ACTIVITIES in CAPRI, ITALY

• Rent and take your scooter to Anacapri and take the chairlift up to Mount Solaro

Capri is most often associated with glitz and glamour, home to elegant designer boutiques and surrounded by luxurious yachts moored just offshore. But there is another side of the island, with a slower pace and calmer atmosphere, that offers the possibility of discovering the island from a more laidback, authentic point of view. For hiking enthusiasts or fans of history and art—or simply those looking for a quiet spot to spend a holiday relaxing—Anacapri and the surrounding countryside is ideal.

The town of Anacapri, in particular, is a sleepy, timeless that spot sits on the highest point of the island, thus its name. The municipality is set on the slopes of Mount Solaro, the peak of which offers spectacular views across the island and can be reached on foot via a moderately challenging hiking trail or simply with the chairlift (not recommended for those who suffer from fear of heights!)

There are a number of walking and hiking trails for every skill level that set off from Anacapri, in including the path to the Migliera Scenic Overlook and the Trail of the Forts.

• • First stop: take the chairlift to the top of Mount Solaro

From Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri, the chairlift ride to the peak of Mount Solaro takes about 12 minutes, and from there you can enjoy sweeping views over the island and surrounding sea. You can walk back down, stopping to visit the Cetrella Hermitage.

Fasten the safety bar, let your feet dangle in the thin air, and enjoy the ride up from Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri to the top of Mount Solaro at 589 meters above sea level. At the top, you can take in the view over the historic center of Capri, the Faraglioni sea stacks, and Mount Tiberius all the way to Punta Campanella and the Sorrento Peninsula.
The ride lasts 12 minutes and all the seats are for a single passenger. There is staff at the top and bottom to help you climb on and off.

The lift plant

The chairlift links Anacapri to the top of Monte Solaro and is a small jewel that has almost seventy years of history. On the wooden seats of the chairlift, travelers from all over the world reach Monte Solaro through a breathtaking ascent of about thirteen minutes where the slow pace of the climb makes you feel cradled and suspended between sky and sea. An unforgettable experience.

• • Second stop: Villa San Michele

Once you’ve come down from Mount Solaro and are back in Piazza Vittoria, continue straight along Via Capodimonte to Villa San Michele, the house-museum built by the Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe.
Villa San Michele

• • Third stop: the center of Anacapri

After visiting the museum, continue your walk along Via Giuseppe Orlandi, Anacapri’s main pedestrian street. Stop to admire the majolica floor in the Church of San Michele, visit the Casa Rossa, and do some shopping in the artisan shops along the way. Wander through the historic Boffe neighborhood to Piazza Caprile.

• • Last stop: relax at the lighthouse

It’s time to rest your weary legs at the spectacular Punta Carena lighthouse outside Anacapri. Take the bus from Piazza Caprile or walk the couple of kilometers to the lighthouse.
At the beach under the lighthouse, there is the Lido del Faro beach club and restaurant, and a public area with two snack bars selling sandwiches and beverages.

• Dinner at da Gelsomina-Unforgettable food with an unforgettable view 

• • Sample island specialties against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset
  • Relax in the peaceful silence of the Anacapri countryside
  • Taste the delicious wine made from the surrounding vineyards

Located in one of the most beautiful corners of the island of Capri in the panoramic countryside of Anacapri and just steps from the Migliera scenic overlook, Da Gelsomina has been a favorite amongst locals and holidaymakers for decades.

Winning ingredients-Featured in numerous international restaurant guides, Da Gelsomina is famous for its traditional island dishes, authentic homemade wine, and magnificent views out over the Bay of Naples. You can have lunch or dinner under the pergola with the quiet countryside stretching in all directions, and sample the local specialties like “rabbit alla cacciatora”, “pollo al mattone”, “ravioli capresi”, and “spaghetti alla chiummenzana”, tossed with fresh tomatoes.

