Capri, beaches and Piazzetta

Meeting point: the legendary Piazzetta . Breakfast: cappuccino and cornetto, at the bar. Destination: the sea.

A ritual keenly observed by locals and holidaymakers alike, each and every summer morning on the Island of Capri, a ritual which concludes with a colorful procession of bikini-clad sun worshippers making its way towards the island's little beaches, which, even before Jackie O and her jet-setting crew discovered them, had been functioning as stylish water edge "sitting rooms", where the cognoscenti relaxed and socialized, within steps of the sea.

Marina Piccola and Capri's celebrity sea stacks

"See you at Marina Piccola!". After the Piazzetta, the beach of Marina Piccola is the island's favorite rendezvous.

This is where to come to experience the thrill of swimming in the shadow of the Faraglioni rocks and enjoy the retro-chic atmosphere pervading historic bathing establishments, such as La Canzone del Mare, Bagni Internazionali, da Gioia and Torre Saracena, and where, if you're lucky, you'll come across stars of both the small and large screen, piling on the sun cream.

To get really close to the Faraglioni, head to da Luigi ai Faraglioni, situated at the foot of the island's spectacular sea stacks, or Fontelina, just a few meters away

Marina Grande and the imperial baths

A sparkling blue sea, enchanting scenery, exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. An irresistible mix which characterizes all of Capri's beaches, not least that of Marina Grande, the island's largest waterfront, where bathers can soak up the sun whilst admiring a fabulous view of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

From Marina Grande, shuttle boats transport passengers to Palazzo a Mare, also known as Bagni di Tiberio, a small pebble and sand beach where holidaymakers swim within meters of the ruins of the ancient seaside amphitheater built by the Emperor Tiberius.

The beach can also be reached on foot, via a pretty little path through the lemon groves, which commences in Marina Grande, near the Church of San Costanzo.

Seaside specialties

Not surprisingly, on the island of Capri "sea" is synonymous with "food". There isn't a single bathing establishment which doesn't have its own restaurant, a number of which open in the evenings too.

Whilst fresh fish and seafood specialties dominate the menus in the restaurants, if all you fancy is a quick bite, the beach front kiosks and snack bars all serve a good range of salads, sandwiches, and ice-creams.

Fun in the sun, in Anacapri

No tour of Capri's beaches can be considered complete without having first made the trip to Anacapri, the "other half" of the island; home to Monte Solaro, the lighthouse and the Grotta Azzurra.

Close to the legendary sea cave, hidden away amidst the rocks, you'll find Il Riccio and Gradola, bathing establishments famous for their fish restaurants and secluded water-edge solariums.

Those intent on obtaining an authentic Mediterranean tan, should head to Anacapri's Punta Carena, guarded by Capri's lighthouse, where they will be able to enjoy the sun from dawn until dusk.

Whether they decide to pay for the privilege of having their own private sun-deck at the classy Lido Faro or, like the locals, simply grab a place on the rocks close to Antonio's snack bar, visitors will want to linger until late, to catch the magnificent spectacle of the sun setting over the sea, before heading back to the Piazzetta

It's in the Piazzetta, the tiny little square in the heart of Capri, that everyone gathers after a day on the island's marvelous beaches, to savor an elegant aperitif - another of the island's longstanding summer rituals you would be foolish not to observe.

Start planning your unforgettable day by the sea now, with the aid of this insider guide to Capri's beaches.