More than a day trip — private boat tours, lemon tree dinners, and clifftop luxury make this island an unforgettable escape.
We just returned from three unforgettable nights on the island of Capri — and I can’t recommend it enough. While most visitors rush over for a single day, the true magic of Capri reveals itself after the tour groups, day-trippers, and cruise passengers head back to the mainland. That’s when the island exhales, the Piazzetta glows, and you feel like you’re living la dolce vita.
Why Visit Capri?
Capri is one of the world’s most highly rated vacation spots — a place where history, glamour, and natural beauty meet. The island has enchanted emperors, artists, and travelers for centuries. Today, tourism drives the island’s rhythm, and the best season to visit is April through October. After that, most of the island shuts down, and life moves at a slower, quieter pace.
You can’t fly here — Capri has no airport. Instead, you arrive by ferry, hydrofoil, or private boat from Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast. That arrival by sea is part of the adventure.
Staying in Anacapri: A Hidden Gem
We chose to stay in Anacapri, the quieter, less touristy side of the island — and it turned out to be the perfect decision. From here, the views are sweeping, the pace is gentler, and the vibe feels more authentic.
Our home base was the Hotel Caesar Augustus, a five-star Relais & Châteaux property perched dramatically above the Bay of Naples (also known as the Gulf of Naples). This hotel is a destination in itself: terraced gardens, a spectacular infinity pool, Michelin-worthy dining, and flawless service. Every moment felt effortless, from the welcome champagne to the breathtaking views. It’s a place I’d recommend to anyone seeking both luxury and tranquility.
Highlights of Our Trip
1. A Private Boat Tour
We dedicated an entire day to an 8-hour private boat tour around Capri. It was absolute perfection — we cruised, swam, and slipped into coves and sea caves. The famous Blue Grotto was closed due to sea conditions, and boats are no longer allowed to pass through the arch of the Faraglioni rocks — but that didn’t take away from the magic. Being out on the water, circling Capri at our own pace, was pampering, indulgent, and unforgettable.
2. Exploring and Shopping in Capri Town
Capri Town may be bustling with tourists during the day, but it’s all part of the experience. We wandered from shop to shop, alleyway to alleyway, and piazza to piazza — no flag-following or tour schedules for us. One of our favorite moments was lingering at the Hotel Quisisana, enjoying an aperitivo with delicious snacks while people-watching in one of the most iconic settings on the island.
3. The Ferry Experience
Getting to Capri is half the story. Caesar Augustus arranged everything for us seamlessly: we were met at Naples Airport, whisked to the dock, and guided onto the ferry with our luggage handled as if by magic. The ride itself was bumpy at times — little paper bags came in handy for a few passengers — but we arrived safely at Marina Grande. There, we were greeted by hotel staff who carried our bags, guided us into a private van, and swept us up to Anacapri. The welcome at Caesar Augustus felt like a scene out of White Lotus, with staff lined up to greet us and usher us toward the million-dollar view.
Our return ferry from Capri directly to Positano was equally memorable. Once again, hotel staff took care of everything, right down to carrying our bags to the ferry dock. Upon arrival, porters transported our luggage uphill — and for just €10 per bag, they would have carried ustoo! Lesson learned.
Dining Under the Lemon Trees & Coastal Views
Capri is a culinary dream, where meals are more than food — they’re part of the island’s magic. Each of the restaurants we experienced offered not just incredible cuisine, but unforgettable settings and stories.
• Il Riccio (Anacapri) – A Michelin-starred seaside restaurant perched beside the Blue Grotto. Fresh seafood is the star here, from spaghetti with sea urchin to catch-of-the-day crudos. But the real showstopper is the Temptation Room — a dessert buffet lined wall-to-wall with pastries, sweets, and confections that make you feel like a kid in a candy shop (only much more glamorous).
• Da Paolino (Capri Town) – An iconic Capri tradition: dining beneath a canopy of lemon trees, with lanterns glowing overhead and the scent of citrus in the air. The menu celebrates island flavors — ravioli capresi with fresh cheese and marjoram, wood-fired pizzas, local seafood pastas, and lemon-infused desserts that echo the magical setting. Romantic, whimsical, and quintessentially Capri, it’s an experience that lingers long after the last sip of limoncello.
• Ristorante Panorama (Capri Town) – Classic Caprese cuisine paired with sweeping bay views. Finding the restaurant was part of the adventure, but once seated, the views were spectacular. We selected the orata (sea bream) from the menu, and it was prepared to perfection — fresh, flavorful, and absolutely amazing.
• Hotel Quisisana (Capri Town) – Sometimes simple is best. We stopped here for a light meal — wine, a crisp salad, and a sandwich — and lingered in one of Capri’s most iconic venues. From this perfect vantage point, we enjoyed world-class people-watching in true Capri style.
• Bagni Tiberio (by boat) – We stopped here for lunch during our boat tour. Getting there was half the fun: the restaurant sent a dinghy to shuttle us from our boat to shore and back again. A uniquely Capri experience!
• La Terrazza di Lucullo (Hotel Caesar Augustus, Anacapri) – Our artful lunch here was a highlight. Elegant dishes and dramatic cliffside views combined for a perfect afternoon.
• Breakfast at Caesar Augustus – Served in a separate restaurant overlooking the pool and gardens, with a delicious spread that made mornings as memorable as evenings.
• Bar Terrace (Hotel Caesar Augustus) – Perched at one of the hotel’s best vantage points, this became our go-to for cocktails. The service here was above and beyond — when I asked about trying a mangocello (a mango version of limoncello), they didn’t have it on hand… so they went out and bought a bottle just for me. Now that is service.
There are so many fabulous restaurants on Capri — you really can’t go wrong. ✨ Each meal lingered in our memories, not only for the food but for the atmosphere — whether under lemon trees, beside the sea, or overlooking the island’s legendary cliffs.
Activities We Loved
• Gardens of Augustus – Postcard-perfect views of the Faraglioni.
• Exploring Anacapri – Charming artisan shops and quiet courtyards.
• Villa San Michele – Axel Munthe’s villa, with its magical blend of history and gardens.
• Chairlift to Monte Solaro – Floating above lemon groves to Capri’s highest point.
• Hiking Across the Island – A chance to see the rugged side of Capri.
• Marina Piccola – A swim and sun stop with dreamy views.
• Blue Grotto – A must-see when open (closed during our visit).
And don’t forget the taxis: Capri’s convertible-style cabs are an experience in themselves. A ride between Capri and Anacapri runs up to €35 — worth it for the breeze and the views.
For a More Active Visit
If you want to make your stay in Capri more active, there are plenty of ways to do it. Hike the Sentiero dei Fortini coastal trail past old fortresses and hidden coves, or walk the Sentiero dei Limoni between Minori and Maiori for fragrant lemon grove views. Climb the Phoenician Steps (921 stone steps linking Capri Town and Anacapri) for a serious workout with a reward at the top. Or spend your days swimming in hidden coves, kayaking along the cliffs, and exploring Capri’s rugged landscapes on foot. The island may be known for glamour, but it also has an adventurous, outdoorsy side for those who seek it.
Final Thoughts
Capri isn’t just a stop — it’s a destination. Staying three nights gave us time to experience the island at its best: a blend of history, beauty, indulgence, and relaxation. From private boat rides to aperitivos under lemon trees, it was la dolce vita in every sense.
✨ My advice? Skip the day trip. Splurge on the stay. Let Capri work its magic. You won’t regret it. When we return, I may just stay a werk or 2 in September!