For a taste of the season’s best
The arrival of spring doesn’t just brighten up the scenery. Peruse the menus of the local restaurants, and you won’t find anywhere serving up out-of-season food. In the morning, nibble ricotta-filled pastries, or sfogliatella, while sipping an espresso and scanning the skyline.
For lunch or dinner, be sure to sample the juicy artichokes. But be quick – they’re at their best in April, and after that, they could be fresh from the freezer, not the fields. Try them in hearty soups or risottos, or to really savour their flavour, enjoy carciofi alla guida, where they’re tenderized, then deep-fried. Don’t be tempted to order asparagus before May, as it’s unlikely to be fresh. But trust us, the delicate spears will be worth the wait.

For seasonal eats with a twist, book a table at Casa Mele. Whet your appetite with local delicacy – zucchini flower stuffed with creamy ricotta. Then get a taste of the Tyrrhenian Sea with tuna tartare, or amberjack fish with Mediterranean vegetables. Reserve a seat overlooking the open-plan kitchen, to watch the magic happen. And if you’re left feeling full of inspiration, you can even take a cooking class there the following day.
Join the locals for an afternoon aperitivo in one of the coastline’s welcoming bars. Opt for an Aperol Spritz or bubbling Bellini with nibbles on tap, Italian style. At hotel Villa Franca, you can linger over a long drink at the famous Gallis Bar, while watching the boats sail out to Capri. And it’s just as dazzling at night, when you can see the sun set before retreating to your luxury suite.