island architecture, including traditional floors in hand-painted majolica tile, artisan-crafted ceramics, vaulted ceilings, and sweeping arches.

LOCATION
Capri’s famed central Piazzetta is just a ten-minute walk away along the elegant boutique-lined streets of Via Camerelle and Via Vittorio Emanuele near the hotel. The Charterhouse of San Giacomo, breathtaking terraces of the Gardens of Augustus and Tragara scenic overlook are also a short walk away.

From the stunning Tragara scenic overlook, you can continue along the lane leading to the Faraglioni beaches, including the popular Fontelina beach, or take the Pizzolungo trail that skirts the eastern coastline of the island.

Our hotel faces south, and in the cooler months when the sun is setting, the terraces and guest rooms are bathed in the warm, golden sunlight for which Capri is beloved.

Hotel La Minerva is located in the center of Capri town overlooking the sea: a peaceful oasis in an area of town closed to motor traffic, except for a limited number of electric vehicles transporting goods and luggage.

You can reach the Piazzetta with the funicular or taxi from the port, and from here take the short and pleasant walk to the hotel. The porter service will take care of transporting your luggage.

ROOMS & SUITES
Our boutique hotel in Capri offers just 19 guest rooms, most with private terraces, on six levels that descend the hillside toward the pool and sea. The decor is an elegant blend of classic island architecture and contemporary design.

SUPERIOR ROOMS
The Superior Rooms are spacious and elegant, with original island architectural details including vaulted ceilings and hand-painted majolica tile floors. The private terraces and balconies have picturesque sea views and pretty arches, pergolas, or bougainvillea canopies for cool shade.

DELUXE ROOMS
Spacious terrace overlooking the sea and bathroom with jetted tub. Our exclusive Deluxe Rooms are the most popular choice among our guests celebrating a special occasion like a romantic honeymoon or anniversary.

These rooms all boast a large private terrace overlooking the sea, a spacious bathroom with a jetted tub and sea view, and a convenient walk-in closet, adding a small but useful extra space for additional comfort.

EMMA PREMIER ROOM
With a spacious sea-view terrace and comfortable enclosed shower. Once the private residence of Emma Esposito, the hotel’s proprietor, this large, sun-washed room has been recently renovated with a living area and a private terrace overlooking the sea.

There is also a walk-in closet and bathroom with a roomy shower rather than a tub. The room is located on the lowest level (while the lobby is at the top of the hotel) and the pool is just six steps down from the room into the garden.

LAURA JUNIOR SUITE
With a spacious sea-view terrace and living area. Named for the hotel’s founder, who once resided in here, this intimate apartment is now our elegant junior suite. The suite boasts a spacious living room and private terrace with Mediterranean views. There is a large shower in the bathroom rather than a tub.

THE TERRACE: BREAKFAST & DINNER
At the highest point of the hotel, our sweeping terrace with views of the Mediterranean is where guests gather on warm summer mornings to savor the generous buffet breakfast surrounded by lush birds of paradise, white bougainvillea, and solanum flowers under the shade of natural cane awnings.

When the weather is cool, or if guests prefer privacy, breakfast can be ordered through room service at no extra charge. Each evening at sunset, the terrace transforms into the ideal spot for a romantic dinner by candlelight.

THE POOL BAR: LUNCH & COCKTAILS
Stop for a light lunch: choose our popular spaghetti tossed with island lemons or with fresh tomatoes and basil, or from our selection of salads, sandwiches, toasted panini, cheese and charcuterie platters, and fresh fruit.

Unwind at sunset with a cool cocktail or one of our custom fruit juice drinks or granite, prepared fresh to order with all-natural ingredients.

THE LOBBY BAR
Our Lobby Bar is the perfect spot to savor a selection of the finest labels from single malt whiskey to gin, grappa, and, above all, house cocktails prepared by our bartender, who can prepare classics and signature drinks made with local ingredients including lemons and other seasonal fruit from Capri.

MASSAGES
Annamaria, our massage therapist, welcomes guests with a bright smile and expert hands for relaxing massage treatments to help you unwind after a long trip and ease into the leisurely island pace.

GYM & FITNESS
To stay fit or work out during your holiday on Capri, the Athena Gym – New Generation is located just steps from the hotel and our guests can enter free of charge.

THE POOL
Our intimate garden oasis, created with all-natural materials and encircling the outdoor pool with tropical flowers, citrus trees, and bougainvillea, is reserved exclusively for guests.

