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It was a great summer for discovery in Italy, even on the island of Capri. The bases of 3 Roman statues discovered in the cave in 1964 have been found on the floor of the Blue Grotto , along with evidence that there were at least 4 more statues in the cave. Now an underwater hunt for the remaining 4 statues is on. When they are discovered, archaeologists plan to make copies of the statues to display in their original positions in the cave, bringing the emperor Tiberius' private swimming grotto back to its ancient glory. I can't wait to see what they find. PS-don't try searching for them yourself-the sea bed is almost 500 feet below!

Yes, Capri pants really did originate on the island of Capri . Perhaps they were invented to make hopping from your yacht to the dock a little less hazardous. The place to buy them is La Parisienne in Piazza Umberto 1 (#7). Jackie Onassis bought them by the dozen here and Audrey Hepburn made La Parisienne's cropped pants part of her iconic style. Get them in classic white and wear them with big shades for that true casual Italian holiday look. (They even do custom orders!)

Right in the center of Capri town, just steps from the Funicular, is Da Georgio. A Caprese original, Da Giorgio has been serving fresh seafood and local treats since 1948. The view of the Bay of Naples is beyond comparison and the tomato, mozzarella and arugula pizza is to die for. Buon Gusto! Via Roma 34.

People will say that the Blue Grotto on Capri isn't worth it. Well, if you don't like wonders of nature, pristine water, and ancient mysteries, then maybe it isn't worth it. But perhaps the rigmarole of hiring a boat to take you from the harbor to the grotto and then hiring another little boat to take you into the cave itself is a bit tiresome. So forget going by boat. Swim there! This is how you do it (it's best if you are staying overnight on the island so that you can leave your possessions-and clothing-at your hotel). 1. Wait until after 5:00 so that the tour boats have all left. You don't want to get run over by anyone. 2. Make sure you are wearing only your bathing suit (you can bring a t-shirt or cover-up with you for decency's sake). Maybe you'd like to bring goggles too. 3. From Anacapri find the Via Grotta Azzurra . Follow this until you reach the stairs for the Grotta Azzurra. 4. Descend the stairs (not a short walk!). 5. Make sure that the sun ...

According to legend, in 1380 the monks at the Carthusian monastery on Capri accidentally created a gorgeous perfume from the dregs of water left in a vase full of Caprese wildflowers. Centuries later the formula for the perfume was rediscovered and Carthusia, I Profumi di Capri , was established. The scents today are still made by hand according to the centuries-old methods and each fragrance is hand-bottled as well. Be sure to stop by the shop and factory when you are visiting Capri. Not only will the scents delight your nose, but you can feast your eyes on the beautiful view of the Tyrrhenian Sea while you shop.

Not that you need to look for any reasons to visit the Amalfi Coast, but just in case you need some guidance, here are the Modern Traveler's top historical sites to visit on and around the Costiera Amalfitana. 1. Villa Jovis on Capri : Capri is fabled for two reasons. It is breathtakingly gorgeous and it was the playground for the less than moral Emperor Tiberius. Don't miss the ruins of his grand palace, the Villa Jovis, at the southern tip of the island. The flower-lined walk to the Villa from town is a lovely way to spend your morning and the views of the Amalfi Coast will knock your socks off. 2. Paestum (pictured): Somehow this sanctuary of ancient Greek temples was overlooked for the past 2,000 years. The 2,500 year old temples are in almost pristine condition and the rest of the archaeological site is pretty interesting too. Paestum is just a short drive from Salerno which is at the southern base of the Amalfi peninsula. Don't miss the museum ! 3. Herculaneum : In ...

Yes, Christmas is over, but it's always the season for a festive meal. L'Espresso's food blog, Cucina , has a great holiday menu for vegetarians . Stefano Mazzone, the chef at Quisi (at the Grand Hotel Quisisana on Capri), has prepared a special menu using regional ingredients and traditions. All the courses would be appropriate at any time of year (except the Neapolitan cake, Struffoli, which should really only be enjoyed at Christmas). The menu begins with a vegetable and cheese bruschetta, moves on to a simple onion pasta, and for the main course Eggplant Parmigiana. Try Google's Translator for the recipes in English. The Italians celebrate Christmas until January 6th, so feel free to serve the Struffoli until then!

Every year Travel and Leisure publishes THE LIST. This year, 5 hotels on the Amalfi Coast and one in Sorrento made the coveted ranking, however none of them are new to the list. All are luxurious and all are VERY expensive. But even if you can't stay at any of these properties, stop in for lunch or a drink. The views and service are definitely a worthwhile experience. On Capri, the Capri Hotel & Spa and the Grand Hotel Quisisana are recommended. In Positano, Travel and Leisure ranks Il San Pietro di Positano and La Sirenuse as the best. In Ravello, the lovely and exclusive (43 rooms) Palazzo Sasso (pictured) is the hotel to visit. If you make it over to Sorrento, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria overlooks the Bay of Naples and provides an excellent jumping-off point for visiting ruins, islands, and the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Coast offers unlimited opportunities for experiencing the best of Italy. For day trips, head to Paestum and Capri. Be sure to visit the 13th century cathedral in Amalfi. For spectacular views don't miss Ravello, a tiny town tucked high in the mountains. Positano offers shopping, beaches and a lively nightlife. From the Amalfi Coast you are in the perfect position to visit Pompeii, Herculaneum and Naples by car or bus. Plan to spend several days in the Costiera Amalfitana-you will fall in love.