Capri... so much more than just glitz, glam and celebs!

Once you take the funicular up, you’ll soon see that Capri really is like a film set! Picture perfect walkways, jaw-dropping scenery and views across the Mediterranean, and of course, a global mix of people that look effortlessly cool and elegant.

Visiting in August, I was expecting Capri to be beautiful yet somewhat superficial; and while I did see the pretentious side of it, I also saw the genuine heart of the people of Capri.

We stayed at the delightful Hotel Della Piccola Marina which has a very small yet bustling lobby maintaining that ‘boutiquey’ feel of an island hotel. The views are simply incredible, and the location conveniently located next to the ‘500 steps’ down to the Marina and beach – helping you to work off all that tempting pasta and pizza! If going down is doable, but uphill a bit too much of an ask, then use the island’s small (and I mean small) bus service. Due to the size of the actual bus, be aware that there will be queues - so why not stop at a café on the first level and just keep going – earning you credits for dinner later!

Evening is when Capri turns seriously stylish! Having a drink in the Piazzetta and strolling around the cobble-stoned streets, is definitely where you’ll see the jet setters looking fantastic! Yet, as true Italian culture shows us, that’s also where you also see the simple and genuine people of Capri mingling and gathering for coffee or an aperitivo. In fact, it’s where we stopped to have a chat to Federico, a wonderful young man who sailed us around the island that same afternoon.

Capri is all about the water, so getting out to sea is a must! During our sailing trip around the island Federico welcomed us, told us quirky facts about the island, and shared with us stories about his family. He decided to get into the island touring business because his father and grandfather did it before him. Even though he had a promising career in the hotel industry, his love for the island was apparent, and he felt called to share what he knows with all those who are interested. The way he took care of our needs was exceptional, from handling my wife sea sickness to the knowledge he shared with us, and on my wife’s birthday that experience was indeed unforgettable, not in a glitzy way but in a very genuine way.

We booked our boat from the Internazionali beach club, and once again the lady who organised our boat trip was equally as caring and entertaining, making sure that our visit there very enjoyable - no fuss, no pretending to be your best friend… just good old-fashioned hospitality.

I do love limoncello (who doesn’t?!) and at night after dinner and a stroll around the quaint streets of Capri, we headed back to the hotel for a nightcap. I wandered around the very quiet hotel looking for the bar, it seems that there wasn’t much ‘bar action’ going on but I still managed to have a good limoncello and great conversations with the waiter and dishwasher at the hotel breakfast bar telling me everything about their life in Naples and in Capri in the summer. It’s actually those moments that remain with me. Real human connections, rather than more retail therapy.

If Capri is on your travel bucket list, then take some time out to really engage with the locals while you’re here. Regardless of whether they’re serving you lunch or sailing you around the island, you’re sure to make some genuine connections and delightful memories!