Rising out of the Tyrrhenian Sea and just off the tantalising Amalfi Coast sits Capri, an island fabled with history and romance. I fell in love with the island on my very first visit many years ago, and have been back almost every summer since. Each time I would wishfully think to myself, if I were to be married one day, I would want it to be in Capri. By some stroke of fate, this dream did come true in the end, and Capri has an even more special place in my heart now.
Since the time of the Roman Empire, Capri has been home to emperors, poets, artists and stars abound, and inspired countless films and literature. Besides the sheer beauty of the azure waters, famed grottos and blooming bougainvilleas, to me the charm of Capri lies in its duality. It is no doubt glamorous but also imbued with a rustic charm. There are plenty of tourists but the local Capresi, who still run the island and are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met, and maintain the island’s authenticity. There is a sense that nothing much changes here, yet there is somehow always more to discover, and that life is both spirited and languid here. Capri simply embodies la dolce vita, and it’s hard not to succumb to its charms and want to return to it again and again.
To do
Walking is the best way to discover Capri
To know Capri, you will have to walk and explore by foot. Start at the Piazzetta, the adorable centre of town lined with cafes and boutiques, and find your way into narrow ancient roads and enchanting passageways. Take a passeggiata to the Gardens of Augustus or head towards Punta Tragara that brings you closer to the Faraglioni. For those that are up for a longer walk, head up the hills to visit the historical Villa Lysis and Villa Jovis. In the evenings, return to the bustling Piazzetta for an aperitivo before your night out.
Book a riva and sail around the island
Although the views from just about anywhere in Capri are stunning, you can’t beat being in the water and swimming through the Faraglioni rocks. The Blue and Green Grottos are also worth visiting at non peak hours (so as to avoid a long line of boats out of the grotto).
Hop on the chairlift up to Monte Solaro
The ride up this old fashioned chair lift is just as thrilling as the destination. You’ll get to enjoy the changing views as you ascend to the highest point of the island (589 meters above sea level), where on a good day you can even see across to the Bay of Naples. The chair lift station is at Piazza Vittoria, the perfect spot to continue on exploring Anacapri.
To stay
J.K. Place
A small but impeccably designed hotel near the Marina Grande that makes you feel like you’re staying at a friend’s home rather than at a hotel. Every inch of the hotel is elegantly thought out, and the beautiful (very Slim Aarons) pool is perfect for a sunset dip.
Capri Tiberio Palace
The colourful design of this hotel brings a smile to my face. It is modern but still so quintessentially and unapologetically Capri. Each room’s design is slightly different, and I especially love the ones with arches framing the balcony lined with Mediterranean majolica tiles. The hotel is a short walk from the Piazzetta and boutiques on Via Camerelle.
To eat
Da Paolino
I would venture as far as to say a visit to Capri isn’t complete without a meal at Da Paolino, the iconic restaurant in a lemon tree grove. The food is unpretentious and best served family style, with my favourites being the burrata, seafood scialatielli and chicken al mattone, roasted with lemon leaves under a brick.
Conca del Sogno
Possibly the most beautiful setting in the world for a seaside restaurant and beach club, and just a quick boat ride from Capri, in the Nerano Bay. The waters here are a cross between aquamarine and azure, and you can jump in for a swim after dining on the most delicious salt-baked seabass, fresh raw seafood platter, zucchini pasta and a healthy amount of lemon sgroppino.
La Fontelina
Another classic beach club and restaurant in Capri dotted with their signature blue-and-white-striped umbrellas. One could easily spend a whole day here lounging and people watching while sipping Aperol spritzes.
Il Riccio
Perfect for lunch after a visit to the Blue Grotto. The sea urchin spaghetti is delicious but save room for their infamous dessert room full of every type of Italian dessert imaginable.
Ristorante Aurora
Always a classic and great for both lunch in the centre of town or a fun dinner before heading to Anema e Core for a night out.
To shop
100% Capri
As the name suggests, it doesn’t get more Capri than this. The boutique offers chic linen pieces, from casual dresses to full suits, that you’ll wear again and again.
Amedeo Canfora
Beautiful made-to-measure jewelled sandals that have been made by the same family, in the same location, since 1946.
La Conchiglia
Not just a book store, but also a piece of Capri’s history, with a unique selection of antique maps and prints, and books covering mostly famous artists that have, at one time or another, been inspired by Capri.
Carthusia
Bottling the spirit of Capri into exquisite scents, Carthusia perfumes are the perfect way to relive memories of the island, once back home. All the fragrances are still produced with the traditional craftsmanship of their centuries-old secret formulae.
Seagull Ceramics
I can never leave Capri without buying some sort of handmade ceramics to bring home. Seagull has the most incredible one-of-a-kind ceramics, hand-painted in the beautiful colours of Capri.
Editor
Feiping Chang
