Shopping on Capri

Capri is famous for its handmade sandals. They're an elegant fusion of craftsmanship and local tradition. Buying a pair of sandals in Capri is a unique experience. You enter the shop, the shoemaker measures your foot, you choose the type of sole and straps, and in about an hour your custom-made sandals will be ready to wear, perfectly sized to the shape of your foot. Each model is made entirely by hand with high-quality leather and decorations ranging from simple leather strips to more sophisticated jeweled models, such as Swarovski crystals, pearls and semi-precious stones.

Canfora is among the most famous artisans on the island. This historic shop was founded in 1946 by Amedeo Canfora and is located right in the heart of Capri. The quality and elegance of its sandals have won over Hollywood stars, royalty, and style icons. One of the most loyal customers was Jackie Kennedy, who loved Canfora sandals so much that she convinced the owner to open the shop late at night, just for her, so she could choose her favorite models away from prying eyes.

Even today, Capri sandals are a symbol of discreet luxury and timeless craftsmanship, perfect for those who want to wear a piece of Capri on their feet. Walking through the streets of the historic center, you'll find several shops that have passed down this tradition for generations. They offer customized models from the most classic to the most sophisticated for a touch of elegance in perfect Capri style.

Artisanal Carthusia perfumes, true olfactory symbols of the island, are among the traditional souvenirs of Capri. These perfumes are created with artisanal methods by macerating native Capri flowers and aromatic herbs, such as jasmine, rosemary and myrtle, resulting in unique fragrances that capture the essence of the Mediterranean.

The tradition of Capri perfumery dates back to the year 1400, when the monks of the Certosa di San Giacomo accidentally discovered the art of distilling flowers. It is said that during a visit by Queen Giovanna d'Angiò, the abbot of the Certosa picked a bouquet of fresh flowers and immersed it in water. After a few days, the water took on an extraordinary scent, thus giving rise to the first Capri essence. Centuries later in 1948, the monks' secret recipe was rediscovered and transformed into the Carthusia brand, which produces perfumes according to historic traditional techniques.

Walking through the streets of Capri, you can visit the Carthusia boutiques and workshops where master perfumers still work by hand, following slow and careful processes to ensure the highest quality of fragrances. The main workshop is located in front of the Gardens of Augustus and there are shops in various areas of the island.

Of course, you can't leave Capri without stocking up on food and wine products, true treasures of taste that tell of the island's history and traditions.

Limoncello: the scent of Capri in a glass

The most Capri iconic souvenir is undoubtedly a bottle of Limoncello DOC, the famous liqueur made from Capri lemons. Capri lemons, which are larger and more fragrant than other varieties, are the basis of this golden-colored delight with an intense and refreshing flavor. The traditional recipe calls for the infusion of the peels in grain alcohol with water and sugar and no preservatives or colorants. Each sip is a sensory journey through the island's lemon gardens and seaview terraces. In many shops you'll also find artisanal variations produced in small local factories, which are perfect for an authentic taste of Capri tradition.

Torta Caprese: an irresistible dessert

If you can resist the temptation to eat it right away, another perfect souvenir is Torta Caprese, a symbolic dessert of the island. A flourless cake with ground almonds and cocoa, it has a moist consistency and intense flavor that perfectly accompany a coffee or a glass of Limoncello. Legend has it that it was created by mistake in the 1920s, when a pastry chef from Capri forgot to add flour to the dough, giving life to this marvel that's soft on the inside and lightly crispy on the outside.

Via Camerelle is the street where you'll find all the high fashion boutiques, including Chanel, Hermes, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Bulgari, to name just a few. These boutiques are all concentrated in a stretch of just over 200 meters. The street starts from the iconic Hotel Quisisana and reaches the entrance to Via Tragara, where the sea view takes the place of the glittering shop windows. In ancient Roman times 2,000 years ago, this street was home to the "camerelle," which were Roman cisterns used to collect and store rainwater in the Imperial Era and were essential for the island's water supply. It is believed that these cisterns were part of the structures of Villa Jovis, the grandiose residence of the Emperor Tiberius, located on the eastern tip of the island. The bricks of the cisterns are still standing and clearly visible in the arches that open on the sides of the street.

Via Le Botteghe is perhaps the most characteristic street in Capri. It starts in the Piazzetta and goes to Via Tiberio, becoming "via Fuorlovado" in the final stretch. Until a few decades ago, all the town's shops were located here: the butcher, the delicatessen, the fishmonger, and more. Today, there's the greengrocer (the most-photographed on Instagram) and the fishmonger, which at lunchtime becomes a small restaurant. The "La Conchiglia" Bookshop, where you can find elegant volumes containing everything that has been written about Capri, is also still in its original historic location. Via Le Botteghe is certainly the best place to find something unique to take back home with you. Stop by Angela Puttini's jewelry shop, with jewels inspired by Capri; la Capannina, which specializes in wine, sweets, and small objects for the home; and the Blu Boutique, with tailored clothes inspired by the most refined Capri style. Continuing along the street, you can also visit the shop 100% Capri, which is famous for its very elegant linen suits.