An Incredible Capri Itinerary: How To Plan The Perfect Vacation
A beguiling hotspot where the idyll of la dolce vita meets bygone-era glamour, the Italian island is an ever-stylish vacation destination. Discover a glittering Capri itinerary – from where to stay and eat, to the best views and how to escape the crowds. By KATIE BERRINGTON
The idyllic hotels
From the team behind the renowned Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the newly opened Hotel La Palma – Oetker Collection’s first Italian adventure – is set to become just as legendary as its older sister on the French Riviera. A stunning reimagination of Capri’s first hotel, originally built in 1822, La Palma is an homage to all things la dolce vita. Situated close to the Piazzetta, it boasts Gennaro’s restaurant, bar and terrace, as well as the stylish Da Gioia beach club nearby in the Marina Piccola – along with a private beach for up to eight guests, serviced by its own team. An excellent addition to the island’s sun-soaked social scene, La Palma is becoming the place to see and be seen.
At the more boutique but equally chic end of the scale is J.K. Place Capri, which has the air of an elegant private residence – all marble bathrooms, striped parasols and chequerboard tiles. Comprised of 22 rooms and suites (including the utterly dreamy Penthouse, with two bedrooms and two terraces), this charmingly discreet property is perched on a cliff in the north, giving dazzling views over the Gulf of Naples. Better still, the Dr. Barbara Sturm spa offers guests restorative, indulgent treatments from the tranquil wellbeing space, which is the perfect way to rejuvenate after a day in the sun.
The glamorous dining scene
Caprese denotes dishes of Capri – whether a classic insalata, or a twist that brings the bold, sumptuous ingredients of the island to pastas, pizzas and desserts – and their flavorful flair is world-renowned for a reason. While Capri’s restaurant scene is indisputably opulent, at the center of the culinary offering is straightforward, fresh, homegrown components bursting with color and fragrance.
There are a number of delectable gems on the island where you can relish these local delights, usually with a front-row seat of spectacular Tyrrhenian Sea views to mirror the menus. Two of the most famed restaurants are found in the Jumeirah Capri Palace: the two-Michelin-starred L’Olivo, with Mediterranean tasting menus curated by Ischian chef Andrea Migliaccio and celebrating locally sourced ingredients, and the more laid-back Il Riccio, serving impressive seafood dishes on a terrace overlooking the crystalline waters of the Blue Grotto.
Da Paolino is an enchantingly picturesque locale where diners can eat under the aromatic canopy of a lemon grove. (And, of course, no dinner is truly complete in this part of the world without a limoncello to wash down dessert.) La Capannina is another popular, family-run spot, dating back to 1931, where traditional dishes are served in flora-filled dining rooms.
A view from below
In truth, the best place to see Capri is from its turquoise surrounds, particularly if you prefer to avoid the crowds (although for this, definitely opt for an out-of-peak-season spring or autumn visit). Spend a day with a picnic on a private boat to capture the most privileged glimpses of the island’s rugged coves, coastline and cliffs, stopping to dive into the cerulean waters – and don’t miss a trip to the famous electric-hued Blue Grotto.
The scenic spots
On land, for culture and history, Villa San Michele showcases an impressive feat of traditional architecture, as well as a wonderful art collection and event program, amid beautifully designed gardens, with a wisteria-draped pergola. Suffice to say, an extraordinary panorama is no rarity in Capri, but – on the subject of stunning gardens – the botanical Gardens of Augustus are a prime spot from which to take in the vista sweeping from the Faraglioni rock formations to Marina Piccola (which you can zig-zag down Via Krupp to view) and the soaring Mount Solaro (take the chairlift or do the hour-long hike to the summit for the highest viewpoint on the island).
And though it draws quite a bustling crowd, the small and vibrant Piazzetta is the place to people-watch while sipping an aperitif as golden hour – and the glitterati who are long-time lovers of Capri’s charms – arrive.