Famed for its sheer cliffs rising out of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Italian island of Capri is a wonder to behold. Thanks to its mix of beautiful coves, enchanting grottoes, and luxurious shops and restaurants, visitors are never at a loss for activities on the island. The Piazzetta, Capri's elegant central square, is the perfect spot to enjoy a cool drink and watch the parade of people strolling by.

Located off the Bay of Naples, Capri is home to both rural farming and fishing communities, most obviously reflected in the island's culinary traditions, based on simple, fresh ingredients and the bold, sunny flavors of southern Italy. Enjoy being cooled by the breeze rustling through fragrant lemon trees, or warmed by the blazing summer sun that warms the Sorrentine Peninsula. Exploration around the island reveals secret coves and sea caves, sparkling beaches, villas hidden among folds of the cliffs, and towering rock formations looming over ink-blue waters.

An easy bus or taxi ride from Naples International Airport (NAP) will deliver you to the ferry or hydrofoil to Capri. There are also helicopters from Naples and Rome if you want to arrive at your holiday apartment in Capri in extra style. For travel on the island, public buses run along the one road in Capri, and the funicolare (funicular railway) takes visitors up the hill from Marina Grande to the town of Capri. Boats can also be rented, allowing you to experience the island in a different way. Since non-resident vehicles aren’t allowed on the island from April to November, taxi service is reliable. Plus, the convertible taxis are a way to keep cool on hot days.

Summer is the peak season in Capri, when restaurants are buzzing and the nights are long and warm, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 80s Fahrenheit. Late September and early October are also wonderful, as the evenings are balmy, the water is still warm, and there is a sense that things are calming down to a seductively easy pace. The winter, when temperatures hover around 40 degrees, can be a lovely time to visit, just be aware that there aren’t as many ferries running during the off-season, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. The highlight of the winter months is the Capri Film Festival, an international film festival held in December since 1991. Early spring brings carpets of wildflowers and the scent of jasmine and orange blossoms pervades the streets.

Boat tours

Book a traditional fishing boat from Marina Grande for a private round-island tour of Capri, where you will be able to view the island’s limestone stacks, arches, and grottoes. For a few extra Euros you can transfer to a smaller rowing boat and enter the famous Blue Grotto, which, true to its name, is a gorgeous shade of blue.

Villa San Michele

This stunning mountaintop villa, which was begun in 1895, comprises both traditional Caprese architecture, and a modern version of a domus from Roman times. The villa is surrounded by lush gardens and also features a café, museum shop, and concerts during the summer months.

Mount Solaro

Soaring nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, Mount Solaro is the highest point on Capri, and offers fantastic views extending across the entire island, the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and, on a clear day, the distant mountains of Calabria. Mount Solaro is reached via a quick ride from Anacapri via chairlift or a beautiful hike that takes about 90 minutes to reach the top, where you will be rewarded for your efforts with a stunning vista.