Spend a relaxing few hours exploring the magnificent house that Swedish doctor and humanitarian Axel Munthe built on the ruins of Emperor Tiberius' villa. The gardens overlooking the sea are full of relics, statues, and well-labeled plants. The house itself brims with antiques and private spaces. Pick up a copy of Munthe's bestselling The Story of San Michele on the way out.
Viale Axel Munthe 34
Capri, 80071
+39-081-837-1401
The lovely ruins of the villa of the notorious Roman emperor Tiberius are accessible by small streets through a residential neighborhood. Incredible views of Naples, Vesuvius, and the plunge to the sea below make this a great place for a picnic. Check opening times at the tourist information office in the Piazzetta.
Viale Amedeo Maiuri
Capri, 80073
+39-081-837-4549
The beautiful Villa Cimbrone complex at the tip of hilltop Ravello includes a villa, hotel, restaurant, and gardens. The grounds are a meandering pastiche of alleys, fountains, and a picturesque belvedere lined with statues that overlooks the sea.
Via Santa Chiara 26
Ravello, 84010
+39-089-857-459
An unforgettable day trip to one of the world's most moving and impressive ruins. The Italian government is not maintaining the site as well as it should, but a shocking amount of the city remains as it was — the villas, the frescoes, the taverns, the mummies — when nearby Vesuvius exploded in and volcanic ash buried the city in 79 A.D. The local train stops right at the entrance.
Pompeii
A single-seat chairlift that takes visitors to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. It looks a little rickety, and the 20-minute trip is definitely not for anyone afraid of heights. But the views from the top are breathtaking and the walk downhill is a mellow way to see the island.
Piazza Vittoria
Capri is an island best experienced from the water, and it's absolutely worth it to hire a small private boat for an afternoon tour. The Blue Grotto is the most famous and touristy, but there are several others. Stage a glamorous photo shoot as you pass through the famous Faraglioni rocks and stop for lunch at one of the beach clubs nearby. Boat operators are everywhere; every hotel can arrange a trip.
Capri