What Audrey Hepburn is to Rome, lemons are to Capri. Yes, that’s right. Lemons. On this little island off the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find them everywhere. On trees, in fruit stalls, bottled into limoncello liqueur (so good), even distilled into fragrance (also amazing). Aside from the citrus celebrity, there are many other claims to fame for Capri. Bright, azure water, charming cobblestoned streets, a mysterious, otherworldly grotto, fresh award-winning food, fabulous five-star accommodation… combined, these characteristics put Capri on the map for honeymooners all over the world. But this isn’t a one-stop-shop. Here’s how to plan three different types of Capri honeymoons – “In The Land Of Lemons: Planning a Honeymoon in Capri!”
The Day Tripper
Let’s address the elephant in the room – Capri is expensive, especially if you’re staying overnight. And in summer. The island is only 10 square km so there’s just not that much accommodation to choose from and what is on offer is suitably stunning enough to drive up the prices. Never fear, most visitors hop on the ferry from Naples or Sorrento for a very doable day trip. Ferries depart from other towns like Amalfi and Positano, but Naples and Sorrento are the most popular jumping-off points. It’s about an hour from Naples and thirty minutes from Sorrento. Check the ferry times and head out early to make the most of your day. Hit the ground running with an espresso and a pastry from one of the cafes off the Piazza Umberto, where people-watching is a serious side to your pastry. Also serious business in Capri for some of us is the shopping. Walk down Via Camerelle for a who’s who of Italian and international designers. Think Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. You won’t be bored but your credit card will get a serious workout.
Swap the shopping for scenery, with a walk up to the Gardens of Augustus. The grounds are stunning but it’s the view at the back of the gardens out to the Faraglioni rocks that draw the big crowds. For lunch, you could find plenty of fine dining sit-down affairs, but when time is of the essence, stop by Salumeria da Aldo for a burrata prosciutto panino sandwich you’ll certainly be trying to recreate back home. You might be on a schedule but there is always time for dessert. Especially in Italy. Buonocore Gelateria is a star in its own right. Grab a cone to go or go all out and try their famous torta caprese – almonds, chocolate, you can’t go wrong.
The Weekender
Staying for a night or two gives you time to see more of the island and undertake a few more time-sensitive activities. Number one is the Blue Grotto. The Grotta Azzurra is its official name but this cave’s famous blue water has put it on the map. You can only reach the grotto by rowboat, and only then when the tide is right. You’ll take a boat from Marina Grande then be transferred to the rowboat. Make sure you find out the tides and weather in advance before booking on a Blue Grotto tour – many tourists end up on the boat tour but are unable to go into the Blue Grotto on the day.
Back on dry land, with a day up your sleeve, head over to Anacapri; the smaller less touristy town on the other side of the island, it is a beauty in its own right. From here, hop on the one-seater chairlift (one at a time, it’s a one-seater!) and get ready for spectacular views from the island’s highest point, Monte Solaro. There is a hiking path if you want to work up an appetite but most visitors save that for the way back down.
Workout done, make your way to one of the island’s beach clubs. Okay, it might be a little bit of a workout to get down to the beach clubs themselves, but you can recover with a drink in hand under a stripey umbrella until all is right in the world again. La Fontelina is the stuff of Instagram dreams while Da Gioia should be on the bucket list for foodies.
The Linger Longer
Are you looking to settle in for more than a few days? Then look out, you’re going to have the honeymoon of a lifetime. If budget isn’t an issue, check in to J.K. Place, where the 19th-century villa has been brought back to life as a luxury boutique hotel with an award winning spa. Another villa worth visiting is Villa Jovis. You can’t stay the night, as the place is largely in ruins, but the historic site was once the (holiday) home of Emperor Tiberius. It’s a step back in time and a reminder of Italy’s complex past.
History lesson complete, venture out to Punta Carena, where the lighthouse is a drawcard but the Lido del Faro beach is even more of a reason to linger longer.
Whether you’ve got time and the budget for a quick stop or can settle in for the full Capri experience, a honeymoon visiting this little island won’t leave you disappointed.
About Lisa Perkovic: Lisa has spent the past decade travelling the world writing for Australia’s leading newspapers, magazines, and blogs about all things travel. Her own honeymoon was her pièce de résistance – an epic journey to the Maldives and South Africa. Now she loves nothing more than sharing destinations and tips to help other newlyweds work out how to have the honeymoon of their dreams.
Join the conversation