The historic 14th-century Charterhouse of San Giacomo and lush woods, the turquoise Mediterranean, Mount Solaro, and the Castiglione hill all form the scenic backdrop to our crystalline pool. Just a few sun loungers await for complete privacy, and pool towels are provided to guests.

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES ON CAPRI
We are always available to help our guests discover the Capri of their dreams, be it the chic island of nightlife, shopping, and dining; the historic island of culture, art, and beauty; or the wild island of trails, beaches, and breathtaking views.

We are at your service to arrange a flawless vacation on the island: private transfers, boat tours, and bespoke services.

PRIVATE BOAT TOURS
Our recommendations for your day at sea along the coastline of Capri: from a traditional gozzo fishing boat to a comfortable craft reserved for our guests.

Far from the crowds with an expert skipper who will guarantee a stress-free sail, you can stop to swim in the most breathtaking coves and take in highlights of the coastline by sea, including the Blue Grotto and Faraglioni.

OUR BOAT
Our “Fratelli Aprea 32” gozzo combines tradition with modern comfort and elegance. Almost 10 metri with a large padded sundeck, this craft is exceptionally stable on the water and offers a comfortable cabin, making it perfect for a day cruise to Positano or the entire Amalfi Coast.

Your skipper can arrange an island-style picnic lunch with pasta and other fresh dishes prepared on board, or drop you at one of the best restaurants along the coastline or in the famed Bay of Nerano.

A TRADITIONAL GOZZO
Gozzo boats are comfortable craft up to 7.5 meters in length and with an exceptional stability on the water. They are equipped with a cushioned sundeck, large awning, and a soft water shower for those wishing to rinse off after a swim.

ITAMA 38 SPEEDBOAT
The iconic “Itama 38” speedboat is the perfect balance between Italian elegance and high-end comfort. The interiors boast a unique design, with a small galley and wc, while the exteriors offer all the amenities you need for a flawless day at sea.

MARINA GRANDE
The busy and picturesque port of Marina Grande is framed by groups of colorful little houses. Boat trips usually commence here.

GROTTA BIANCA
The Grotta Bianca is easily visible from the sea, but to best appreciate its beauty passengers will need to disembark and climb up the steps in the rocks which lead inside the cave via a small tunnel dug out of the stone.

Only in this way will they be able to see the white stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy the view of the sea from above, through the mouth of the cave.

BAY OF MATERMANIA
One of the most beautiful and sheltered of the islands bays. The level of the sea is quite low and the colors of the sea incredibly varied. On dry land, a pathway through the wood of holm oaks, past the Natural Arch and Casa Malaparte makes for a stunning walk.

Opposite the bay, on the other side of the water, the Amalfi Coast and the islands of Galli can be seen. A swim in the bay is an unmissable and unique experience!

CASA MALAPARTE
From the sea, the famous Casa Malaparte, residence of the eponymous writer, Curzio, can be seen in all its avant-garde splendor.

Dominating Punta Massullo, the outcrop on which the edifice was built, Casa Malaparte starkly contrasts with, and yet also seems part of, the beautiful natural environment which surrounds it. Unfortunately, at the present time, the building is not open to the general public.

THE MONACONE
The Monacone sea stack rises up behind the Faraglioni as if to cordon off the small bay where the much-loved Da Luigi bathing establishment and restaurant are located.

THE FARAGLIONI
These imposing rocks are the best known symbol of Capri and populated by blue lizards and seagulls. At their feet, the Fontelina bathing establishment with its sea edge platforms and restaurant, should not be missed.

The view which extends from the Faraglioni across the whole of Marina Piccola and beyond is quite exceptional. The cuisine is deliciously simple. The service is impeccable. The Fontelina is famous throughout the world and to lunch here is a quite ,unforgettable experience!

THE GREEN GROTTO
A tiny sea cave with water the color of emeralds, and on either side, two small bays. Although the boat is too large to pass through the cave, passengers can chose to swim from one side to the other.

PUNTA CARENA LIGHTHOUSE
Capri’s lighthouse is one of the tallest in Italy and marks the point where the South and West coasts of Capri meet. The restaurant situated on the rocks directly beneath the lighthouse is excellent.

CALA DEL RIO
An enchanting bay, with rich natural vegetation, Cala del Rio is dominated by the Villa Rovelli and more than merits a stop, which should include time for a swim. In the distance, the island of Ischia can be seen, rising up out of the sea.

