Oh Capri. The picture perfect island off of the Amalfi Coast, filled to the brim with luxurious designer shops, handmade sandals, and gelato stuffed lemons. Famed as a celebrity getaway in the 50s, it became so popular that a style of pant has been named in its honor. Although be warned, us Americans as always have the wrong pronunciation, and any Italian will insist that it is CApri not CaPRI. The glamorous destination was once Jackie O’s vacation spot of choice, providing an even more upscale environment than the towns along the Amalfi Coast. Imagine a place where Grace Kelly felt free to stroll around, donning her famed Hermès bag and tortoiseshell sunnies.
Nowadays, the island has become more accessible to the average traveller, with hundreds of cruise ship tourists flocking in to see the famed villas and clear blue waters on the island. Many others access the island by ferry from Sorrento or Amalfi, spending just a day to take in the sights. Most of these visitors stay in the central of area Capri near the harbor which hosts both souvenir spots and high class designer stores. Framed by the iconic Faraglioni rock formation is the southern side of the island, filled to the brim with million dollar yachts and the movie stars that own them. But underneath the crowds of the island is a genuine kindness from the people of Capri. Our encounters with locals left some of the most generous interactions I have had with strangers, some of who I will discuss within this post. The natural beauty surrounding the island, regardless of how many euros you happen to have in your pockets, is astounding. This I imagine, is what has kept Capri at the top of so many bucket list destinations for 70 years.
I got to spend 3 days in Capri, and while on the island attempted to try the best food, sightseeing and shopping that was available. While the entire trip was incredible, a few things were an absolute standout, and so I present to you the most perfect day I could imagine in Capri, at least until my invite on Kylie Jenner’s yacht arrives that is.
A Cappuccino for Breakfast
Regardless of where you are in Italy, a fully immersive experience in la dolce vita cannot be complete without a morning cappuccino. There is nothing quite like the perfectly shaped cups clinking, the warm foam on top, and a background chatter of Italian. I was lucky enough to enjoy my coffee at La Residenza, a recently renovated hotel perfectly situated close to the center of Capri but far enough for a moments peace from the crowds and cruise shippers. Our room at La Residenza came with complimentary breakfast in the morning. Every morning we were supplied with a three tiered stand filled with cornettos, lemon muffins and fresh breads, as well as our choice of eggs and coffee drink. The pastries were some of my favorite during the entire trip to the Amalfi Coast, and while munching on these treats I got to overlook the beautiful pool and display of stunning hydrangeas set out everyday.
If you don’t find yourself staying at La Residenza, there are still several stunning hotels in the area that provide an amazing breakfast spread. Hotel Mamela provides beautifully modern rooms in the Caprese style, with marble floors polished to perfection and views of the ocean. If you are just visiting Capri for the day or are looking into staying in an Air B&B and keeping things a bit more economical, there are many cafes in the main square that are perfect for sipping on your morning cappuccino, with a flaky cornetto on the side of course.
Spend the morning in Anacapri
While Capri is practically paradise, it can also get extremely hot, especially in the late summer months when the height of tourist season takes place. To beat the midday heat and large crowds, head to the other side of the island, Anacapri earlier in the morning, The easiest way to arrive is by taxi which should cost you around 25 euro one way. If this is out of the budget, you can also purchase a bus ticket, just look for a building labelled biglietteria at the entrance to the main town of Capri. Warning, the busses tend to get very packed and aren’t the most comfortable journey, but is a great option if you are trying to save.
Take the Monte Solaro Chairlift
Once in Anacapri, head to the Monte Solaro chair lift. There are signs all over the center of the town so it should not be hard to miss. Although there was a long wait for the chairlift, it was beyond worth it. You slowly ascend up to the highest point in the island, swiftly sailing by the rooftops and home gardens of the town. As I exited the chairlift I got a taste of classic Italian charm, being spun by the operator in a big fleurish and sent on my way as he called me bella. This is the great thing about Capri, it feels as though the people working here truly enjoy what they do and make the most out of small moments. As you walk the final steps to the outlook point of Monte Solaro, bright blue water and cliffside comes into view. It’s absolutely breathtaking, the ocean and Faraglioni rocks ahead with Mt. Vesuvius looming in the background. Spend as long as you like up here, wander a bit, and take in a breath to recognize you are in freaking Capri! One of the most famous islands the the world.
Visit Villa San Michele
Tucked away a few minutes from the center of Anacapri is the fairytale villa that once belonged to Swedish author Axel Munthe. As a history lover with a penchant for daydreaming, this was my heaven. Inside the villas is white stucco walls, ancient tiles, and artifacts collected from the Etruscans, Romans and Egyptians. It is easy to stroll by each item, imagining the many people it touched before it ended up in this home. As you exit into the gardens, you are met with vine covered trellises overlooking the mediterranean, lush green grasses and pots of deep purple flowers. Venture farther and you find the chapel, fitted with carved stone pillars that belong in a Disney princess movie and frame a 3000 year old sphinx.
Take a Boat Trip Around the Island
This trip was lined up for us through the concierge at La Residenza, and they chose the most amazing tour company possible, called Capri Let It Be. We chose a private tour with Daniele, who (and I’m not exaggerating) is probably one of the nicest people I have ever met. Unfortunately we found ourselves in a bit of a personal emergency during the trip and he took as back to shore and stayed with us until everything was resolved. Without getting into too many details, he went above and beyond what is expected of a tour guide, and at the end of the day felt more like a supportive friend than just a stranger.
The amazing character of Daniele aside, this boat ride was one of those moments that will be cemented in my memory forever. I love the ocean, and thinking about sitting at the front of that boat, wind blowing my hair and taking in the cliffside of Capri brings me so much gratitude and peace. While we skipped the blue grotto due to the line, our guide took us to the emerald grotto where the light hits the water in a way that makes it look well, emerald. We were even able to swim inside a small grotto, making my H20 childhood dreams come true. Regardless of which tour company you take, this stop is a must do. If a private trip isn’t what you are looking for, there are many group trips available throughGet your Guide and AirB&B. I would check out this as well as this kayaking trip for the adventure inclined. For more info on the company we used, click here.
Dinner at Da Paolino
A perfect day in Capri cannot be complete without a visit to the famed Da Paolino. I think a common belief regarding “instagram famous” restaurants that they fall behind on quality, but that was not the case here. The famous lemon pasta was delicious, and of course eating under candlelight and lemon trees makes for an amazing ambiance. My favorite part however was the dessert room, filled to the brim with fresh fruit, cakes, pastries, puddings, and even a giant bowl of whipped cream. It is a dessert lovers paradise. Keep a keen eye out for celebrities, as it is a supposed favorite of Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Lopez. Even if they don’t make an appearance, we found people watching here highly interesting, with everyone from stylish dressed Italians to Australians who look as though they have just walked off filming Love Island. Make sure to snag a reservation early, as the restaurant was entirely filled up by 8:00 PM.
Even if you just manage to get a few of these activities done, they will provide you with an amazing introduction into the culture and beauty of this famous island. I have a feeling that anyone that gets a taste of Capri will want to keep coming back for more. Safe travels!
