The most romantic day of the year

Surprise your loved one and create memories that will last a lifetime on board your own yacht as your Valentine’s Day gift! Did you know that Roman Pope Gelasius officially declared the date of February 14 “St. Valentine’s Day” at the end of the fifth century? During the Middle Ages, the holiday became associated with love and romance. So, if you really want to go all out this Valentine’s Day, visiting Italy’s island of Capri on your own luxury yacht is the gift! 

On one knee in Capri

Capri is one of the most romantic destinations in the Mediterranean, and couples from across the world come here to celebrate their destination wedding, exotic honeymoon, or just spend time together. How about asking for your sweetheart’s hand in marriage while on charter? Nothing is more convincing than getting down on one knee against the backdrop of the shimmering Mediterranean Sea!

Faraglioni

The breathtaking Faraglioni rock formations of Capri are three rocks rising out of the sea. All three rocks have a name, the first one being Stella, the one which is still attached to the land. The second one is called Faraglione di Mezzo and the furthest away from the island is called Faraglione di Fuori, or Scopolo. Scopolo is home to the famous blue lizard which probably developed its unique coloring to camouflage itself with the surrounding water. The best way to view the Faraglioni is of course by sea! Your captain will get up close and will make sure you can take the kayaks through the stone archway of the Faraglione di Mezzo: if you are with your sweetheart, be sure to exchange a kiss while passing through, for good luck! After exploring the rock formations by kayak, you can take a dip in the sea or have the tender take you to one of the beaches on the island. How about a romantic lunch at the beach, all set up by your chief stewardess? What a perfect spot to sip your chilled pink rose with a view of these mesmerizing rocks. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures!

Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is one of Capri’s most fascinating natural wonders and what better way to visit this cave than on your own yacht. The water in the cave is impossibly blue thanks to the light passing through causing an ethereal effect. The intense blue coloring comes from the light conditions specific to the narrow cavern. Your crew will put the kayaks in the water so you and your loved ones can make your way through the entrance of the cave to witness the glowing water. Well-known for its acoustics, local boat owners will be singing their favorite opera pieces for you to enjoy, adding to the cave’s atmosphere.

The Blue Grotto was once the private swimming pool of Emperor Tiberius, who moved the capital of the Roman Empire to the island of Capri in 27 AD. The grotto was forgotten and discovered again in 1826 when everyone wanted to find and see the cave that glowed by itself. Capri and the grotto became part of the Victorian Grand Tour, a traditional European trip that was seen as a rite of passage for the wealthy upper classes as a way of knowing the way of the world. As its recognition grew more and more travel writers from the period began to describe the grotto and its wonder. For example, it has been beautifully depicted by American writer, Mark Twain: “The waters of this placid subterranean lake are the brightest and loveliest blue that can be imagined. They are as transparent as plate glass, and their coloring would shame the richest sky that ever bent over Italy”. Such beautiful words to describe this natural marvel.

To complete the experience, why not head to the Casa Rossa Museum in Anacapri to see the statues that were recovered from the grotto’s sea floor in 1964? It is thought that four more statues may still be hidden in the cave’s sandy depth, so if you are an avid diver, you might find yourself challenged!

Casa Rossa

This bright red facade house that is situated in Anacapri surely stands out. The mansion is one of the most interesting residences on the island and is well-known for its romantic rooftop, Medieval-style details, moorish windows, great artwork and wonderful patio. The red colors of the house make for the perfect background for your Valentine’s Day picture!

The entrance to Casa Rossa, under the Greek inscription “Greetings, citizen of the land of idleness”, leads to a covered courtyard where there are several archaeological fragments from excavations on the island and beyond, among which the statue of a priestess from the 1st century.

Here you will find the four Roman nymph statues found in the Blue Grotto. Discovered on the floor of the most famous sea cave in Capri around 50 years ago, these statues are a gorgeous testimony to the presence of the emperor Tiberius on the island, who covered the island with splendid villas, temples, and places to practice “otium”, the quiet contemplation of arts, letters, and philosophy.

Villa San Michele

A visit to this villa feels like a walk through a fairytale. You can have a stroll through the gardens and have a look at the magnificent scenery. There is an idyllic café at the top of the villa, which is not to be missed, especially when visiting during the afternoon. Find the famous sphinx, which you have to rub for good luck. Rubbing the sphinx also ensures you will live happily ever after with your true love.

The garden at Villa San Michele has been called the most beautiful in Italy. It begins in the shade of the wisteria of the pergola, culminates bathed in sunlight on the Sphinx terrace and finds its end along an elegant avenue of cypresses. Every season has its flowers and scents of camellias, tree peonies, hydrangeas, vines and orange blossom for you to marvel in. The garden spirals gently upwards. You will find all kinds of trees and plants: African lilies, Caucasian pomegranates, Italian pines, Japanese hydrangeas, a rare Australian myrtle and even a Swedish birch tree! The pergola in the garden follows the rounded contour of the rock and by doing so it actually seems endless. On a misty day, when the horizon is obliterated, you can really get the impression that the garden is floating in the air, a castle in the sky.

Marina Piccola

To round up your romantic getaway, have your captain drop the anchor in this turquoise bay in which the legend states that Ulysses was seduced by the sirens. It is believed that these mystical creatures resided on the nearby cliffs of Scoglio delle Sirene. While you and your loved ones enjoy a glass of champagne on board and marvel at the view, you will agree, the island of Capri is one of the loveliest destinations in the world. What do you think, is it time to pop the question?