BAGNI DI TIBERIO
Once the site of an ancient Roman villa, the ruins of which can still be seen, the Bagni di Tiberio are today home to a beach club and one of the island’s finest seaside restaurants, famous for its “Fritto Tiberio”.

BLUE GROTTO
The Blue Grotto is one of the natural wonders of Capri that no visitor to the island will want to miss.

Named after the intense blue light which penetrates through an underwater fissure and fills the sea cave with beautiful reflections, the Grotta Azzurra, or Blue Grotto, is a major tourist attraction that can get quite crowded in high season.

You often have to wait in a long line to enter and will only be inside the cave for a few minutes. Tickets to enter the Blue Grotto cost €14/person and access is via small rowboats guided by expert skippers, how often sing traditional songs that echo magically inside the sea grotto.

Some visitors enter the cave by swimming through the opening in the early morning or late afternoon when the tourist rowboats no longer operate, though it is forbidden to do so.

Though the cave is quite large, the entrance is very low and managed by the expert rowboat skippers to ensure safe passage. The grotto closes in case of adverse weather or sea conditions when it is impossible to pass through the small cave entrance.

Near the Blue Grotto, the famous Beach Club Il Riccio restaurant sits directly on the water and can be reached by land or sea. They are known for their gourmet seafood and fish dishes, and uniquely chic design and atmosphere.

THE PIAZZETTA & HISTORIC CENTER
Capri’s famed Piazzetta is known as the gathering place for the rich and famous, where the cafè tables are bustling with celebrities and travelers from across the globe.

An evening cocktail at the foot of the clock tower is an unforgettable experience, and from this vibrant heart of town, a number of picturesquely twisting lanes lined with shops and boutiques wind their way through the medieval quarter of Capri.

Heading in the direction of the Piazzetta, visitors soon find themselves on Via Camerelle, the most fashionable street in Capri, home to the bar of the Hotel Quisisana and a number of elegant boutiques selling all the best Italian and International designer fashions.

In the evening, the local paparazzi swoop in to photograph the celebrities unable to resist the street’s appeal.

Leave the hotel and head in the direction opposite of the Piazzetta. With Via Camerelle to the left, Via Tragara, one of the most beautiful lanes on the island, begins. The walk leads past gorgeous villas and gardens, and is always pleasantly quiet.

After about a ten minute walk, you will reach the end of Via Tragara where its fantastic scenic overlook facing the Faraglioni and the Bay of Marina Piccola will take your breath away.

In the evening, a low light leads the way down the lane without overshadowing the beauty of the canopy of stars above, making for a very romantic stroll. Just before reaching the scenic overlook, the Terrazza Brunella restaurant is one of the most romantic on the island, with a friendly staff and breathtaking view.

Just a few steps further along, the Ristorante Monzù has an unforgettable view and a creative menu under the rising chef Luigi Lionetti. From the Belvedere di Tragara, there are two additional lanes offering stunning walks: one to the Faraglioni and the other along Via Pizzolungo.

THE GARDENS OF AUGUSTUS 
Overlooking Marina Piccola and Via Krupp, the Gardens of Augustus are just about 5 minutes from the hotel.

The gardens can be crowded until the afternoon during the high season summer months, so they are best visited at sunset when they can be enjoyed in relative peace and quiet with just the sound of the sea breeze and gulls as a backdrop to one of the most beautiful views on the island.

The Ristorante il Geranio with its informal and friendly staff serve lunch and dinner in a pine grove overlooking the Faraglioni.

CHARTERHOUSE OF SAN GIACOMO
The historic Charterhouse of San Giacomo, with its large cloister dating from the 16th century and smaller cloister from the 14th century, is home to a museum with works by the German painter Diefenbach, an island resident for many years, among the collection.

Nearby, the excellent Ristorante Villa Margherita serves traditional dishes with a modern twist, many of which are made with seasonal vegetables picked from the restaurant’s own garden.

THE FARAGLIONI BEACH
La Fontelina and Da Luigi are two beach clubs facing the Faraglioni that are considered among the most lovely on the island of Capri. You can walk to either in about 15 minutes along a spectacular trail that begins at the Tragara scenic overlook.

With the towering Faraglioni sea stacks and Marina Piccola, the view from this stretch of coast is unforgettable. We suggest spending an entire day relaxing, and dining on the simple but impeccable dishes from the waterfront restaurant.

To avoid the steep climb back up after your day at the beach, you can take the boat shuttle to Marina Piccola where you can hop on a bus or taxi to the Piazzetta.

