CAPRI, ITALY
Capri is a dream destination for 'la dolce vita'. Vibrant and glamorous, yet scenic and romantic, it's a perfect summer holiday for friends and lovers alike. It's one of Italy's more upscale destinations, but the island itself exudes a charm that is unmistakably Italian. Sweeping sea views and cliffside buildings, vintage-Italian beaches, mixed with elegant restaurants, luxury boutiques, and stylish crowds. Capri is lively yet leisurely, and totally captivating.
TO STAY
Capri or Anacapri? Though both towns are on the same island, they are entirely different. Capri is the heart & hub of the island; busy and lively with a vibrant town atmosphere. This is where most bars & restaurants are located, luxury boutiques & artisanal shops, crowded piazzas and beaches. On the opposite side of the island, Anacapri enjoys private seclusion and a more residential atmosphere. It's where many of the big luxury hotels are located, though the town itself is not as glamorous nor catered as Capri and has far less to offer. Unless you're looking for a quiet and secluded getaway, Capri is the more enjoyable choice.
Originally Capri's first hotel since 1822, now reinvented into a luxurious holiday hideout on the island. La Palma's vintage-glam interiors by Francis Sultana evoke a by-gone era of Italian summers and 'la dolce vita'. Soft pastels, white linen, striped sun-beds and scalloped beach umbrellas; it's like stepping into a Slim Aarons photo-book. Located in the heart of Capri town, just steps from the main Piazzetta and views of the iconic Faraglioni. A comfortable and well-connected stay, with a touch of vintage Italian glamour.
Set in the centre of Capri on the fashionable Via Camerelle, Quisisana is one of the town's most lively and exciting addresses; as well as one of the oldest, since 1842. It's a grand, time-tested luxury hotel and a Capri classic; as much a hotel to stay as it is a social hub. The iconic Quisisana terrace is a destination of its own; full of life morning to night for leisurely afternoons and people watching, exciting aperitivo or a romantic nightcap. It's classic, traditional and elegant. With an equally stylish crowd, buzzing atmosphere and central location, it makes for a very vibrant stay.
Set at the end of Via Tragara on the iconic Belvedere viewpoint, Hotel Punta Tragara hangs cliffside above the sea with sweeping views beyond. Perfectly secluded from the crowds but still a short walk to town, it's quiet and idyllic, and just steps from two of the most popular beach clubs in Capri. Housed in a modernist villa originally built by La Corbusier, the hotel is similarly modern and stylish with a Mediterranean touch. Perfect for a luxurious stay, breathtaking views and a more exclusive location in town.
CAPRI PALACE - Anacapri
Tucked away in the quiet town of Anacapri, Capri Palace offers total tranquility, seaside repose and five-star luxury. With elegant Mediterranean-blue interiors, scenic restaurants like Il Ricciolo and A-Ma-Re above the iconic Blue Grotto and Michelin-star dining at L'Olivo, an exclusive beach club, garden pool, and breathtaking views... it's perfect for a more private and secluded stay in a well-catered setting. Just a 10-minute drive to Capri' town.
CAESAR AUGUSTUS HOTEL - Anacapri
Nestled on a cliff, suspended over the sea, Hotel Caesar Augustus is a summer haven in Anacapri. With classic Italian-villa interiors, panoramic terraces and a pool hanging over the hill and sea, it's a beautiful and romantic escape with breathtaking views. Especially perfect for couples. Only a short 8-minute drive to Capri town.
FOOD & DINING
Nestled on a tree-lined terrace overlooking the iconic Faraglioni rocks, Il Geranio offers elegant dining with sweeping views of the sea. Watching the sun set here from your table is truly wonderful. Serving a light and fresh Italian-Mediterranean menu with a focus on seafood, it's perfect for a warm summer evening. Book in advance and request a terrace table to fully enjoy setting (some tables inside enjoy a window view of the sea, but the terrace hangs directly over it). Just a short walk from the main Piazzetta and near the Gardens of Augustus.
One of Capri's most iconic restaurants, Da Paolino is a wonderful dining experience from door to table. Set in a garden grove beneath fragrant lemon trees and twinkling dinner lights, it's dreamy, romantic, and totally enchanting. The menu serves traditional Capresi cuisinemwith a focus on lemon-infused recipes & dishes (these are house specialties to try). Located further out from town, closer to Anacapri, but very well worth the drive for a beautiful and atmospheric dining experience. Reservations required.
Suspended above the iconic Blue Grotto, Il Riccio is an upscale beach-club restaurant for seaside dining at the Capri Palace hotel. If you're taking a boat out to the Blue Grotto, you can climb up directly from the sea to the restaurant - very convenient and very enjoyable. With Mediterranean-inspired interiors, fresh seafood cuisine, and an open panorama of the sea, Il Riccio makes for a perfect summer lunch. Open on select days for dinner as well.
