Capri is divided into two halves – Capri and Anacapri. The former is best known for Capri Town, home to designer boutiques, smart restaurants and high prices. But a short drive away is Anacapri, smaller and more modest with a lot less glamour.
The Hotel Capri Palace is in the heart of Anacapri, just above the main square. It has a 5 star rating but is very friendly, with level and ramped access. Rooms are of a high standard, although not luxurious and the service is impeccable. The breakfast alone was one of the most sumptuous I have ever experienced.
The views from the hotel and from many other places are stupendous, across the Bay of Naples to Vesuvius and beyond. To be recommended is the chairlift ride from Anacapri to the highest point on the island. There's a charming bar and cafe with one of the best views imagineable, and the sturdy of foot can enjoy the walk down of around 45 minutes.
The Capri Palace has a beach club around 10 minutes' away by shuttle, and it is located right next door to the famous Blue Grotto. Singing oarsman run a good trade in ferrying tourists into the grotto, where the water is a piercing blue in a cavern where it is rumoured that the Emperor Tiberius once bathed with his nymphs. It's easy to see why he enjoyed it as the privacy would have been total in the darkness, lit only by the incredible colour of the water.
Talking of Tiberius, it's recommended to take a walk from Capri Town to his villa on the outskirts. It takes around 40 minutes, but well worth the effort to see the Roman ruins of what must have been an ornate castle on 5 floors.
If shopping is on the menu, there's every possible designer to be found in town, but it would be a pity not to explore this beautiful island a little further.
In late September the temperature was still in the high 20's – just perfect for an active Silver Traveller to spend a few enjoyable days combining retail therapy with culture, beautiful scenery and swimming.