It was the 26th year after the birth of Christ when Emperor Tiberius decided to leave Rome and move to Capri where he built his fantastic residence. According to Suetonius "he gave vent to all the vices which he had for this long time tried unsuccessfully to hide." He spent most of his time in Villa Jovis, perched on the precipitous northeast tip of the island; and according to Suetonius persons who incurred his disfavor were cast to their death from what is called "Il Salto" (The leap). On arriving in Capri you are immediately assailed by the perfume of jasmine and the bright colors of the bougainvillea as you take the short cable-car ride from the port to the Piazzetta, the hub of life on the island. Hedonism is in the air, and for centuries Capri has attracted all kinds of unconventional couples.

Canfora
Via Camerelle 3, Tel: 081 837 0487
Amadeo Canfora is no longer with us, but daughter Angela is continuing the tradition. At press time the unique moccasins were not available, nor the made-to-order slippers with your needlepoint tops, but Sra. Angela hopes to find a suitable laboratory. Meanwhile, a stunning assortment of sandals with the Canfora touch are available at reasonable prices.

Carthusia Profumi di Capri
Via Camerelle 10, Tel: 081 837 0529
The Carthusian monks provided the "recipes" for the unique perfumes you can buy here including "Aria di Capri" and "Gelsomino (Jasmine) di Capri." Very reasonably priced, you can also buy the fragrances in cream form, perfect for traveling.

La Campanina
Via Vittorio Emanuele 18, Tel. 081 837 0643
Aristotle Onassis kept Jackie happy by buying her baubles here, and owners Lina and Alberto Federico make a yearly trek to Palm Beach to restock their faithful customers. Reasonably-priced charms all the way up to the big important stuff.
Manrico Cashmere
Via Camerelle 65, Tel: (081) 8377164
This manufacturer also has shops in New York, Palm Beach, Aspen and other cities, they carry cashmere and cashmere and silk for men and women in natural and luscious pastel colors. Pants, skirts, vests, pullovers, and cardigans, made from top quality cashmere.

La Conchiglia
Via delle Botteghe 12, Tel: 081 8376577
Ausilia Veneruso, owner of the library also owns a publishing house which specializes in books about Capri written by people who have visited or lived there such as Norman Douglas. They stock a large variety interesting books, and this is a meeting place for booklovers from all over the world. The yearly literary prize they award is a big social event on the island.

Susi and Mirve'
Via delle Botteghe.
Is a small boutique where they make bikinis to order.

Raffaele Faiella
Via Vittorio Emanuele 49.
Another place to buy the famous Capri sandals, what's great is that you pick out the sole that fits and the type of heel you want - flat, one-inch, two-inch, etc, and then select the sandal top from a huge variety of styles and colors, come back an hour later and voila`! Your made-to-order sandals are ready.