Capri has been a playground for the uber rich and famous for quite literally centuries. The former private home of the Emperor Tiberius remains a haven of pristine grottos and cafes aplenty; often heaving with tourists throughout the summer months. To help you navigate your way through the crowds and experience only the best of what the island has to offer, we’ve hand-picked the best spots to eat, drink, and stay on your next trip.

Breaking your fast within your hotel grounds is a popular options (and it makes sense considering the energy required for making your way to a cafe elsewhere). But that’s not to say that hotels scrimp when it comes to breakfast options. Capri Palace in particular is famed for its luxe take on the buffet. The two Michelin star establishment serves of a decadent selection of pastries, juices, and breakfast favourites to be nibbled while overlooking the superyachts out at sea. JK Place has a similar reputation when it comes to the above average morning buffet. But who needs breakfast anyway when you consider the gelato available on the island. Buonocore Gelateria is without a doubt Capri’s stand-out establishment; surrounded by the scent of warm waffle, the institution serves up some of Italy’s finest takes on gelato. (Our pick is the pistachio).

When it comes to Capri’s restaurants celebrity-favourite Da Paolina is one of its most famous. This is thanks in part to the venue’s outrageous number of lemon trees that form a canopy over the tables. Underneath the 130 lemon trees you’ll be able to feast on classic Italian dishes; overflowing bowls of decadent pastas, as well as a selection of (not-surprisingly) lemon-based desserts. While yes the venue is expensive, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a venue that falls into the affordable category; after all this is Capri we are talking about. As a favourite of honeymooners, Capri has no shortage of romantic venues from which to choose. Add’O Riccio sits just a few metres from Capri’s famous blue grotto making it a dream location for your Instagram page. Sitting cliffside, the restaurant specialises in seafood dishes, which you can tuck into on the venue’s covered terrace. As an added bonus, the restaurant is also a beach club providing private access to the sea below.

By 3pm the Piazzetta of Capri comes alive. A daily pilgrimage to the square of cafes and bars is a ritual for most visiting the island and provides some of the best people watching you’ll ever get to experience. It’s a stretch to see and be seen; take a seat at one of the many bars overflowing the main square and settle in for a strong spritz and a round of olives while you people watch the night away. Best options for aperitivo include Bar Tiberio, Il Piccolo, and (slightly further afield) the Grand Hotel Quisisana.

A trip to Capri is incomplete without a day (or two) spent at one of the island’s many beach clubs. La Fontelina is Capri’s most iconic by far; its blue and white striped umbrellas tend to take Instagram hostage come European summer. Lido del Faro and Fontelina’s neighbour Da Luigi are fellow stand-outs. A word of warning; to access the best (and most remote) of beach clubs you will have to trek down the cliffs to get there. It’s not so much the way down to be wary of, but the long, and sweaty hike back up the hill to your hotel. Most beach clubs offer a day’s access (lounge chair, towel, and umbrella) for around 20 euro and have an accompanying restaurant where you can tuck into Caprese salads and ice cold spritz.

When it comes to staying in Capri forget about sticking to a budget. This is not the destination where keeping things cheap is really a possibility; the island is overflowing with designer boutiques. In saying that, Capri’s resorts are worth every penny thanks to jaw-dropping views of the surrounding Amalfi Coast, decadent interiors, and outstanding service. Hotel Villa Brunella is a family-run establishment equipped with swimming pool and panoramic terraces outside all rooms. It’s additionally a great option for families. Grand Hotel Quisisana is favoured by the celebrity set (Valentino Garavani included). Opened in 1845, the establishment is considered an island institution thanks to its neoclassical facade and two swimming pools. Fellow iconic establishment JK Place is housed in a 19th century villa and is famed for both its colourful interiors, as well as its renowned spa.