November 1st, 2022

Capri is one of the most incredibly romantic and picturesque places on earth (or at least that I’ve ever been to). A boat ride from Italy’s mainland, this island is an Italian summer dream full of homegrown culture, panoramic ocean views, intimate grottos, fantastic food, and charming hospitality.

Monte Solaro Bed & Breakfast

Sunset romance, unforgettable balcony sea views, and Italian hospitality is what you will find at the best place to stay in Capri, Monte Solaro B&B. Like a scene out of an Italian summer romance novel, this B&B is hidden in the mountains of Anacapri and set back from the masses of vacationers and foot traffic.

The charming Italian host, Costanzo, will offer you homemade limoncello out on the first level balcony bar while you bask in the glow of the golden Italian sun. The room is a quaint, blue and white space that doesn’t offer anything out of the ordinary but the multi-level terraces boast alluring corners to enjoy breakfast, lounge by the pool and savor the panoramic coastal view.

Private Grotto Boat Tour

One of the best things my husband and I did on our trip to Capri was book a private boat tour of the island. BIG romance vibes! There are options for group tours and bigger boats, or even day trips from the mainland as well but since we were staying on the island, the private tour worked best for what we wanted.

The modest small-mid size boat was manned by a very friendly young Italian man who brought us back and around the coast of Capri to see the popular sights such as the blue, green, and red grottos and the Dolce and Gabbana rocks. The boat ride was a bit rocky at times, so I’d recommend trying to choose a day with calm seas and low wind levels if you can.

Il Riccio

If you are someone who’s eyes light up at brushing shoulders with the rich and famous at places with hard-to-get reservations, you HAVE to book reservations at two restaurants; Il Riccio and da Paolino. Heads up, both establishments have reservations booked months out so plan in advance for any hope of dining here!

To simply call Il Riccio a “restaurant” doesn’t quite do it justice. It’s more of an experience. Complete with a Dior popup shop, panoramic views of billionaire yachts, and a dessert room rather than dessert menu, this is one of the coolest restaurants on the island. Forget just the island, this is one of the vibiest places in Italy! Traditional Italian culture is far from what is to be found at this establishment, but rather you will quickly find yourself at one of the hottest scenes around where birthday celebrations have people pouring shots and dancing on tables.

Upon entrance, we were greeted by a host who looked up our reservation then led us past the Dior displays to a cliff-side lounge with unobstructed view of the Tyrrhenian Sea for cocktails alongside a DJ spinning deep house tracks. After a pre-drink, the host returned and brought us downstairs to a window-encased restaurant where the menu is fantastic, craft cocktails are bougie, and of course I already mentioned, there is an entire ROOM devoted to pick-your-own desserts.

da Paolino

Da Paolino was another celebrity-esque restaurant that I had put on our travel itinerary for dining. One quick look at their IG page and you will find well-known A-list stars like Jennifer Lopez and Elton John celebrating special occasions alongside NBA players and actresses. The scene is more subdued than that of Il Riccio, but just as gorgeous in a different right. Tables set outside under rows of lemon trees offers a more authentic scene. The rich and famous are still playing here, there’s not doubt about that!

Italian Linen Shopping

For those of us who enjoy shopping and high quality materials, Capri is town for its linen. Small boutiques filled with beautiful, flowing dresses and high-end men’s button down shirts line the avenues of Anacapri. I couldn’t resist and indulged in a few items while there! The linen is such good quality that it necessitates a higher price tag, but these items are one of a kind that you won’t find back in Italy’s mainland.

Monte Solaro Chairlift

An absolute, no excuses, MUST do in Capri is the Monte Solaro Chairlift! This mountain-climbing solo-cable car is not for those with serious fear of heights, but for anyone else, it offers the most unforgettable bird’s eye view of Capri the surrounding sea that you could ask for. The only way you could even HOPE to compete with this memorable gondola ride is by chartering a helicopter. However, even then, you would miss out on what is waiting for you once you reach the pinnacle of the mountain.

At the mountaintop, when you get off the chairlift, you will find yourself among ruins of ancient Italy that overlook the entirety of the island. A converted portion of the ruins serves as a charming cafe bar with outdoor seating under vinery that offers up aperitifs like espresso, Aperol Spritz Frose’, and Italian pastries. You will never forget your visit to Monte Solaro by way of this gondola I promise.

With love,

Ashley Jo