Napkin Notes: Capri

As our global network of trusted correspondents expands we've started a section called napkin notes. We're not going to bore you with long articles about a place because if you go or plan to go, you already know. Instead we'll post lists of things we don't think you should pass up. Today's destination: Capri, Italy.

Stay
La Scalinatella: The only place on the island to stay. Warm and gracious staff. Intimate setting. Excellent views. Lower rooms (40s) are bigger but if you prefer better views higher number rooms are best (50s).

Eat
Aurora: Unmatched dining experience. A must. Lowkey and lively down a back street off the main square. Where new Capri meets old. One wall contains a photo of Jay Z and Beyonce next to a feature from Wine Spectator. On Memorial Day weekend the only sighting we had was Michael Kors and a Wes Anderson lookalike friend. We later saw them repeatedly around the island.
Any gelato place although we prefer the full service, champagne serving one across from Dolce and Gabanna.

Play
Anema e Core: Guitar playing madness that gets people up and dancing on the tables. A staple.
Panta Rei: Lounge setting. Prime spot.
No. 2: Capri’s No. 1 Disco.

Tips
If travelling from North America fly direct to Rome and then have a driver meet you. The drive is 2 to 2 ½ hours to Naples and is quicker than taking a connecting flight and then transferring to the port.

Capri, like the rest of the Med, is best seen by sea. Avoid the crowds and hire a private boat for an afternoon to take you around the island (approx. €200).

+ La Scalinatella, Via Tragara, 8, Capri +39 081 8370633.
+Aurora, Via Fuorlovado, 18/22, Capri +39 081 8370181.
+Anema e Core, Via Sella Orta, 39/e, Capri +39 081 8376461.
+Panta Rei
+No. 2