Also above the Blue Grotto at the Capri Palace, A-Ma-Re has a beautiful cliffside setting with sweeping views. With white scalloped umbrellas, lemon-yellow details, and a vintage beach-club aesthetic, it's fun, vibrant, and perfectly Capresi. The menu offers a nice blend of Neopolitan and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as entire pizza menu crafted by Italian chef and pizzaiolo Franco Pepe. Open for lunch and dinner.
An iconic and time-tested social institution in Capri, Bar Quisi remains the town's favourite place to meet, drink, and enjoy 'la dolce far niente' in style. Set on the street-side terrace of Grand Hotel Quisisana overlooking Via Camerelle, it's perfect for a leisurely afternoon, pre-dinner drinks, or a late night out in the heart of town. Always buzzing with lively conversation, stylish crowds and vintage music in the background, Bar Quisi captures that quintessential Capri glamour.
PASTICCERIA BUONOCORE
For the best gelato in Capri, Buonocore is an old town favourite. A classic family-run establishment from the 1950s, Buonocore serves specialty gelato as well as traditional Italian treats like sfogliatelle, cannoli and brioche con gelato. Just around the corner from the main Piazzetta, Buonocore's sweet smell is easy to follow. There can be long queues outside, but it's a short wait that's worth it.
BEACH CLUBS
LA FONTELINA - Faraglioni
Located just across the Faraglioni, this is perhaps Capri's most iconic beach-club. La Fontelina is well-recognised by its signature blue-striped umbrellas and lounge chairs, and its glamorous crowds. For lunch, the restaurant serves fresh seafood & Mediterranean cuisine with a lovely sea view. Reservations required for both the beach club and restaurant, sometimes even weeks in advance. To reach La Fontelina from Capri town, go to the end of Via Tragara by the Belvedere viewpoint, and follow the footpath down to the beach.
DA LUIGI - Faraglioni
Nestled within a bay of its own across the Faraglioni, Da Luigi is a more relaxed and laidback beach club (right next to La Fontelina). Frequented by locals and travellers alike, it has more of an 'authentic' vintage-Italian style & atmosphere. All sun-beds & chairs enjoy sweeping views of the Faraglioni, and guests can jump directly into the sea. For lunch, the restaurant serves fresh island seafood as well as traditional Capresi specialties. Suspended over the beach club and sea, it's also one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the Faraglioni. Book sun-beds and a table for lunch in advance. To reach Da Luigi from Capri town, go to the end of Via Tragara by the Belvedere viewpoint, and follow the footpath down to the beach.
*If you're going to the beach clubs on foot, be ware that it's about a 30-minute walk down and an uphill climb back up. The beach clubs can also arrange boat transfers to or from one of the marinas.
PLACES TO VISIT
BOAT TOUR
Seeing the island by sea is an absolute must. Plan a boat tour in the morning and sail around the island, from Capri down to Anacapri. Make sure to visit the Blue and Green Grottos and the famous Arco Naturale; then sail through the Isola di Capri and take a dip in the deep blue water. If you have time to spare, book lunch at Il Riccio and stop there after the Blue Grotto or on your way back.
BELVEDERE TRAGARA VIEWS
One of the best locations for a panoramic view of the sea and the Isola di Capri, especially at sunset. If you're walking down to La Fontelina or Da Luigi it will be on your way.
SUNSET AT THE PIAZZETTA
The Piazzetta is the heart and soul of Capri. It's a scenic viewpoint, and a popular meeting spot that branches out into all the main pedestrian streets. With sweeping sea views, a square lined with charming caffes, crowds strolling past and cathedral chimes sounding all through town... the atmosphere here is wonderful day to night, and especially at sunset.
NIGHT AT THE TAVERNE
Taverne Anema e Core is (literally) the heart and soul of Capri. It's one of the oldest establishments on the island and remains one of the most popular places to visit. A rustic underground tavern playing live Italian music till the early hours of dawn - this is the place to experience Capri's nightlife. The atmosphere is fun, jovial, and totally unpretentious; and the place is brimming with crowds every single night! A must-see.
TOWN SHOPPING
Lined with upscale fashion and boutique stores, Via Camerelle is the place to spoil yourself. Further towards the Piazzetta and down the side streets are more casual and budget-friendly stores.
TRAVELING TIPS
1. Visit Capri end of spring/beginning of summer and book early in advance to avoid crazy prices. The island is busy all season but more so by July, and hotels fill out very quickly.
2. Stay in Capri if you want to be at the centre of things and have easier access to restaurants, cafes, shops, etc.
3. Always book sun-beds in advance at your desired beach to avoid disappointment, and show up by noon to get the best spots.
4. Buy fresh fruit from local stands and take it to the beach; and cool down with fresh granita al limone.
5. Book at restaurants in advance, especially the good ones; they get super busy in the summer and might not allow walk-ins. Make sure to check lunch & dinner hours.
6. Enjoy evening drinks at Quisisana and grab gelato from Buonocore after dinner.
7. Pack comfortably enough to get around town, but elegantly enough to be up to par with Capri's usual crowd.