PUNTA CANNONE
This scenic overlook takes its name from a historic canon placed here to protect the island, and is about a 15 minute walk from the Piazzetta. Offering one of the most unforgettable views on Capri, the view overlooks the Gardens of Augustus, Marina Piccola, and the Faraglioni directly below.

The overlook is never crowded, so the perfect spot for those seeking a bit of peace and quiet. Though the path up to the overlook is uphill, it passes through some of the most characteristic areas of the island and the view is worth the trip!

At the beginning of the trail, just about a minute from the Piazzetta, Ristorante Mammà serves the creations of the chef Salvatore La Ragione, who has been awarded a Michelin star.

VILLA JOVIS
On the peak of Mount Tiberius and accessible only on foot (or, in exceptional cases, with the electric vehicles used to transport luggage), sit the beautiful and well-preserved remains of Villa Jovis, residence to the Roman emperor Tiberius, successor to Augustus.

From these halls, Tiberius decided the fate of the Roman Empire for a long period of his life, communicating with the mainland though signals from the lighthouse, the remains of which can still be seen.

From the clifftop about 300 meters above the sea, there is a unparalleled view across the water to Ischia, Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi, and the Li Galli islets.

Roman historians, clearly not supporters of the emperor, recorded that the ruler would throw slaves from this clifftop to their death below for entertainment. The walk to Villa Jovis has a number of beautiful and interesting viewpoints, and passes through the Capri countryside with its rural roots still visible.

VILLA LYSIS
Villa Lysis is the residence Baron Jacques d’Adelswärd-Fersen had built on the island of Capri at the beginning of the 1900s when he decided to leave Paris to escape accusations of having corrupted a minor and offended the public morality.

He lived here until his death by cocaine overdose in 1923. The villa is located on Mount Tiberius not far from Villa Jovis, the villa which belonged to the Roman emperor Tiberius, and can only be reached on foot.

Visitors can tour the inside of the residence, including the salons, opium smoking room, and bedrooms, and the outside, with its lovely terraces overlooking the sea and a small temple built on the cliff’s edge. Since 2017, the adjacent La Gloriette Park, is also open to the public.

NATURAL ARCH & VIA PIZZOLUNGO
Without doubt one of the island’s most beautiful walks. Although there is a short cut which from the hotel leads to the area of Matermania by way of Via Cercola, guests will probably want to commence the walk from the Piazzetta, following Via Longano to reach the Natural Arch, one of nature’s wonders.

It’s well worth timing your arrival at the arch around lunch time in order to enjoy a meal of traditional Caprian specialties at the Grottelle restaurant: a charming eatery, from the terraces of which a beautiful view of the Amalfi Coast can be seen.

A flight of approximately 400 steps leads down to the Cave of Matromania, which contains artifacts dating back to Ancient Roman times, and on, along a magnificently panoramic coastal pathway, past Villa Malaparte and all the way to the terrace and viewing point of Tragara.

From here, guests can head back to the hotel, without having to retrace their steps.

MARINA PICCOLA
The Bay of Marina Piccola facing the Faraglioni has a number of beach clubs and is the island’s most famous and photographed bay. The coastline of Marina Piccola is lined with the most popular beach clubs, some of which are well worth a visit.

The bay can be very crowded during the peak hours of the summer season, but in the evenings are a great place to savor a meal of fresh fish and seafood at Ristorante Da Gioia right on the water.

VIA TUORO
Running parallel to Via Tragara, the quieter Via Tuoro, also lined with impressive villas and gardens, leads to yet another viewpoint from which to see the Faraglioni.

After the first viewing point, a series of steps leads up to another even more beautiful one. From here, a well-trodden dirt track leads to the area of the Natural Arch and the Piana delle Noci.

SIGHTS IN ANACAPRI
From the Piazzetta of Capri, the other important town on the island, Anacapri, is only a ten minute taxi or bus ride away. In the high season, the journey by bus (price of tickets EUR 1.80 per person) can entail waiting in long queues before boarding.

Making the trip by taxi (cost of journey approximately EUR 20) is a valid alternative. A piece of advice: those who decide to take the bus to Anacapri and are eager to experience some of the most spectacular views should try to sit on the right hand side of the bus!

Passengers should get off at Piazza Vittoria, usually announced by the driver with a simple “Anacapri!”.

