Capri. The name alone evokes images of 1950s film stars in sunglasses, sleek wooden Riva boats, and the glamorous chaos of the Piazzetta. And yes, Capri is all of those things. But that Capri—the one of designer boutiques and crowded day-trippers—is only the island’s glittering facade.
The true, beating heart of Capri reveals itself slowly, in the quiet moments after the last ferry has departed. It’s found on silent, lemon-scented trails and in hidden coves where the water is a shade of blue you’ve never seen before. Staying at a private home like “Un Posto a Capri” gives you the most precious gift the island can offer: time. Time to explore its authentic soul.
Here are 10 experiences that will take you beyond the Piazzetta and into the hidden magic of the island.
1. Take the Chairlift to Monte Solaro
Start by seeing the island as the gods see it. The single-seat chairlift (seggiovia) from Anacapri to Monte Solaro, the island’s highest point, is a 13-minute meditation. You glide silently above private vineyards, fragrant lemon groves, and flower-filled gardens. The peaceful journey is almost as beautiful as the destination. From the summit, the 360-degree view is arguably the best in Italy: you’ll see the entire island at your feet, the Faraglioni rocks, the Sorrento Peninsula, and the distant, sleeping form of Mount Vesuvius.
2. Explore the “Other” Town: Anacapri
While Capri town is for being seen, Anacapri is for getting lost. Situated higher up on the mountain, this town is quieter, more authentic, and feels like a true village. Wander its whitewashed alleys, discover tiny artisan workshops (like the famous sandal makers), and visit the stunning Chiesa di San Michele. Its entire floor is a hand-painted majolica tile masterpiece depicting the Garden of Eden. It’s a world away from the bustle below.
3. Hike the “Path of the Forts”
For the active traveler, the “Sentiero dei Fortini” (Path of the Forts) is a must. This magnificent coastal trail connects the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) to the Punta Carena lighthouse. It’s a wild, beautiful hike that winds along the rugged western coast, past ancient Bourbon military forts and through fragrant Mediterranean scrub. You’ll be alone with the sea, the sky, and the scent of wild rosemary.
4. Swim Like a Local at Il Faro
While Marina Piccola is beautiful, it’s also packed. Locals go to “Il Faro,” the lighthouse at Punta Carena. This isn’t a beach, but a “stabilimento” built on the flat rocks. It’s the only place on the island where you can swim in the sun until it sets. Dive directly from the rocks into the deep, cobalt-blue water, then lay out on a sunbed. Stay for the daily ritual of aperitivo at the bar, as the sun dips into the sea behind the island of Ischia. It is pure, unadulterated Capri magic.
5. Discover the Decadent Villa Lysis
Tucked away from the crowds is one of the island’s most fascinating and melancholic homes. Villa Lysis was built in 1905 by the decadent French poet Count Jacques d’Adelswärd-Fersen, who was in self-imposed exile. The villa is a crumbling, romantic masterpiece of Art Nouveau and Neoclassical styles, with a dark, opium-den-like smoking room and a stunning portico overlooking the sea. It’s a place of breathtaking beauty and faded glamour.
6. Find Your Own “Grotta”
The Blue Grotto is famous, but it’s also a 20-minute tourist conveyer belt. The real joy is hiring a private “gozzo” (the classic wooden boat) for a few hours. Ask your captain to take you on a tour “giro dell’isola” and to show you the other grottos: the Grotta Verde (Green Grotto), where the light creates an emerald glow, and the Grotta Bianca (White Grotto). He’ll find a quiet cove where you can anchor and swim in private, far from any other boat.
7. Lunch at a Local Institution: Da Gelsomina
In Anacapri, far from the center, is Da Gelsomina. This is not just a restaurant; it’s a destination. A true family-run establishment, it has its own farm, vineyard, and a famous swimming pool (La Piscina del Faro). They will send a free shuttle to pick you up. Order the “ravioli capresi” (filled with caciotta cheese and marjoram) and the “pollo al mattone” (chicken cooked under a brick). This is authentic, home-style Caprese cooking at its absolute best.
8. Meditate in the Philosopher’s Park
A truly unique and hidden gem. The “Parco Filosofico” was created by a Swedish professor as a place for quiet contemplation. A peaceful trail winds through the Mediterranean scrub, where small ceramic tiles are posted on trees and rocks, bearing wisdom and quotes from 60 different Western and Eastern philosophers. It’s a beautiful place to walk, think, and reconnect.
9. Stroll the Poetic Via Tragara
In Capri town, escape the crowds by taking the Via Tragara. This quiet, beautiful lane winds away from the center, past some of the island’s most exclusive villas and gardens. It ends at a spectacular belvedere (viewpoint) that offers the single best, frame-worthy, and crowd-free view of the Faraglioni rock formations. It’s the perfect spot for a sunrise walk or a romantic moment.
10. The Ultimate Luxury: An Aperitivo on Your Own Terrace
The greatest luxury on Capri isn’t a fancy watch; it’s privacy. Instead of fighting for a €25 cocktail in the Piazzetta, do as a true insider would: go to a local “salumeria” (deli), buy a bottle of chilled Falanghina white wine, some fresh buffalo mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and olives. Then, return to the rooftop terrace of your “Un Posto a Capri” home. As the sky turns pink and the lights of the town begin to twinkle below, you’ll realize you have the best seat on the entire island. And it’s all yours.
Ready to discover the hidden magic of Capri? Find your perfect island home and start planning your escape.
