Capri

Natalia’s Tips

Capri: one island, two different worlds

Capri is one of the most famous destinations in the world — an island that has inspired artists, writers and travellers for centuries and continues to attract visitors with its extraordinary beauty, cuisine, sea, fashion, glamour and legendary perfumes.

But Capri is not just one place.

The island is divided between two municipalities: Anacapri and Capri, and experiencing both is essential to understanding the unique character of the island.

Start with the authentic side of Capri: Anacapri

Our day begins in Anacapri, the quieter and, in many ways, more authentic side of the island.

Here, we leave the busiest areas behind and walk through characteristic little streets surrounded by colourful houses, flowers, local craftsmanship, hidden corners and spectacular views over the Mediterranean.

Along the way, there are several fascinating places that can be included on request and with separate entrance tickets, depending on your interests and the time available.

One of the highlights is Villa San Michele, the extraordinary home created by the Swedish physician and writer Axel Munthe, perched above the island with one of Capri’s most spectacular views.

Another wonderful stop is the Church of San Michele, famous for its extraordinary majolica floor depicting the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise.

And then comes one of my favourite experiences: the chairlift to Monte Solaro.

The ride takes you above Anacapri and, as you climb, the view becomes increasingly spectacular. At the top, you are rewarded with one of the most breathtaking panoramas of the entire island, stretching across the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrento Peninsula and the Mediterranean.

Then discover the glamorous side: Capri

From Anacapri we continue towards Capri town, and the atmosphere changes completely.

Suddenly, the island becomes more glamorous, lively and cosmopolitan.

The famous piazzetta, elegant boutiques and luxury fashion houses attract visitors from every corner of the world. You may find yourself walking alongside travellers hoping to spot a celebrity, while others are simply captivated by the extraordinary shop windows of some of the world’s most famous fashion brands.

But look beyond the glamour and you will discover another side of Capri.

Historic hotels rise above the narrow streets, each with its own stories of artists, writers, actors, aristocrats and international celebrities who have made the island part of their lives.

And don’t miss one of Capri’s most characteristic traditions: a visit to a historic Caprese perfume workshop, where you can discover the scents inspired by the island’s flowers, gardens and Mediterranean landscape.

Art, history and panoramic gardens

Depending on your interests, there are several additional stops that can be included with separate entrance tickets.

Among them is the Certosa di San Giacomo, Capri’s oldest monastic complex, with its beautiful architecture and peaceful cloisters.

Nearby, the Giardini di Augusto offer one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints, with spectacular views towards the Faraglioni and the winding Via Krupp.

For travellers interested in history, the island also offers fascinating traces of its Roman past and collections of archaeological finds that tell the story of Capri’s extraordinary role during the Roman Imperial period.

And what about the sea?

Let’s leave a room for another adventure and complete the day with a boat tour around the island.

From the sea, Capri reveals an entirely different personality.

Depending on weather, sea conditions and your preferences, the tour can include some of the island’s most iconic sights:

the Faraglioni, the Blue Grotto, Punta Carena Lighthouse and Marina Piccola, as well as spectacular coves, cliffs and hidden corners that can only truly be appreciated from the water.

The boat experience can be arranged either on a shared boat or as a private boat tour, depending on the type of experience you are looking for.

My most important tip: plan your Capri private tour with a local guide

A full day on Capri involves boats, buses, walking, entrance tickets, queues, changing timetables and a surprisingly complex network of options.

This is precisely where having a private, officially licensed local guide makes a difference.

Rather than trying to navigate a confusing online marketplace of tours and last-minute offers, your guide can help you understand what is genuinely worthwhile, what requires an additional ticket, how much time each experience takes and how to organize the day efficiently.

A private guide also means that the itinerary can be adapted to your interests, your pace and the conditions of the day.

If you are staying in Sorrento, I can also help you plan the best way to reach Capri and make the most of your day on the island.

You don’t have to see everything.

You just have to see the right things for you.

Capri is an island to be experienced, not simply checked off a list. Let me help you discover both sides of it.