A trip to Italy would not be complete until you spend at least a day on the Island of Capri. Located off the Amalfi Coast sits this lush and gorgeous island.
Whether you are looking for the best day trip from Rome or to spend a few days relaxing, enjoying the sites, or lounging by the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean, the Isle of Capri Italy is the perfect destination.
How to Get to Capri
Since Capri is an island, you must travel by boat to get there. Visitors can book a ferry ride from Naples Beverello port. They typically run every hour and the journey takes about 50 minutes.
If coming from Sorrento, you can hop on a ferry from Marina Piccola. The boat ride is about 30 minutes.
Capri does not allow visitors to bring cars. Those must stay on the mainland and there is no option to bring them to the island.
Best Things to Do in Capri, Italy
Anacapri
Anacapri is my favorite area on the island. It’s not as crowded, the streets are quaint, and has that local Italian feel that I was looking for.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy lunch and spritz at an outdoor cafe before exploring San Michele Church or after taking the Monte Solaro chairlift.
The town has a large selection of cafes, restaurants, gelato, souvenir shops, and local boutiques.
Taking an open-air taxi down from Anacapri back to town is a must-do! The taxi is adorable and enjoying the winding roads from a convertible is so much fun!
Blue Grotto
This is probably the most famous sight in Capri. It’s on all the postcards and is the most talked about a destination to visit. The Blue Grotto is world-famous for its crystal clear water and blue color.
Board a boat at Marina Grande and it will take you to the cave. Once inside you will be in awe of the bright blue color caused by a hole in the rock beneath the surface.
To visit the grotto, you will need to book a group tour company or a private boat tour. Once you arrive at the grotto, you then will wait (in a long line) to be transferred to a row boat that will then take you inside the cave.
During peak seasons (typically during the summer months) the wait can be long. But the views are worth it and it’s a magical experience you don’t want to miss!
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Boat around the Island
Taking a leisurely boat ride around the island is the perfect way to see it all. Everything from the Blue Grotto, Green Grotto, and White Grotto. As well as the Faraglioni rock formations and the Natural Arch.
During the summer months, you can book a boat tour that makes stops along the way and gives guests time to swim and snorkel in the crystal blue water.
Certosa di San Giacomo
A former monastery and the oldest standing building on Capri. The three building no longer house the monastery and is now used as a museum and event space.
Faraglioni
These rock formations jet up from the gorgeous blue waters and make for a perfect backdrop for any photo.
The three rock stacks are Stella (closest to Capri) Mezzo in the middle and Scopolo. An interesting fact is that Scopolo is home to blue lizards that can only be found inhabiting that rock.
You can view the rock formations from several vantage points around the island. But of course, the best views of them are when you take a boat tour.
Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto)
The garden is quaint, but has one of the best views!
To get to the Gardens of Augustus, you must walk through all the shops and centers of Capri Town. For a few euros, you can explore the garden as long as you like. It’s well-shaded, has places to sit and relax, and is a beautiful place on the island worth visiting.
As you walk along the path enjoying the lush gardens and variety of Mediterranean flora, you’ll come across amazing views and understand why people flock to these gardens.
The breathtaking views of the sea and the famous Faraglioni rock formations make this a perfect spot to snap a few photos. You’ll have bird’s eye views and will have you dreaming of being on some of the super yachts you see below.
Gelato
There are multiple gelato shops scattered all through Anacapri and Capri Town. We stopped at a Gelato stand on the path from the Gardens of Augustus back to the town center. The lemon gelato was delicious and it overlooks the sea. Making it a wonderful place to enjoy this sweet treat on a hot day.
Grotta di Matermania
Located near the Natural Arch is this unique cave. If you take the Via del Pizzolungo trail, you can stop and see this wonder.
Walk through the cave and explore this area that was once a shrine during the Roman Empire.
Marina Piccola
Located on the south side of the island, can be reached by walking or taking a bus from the center of town. This beach area is less crowded, but during high season can get busy.
Monte Solaro
Not only is this the highest point on Capri, but it’s where you will find the best views. As soon as you dock at Marina Grande, the first thing you will notice is Monte Solar touring over you.
It is soaring 589 meters above sea level and is the highest and most panoramic point on the island.
