How to Spend 3 Days in Capri, Italy

For your first day, wake up early and head to the beach. Marina Piccola has the view of the island’s famous Faraglioni and gorgeous clear water that is perfect for wading or diving into from the rocks. You can choose between squeezing into a patch on the pebbles with the locals which is free or pick from one of the many beach clubs where you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella. If you prefer your beach with a Michelin star, head to I Riccii which is suspended above the famous Blue Grotto. Break up your sunbathing with a long fishy lunch accompanied by a bottle of cold white wine. Then your next big activity is an afternoon snooze.

Spend the golden hour having sunset drinks with a view at the elegant Capri Rooftop. Lots of white couches, chillwave music and creative cocktails would probably be enough, but the real star here is the view over the Faraglioni in the early evening light, which only makes them more spectacular. Since you had a feast at lunchtime, for dinner we suggest pizza. Soft crusted and wood-fired Neapolitan style pizza at Buca di Bacco is just off the Piazzetta where there are a few tables with stunning views over the bay of Naples, or maybe take a summer stroll through one of the island’s quiet residential areas to Lo Sfizio and have your pie in the garden.

Since Capri doesn’t have beaches with soft golden sand, some of the best spots are only accessible by boat. Rent a comfortable wooden fishing boat called a Gozzo with a capable skipper and spend the hottest part of the day visiting some of the island’s most dazzling grottos. Your activity for the day will be to swim in the emerald water, relax on the shaded cushions and learn a little island history. For lunch, organize to have a catered picnic on board.

Show off your tan and your very best outfit with a before dinner drink in the famous Piazzetta. There are four different bars to pick from, each with a slightly different view of the action. Sip your spritz and snack on potato chips and olives while you play spot the celebrity and name that designer. For dinner, book a table with a view at Ristorante il Geranio or the Terazza Brunella. Both have stunning views of the sea, cliffs and the island’s famous Faraglioni rocks. The walk to Terazza Brunella takes you past some of the island’s most exclusive villas. Capri really comes alive after dark, so after dinner put on your dancing shoes and join the crowds at one of the island’s nightclubs. At Taverna Anema e Core, you may find yourself dancing on a table with a tambourine next to a pop star. If dancing to a DJ set is what you like, then head to the Qubè Cafè.

After your morning coffee, head straight to the Augustus Gardens. The entrance fee is €1 and this gives you access to one of the prettiest places on the island. Enjoy the colorful manicured flower beds and ceramic benches, and then walk to the edge and see the twists and turns of the (still closed) via Krupp winding its way down the cliff towards Marina Piccola. On your way back towards town, stop at the kiosk and have an icy lemon or fig granita.

Next up is an urban hike to the ancient remains of the Villa Jovis and the neoclassic beauty of Villa Lysis where you will be rewarded with jaw-dropping views over the bay of Naples and towards Sorrento. Emperor Tiberius ruled Rome from Capri in 27AD and built at least a dozen villas on the island. Villa Jovis is one of the best preserved and if you are lucky, you will spot the resident goats. There is a challenging mountain trail that links this ancient site to the much more modern Villa Lysis, or you can backtrack and take the paved road down and around. Look out for a small sign indicating Villa Fersen, which is the name of the original owner.

After a quick lunch at Caffe Manari on your way back from your villa visit, get your credit card ready and shop until you drop. Capri is an incredible shopping destination. You will find all of the luxury designer names on the via Camerelle. Smaller locally owned boutiques are found on the via le Botteghe and the via Fuorlovado. Your shopping list should include perfume, sandals and a custom tailored dress or pair of Capri pants. For your last dinner on the island, take a taxi over to Anacapri where you can watch a killer sunset from the terrace of Da Gelsomina.