VILLA SAN MICHELE
Built almost directly above the sea, opposite the bays of Naples and Salerno, the villa was the residence of the celebrated Swedish writer and physician, Axel Munthe, author of “The History of San Michele”.

Set in beautiful gardens, the house still contains many of the antiquities collected by its first owner. In the summer, the gardens provide an enchanting venue for a series of extremely well attended classical music concerts (performed as the sun sets).

Entry to the villa costs approximately EUR 8. There are a number of small shops selling souvenirs and traditional craft items along the pretty little lane leading to the villa.

CHURCH OF SAN MICHELE
In the center of Anacapri, the Church of San Michele is a small gem, unique in the world. The church has a magnificent majolica tile floor, dating from the 1700s and painted by the master Leonardo Chiaiese, which depicts Adam and Eve being cast out of the Garden of Eden.

A small offering is requested to enter the church. Nearby, don’t miss Ristorante La Zagara, which serves wonderful island dishes under the shade of a lush lemon grove.

MOUNT SOLARO CHAIRLIFT 
The chairlift to Mount Solaro takes visitors comfortably to the highest point of the island, traveling above the vineyards and gardens of Anacapri.

From the summit of Mount Solaro, the view is simply breathtaking and encompasses the whole of the island and, in the distance, the islands of Ischia and Procida, the bays of Naples and Salerno, the Amalfi Coast, and the islands of Li Galli. Chairlift tickets cost approximately EUR 11.

LA MIGLIERA
From the center of Anacapri, a leisurely twenty-minute walk leads to what has to be one of the island’s most beautiful viewing points. Positioned directly above the sea on the cliff top, from the Migliera viewing point, visitors enjoy a spectacular view of the southwestern coast of the Island, from the lighthouse to the Faraglioni.

Close by, at the “Philosophical Park” visitors can follow a route through the woods, punctuated by boards bearing the maxims of the world’s greatest philosophers.

The Da Gelsomina restaurant, a simple eatery with a magnificent view of the sea and the neighboring island of Ischia, is known for its good food and wine and for its wonderfully panoramic swimming pool. On request, the restaurant provides a shuttle service to and from the center of Anacapri.

PUNTA CARENA LIGHTHOUSE
Located on the far southwestern point of the island, the Punta Carena lighthouse is one of the largest in Italy and overlooks the bay below with its beach club. This is the best spot on the island for watching the sun set, as it disappears behind the neighboring Island of Ischia.

During the summer months, you can enjoy the dishes created by chef Marco Russo at dinner as well as lunch, making your meal under a canopy of stars with the flashes of the nearby lighthouse even more magical.

DAMECUTA RUINS
The ruins of Villa Damecuta can be reached by bus or taxi along the road to the Blue Grotto on the northwest side of the island. This site has the well-preserved remains of an antique Roman villa and a lovely view over the coastline.

TRAIL OF THE FORTS
This is perhaps the island’s most beautiful trail, which leads from the area near the Blue Grotto to the Punta Carena lighthouse along the western coast of the island, passing a number of historic forts built to defend the island from attack.

The trail runs through a wide variety of countryside, from dense vegetation to dramatic cliffs, and skirts the waters of the Mediterranean and the landscapes of the island’s pristine wilderness, even passing over a suspended bridge.

The views and countryside are stunning, and anyone who likes to walk or hike should take time to explore this trail, which was once used solely by the island’s fishermen and hunters, but is now open to everyone.

Halfway along the trail in Mesola, you can stop at the water’s edge for a refreshing swim. The trail is marked by red signage and tiles along the trail, and the path is relatively easy.

We recommend comfortable shoes and an ample supply of water to fully enjoy your outing, and it’s a good idea to avoid the hike during the hottest hours of the day.

DOLCE VITA TOUR
An exclusive driving tour around Capri via an iconic Fiat 500 with stops for photoshoots at the most beautiful spots on the island. Ideal for a wedding proposal or honeymoon!

GUIDED TOURS AND HIKES
Discover the hidden corners and highlights of Capri with a private guide, taking in the most important cultural and historic sights and breathtaking trails.

AMALFI COAST BY CAR
Drive along the legendary Amalfi Coast, stopping to take in the pastel buildings in Positano, stunning cathedral in Amalfi, and endless views over the coastline from Ravello.

TOURS OF POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM
Travel thousands of years into the past and discover how the ancient Romans lived in Pompeii and Herculaneum before they were destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.

Rooms: 19

Price: from 480 EUR per night

Source: www.laminervacapri.com