Luxury and dolce vita

© Guido fua Eikona

People have always known about the magic of the island of Capri - why else would Emperor Tiberius have chosen the isle as his seat of government as early as 26 AD? The evergreen landscape, punctuated by terraced vineyards, orchards and olive groves, has always fascinated visitors. Capri gained international fame from 1850 at the latest, when more and more artists and writers made the island their winter home; Rainer Maria Rilke and Maxim Gorky were just a few of them.

© Getty Images

Today, the beautiful limestone rock island attracts visitors with designer boutiques, beach clubs, luxury hotels and excellent restaurants. During the day, the ferry brings visitors from Naples; they drink their cappuccino in the marketplace, ride in the iconic convertible cabs to Anacapri and buy souvenirs in the stores. However, in the evening, when they leave the island the true charm of Capri remains hidden from them - because when peace settles over the narrow streets in the evening and the sun slowly sinks into the sea, the most beautiful time on the island begins. Then you treat yourself to an aperitif in the front row with a view of the sea, enjoy the thinnest pizza in the world and swim (illegally) in the Blue Grotto. Here are just a few reasons to visit Capri in the summer!

Beach clubs

La Fontelina

© Dametraveler

Although the beach club with its iconic blue-and-white striped umbrellas is known beyond the country's borders as the epitome of Capri in summer by now, it has managed to stay true to its roots. The food is still excellent, the atmosphere relaxed, and the view of the Faraglioni is, of course, magnificent.

La Fontelina
Via dei Faraglioni, 2, 80073 Capri, Italy
Web: fontelina-capri.com

Where to Stay

Capri Palace Jumeirah

© 2017 Holden Creative

The hotel in Anacapri scores with elegant design and a great pool. As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the luxury hotel stands for exceptionally good service. Especially travelers who want to get to know the quieter side of the island are in the right place here. A special feature of the hotel is the many contemporary works of art that can be admired in the private art collection The White Museum. A glamorous beach club and the gourmet restaurant Il Riccio are also part of the resort, as are 68 tasteful rooms and suites.

Capri Palace Jumeirah
Via Capodimonte, 14
Tel.: +39 081 978 0111
Web: jumeirah.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 900

La Palma

©provided

Originally opened as Locanda Pagano 200 years ago, La Palma is the oldest hotel on the entire island. Last year, after careful renovation, it reopened its doors in new splendor and as a member of the renowned Oetker Collection; the hotel includes a beach club, a spa and 50 rooms and suites.

La Palma
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 39
Tel.: +39 081 1818 7426
Web: oetkercollection.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 600

Capri Tiberio Palace

© stefano/stefanoscata.com

Just a few steps from the legendary Piazzetta and Via Camerelle with its stores, this luxurious and chic hotel promises an exceptional stay. Gorgeous views, a wonderful spa and top cuisine are part of the experience.

Capri Tiberio Palace
Via Croce, 11-15
Tel.: +39 081 978 7111
Web: capritiberiopalace.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 1250

Where to Eat

Da Paolino

© Event designer sugokuiievents-Photographer aarondelesie

No longer an insider tip, but a must-visit: everyone can be found at Paolino - from Sylvester Stallone to Tom Cruise to John Belushi, all of Hollywood has dined in the garden under the lemon trees.

Da Paolino
Via Palazzo a Mare, 11, 80076 Capri, Italy
Tel. +39 081 837 6102
Web: paolinocapri.co

Aurora

© Unsplash

An absolute highlight of Capri in summer are the pizzas at Aurora. They are considered the best of their kind: so thin that they are sometimes eaten as an appetizer. The ristorante is located in a small alley in the old town and has been a family business for 100 years.

Aurora
Via Fuorlovado, 18, 80073 Capri, Italy
Tel.: +39 081 837 0181
Web: auroracapri.com

Il Riccio

© 2017 Holden Creative

The chic décor in blue and white emphasizes that the sea plays the leading role here - on the one hand, because the restaurant is located directly on a cliff above it, and on the other hand, because fresh seafood and fish play the leading role when it comes to Mediterranean delicacies. The restaurant is also not averse to sweets.

Il Riccio
Via Gradola, 4, 80071 Anacapri, Italy
Tel.: +39 081 837 1380
Web: jumeirah.com