Planning a trip to Capri? Don’t miss our tried-and-true tips to experiencing the best of the jet-set isle.
Where to Stay:
J.K. Place Capri
If you’re seeking refreshingly subdued, residential-style luxury, book a suite at J.K Place Capri. Stylish touches abound throughout the shoreside property, from the elegant objets d’art in the lobby to the spa-like marble bathrooms.
Capri Tiberio Palace
Filled with bright pastel accents, inlaid majolica tile floors, and dramatic photography, Capri Tiberio Palace’s flashy interiors were designed by renowned architect Giampiero Panepinto. It’s impossible not to fall in love at first sight with the spacious rooms, mosaic-lined pool, and glamorous Jacky Bar in the lobby.
Where to Eat:
Il Riccio
Located a stone’s throw from the Blue Grotto, this ritzy, ultra-exclusive beach club and restaurant are, unsurprisingly, a hit with the fashion set. (Dior even set up a pop-up shop for the summer.) The real draw here is the spectacular seafood and pasta specialties from resident chef Salvatore Elefante. Oh, and did we mention there is an entire room filled with homemade cakes, pastries, and ice cream?
Ristorante Villa Margherita
Steps away from the boisterous scene of the Piazzetta, Villa Margherita ticks all the boxes for a near-perfect meal in Capri: phenomenal Italian bites, tables with views of picturesque Marina Piccola, and solid service. Come after dark, when the al fresco patio is illuminated by candlelight.
Where to Drink:
Monzù Gin Club
Head straight to the poolside bar of this Michelin-starred restaurant to work your way through the super-long list of cocktails. Barman Daniele Chirico has hand-picked over 100 kinds of gin and a dozen tonics for seemingly endless combinations of the quintessential summer cocktail: the gin and tonic. The views aren’t too bad either.
Taverna Anema E Core
First opened in 1994, this late-night haunt is arguably the most famous club on the island. Despite the nondescript exterior, this is where Capri’s glitterati go to see and be seen, though the vibes are still pretty relaxed (a dress code enforced, however; no shorts for guys). There are live musical performances nearly every night, and the dance floor is popping until the wee hours of the morning.
Where to Visit:
La Fontelina
What once started as a low-key beach shack in 1949 that looks out to the emblematic Faraglioni rocks has since become Capri’s most glamorous lido with iconic blue-and-white striped umbrellas and loungers. It can only be reached by a long flight of stairs that begin near the Punta Tragara hotel, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the way down. Don’t even think about showing up without reservations, where you’ll be able to specify your preferred time to enjoy lunch, and make those well in advance.
Anacapri
For a more tranquil, authentic side of Capri, hop in a taxi or bus to Anacapri. Tour the gorgeous gardens of Villa San Michele, the mansion of late Swedish author Axel Munthe (it also marks the beginning of the Phoenician Steps), then enjoy a beach day at Lido del Faro, which overlooks the scenic Punta Carena Lighthouse. Anacapri also has many great restaurants, like the formal Restaurant La Terrazza di Lucullo at Caesar Augustus (the hotel was built in 1850), and the casual family-run Da Gelsomina. Panoramic views are guaranteed at both.
Marina Piccola
While all the ferries to Capri arrive in bustling Marina Grande, Marina Piccola on the opposite side of the island remains a quaint swath of coastline, located in the shadows of Monte Solaro. The bay is split by a fabled craggy outcrop called Scoglio delle Sirene (Siren’s Rock), which was once inhabited by the sirens Homer wrote in his Odyssey. Whether you choose to lounge at one of the private beach clubs like La Canzone del Mare or plop a towel on a public stretch of sand, southern exposure means you get sun pretty much all day.
Monte Solaro
Don’t pass up the chance to sit on Capri’s throne atop Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island at 1,932 feet high. You can take the rickety single-seat chair lift (Seggiovia Monte Solaro) from Piazza della Vittoria in Anacapri (it’s around the corner of the Capri Palace Jumeirah) or hike up to the 19th-century Barbarossa Castle near the peak.
