Kid-friendly Paradise by the Sea in Capri

Glamour abounds on the island of Capri - from the pastel-colored cabs to the luxury shops on the streets - the fashionable city is strikingly set on limestone cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. It's also a city of steps, and every move will have you climbing or descending to your final, dreamy destination.

But between the luxury and the laborious landscape, is it a place to travel with toddlers? You bet.

We went to Capri in 2019 for our honeymoon and fell in love with the stylish city and salty sea, and when we had a little time for a getaway this summer, we decided to return... with our three-year-old in tow. Determined to show her a good time while avoiding the potential pitfalls of the island, we planned a trip designed to give a toddler sun, fun and sea without a totally treacherous journey for us parents.

Here's how we did it...

Destination // We chose to stay in Marina Piccola first because of the beauty - its clear, aquamarine sea is dotted by umbrella lined beaches - the quintessential Italian summer scene. We also selected the destination on the island as our home base because it is relatively flat and offers accommodations near the water, so we wouldn't have to lug a toddler, snacks, a floaty and god knows what else around huge cliffs. The area has a quaint church and Siren's rock where, as legend has it, the Sirens seduced Ulysses.

Euro summer at its finest

Cliffs above Marina Piccola

Airbnb // Most people staying near Marina Piccola are sleeping on yachts (fancy fancy!) or the Hotel Weber Ambassador hotel. We got lucky and found the most charming Airbnb, just 7 meters (yes - that close!) to the beach. Built in 1850, this Airbnb is more than a place to stay - it's living history. The house has 2-3 different Airbnbs built into it with separate entrances, bathrooms and living spaces. The highlights include gorgeous high painted ceilings (you are sleeping under historic art), crazy picturesque views of the beach and ocean, a small kitchenette, and a private rooftop terrace patio with sun loungers and a table - perfect for an afternoon snack and nap. The host is a local designer, and she was beyond lovely, helpful and accommodating. Best of all, it took less than 10 seconds to get down to the beach, but the house has a locked gate so little ones cannot make a mad dash to the water without you. You literally cannot beat the location for kids. 10/10 - HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Ahh those painted ceilings - history and art all in one Airbnb

Airbnb terrace

Snapshots from the balcony of our Airbnb. A dream.

Activities // Beach club is a verb for me. It's a lifestyle. It's a religion. I LIVE for Euro summer beach clubs and have been to the best of the best - La Fontelina in Capri, Gran Folies in Mallorca, Scorpios in Mykynos... the list goes on. Normally, the more chic and the more champagne - the better. But, with a toddler, diving off the famous cliffs of La Fontelina straight into the sea wasn't going to happen. Luckily, Marina Piccola is home to Bagni Internazionali Capri, a large, more casual beach club with multiple levels. We paid €100 for two beach chairs with umbrellas (front row - of course!), towels and club access for a full day. Considering there are two free beaches flanking the club, it could be considered expensive, but given it's a rock beach (not sand), it felt like a good vacation splurge. The club serves cocktails (you must try the limoncello spritz!), non-alcoholic drinks, sandwiches, salads and (of course!) pizza all day. Best of all, there were plenty of young families, so little ones could splash in the sea while moms from all over the world get together, laugh and share a few drinks. While there are more chic beach clubs nearby (Da Gioia is on my list!), this was the perfect setting for a day under the Italian sun with my daughter.

Suckered mom into buying a floaty. Worth it.

Bagni Internazionali Capri

A little pizza break at Bagni Internazionali Capri

Dining + Shopping // Getting around can be a challenge if you stay in Marina Piccola - but you just have to know how to work the bus/cab system and you're golden. The bus stop is right above the beach, a 2-minute walk from the Airbnb, and it offers frequent rides to the main town of Capri for a few Euros each (toddlers are free!). The bus takes 10 minutes to get to the town and drops you off near the plaza. We beelined for our favorite gelato and pastry shop - Gelateria Buonocore Capri, which has been serving gelato and smiles since the 1970s. This place has the most INSANE pistachio cookies I've ever tasted. I've been craving them since 2019 and bought six when I returned this trip. Fair warning: the gelato line gets very long at night, as city strollers stop for a sweet treat, but they stay open well past midnight to make ice cream dreams come true. We also ate at Al Capri, and while it has iconic views and the staff was super friendly, I wouldn't say it's the best restaurant in Capri. It's kid-friendly, it has the staples, it's beautiful and does the job. If I didn't have a toddler with me, I'd be at Da Paolino so fast, but whatchyagonnado. We shopped the luxe streets of Capri, I was tempted to buy a little something something at Mui Mui and the Jacquemeus pop up, but I abstained in favor of my daughter's college fund (sigh.)

Seafood pasta is THE order at Al Capri

Finding nonnas at Gelateria Buonocore Capri

Daily gelato is a must