Capri, Italy is Mediterranean gem that should definitely be added to your bucket-list. This small island is located a short boat ride away from the famous Amalfi Coast and is well-known for being one of the celebrity holiday hotspots. Capri was the highlight of my Amalfi Coast trip and I wish I had spent more time here, but if you are doing a full Amalfi Coast tour like I did, then a couple of days in Capri are plenty to see all the island has to offer!
Planning a trip to the coast of Italy? Also check out my Amalfi Coast Travel Guide
HOW TO GET TO CAPRI, ITALY
Capri, Italy is an island escape, so you will need to arrive by sea! You can either take the public ferry or hire a private boat to take you on your beautiful journey to Capri. During our trip, we decided to take the public hydrofoil ferry from Positano to Capri and booked an exclusive private boat tour of Capri for the four of us.
The public ferry will cost anywhere from $35- $100 roundtrip depending where you depart from, how far you book in advance and which ferry company you choose. You will be able to find the different ferry company options and schedules at the main marina of the town you are staying in. More ferries run during the summer time from different locations, although ferries will run from Sorrento, Naples and Positano year-round. The trip usually takes around 30 – 50 minutes depending where you depart from. NLG ferries are the fastest because they are hydrofoil ferries, but they also tend to be more expensive. I recommend shopping around on DirectFerries.com before booking your journey to figure out what fits best with your itinerary or budget.
If you are looking for a less crowded option, travel to Capri with a private boat. Private small group boat tours typically run from Sorrento or Positano, but they are normally run as a full day trip and cost anywhere from $100-$200 per person depending on the size of the boat and group. You can also opt for an exclusive private day trip with up to 6-8 friends or family members and have a boat all to yourselves! If you’re wanting to stay on the island of Capri, another option is to book a private round trip without the day trip tour. Small group day trips and exclusive private boat options are offered with companies like Gianni’s Boat or Blue Star Positano.
GETTING AROUND CAPRI
Capri is an island with a pretty epic landscape, so getting around here can be tricky! There are lots of hiking trails to explore and many many staircases, but there are also options for taxis, private drivers or boat taxi transfers depending on what part of the island you are trying to get to. Either way, make sure to pack some walking shoes!
WHAT TO DO IN CAPRI, ITALY
SPEND THE DAY AT A BEACH CLUB
Capri is famous for its luxurious beach clubs that have stylish loungers, beachside bars, restaurants, and private beaches. These beach clubs often offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean where you can enjoy the sun, sea, and sand while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the island.
La Fontelina is the most famous beach club in Capri. Located near the Il Faraglioni, it has some of the best views of the Marina Piccola. Be sure to book your chairs in advance and have a superb lunch at their restaurant.
Pro Tip: They are known for their pitchers of fresh peach Bellinis, so make a day of it!
Some of my other favorite beach clubs on the island are at Bagni Internazionali, Da Luigi ai Faraglioni and the Dior pop-up at Il Riccio. I recommend reserving for these beach clubs as well!
TAKE A PRIVATE BOAT TOUR
The best way to experience Capri is from the sea. Charter a private boat tour and explore the coast’s many grottos, secluded beaches and scenic landscapes. Private boat tours usually run from 3-7 hours depending on if you want to do a half or full day excursion. There are also options for champagne cruises, sunset cruises or ones specific to certain areas of the island like a grotto cruise. We did a four hour tour around the island and had just enough time to see all of the main spots! Check out Gianni’s Boat for more info.
On your boat tour, I highly recommend exploring the many grottos of Capri. Capri has many grottos, but the Blue Grotto is by far the most famous. Lines are typically long to enter the grotto and you have to transfer onto a small row boat due to the small size of the caverns. Make sure to leave enough time on your trip to wait for a ride and to bring cash for the Blue Grotto row boat as this is typically not included on your private boat tour.
The Lover’s Arch at Il Faraglioni is one of the most famous landmarks of Capri. This natural stone archway is a beautiful piece of nature and definitely a spot you need to sail through on your boat tour!
WANDER CAPRI TOWN & LA PIAZZETTA
The main town of Capri is just as charming as you might imagine. Perched high in the middle of the island, the town is full of small shops, luxury stores, restaurants and markets. I loved searching for artisanal local goods here and doing a bit of people watching! La Piazzetta is the main center square of town and great spot to start your exploration. If you’re looking to shop, Via Camerelle is Capri’s famous luxury street and there’s also great local shopping throughout Anacapri.
TAKE A TRIP TO THE MARINA PICCOLA
The Marina Piccola is one of the best beach spots on the island and it’s a bit secluded from the main touristic parts of town. You can reach the Marina Piccola on foot from the center of town, by taxi or by a taxi boat.
CAPTURE THE BEST VIEWS AT THE GARDENS OF AUGUSTUS & BELVEDERE TRAGARA
Both of these locations are perched on the cliffside with the most stunning views of the island below. They both require a small & easy hike to get to, but it’s absolutely worth it! The entry to the Belvedere is free & the entry to Gardens of Augustus is only a few dollars.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Capri is a small island with lots of delicious food. You will work up an appetite exploring here, so make sure to treat yourself with some delicious Mediterranean food in many of the stunning settings that Capri has to offer!
- Experience fine dining with beautiful open-air views of the Capri coastline at Ristorante Il Geranio, Villa San Michele, Villa Margherita, Ristorante Mamma, Terrazza Brunella, A Curtiglia, Ristorante Panorama
- Dine under the lemon trees at La Zagara or Da Paolino
- Eat delicious seafood and Italian dishes next to the ocean at Lo Smeraldo, Ristorante Da Gemma or La Fontelina
- Get cocktails with the most beautiful views from above at Capri Rooftop or experience Italian nightlife at Taverna Anema e Core
- Enjoy a nice meal around Capri town at Ristorante Pulalli, Lo Sfizio,
WHERE TO STAY IN CAPRI, ITALY
Capri is a luxe destination, so treat yourself with the full Capri experience with a beautiful place to stay. While there are plenty of luxury accommodation options on the island, there are also beautiful hotel and Airbnb options for every type of budget. Check out some of my curated picks for your perfect stay:
HOTELS
- Il Capri Hotel
- Hotel della Marina Piccola
- Capri Tiberio Palace
- J.K. Place Capri
- Hotel Caesar Augustus
- Hotel Punta Tragara
- Bed & Breakfast Casa Di Capri
- Capri Palace
- La Residenza Luxury Hotel
AIRBNB
- Casa Luna Caprese
- Lulù Capri Apartment
- Suite Laetitia in the heart of Capri
- Villa Pablo Capri
- Villa Panoramico con Terrazza
- Sorgente con la Terrazza
- The Bungalow Studio Apartment
- Villa Hibiscus
- La Sorgente Capri
Are you ready to take a trip to Capri? I promise this will be one of the highlights of your Italy trips! This gorgeous escape has so much to offer.
