CAPRI, ITALY
Capri is a dream-like island just off the Amalfi Coast and to the south of Naples. Beautiful, romantic, and utterly captivating - it is the perfect summer destination for friends and lovers alike. Capri is one of Italy's more upscale destinations, but the island itself exudes a charm that is unmistakably Italian. Picturesque views, magical grottos, and typical Italian beaches, mixed with elegant restaurants, designer shops, and stylish crowds. Capri will enchant you.
TO STAY
Capri or Anacapri? Though both towns are on the same island, they're completely different. Capri is the hub of the island; lively, busy, and filled with action. This is where you'll find the designer shops, crowded cafes, and most of the good restaurants; the town itself is more stylish and well-built. On the opposite side of the island, Anacapri is tucked away in private seclusion; and though most of the luxury hotels are located here, the town itself is not as glamorous as Capri with far less to do and see. Unless you're looking for a quiet getaway from the crowds, Capri is definitely the place to stay.
A wonderful 4-star boutique hotel just off of the famous Via Camerelle, a short walk to the famous Piazetta. Tucked away from the shops and cafés with a frontal-view of the sea, Hotel Mamela is a peaceful place to stay in the centre of Capri town. You'll feel right in the middle of things without the nuisance of it. The hotel resembles an elegant Italian villa with a mix of modern and antique furnishings; the uniquely designed rooms are stylish, comfortable, and easy on the eye. The staff is friendly and the service is of 5-star quality. The guests are a good mix of young & old couples, small families, and friends. An enjoyable place to stay in Capri for a reasonable price.
HOTEL SYRENE: Capri
Another great alternative in the centre of town, Syrene is a primely-located hotel with reasonable prices. Situated directly on Via Camerelle, Syrene sits right above the designer shops if you're looking for something even closer to town. The hotel enjoys a distant view of the sea as well as its own lemon-garden. The dominantly white-coloured rooms are bright and simple, and the hotel itself also resembles a typical Italian villa.
CAPRI PALACE & CAESAR AUGUSTUS HOTEL: Anacapri
These five-star havens will make your Capri dreams come true. Located in the quieter, more romantic town of Anacapri, both hotels offer a more private and secluded stay on the island. Wonderful options for a romantic getaway or a luxurious honeymoon. The Capri Palace is slightly more modern with mono-toned rooms and a white-washed design, frequented by stylish celebrity crowds. Caesar Augustus exudes a more typical Italian charm with its bright yellow facades, striped umbrellas, and antique-villa quirks. Their in-house restaurants are both worth visiting, particularly Il Riccio at the Capri Palace.
FOOD & DINING
IL GERANIO: Seafood & Mediterranean-Italian; Scenic View
An elegant restaurant in Capri overlooking the Faraglioni, on the tree-lined avenue leading down to the Gardens of Augustus. Just a short walk from town, come here for delectable food and beautiful sunset views. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean and Neapolitan cuisine, specialising in seafood. Salads, whole-baked fish, and pastas - everything here is light, fresh, and full of flavour. Ask for their specialities. The restaurant is always crowded, so book in advance (just before sunset) and request a table outside to be closer to the view. Check their lunch & dinner hours.
TERRAZZA BRUNELLA: Caprese Cuisine; Scenic View
A small terrace hanging over Capri and overlooking the Faraglioni, Terrazza Brunella has one of the most scenic views to accompany your meal. A short walk from town on the way to Belvedere Tragara. The restaurant is bright and refreshing, furnished in all white with ceiling-to-floor windows. The menu offers traditional Caprese dishes - salads, seafood, and pasta, as well as dessert; everything is cooked with fresh island ingredients. Come here for an atmospheric dinner (also open for lunch) and then walk down to Tragara for a panoramic view of the sea. Check their lunch & dinner hours.
DA PAOLINO: Caprese Cuisine; Atmospheric Lemon Garden
Perhaps Capri's most popular or iconic restaurant, Da Paolino has upheld its excellent reputation for many years. Located in a beautiful garden, the restaurant is known for its lemon trees that hang over the entire place. The design, the setup, the atmosphere... It feels like walking into a dreamy Italian dinner party. The menu will likely overwhelm you, so ask for their specialities. Lemon is of course one of their main ingredients, so order a variety of lemon-based dishes - particularly pastas (the Ravioli Capresi in lemon sauce is divine). There's also a big buffet of hors d'oeuvres and desserts to serve yourself. The restaurant is fully booked almost every night, so reserve well in advance. A wonderful place for your last dinner in Capri.
