Capri is a magical island filled with pink convertibles, designer everything, celebs, sun, diamonds, and beach clubs.
Capri just sparkles. Maybe it’s the glare of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Or maybe it’s just the diamonds.
Because, stars – they’re just like us.
In my opinion, it’s imperative you stay at least one night. If you’re lucky, you’ll stay more. Post 5pm when the visor-clad, fanny-wearing, selfie stick-slinging tourists hop on the ferry back to the mainland, youǯll get to experience how magical Capri really is.
As much as I love to shop, I normally don’t start off a trip with shopping as my main priority. However, this time was different. Soon after first stepping foot on the island we made our way to Virginia, a gorgeous shop full of jewels almost too pretty to touch. Right off the Piazzetta, Virginia is in the middle of the action – as are her owners…
We made this our first stop in Capri because friends told us to ask for Fabrizio, as he knows the way to the perfect three days on the island.
This store is so much more than diamonds and sapphires and rose gold temptations. Fabrizio and his father, Silvio, are the stars of the shop. They’re dressed to the nines in custom Italian threads hand-woven with their initials. Fabrizio’s wife is a true beauty, inside and out. An introduction and a few double-cheeked kisses and we were family.
Much of our Capri experience was so magical and perfect and fabulous because of their insider tips, recommendations, and introductions.
The Journey
Ferries leave often from Naples and Sorrento. Once in Capri, a candy colored taxi convertible will escort you to your hotel. There’s also a funicular to take you to the main piazza, widely known as the Piazzetta.
Stay
Cesar Augustus – Located above Capri town in Anacapri, this hotel is glam with a view.
Quisisana – Stay here if you’re looking for something luxurious but want to stay closer to the action in the heart of Capri.Whether you stay here or not, it’s a great spot for an aperol spritz and people watching post-shopping away all your euros.
Eat
Da Paolino – Otherwise known as the lemon tree restaurant, this is one of the most gorgeous places I’ve dined. Imagine this – you’re dining under a garden of trees lit in white and garnished with lemons the size of watermelons. The crowd is a lively and energetic bunch whom you can drink limoncello with until 2am. And there’s half orders of pasta and a dessert bar for days. Oh and in case you’re wondering, my excitement over half orders of pasta wasn’t so I could eat lighter, it’s so I could try more pasta. Duh.
La Capannina –It’s not considered tacky for restaurants to line up celebrity photos inside and outside of their restaurant. It’s part of the draw that you get to dine where the celebrities dine. La Capannina is no exception. While this wasn’t my absolute favorite restaurant food-wise, this meal holds a special place in my heart because of time spent with the owner, Antonio De Angelis. This spot is timeless, passed down from generation to generation, which means there’s no shortage of great stories. We sat with Antonio well past the point at which other patrons left, to hear him reminisce about the time Julia Roberts came in and ate with her feet up on the table. I like her style.
Buonocore Gelato – The sweet smell of the homemade cones will draw you in from blocks away. Choosing a flavor will be your toughest decision of the day, but there’s no question on opting for the cone, hand rolled right in front of you.
Sip
See and be seen around the Piazzetta with an aperol spritz apertivo and limoncello digestivo. Da Pulalli is a less touristy option above the piazzetta if you’re trying to hide from the paparazzo. But if you’re trying to shine in the middle of it all, head to Al Piccolo Bar.
Shop
Designer Everything –Via Camerelle is lined with labels. The good stuff. The really good stuff. One can dream, right? I’ll leave you with this – the Italian brands are cheaper than they are in the states and you don’t pay tax. I’m the queen of justifying.
Da Costanzo – Antonio Ruoco makes sandals by hand. Get them bejeweled if you’re feeling extra fancy. Per usual, I went for the gold.
Virginia – Because you’re always welcome to revisit the jewels you were staring at earlier…
Carthusia –When you need a souvenir to remind you of the fragrant lemon trees and emerald waters, this perfume shop will do just that.
Explore
I’m on a boat – Capri’s dramatic coastline is best viewed from a traditional wooden boat. My advice for the perfect day: 1. Head to La Fontelina for sun-bathing, sangria, and pasta. 2. Have a boat pick you up from the dock at La Fontelina. 3. Have a champagne dance party in front of the famous faraglioni rocks. 4. Head to the blue grotto VIP style, skipping the lines filled with large tourist boats. (Remember those visor-clad, fanny-wearing, selfie stick-slinging tourists? Yeah, they’re in line for the blue grotto. You’re not.) Note – have the hotel hire the boat for you in advance!
Mount Solaro chair lift in Anacapri– The best views come with a price. And the price is riding in a single chair lift that looks slightly terrifying/like it was made in 1801/like it might snap any minute. Okay, okay, it actually wasn’t that scary. It was sort of fun. And the views? They’re more dramatic than me.
Play
You can find us in da club– The beach club, that is. La Fontelina is heaven on earth. There’s an abundance of beach clubs in Capri but this one is the best. The vibe, the sangria, the Fontelina seafood pasta. Tip: Take note that they charge per towel. Wish someone would have warned us about that so we could have had more Euros to spend on jewels.
When you’re in the mood for a Michelin star – head to Il Riccio’s beach club and restaurant.
People watching – Grab a front row seat with an aperol spritz and enjoy the lavish line up. Chanel and Gucci and Dolce, oh my! For the best view of pretty people and potential celeb sightings, head to Aurora.
Capri, ti amo. Spero che riusciremo a rivederci
