THERE can be few places more synonymous with glamour than Capri. The great and the gorgeous have long come to unwind on this luxury island, from Jackie Onassis and Ingrid Bergman to Rod Stewart and Lindsay Lohan. The Scottish author Compton Mackenzie
set two novels on this exotic hideaway, and Graham Greene is buried here. On a slightly more prosaic note, Naomi Campbell seemed to pass out (though she says she was just messing around) after a night of Capri partying...
BEFORE YOU GO Pick up a copy of Time Out's Italy (£14.99), which features a helpful section on the Amalfi coast. And check out
www.caprionline.com for details on tourist attractions, excursions and places to stay.
WHEN TO GO Out of the high season is always a good bet, when it is cool enough to wander around but still warm enough to pick up some colour. But don't leave it too late: Capri basically shuts down between November and March.
GETTING THERE Thomsonfly (www.thomson fly.com) flies direct from Glasgow to Naples from around £180, including taxes. Regular ferry services then run from the city to Capri – see
www.metrodelmare.com.
TOURIST TRAIL The Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) is arguably Capri's most famous attraction. The glowing turquoise waters were once thought to contain evil spirits so the locals stayed away, but it is now more popular than ever. Hire a rowing boat or simply swim in. Entry is Û4.
The Emperor Tiberius retired to Capri in AD26, and his island home Villa Jovis is still impressive. He was said to have thrown those who displeased him from the nearby Salto di Tiberio, a 330m-high precipice with commanding views of the mainland. Entry costs Û2.
GOING NATIVE Stay overnight. Most visitors come for the day, then leave on the last ferry at 6pm. This is when the locals – and the island's most illustrious visitors – come out to play.
WHAT TO BUY Have your credit cards at the ready. You'll find everyone from Gucci and Armani to Pucci and Ferragamo plying their wares in Via Camerelle.
The island's most famous jeweller, Chantecler, was a favourite of Onassis, while the island is also famed for its many perfumes.
The old Carthusian monastery, which once created the celebrated scents, is now a school, but the neighbouring perfumery claims to possess the ancient recipes handed down by the island monks.
NIGHTLIFE Evenings tend to be of a rather sedate variety. Sit at an outdoor café, grab a drink and watch the world go by.
But if you feel the need to get your groove on, follow in the tottering heels of Beyoncé to Taverna Anema e Core (
www.anemaecore.com), the island's most popular night spot.
WHERE TO STAY The Capri Palace (00 39 081 978 0111,
www.capripalace.com), home from home for the world's fashionistas. A classic room will set you back from €320.
WHERE TO EAT Le Grottelle (00 39 081 837 5719) is in a magical spot, half inside a cavern, half perched on a terrace overlooking the sea. The food is traditional, no-nonsense fare, but the view is hard to beat. Or sample La Capannina (00 39 081 837 0732) for some celeb-spotting alongside your ravioli capresi.
CAN YOU DRINK THE WATER? No. Buy it in the bottle or, if you prefer, quaff the local lemon liqueur – limoncello.
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