I properly fell for Anacapri in 2021, when I booked a few nights at what was then called 2 Pini, a small, family-run residence tucked away behind the main piazza, next to the Monte Solaro chairlift. We had planned a short stay but ended up extending it (twice). There was something about waking up here, wandering into the village for an espresso and being greeted by Anacaprese people that made it difficult to leave. The property has since been renamed Relais Caposcuro and is being run by the fourth generation of the family, Guido D’Auria, alongside his lovely wife Martina. I have been returning ever since. “Anacapri is where you come to discover the authentic side of the island,” Martina tells me. “If you want to find peace, relaxation, and nature, this is the right place. That is why Axel Munthe, Norman Douglas and Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach chose to spend their days here.” She recalls how visitors are made to feel like locals. “The strength of Anacapri is hidden in its local people. They all know each other but welcome new guests. When you dine at a restaurant, the owner calls you by your name; you are not simply a tourist.”
Anacapri is having something of a moment. The arrival of new places to stay is giving visitors more reason to base themselves here. Next year, Casa Caprile will open as part of the Small Luxury Hotels portfolio, bringing a new boutique address to a 19th-century estate that was once the residence of Sweden’s Queen Victoria.
But perhaps the most compelling reason to visit now is that it still feels like somewhere to be discovered. This is not simply Capri without the crowds; it is Capri with a different pace and a deeper sense of place.
Here are some ideas for where to stay, eat and play in Anacapri.
For something more intimate, Relais Caposcuro is the kind of family-run place that explains why staying in Anacapri can feel so different from Capri town. Formerly known as 2 Pini, the property grew out of the family’s old vineyards and has been welcoming guests since 1999. Sitting sweetly underneath the Monte Solaro chairlift, it is now being carried into its fourth generation, with Guido D’Auria and his wife Martina running the boutique hotel. “In 1999, we stopped the production of wine and the villa needed renovation, so Nonno Peppino, supported by his daughter Giulia [Guido’s mother], had to make a decision. Either they would sell the estate or transform it into a place where friends and guests could spend their holidays,” Martina explains. “They preferred the latter option so now, thanks to their vision, we welcome people from all around the world. This was formerly a family home, and Guido and I want to keep that feeling.” This is the stay for those who want to feel embedded in the village rather than insulated from it. Fancy taking part in a private cooking class or trying out local craft activities? The team pride themselves on offering bespoke experiences; just drop them a note in advance.
Opening in spring 2027 as part of the Small Luxury Hotels portfolio, Casa Caprile is one to watch. The 19th-century estate is being reimagined as a boutique hotel, with 12 bedrooms, a Mediterranean garden and a distinctly retro aesthetic, including the red-and-white striped awnings that give the property its old-school Riviera feel. Its arrival should add another characterful option to Anacapri’s hotel scene, particularly for travellers looking for something smaller and more design-led than the island’s grand hotels. Booking is now open from May 2027.
Jumeirah Capri Palace
Guido Fua’