AL CAPRI: Casual Caprese Cuisine; Scenic View
Just off the Piazetta and right next to the taxi stand is Al Capri - a more casual, all-day restaurant with a scenic view of the sea. Similar to Terrazza Brunella, the restaurant hangs off like a terrace with all-white interiors and large windows. A great place for lunch or a quick bite. The food is generally good, but come here with one thing in mind: the Pasta Nerano. A thick and chewy spaghetti tossed in the creamiest zucchini sauce with provolone del Monaco cheese; one of the best pasta dishes in Capri. Unmissable.
IL RICCIO: Upscale Restaurant in Anacapri; Sea View
Located at the Capri Palace, Il Riccio is an upscale restaurant and beach club frequented by hotel guests and stylish crowds. The blue and white cliffside restaurant hangs over the sea, just above the Blue Grotto, making it a wonderful place to catch the sunset or to stop off by boat. With one Michelin star to its name Il Riccio has an artful and sophisticated take on traditional island dishes. Take a boat out to see the Blue Grotto and go up for lunch. Check their hours and book in advance.
RISTORANTE DA LUIGI: Beach Club Restaurant by Faraglioni
Located at the beach club just opposite the Faraglioni, Da Luigi is a good place for lunch at the beach. Book a table when you arrive because it gets really crowded. The menu has a good variety of salads and pastas, and seafood dishes. The fried calamari, grilled octopus, and squid are all good; the pumpkin gnocchi with ricotta is great, and the scialatielli pasta with aubergine is excellent (also one of the best pasta dishes in Capri). Grab a caffe creme from the vendor, it's really excellent here.
QUISISANA BAR: Glamorous Terrace Bar; Capri Town
Located at the Grand Hotel Quisisana in the centre of town, this terrace bar is the perfect place for pre-dinner drinks or a night-cap. Tables are filled with stylish and glamorous crowds of the island, the atmosphere buzzing with casual conversation and live piano music. Quisisana is the place to see and be seen before you head out for the night.
GELATERIA BUONOCORE: Gelato & Pastries
There's a reason the queue at this place often circles round the corner. No exaggeration, Buonocore has some of the best gelato you'll ever taste in Italy. Yes, Italy. Light and creamy, and full of natural flavour; the gelato is so soft it melts almost immediately in your hand, and in a few bites it's gone. The waffle cones are made fresh on the spot, their buttery-biscuit smell wafting through town. It's worth the wait.
BEACHES
LA FONTELINA: Beach Club at Faraglioni
Located just across the Faraglioni, this is perhaps Capri's most picturesque beach club, famous for its iconic blue-striped umbrellas and lounge chairs. As glamorous as it may be, La Fontelina is also quite pretentious; far from that laidback Italian feel. The beach is usually crowded with dressed-up tourists, drinking bottles of champagne and conversing to loud music. They're also very strict with reservations, which have to be made weeks in advance. Feels more like a show than a day at the beach. Not as relaxing or private as it may seem.
DA LUIGI: Beach Club at Faraglioni
Right next to La Fontelina is the more relaxed and laidback Da Luigi beach club. Frequented by tourists and Italians alike, the atmosphere here is casual, friendly, and fuss-free. There are plenty of lounge chairs spread across the place, but call a day in advance to secure chairs and come earlier for the spot you want (usually fills up by noon). There's also a natural bay for swimming between the Monacone cliffs, just across from the sea stacks - the water here is amazing. Book a table for lunch and enjoy a long day at the beach.
*The walk (or hike) down to these beaches is not easy, but it's worth it! You can also take a boat.
LIDO DEL FARO: Beach Club in Anacapri
If you're looking for a change, try Lido del Faro in Anacapri. Though the water here is not nearly as beautiful as Faraglioni, the beach club itself is pretty decent, bearing in mind that most of the sun-beds are nowhere near the sea. The atmosphere is laidback and casual, with a mixed crowd of families and friends. There's also a swimming pool and a good restaurant for lunch. Not a must-do, but an alternative option if you really want somewhere different.
THINGS TO DO
BOAT DAY: 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 centre of Capri, almost like a meeting point. With a beautiful view overlooking the island sea and a square lined with cafés spilling onto one another, crowds of people strolling past or enjoying a slow afternoon. The atmosphere here is wonderful.
PARTY 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.