Day 1 in Capri

Welcome to beautiful Capri, one of the most mesmerizing islands in Italy. Upon arrival, make your transfer to your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Start your day by heading straight to the charming town of Capri (both the name of the island and one of the towns), grab yourself a coffee and breakfast and enjoy it with a table outside, so you can take in the atmosphere and watch as the streets awaken. Famed from the glamour and high-life, the narrow maze of lanes are lined with designer shops and exclusive boutiques, each selling an array of desirable items, from handbags, shoes, and jewelry, to household furnishings and food and drink.

The idyllic town of Capri not only draws visitors for its exclusive shops and eateries, but also for the array of fascinating sights. The 14th-century monastery and Charterhouse, the Certosa di San Giacomo, is claimed to be the oldest building on the island. For a small entrance fee, the public is invited to explore the library, exhibitions, museum and more. Alternatively, private tours are available but require booking in advance. The building demonstrates Caprese architecture and provides an insight into the island and its inhabitants` history and developments.

After exploring the past and discovering the awe-inspiring Certosa di San Giacomo, take a five-minute stroll to the stunning park, the Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto). These gardens boast absolutely stunning views of the open ocean and Faraglioni rocks, as well as beautiful beds overflowing with flowers, well-kept green spaces and topiary. The gardens are not vast in size, but they`re definitely one of the best places to see in Capri. What they lack in size, they make up for in views. The best time to visit is in spring and the beginning of summer when the blossoms are at their best. At the back of the gardens are two terraces that offer breathtaking views and a beautiful place to relax amongst this dream-like setting.

Located right next to the Gardens of Augusto is one of the most iconic landmarks of Capri, the twisting harpin bends of Via Krupp. This road is an absolute jewel of Capri which may even look familiar as it has been extensively photographed over the years. The narrow path switches back on itself over and over, as it descends towards a particularly attractive bay of pale blue sea. Get your camera ready!

Once the last ferries to the mainland leave, you`ll have the island to yourself (or at least it will be a lot less crowded). As day turns into night, head to the heart of the town, Piazza Umberto, which is also known as `little piazza` for a relaxing dinner. The outdoor seating, luxurious bars and restaurants are more than comfortable, with predominately freshly caught seafood being served, along with delicious drinks to wash it down.

In general, this area brings people dressed to the nines and looking to impress. It is the perfect spot to enjoy some people watching, somewhat like having your own personal fashion show, and it`ll provide endless entertainment. Capri attracts the glamour, whether it`s those who live a luxury lifestyle every day or people who just enjoy having a taste of the high life on a day trip. Not to mention that you may even spot an actual celebrity.

Finish your day enjoying some nightlife of the island. Carpri`s nightlife centers around the `tavern`, local music clubs and live acts and dancing. The most famous is Anema e Core, just steps from the Piazzetta in Capri.

Day 2 in Capri

Wake up early to allow you get the most of your day. Grab breakfast and then head to Anacapri. Known as the most authentic and less touristy of the two towns on the island, the destination is humble yet charming. At a higher elevation to its neighbor, the views of the open ocean and rugged and wild sea cliffs are unparalleled! Match that with the fresh scent of lemon trees and the quaint artisan workshops and boutiques, and you`ll discover one of Italy`s best-kept secrets, a pleasure for all the senses!

The views that can be admired at 1,932 ft above sea level, at the summit of Monte Solaro are absolutely stunning; make sure to take your camera! Sightings of the Bay of Naples and the mountains of Calabria can be enjoyed, along with the ocean below, speckled with luxurious yachts. Visitors can either get to the summit by chairlift; alternatively, the walk can take approximately two hours, when completed at a leisurely pace.

Tip: Take the chairlift on the way up and then walk back down. That way you can enjoy the scenery without too much effort.