To get to Monte Solar, you will first need to purchase a ticket for the funicular (Cable car). The trip lasts about 4 minutes and runs every 15 minutes. The funicular takes you to the Piazzetta where you can then begin your trip up to Marina Piccola.
From the Piazzetta, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Anacapri. From there you can hike up to Mount Solaro.
If hiking isn’t your style then you can take the chairlift at Via Caposcuro to the summit. The single-seat chair lift allows you to enjoy the views of the Gulf of Naples with Mount Vesuvius in the background.
Once at the top you can enjoy the stunning views, grab a bite to eat, and take photos. Guests can either walk down or enjoy the chairlift ride.
Natural Arch
The Natural Arch was formed because of erosion. It once was the roof of a grotto, but the grotto collapsed and left the arch behind.
To hike to the Natural Arch, you will have to go through a quaint, quiet street and down a flight f steps. The walk down is easy, but coming up is a doozy.
You can also take a boat trip to visit the arch from the sea. The tradition is to kiss your loved one as you pass through the arch to bring you luck.
Piazzetta
This is where you will find the center of life on the island. It’s typically always crowded as this is where you will find the streets lined with cafes, a scenic overlook, shops, and the funicular. It’s also known as the most fashionable square in the world!
If you are looking to shop at high-end, luxury shops. Then this is the place to be! But don’t worry if you don’t have the funds for a massive shopping adventure. Grab some gelato and go for a leisurely walk as you window shop.
Piazza Umberto I
The square in Capri Town is the perfect spot to start and end your day. Grab a bite to eat and relax at one of the outdoor cafes, do a little people-watching, and plan out the agenda for the day.
When you take the funicular from the marina, you will come out on this main square before heading to your destination.
Punta Carena
Looking for the perfect spot to watch the sunset? This is the spot!
It’s also where you’ll find the lighthouse, Faro Di Punta Carena which was built in 1866. You can also spend the day at Lido del Faro beach and soak up the sun. This a popular spot with the locals.
Shopping on the Island
Head to Via Camerelle in Capri for luxury shopping from stores like Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Valentino, Balenciaga, and more.
If your wallet doesn’t allow for a shopping spree, head up to Anacapri for more affordable and boutique shopping. This is where you can find souvenir shops and cute gifts at a price that doesn’t break the bank.
Capri is also known for making the best handmade sandals which are all custom-made to your feet.
The most famous shop is Canfora Capri Sandals which has been making sandals since 1946. For the most affordable option, head to Anacapri. Most shops can do the measuring and you can come back later in the day to pick up your order.
Via del Pizzolungo
Take the trail from the Natural Arch and head towards Belvedere Tragara. Going in this direction will allow you to avoid climbing up a large flight of stairs.
You can follow the signs from Capri Town and turn once you reach Ristorante Le Grottelle. The scenery along the Via del Pizzolungo is breathtaking and a great way to explore the island and get away from the crowds.
Via Krupp
Located next to the Gardens of Augustus is one of the most iconic landmarks of Capri. The narrow switchback paths lead visitors down to the sea.
Unfornutaley the road has been closed for years due to the danger of falling rocks from the cliffs. So we enjoyed the views of the road from above.
Villa Jovis
This was home to Emperor Tiberius when he was staying in Capri. Today you can visit the ruins and enjoy the views from the villa.
Where to stay on the Island of Capri
Whether you want a boutique hotel, quaint bed, and breakfast, or luxury resort, Capri has it all.
If you want to feel like a local and have that small-town feel then Anacapri is a great option. You’ll find that the hotels in Anacapri are cheaper than in Capri.
Getting around Capri
The island is small and getting around the island is easy. The bus system is easy to navigate, makes all the important stops, and is inexpensive.
There are also open-air taxis. This is a more expensive option, but fun to do at least once on your trip.
Best time of year to visit Capri
Honestly, there is no bad to visit Capri, it’s gorgeous year-round. That said, the busy season is from May to October. If visiting during the shoulder seasons you can avoid the crowds and still enjoy the island and beautiful weather.
My husband and I traveled to Capri as part of our honeymoon as we also traveled to Naples and Rome. It was relaxing and the gorgeous views can’t be beaten! It was one of the most romantic places in the world and we loved that it wasn’t overrun by children. Although it is family-friendly, it’s not necessarily an area that kids will enjoy as much as an adult will.
