Capri, Italy: where to eat, shop and stay on this island off the Amalfi Coast

Zara Martin gives her guide to Italy’s ‘Riviera on the rocks’
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Zara Martin18 August 2016

The summer playground for Hollywood royalty, European socialites and international playboys, Capri is still a magnet for the world’s most glamorous people every summer. Here's my guide to where to stay, what to pack and and where to eat, drink and shop.

Where to stay

Anacapri, in the west of the island, has long laid claim to the most fabulous hotels such as the Capri Palace and Grand Hotel Quisisana, but that’s changing with the arrival of JK Place . Perched above the Marina Grande, the 22-room boutique hotel is total luxury. Crisp white Italian linens, Santa Maria Novella room scents and soaps, and a shaker-style interior reminiscent of a Ralph Lauren beach house will ease you nicely into holiday mode.

Rooms from €900 (jkcapri.com).

The high life: out front at JK Place

What to pack

A Fujifilm Instax camera, a L’Agent bikini, a clutch from Domakaya and headphones from my Skinny Dip collaboration.

Where to eat

Da Paolino is Capri’s answer to a traditional trattoria. Hidden among fruit trees, this family-run restaurant has shades of Primrose Hill’s Lemonia about it thanks to simple yet beautiful dishes (the seafood linguine is standout). The starry client base ranges from pro-footballers and Italian supermodels to artists and designers. Don’t miss dessert — Da Paolino has the best homemade lemon cake in town (paolinocapri.com).

Where to drink

For daytime drinking head to La Fontelina beach club, which overlooks the Faraglioni rocks, made famous by that Dolce & Gabbana advert. You’ll need to get there by boat (grab one from Marina Piccola) and entry starts at €24. Had your fill of Aperol spritzes? Try a sgroppino, a potent blend of vodka, lemon sorbet and Prosecco, best enjoyed as an aperitivo on the town square before supper.

La Fontelina beach club

Where to shop

Italy is the home of superbrands such as Prada, Gucci and Armani and they all have outposts on the Via Camerelle, Capri’s own Bond Street. But shopping doesn’t have to be all alta moda: wander down the white cobbled streets lined with leather makers and weavers to pick up wicker homeware, bright crockery and traditional sandals.

Getting there

Naples is the closest airport, with daily flights from London with airlines such as EasyJet and British Airways. Then you’ll need to take a ferry from the mainland or charter a water taxi, which takes about 30 minutes (capritourism.com).

Zara Martin is a DJ and model with Storm Management. To listen to her Capri playlist on Spotify, click here.

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