If you have plans to go to Amalfi or Positano, then I would definitely recommend to add the island of Capri to your itinerary. Since ancient times, Capri has been the ultimate idyllic resort isle and legend has it that Ulysses was seduced here by the Sirens. Capri's beautiful rugged seascapes, deep blue waters, secluded coves, and upscale beach resorts make it an alluring honeymoon spot and celebrity playground.

You can either do a day trip for a glimpse of the island or spend a few nights here for a more relaxing experience. There are ferries from Positano and Amalfi to Capri that can be arranged near the ferry dock. I took a day trip in the early morning to avoid the crowds, which tend to be heavy by noon. Since I only had one day in Capri and wanted to maximize my time, I arranged a private tour with a local tour guide, who took me to all the hot spots and helped us get to the front of the lines. Otherwise, expect to wait in long lines at the major attractions.

View of Marina Grande

View of Marina Piccola and Via Krupp

Il Faraglioni from Gardens of Augustus

Brioche con gelato

View from Gondola Ride up Mount Solaro

We arrived at the Marina Grande and our tour guide drove us to the Blue Grotto. We got onto a canoe and waited in line on the water to enter the Grotto. Sometimes the line can be pretty long and I have heard of people getting motion sickness from waiting in their canoe on the water. The gondola driver serenaded us in Italian as we entered the grotto. Before you enter, you are instructed to lie completely flat inside the boat to avoid injury as the opening is very narrow. The grotto itself is pretty small, but the color of the water and the way the sunlight reflects through creates an amazing electric blue glow. The amount of time we spent in the Grotto was a short ten minutes. If you have more free time, I would suggest to rent a private boat (with a skipper) that can take you to the Grotto, the Faraglioni, and around the island of Capri.

After the grotto, we headed to Mount Solaro to take a gondola ride up the mountain to a town called Anacapri. At the top, you will enjoy nice views of the faraglioni. We then took a stroll through the Villa San Michele for views of Marina Grande. Along the way, we stopped by a perfumery called Carthusia, which is famous for its specially crafted fragrances. Meditteraneo is George Clooney's favorite scent. Another popular item are custom hand made sandals made of Italian leather.

when to go

High season is July and August, but the season runs from May to end of September; off-season, many hotels and restaurants are closed due to inclement weather.

things to do

Arrive at Marina Grande. Take the funicular or take a taxi up to the Piazzetta (the heart of Capri).
Check out the Faraglioni rocks either by boat, from the top at Anacapri, and from the Gardens of Augustus.
Boat tour or private boat to the Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, and Blue Grotto.
Take a chair lift up Mount Solaro, the highest point, to Anacapri. Enjoy panoramic views of the Faraglioni. Check out Villa Michele for gardens and beautiful views of Marina Grande.
Go to Gardens of Augustus for amazing views of the Faraglioni and views of the famous zigzag Via Krupp and Marina Piccola on the other side
Take a bus to Marina Piccola - Hang out at the pebbly beaches, beach clubs, and bars. Major yacht sightings here especially during peak season.
Eat an Italian ice cream sandwich (brioche con gelato)
Grab some cocktails at aperitivo (before dinner) at the Piazza Umberto I (La Piazzetta), a square with numerous cafes and wicker chairs.
Via Camerelle for luxury shopping at designer boutiques, the most expensive street in Capri.

Transportation

Take the first ferry for Capri (8:30am) and the last ferry back (usually between 5-7pm). Check the ferry schedule especially if you are traveling off-season.

luxe tips

If you are not a fan of crowded places full of tourists, then I would recommend to spend a few nights here so you can enjoy the evenings or early mornings before the daytrippers arrive.
Get a pair of beautiful handmade leather sandals.
Sniff homegrown scents from Carthusia perfumery and check out George Clooney's favorite scent, Meditteraneo.
Spend a day enjoying the deep blue seas by renting a private boat around the island for amazing views of the Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, and Blue Grotto.

where to stay

Hotel Caesar Augustus (Anacapri)
Hotel Excelsior Parco (Capri)