Active Capri

Unsurprisingly, these islands are a haven for fans of water sports. Apart from the ample opportunities for swimming in crystal-clear water (but if it's sandy beaches you want, avoid Capri), all three islands have long-established scuba-diving centers (although the prices on Capri are exorbitant). Windsurfers should head to Ischia, while Procida is the ideal place to rent a yacht for short or long trips. Boat and canoe rental is available on all three islands. You might prefer, however, to just avail yourself of the thermal baths for which Ischia is renowned.

With their high peaks, both Capri and Ischia offer spectacular trekking opportunities. Ischia's Monte Epomeo, at 2,582 feet, is somewhat more challenging than the 1,932 feet of Monte Solaro in Capri, especially as on the latter you can choose to use the chairlift for one leg (if not both) of the trip.

The path from Capri Town to I Faraglioni is one of the most beautiful seaside walks in the world, although a strong competitor is the five-hour trek past four Napoleonic towers on the island's west coast.