Seaside Italy offers la dolce vita at its best, and as summer approaches, those picture-perfect hilltops, blue Tyrrhenian waters and fabulous beach clubs beckon. One could spend months exploring the treasures of Capri and the Amalfi Coast, but here are some of my new favorites and best tips.
Contact Indagare to plan a trip to the Amalfi Coast and Capri with one of our experts, who can suggest the perfect itinerary and combination of hotels, activities and restaurants.
Things to Do in Capri:
Capri has drawn movie stars and dignitaries for centuries. But despite its reputation as a jet-setter’s paradise, the ethereal island’s atmosphere is that of a laid-back Italian village, making Capri one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating, soulful locales.
Go down to the sea. The only way to appreciate the true beauty of the isle of Capri is to explore by boat. It is also the only way to reach such famous sights as the Blue and Green Grottoes and many of the best swimming spots. Given the boat traffic around Capri, I suggest hiring a decent-sized boat, with an experienced captain, who can navigate the crowded waters. Ask our team for the names of our favorite captains.
Go up and away from the crowds. Capri town gets crammed with tourists, especially between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., as the day trippers swarm into town, so spend your days either down by (or on) the sea or high up in Anacapri, where you can find quieter streets and beautiful gardens at the Villa San Michele. If you want to buy ceramics, don’t miss Ceramiche Tavissa.
Related: Capri Shopping Guide
Choose your sanctuaries. There are many lovely hotels on Capri, and where you stay and dine should feel like special retreats, so make your reservations early and choose wisely. On my recent trip, I stayed at the Capri Tiberio Palace, which is centrally located, but still feels like the hideaway of a stylish world traveler. Some of my favorite places for lunch in Capri were La Fontelina and Da Gioia; both have great food and steps to the sea for swimming before or after lunch. The latter is lower-key and more popular with Italians.
Related: Where to Eat in Capri
Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast:
The dramatic Amalfi Coast is a place where land, sea and sky strike a note of otherworldly perfection. Here, days include island-hopping by private boat, lunching at beach clubs, shopping in hilltop towns and touring historic sites. In short, it’s seaside Italy at its best.
Divide your time if you can. The stretch of coast between Ravello and Positano has a handful of our all-time favorite hotels, each with very different and memorable atmospheres, so if you have the time, we suggest spending a few days at two different properties—and maybe a few days in Capri in between—leaving you time to explore their specific locations and getting out on the water.
Spend time on the water, no matter where you stay. Many of the area resorts have beach clubs, as well as boats to take you to coastal towns or seaside restaurants, but hiring a boat for the day to explore at your leisure or go over to the isle of Capri or Ischia can be wonderful, especially when the weather is warm.
Related: Indagare Insiders: The Women Behind Three of Capri’s Chicest Shops
Build in a day or two to stay put. While I am a big fan of being active and not missing local sights, our favorite coastal resorts are truly among the most beautiful retreats on the planet. With terraced gardens, exceptional kitchens and exquisite interiors, these hotels will spoil you like no others, so relax and enjoy the views and the incredible good fortune you have to be here.
Related: Amalfi Coast Top Tables
Contact Indagare to plan a trip to the Amalfi Coast and Capri with one of our experts, who can suggest the perfect itinerary and combination of hotels, activities and restaurants.
