Planning Your Time

Each of the three islands has its own individual charm—the chic resort of Capri, the volcanic spas of Ischia, and the rustic Procida. If you are unable to overnight, it is worth getting to Capri as early in the morning as possible to see the main sites before the human tsunami hits the island. Take a round-the-island boat trip and gaze at the natural beauty of the Fariglioni and the Blue Grotto, two of the unmissable sights on this fabled isle.

If archaeology and history are at the top of your list of priorities, choosing between Ischia and Capri can be difficult. Ischia has the added bonus of its natural thermal baths, with its waters healing ailments since Roman times—if you want the gamut of natural saunas and access to a dreamy beach, head to Poseidon in Forio or landscaped Negombo in Lacco Ameno.

Moving around Capri to the main sites is generally easier—and can be done in a day if pushed—while Ischia calls for more chilling out at your destination. If time is limited, Procida and its magical waterfront, as immortalized in the Oscar-winning film Il Postino, can be tacked on to your stay as a day trip from Ischia or from the mainland.