The DC Darlings Travel Guide: Capri, Italy

Welcome to the DC Darlings Guide to Capri, Italy! Last September, I spent five fabulous days in Capri with my boyfriend & we had the greatest time! Capri is one of the most magical places in the entire world! To put it simply…there are NO bad days. Once you step foot onto the island, you automatically live the motto, “La Dolce Vita.” Well, after the 1,000,000,000 steps you climb to get to the main square.

I wanted to put together a guide to Capri because it is one of my favorite places in the world and I encourage anyone who is looking to travel, to venture to this little Italian gem in the Amalfi Coast. Read about where to stay, where to eat, & what to do.

Now sit back, relax, & plan your trip to paradise

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When to Go

 

The best times to travel are from the beginning of April to mid-June and the beginning of September to mid-October. During August, Europeans flock to the Amalfi Coast during their vacation. It can be overcrowded and too touristy. During the spring, temperatures sit between the 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit – a perfect temperature to go boating, hiking, or simply walking around the island. The fall is a bit warmer with lows of 60 degrees and highs in the mid-80s.

We went in the midst of September, and we experienced perfect weather and not toooo many tourists. During the days, I wore beach dresses over my bikinis/fabulous one pieces, and at night I was able to wear white jeans and sleeveless tops. You will need to pack a light sweater and a pair of jeans for dinners.

 

Getting to Capri

 

Nearby Airports – Napoli-Capodichino (NAP), Salerno-Pontecagnano (QSR)

Language – Italian

Population – 32,000

Currency – Euro (€)

We flew into Naples Airport (NAP) after a quick stopover in Paris because there were no direct flights from Boston to Naples. If you are close to New York City, you can fly into Naples directly from JFK in 9 hours. Upon landing in Naples, you must get to the ferry via bus or taxi (both are right outside of the airport). Ferries depart from both Naples and Sorrento, as well as from Positano, Salerno, and Ischia. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour and costs approximately 20 Euro. It is best to reserve your ferry tickets ahead of time, especially in the summer months (a.k.a. high season). Online, you can reserve ferries and see the timetables.

 

Hotel Recommendations in Capri

• Capri Tiberio Palace – Preferred Hotels of the World, Super Luxury
• La Minerva – Luxury Boutique Hotel (we stayed here and loved it)
• Punta Trigara – Luxury, Close proximity to La Fontelina Beach
• Hotel Excelsior Parco – Luxury, Unbelievable breakfast/dessert room

 

REVIEW OF LA MINERVA HOTEL

We stayed at La Minerva, and I recommend staying at this piece of heaven to every person who travels to Capri! La Minerva is a family business, and it is run by Antonio, his wife Giovanna, and their sons Luigi and Antonino. When you stay at this centrally located boutique hotel, you become a part of the incredible Italian family that runs the property. The owners view your happiness as their happiness – meaning, they go above and beyond to make your trip to Capri the most memorable vacation of your lifetime! This boutique property is intimate, and you often make friends with other hotel guests on the terrace! I have never experienced this level of service at a hotel before, and I have been fortunate enough to stay at a plethora of luxurious hotels in my lifetime. Many hotel guests we met during our trip have been going to La Minerva for years, and they always speak of the incredible hospitality I described above.

The rooms are pristine and designed to match the ocean

Balcony off of a hotel room

La Minerva sitting area

Breakfast Terrace – the breakfast is incredible (made to order omelets, cappuccinos, pancakes, and other pastry options)

 

Things To Do in Capri

 

Take a Boat Tour Around the Island

You can either take a larger boat with other tourists or hire a small private boat. On the boat trip, you will way sail around the permitter of the island and view the amazing caves and grottos. I recommend hiring a private boat – it is not that expensive, and you will be able to swim in the different caves and grottos! 

 

Hike up to Villa Lysis and Villa Jovis
This hike is a great morning activity after breakfast. You can either do this in the morning before the beach or make it a full day by combining this hike with Via Krupp (see below). Warning, it is a long hike, but the incredible view and 2,000-year-old Roman Ruins are worth it! 

 

Take in the View From the top of Via Krupp
Via Krupp is a long winding road that leads to Marina Piccola. It has one of the best views of the famous Capri rocks, the “Faraglioni.”

 

La Fontelina Beach Club 

Click “La Fontelina Beach Club” to see my full write-up on one of my favorite activities in Capri. This is a must, and you simply have to go. It is the most glamorous beach club on the island and very picturesque!