5 Days on the Magical Island of Capri, Italy

You will most likely arrive in Marina Grande by ferry. Take the cable car or a taxi to your hotel. After checking into your hotel and settling in, take a walk to the main piazza, Piazza Umberto. Stop and have a drink (my go to is a Hugo Spritz) and enjoy people watching. The piazza is loaded with cafes/bars that serve food, coffee and cocktails. Take a stroll down Via Camerelle, the most famous shopping street on the island. Enjoy the fabulous window displays of shops like Hermes, Gucci and Dior. Don't forget to pose for a cute photo with the vespa outside of the Dolce & Gabbana store! Make sure you pop into one of the Carthusia Perfume stores on the island.

After a leisurely afternoon, soak in some sun and enjoy a dip in the pool at your hotel. Many of the hotels in Capri have old, Italian charm with some modern updates. I find Capri to be much more updated than other destinations in the area (Ischia, Positano, etc.) My all-time favorite place to stay on the island is Hotel Mamela. A solid 4 star hotel, superb staff and an amazing infinity pool with spectacular views of the famous Faraglioni rocks. Also, nestled into a quieter part of the island, but still a close walking distance to the main action.

Get ready to head out for a casual, but authentic caprese meal at Lo Sfizio. Be ready to hike up there! It's a bit of a trek and in a pedestrian only area, so only accessible by foot. After a delicious meal, head back down to the piazza for the famous gelato at Buonocore Gelateria. They make the waffle cones fresh right in front of your eyes and the gelato is to die for! The line can be long, but well worth the wait.

La Fontelina is the most famous and the most popular beach club on the island. It's been around since 1949. You will have the most amazing view of the famous, Faraglioni Rocks. You can't miss the sight of the iconic blue and white striped umbrellas that scatter the beach club. The chair setup is a combination of beach chairs and mattresses. Swimming in the sea is accessible via a ladder or if you are more adventurous, you can climb on the rocks and jump in! Plan to spend your whole day here. They have two lunch seatings and will notify you of your seating when you check in. It's a bit of a pricey day especially if you are traveling as a family. However, a beautiful experience and well worth it. Travel tip: Book well in advance.

While vacationing there, we had the luxury of spending two full days on a boat. I have family who live in Naples and were gracious to take us out to explore the area from the water. There are so many boat companies you can hire for a full day or half day trip. Your captain will be able to take you into swimming caves, grottos and all around the island. If you spend a full day on the boat, consider a trip either over to Ischia or to Nerano and Positano. No need to get off the boat unless you plan to grab lunch. Seeing the island from the sea is a magical experience.

After a long and probably exhausting day, head over to Da Giorgio for dinner. Casual, but great food and reasonable prices. Beautiful views too!

Anacapri is much more laid back and not nearly as touristy as Capri. It's quiet, but full of shops and restaurants. Accessible by either a taxi from the taxi stands in Piazza Umberto or by bus.

Both Capri and Anacapri are loaded with tiny shops where you can design and have sandals made on the spot. It's a really fun and unique experience. If this appeals to you, head to Il Sandalo Caprese. They were amazing and both my daughter and I enjoyed watching the talented shoemakers at work.

If you are feeling adventurous, take a ride on the chair lift to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. The views are stunning. Keep in mind, it is a single person chair lift, so if you are traveling with kids and they don't feel comfortable going alone, rethink this!

Head back to the hotel and chill for a bit. Try and sneak in some cocktails at the Bar Quisisana. You can't miss this iconic hotel. They don't take reservations, but the wait was quick. Enjoy a fabulous aperitivo - true Italian style. You may not even need dinner after all the snacks they bring to your table!

Dinner recommendation: Panorama

A completely different beach club experience compared to a day at La Fontelina. However, one that should still be on your list to hit. This particular beach is in Marina Piccola. Accessible by foot or by taxi. We went by foot and it's a hike, but beautiful views! Be prepared for lots of steps! Be on the lookout for all the yachts that are anchored in the marina. You will have a great view as you lounge in your chairs at Lo Scoglio Delle Sirene. Sea is accessible via a ladder and also a gradual entry area which is part of the public beach. The color of the water is an emerald green and is absolutely breathtaking!

After the walk back, enjoy some poolside time before heading out to dinner.

Dinner suggestion: Villa Margherita. Reservations recommended. Beautiful ambiance and service was top notch.