Villa San Michele is another popular place to see while in Anacapri. This beautiful house was owned by Axel Munthe, a Swedish doctor. He loved Italy so much that he decided to set up home on Capri. He visited the island when he was seventeen and saw a ruined chapel dedicated to San Michele. Years later, after assisting with an epidemic which had affected Naples, he came back to Capri and bought the property.

Munthe was an author as well as a doctor, and his house became somewhat of a museum. He was fascinated by art and collected many items that are now on display in the house. Villa San Michele is located in Anacapri, and is easily accessible by bus.

The Blue Grotto is one of Capri`s top attractions. Entered through an opening which is just 7 feet wide, the natural sea cave is mystic. Midday to the early afternoon is the best time to go for the natural phenomenon that can be seen here. As the sun`s rays peep through the caverns, the reflections on the water produce a light and color that are the most spectacular! The Azure waters which are colored with silver flecks as the ocean gently moves gives you a fairy tale setting like no other.

We recommend you schedule a boat tour around the island. You`ll visit some of the most well-known gems of the island including the Blue Grotto, White Grotto, Green Grotto, and the Faraglioni. Two hours is sufficient to see the entire perimeter of the island, but you can book longer excursions and take a dip in the ocean or just relax under the Mediterranean sun.

Note: If you do visit the famous Blue Grotto, bring cash. There are three lines for the grotto. If you`re on a private tour you get priority, but you`ll still need to pay to get into one of the small boats that take you into the grotto. It`s only open when the sea conditions are safe. So you can check beforehand.

If you enjoy spotting the beautiful villas dotted around Capri, then you can see the one which started it all, Villa Jovis. The original posh home on the island was owned by Emperor Tiberius, a lifelong fan of Capri. The villa`s architectural style combines that of Classical villas from the Roman empire with elements of a small fortress. It was completed in 27 AD, and Tiberius retreated here from Rome, governing the Empire from behind its wall until his death ten years later.

Finish your last night in Capri enjoying the vibe of the island while relaxing over a delicious meal.

Additional Days in Capri

Should you be able to spend additional days in Capri we recommend you continue your explorations of the island. Make sure to check out Via del Pizzolungo which stretches from the Faraglioni to the Natural Arch and offers amazing scenery. It is well worth taking the opportunity to get away from the crowds and enjoy a slice of Capri`s natural beauty!

You can also get a glimpse of the distinctive Casa Malaparte, a red modern villa which clings scarily to dangerous rocks, almost surrounded by crashing waves. The villa is on private property, but it`s astounding piece of architecture, well worth seeing.

Also make sure to pay a visit to the Natural Arch, a oddity of nature and erosion. It`s also just as photogenic! It used to form the roof of a grotto, but when the grotto collapsed, the arch was left on its own. It is an easy hike from Capri Town and most of the walk is down a quiet street, the only strenuous activity you`ll need to do is navigating down a flight of steps. Bear in mind that you`ll need to come back up. The walk is well worth it, however, as you`ll be rewarded with glorious views of the arch, and the bay of clear blue water directly underneath it.

On the Via del Pizzolungo, not far from the Natural Arch, lies the Grotta di Matermania. Even if you don`t want to walk the entire length of the Via del Pizzolungo trail, it`s worth popping down to see this extraordinary cave. The grotto takes you almost by surprise as you walk along: it disappears quite deeply into the rock of the cliff face.

In the past, it was used as a shrine. During Roman times it was dedicated to the cult of Mithras and was almost certainly a nymphaeum. The Grotta di Matromania is a perfect site for such worship, thanks to its location above the crashing waves of the island`s southern coast. Take a moment to wander into the cave, and marvel at it as you imagine the grotto still being in use.

If you`re up for some beach and relaxation in the Mediterranean sun, head to the Marina Piccola. This marina is much smaller and has few boats. It`s a place where everybody who`s anybody comes to the beach. The seas here are brilliantly clear, and the beach is situated in a natural sun-trap. You`ll find many locals and some tourists here, all enjoying the sun ad scenery.

Your Last Day In Capri

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out. Savor the memories of a very special time on the island of Capri.