Just a half hour ride from Naples and about 40 minutes from Positano by hydrofoil, Capri is synonymous with impossible glamour, style, and celebrity.
The island is exquisite, with so much to see and do, but most tourists barely make it out of the central Piazzetta.
If you are heading to Capri this summer, or ever, here is my list of 8 Things To do In Capri:
1. Buy World Famous Capri Sandals.
You have to take the funicular from Marina Grande to Piazza Umberto I anyway, so while you are there turn right and walk along to Schettino and visit my friend Aldo. He made sandals for Jackie Onassis, he makes sandals for me, and he has made sandals for readers of this blog from all around the world, so he might as well make sandals for you too!
(When you go in there make sure you tell them you read this blog - they love to hear about it!)
Once you've bought your sandals, get as far away from the tourist crush of the Central Piazzetta as you can.
2. Go For A Walk
My favorite thing to do in Capri is to walk. Even if you are there on a cruise and only have a few hours, go buy some sandals, then point yourself in any direction and walk. As soon as you are a couple of blocks from Central Piazzetta you will discover a whole different Capri, devoid of tourists and crowds. Discover the walkways, the homes, the Roman villas. Take in the staggering views and breathe in the heady scent of honeysuckle and lemons.
3. Visit Villa San Michele, Anacapri
"My home shall be open in order to let in the sun, and the wind, and the voices of the ocean, like a Greek temple, and there shall be light, light everywhere!"
Axel Munthe's home with it's unbelievable panoramic view from the north eastern side of Anacapri is now a museum housing Roman and Egyptian artifacts. The museum is wonderful as are the gardens and the chapel, and the view of the Bay of Naples.
4. Take a ride in a convertible taxi
The taxis in Capri are like none other! It's fun to take a spin around the island in one of their taxis. From the Central Piazzetta take a taxi to Anacapri or to the Blue Grotto.
5. Check out the Blue Grotto.
Like visiting St Marks in Venice (read about it HERE), you somewhat have to go to the Blue Grotto when you are in Capri.
Take a taxi from the central piazza - the ride is lovely. You only actually spend about 2 minutes inside the grotto, but its a magical two minutes! I went with my best friend in the world, and will never forget it.
6. Take A Boat Trip.
The most lovely way to see Capri is by boat. Take an excursion and see the island from the ocean. stop off at little beaches, have a swim, float around and be completely wowed.
7.Take The Chairlift To Monte Solaro
This is the highest point on the island,and the views are so spectacular they will remain imprinted in your mind forever.
(If you are scared of heights, and I am, the ride up will stay with you forever too!)
8. Get Some Beach Time
Make like a super star and get yourself some beach time, far from the madding crowd. From the Punta Tragara viewing point there is a little track that takes you to the rocks at the foot of the Faraglioni (the 3 giant rocks always associated with Capri). There are 2 private beach clubs, each with a wonderful restaurant, my favorite being Da Luigi.
The great thing is you don't have to scale the mountain back up at the end of the day - both private beach clubs will boat shuttle you back to Marina Piccola.
Capri by night |
The island is exquisite, with so much to see and do, but most tourists barely make it out of the central Piazzetta.
If you are heading to Capri this summer, or ever, here is my list of 8 Things To do In Capri:
1. Buy World Famous Capri Sandals.
buy sandals in Capri |
You have to take the funicular from Marina Grande to Piazza Umberto I anyway, so while you are there turn right and walk along to Schettino and visit my friend Aldo. He made sandals for Jackie Onassis, he makes sandals for me, and he has made sandals for readers of this blog from all around the world, so he might as well make sandals for you too!
last year with my friends Aldo and Lydia Schettino at their sandal shop in capri |
(When you go in there make sure you tell them you read this blog - they love to hear about it!)
Once you've bought your sandals, get as far away from the tourist crush of the Central Piazzetta as you can.
2. Go For A Walk
walking in Capri |
My favorite thing to do in Capri is to walk. Even if you are there on a cruise and only have a few hours, go buy some sandals, then point yourself in any direction and walk. As soon as you are a couple of blocks from Central Piazzetta you will discover a whole different Capri, devoid of tourists and crowds. Discover the walkways, the homes, the Roman villas. Take in the staggering views and breathe in the heady scent of honeysuckle and lemons.
3. Visit Villa San Michele, Anacapri
The view from Villa San Michele, Anacapri, Capri |
"My home shall be open in order to let in the sun, and the wind, and the voices of the ocean, like a Greek temple, and there shall be light, light everywhere!"
stroll along the walkways at Villa San Michele |
Axel Munthe's home with it's unbelievable panoramic view from the north eastern side of Anacapri is now a museum housing Roman and Egyptian artifacts. The museum is wonderful as are the gardens and the chapel, and the view of the Bay of Naples.
4. Take a ride in a convertible taxi
taxis in Capri |
The taxis in Capri are like none other! It's fun to take a spin around the island in one of their taxis. From the Central Piazzetta take a taxi to Anacapri or to the Blue Grotto.
5. Check out the Blue Grotto.
inside Capri's Blue Grotto |
Like visiting St Marks in Venice (read about it HERE), you somewhat have to go to the Blue Grotto when you are in Capri.
Take a taxi from the central piazza - the ride is lovely. You only actually spend about 2 minutes inside the grotto, but its a magical two minutes! I went with my best friend in the world, and will never forget it.
6. Take A Boat Trip.
The most lovely way to see Capri is by boat. Take an excursion and see the island from the ocean. stop off at little beaches, have a swim, float around and be completely wowed.
Gianni's Boat Excursions, Capri |
Gianni's Boat Excursions Capri |
7.Take The Chairlift To Monte Solaro
chari lift to Monte Solaro, Capri |
(If you are scared of heights, and I am, the ride up will stay with you forever too!)
8. Get Some Beach Time
Fragalioni, Capri |
Make like a super star and get yourself some beach time, far from the madding crowd. From the Punta Tragara viewing point there is a little track that takes you to the rocks at the foot of the Faraglioni (the 3 giant rocks always associated with Capri). There are 2 private beach clubs, each with a wonderful restaurant, my favorite being Da Luigi.
Da Luigi, Capri |
The great thing is you don't have to scale the mountain back up at the end of the day - both private beach clubs will boat shuttle you back to Marina Piccola.