• Capri Half Day Private Boat Tour from Capri

Marina Piccola is located on the southern coast of Italy’s island of Capri, the warmest, sunniest, and least windy stretch of coastline on the island. This spot is much quieter than Marina Grande, where both the commercial port and marina are located. Before and after your sail, you can relax on the beach or have lunch in one of the waterfront restaurants nearby.

This tour gives customers the opportunity to admire the beauties of the island with the opportunity to enter the caves (Blue Grotto) and stop to take a dip in the most beautiful areas of the island of Capri.

Board a traditional wooden “gozzo” boat. Set off from the Marina Grande port to skirt the coastline, stopping to snap photos of highlights like the Faraglioni, Natural Arch, and Punta Carena lighthouse. Visit the famous Blue Grotto, drop anchor for a dip in the crystalline bays, and relax on board with a glass of Prosecco.

From there head to the Bay of Nerano and enjoying a delicious lunch by the sea where you will and taste traditional mouthwatering dishes from the Amalfi Coast.

• • Maria Grazia (specialties: Spaghetti alla Nerano, local wine with peaches, zucchini flowers with ricotta cheese)
  • Lo Scoglio (most famous dish: bronze pan with vegetables from Peppe’s garden and tomato salad)
  • Conca del Sogno (especially known for their homemade starters and desserts)
  • Cantuccio

• Optional: Take your scooter to the Piazzeta

After you’ve dropped your bags at your hotel, you can begin exploring Capri town from its vibrant central square, the chic Piazzetta. All the lanes in the historic center of Capri begin in La Piazzetta, so take Via Vittorio Emanuele to the historic Quisisana Hotel, and continue along the famous Via Camerelle, lined with luxury boutiques.

Stroll its length and then pick up the picturesque Via Tragara which ends at the scenic overlook facing the Faraglioni sea stacks.

On your way back, take Via Cesina, Via Fuorlovado, and Via le Botteghe, this latter home of independent fashion and home decor boutiques.

It’s probably time for an evening cocktail by now, so grab a table in the Piazzetta and watch as the glitterati vacationing on this fashionable island gather for an aperitivo before dinner.

• Walks and Hikes

Capri is more than just fashion boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and luxury hotels…the town and surrounding area are also full of panoramic hikes and overlooks. A number of trails set off from the center of Capri and taking a hike or walk is a great way to spend some time admiring the natural beauty of the island and soaking in views over the coastline and Bay of Naples.

Experience this more peaceful side of Capri with the easy walk to the Belvedere di Tragara (Tragara scenic overlook), with the Faraglioni so close that it seems like you could reach out and touch them. More adventurous visitors can take on the Pizzolungo trail that begins in the Piazzetta and ends at the dramatic Natural Arch.

Restaurant Suggestions: (Not included)

• Le Monzù Gin Club & American Bar

The exclusive Gin Club & American Bar is the perfect place to unwind and relax while sipping a refreshing long drink or a cocktail, after an exciting day in Capri or by the peaceful hotel’s two swimming pools.

Their extensive cocktail list boasts over 150 different types of Gin and an incredible number of tonics. Let Daniele and his staff guide you…

There’s no better place to admire the dusk over Capri Town and drink a classy Negroni or long drink accompanied by mouth-watering canapes.

What a perfect start to the evening before heading off to or Mammà for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

• Dinner at Mammà – Capri-Food with soul, just like Mom used to make

With this quote, chef Gennaro Esposito perfectly articulates his philosophy in the kitchen:

“If my cooking were an emotion, it would be altruism: my dishes are flavored with my desire to pass on a sense of joy and excitement to whomever tastes them. I put my soul into my cooking, just like Mammà would.”

It was with this philosophy that this star chef opened Mammà, a restaurant specializing in Neapolitan cuisine just steps from the Piazzetta along the lane toward Santa Teresa at the former site of the storied Ristorante Gemma, where visiting intellectuals would gather in the 1930’s. This is one of the most beautiful spots on the island, with a sweeping terrace over the Bay of Naples.

Chef Esposito’s philosophy was a winning one, as he was awarded a Michelin star in 2015, just two years after inaugurating his Mammà.

• Beach Club with Reserved Beds and a Lunch Reservation