Count yourself lucky if you get to make a day trip to Capri, Italy. This small and beautiful island, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the Sorrento Peninsula, features craggy landscapes, gorgeous turquoise water, and some lush, scenic gardens. It’s also extremely chic.
Hop on a ferry from Naples or Sorrento to Capri’s Marina Grande, and then embark on your Capri day trip for a dazzling blend of history, nature, and culture. Once you arrive on this enchanting island, you won’t want to leave.
The Best Time to Visit Capri
Capri
While you can visit Capri any time of the year and have a great time, April to early June or from September to October are generally the best times to head to this spectacular island.
During the spring and autumn shoulder seasons, the island is buzzing with activity and life, but you won’t have to deal with the crowds that flock to Capri in July and August during the peak summer months.
The shoulder seasons see highs, on average, ranging between 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C), which are ideal for scenic strolls, swimming in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and eating alfresco. Spring in Italy also sees an explosion of flowering plants, which shouldn’t be missed.
Marina Grande
If you visit outside the peak seasons—from November to March or thereabouts—you’ll discover that many of Capri’s restaurants and shops, especially those catering to tourists, are closed for the season.
Ferries head to the island less often in the winter, and the seas are sometimes too rough for boats to venture out. The good thing about arriving in winter, on the other hand, is that you’ll have a more tranquil experience while exploring Capri compared to other seasons.
Capri Day Trip Packing
Capri
If you’re going to Capri for a day of fun and discovery, you should pack for a variety of activities. Plan on leisurely outdoor meals, dips in the sea, rigorous hikes around the island, and visits to historical sites.
Layers are key when visiting Capri. Bring comfortable clothing that is light and airy, made from comfortable materials like linen and cotton, to keep you cool in the Mediterranean sun. Bear in mind that Capri is extremely stylish, so dress the part if you want to blend in when sipping Aperols in the Piazzetta, the island’s main square.
Pack a bathing suit if you plan to dive into Capri’s sparkling sea, and water-resistant sandals and durable walking shoes or boots for walking along cobblestone lanes and rocky paths.
Faraglioni
A hat and sunglasses will help protect you from the sun, and you should carry some sunscreen for skin protection. A small backpack is also a good idea, letting you tote around your things, including a reusable water bottle for staying hydrated.
Bring a small towel and maybe a short cover-up for when you step off the beach. A light, breathable jacket will come in handy, too, if you’re traveling outside the main summer season, in case the temperatures dip or the wind picks up.
Last but not least, a mini travel guide or map of Capri is always helpful.
Read: What to Pack for Italy
Capri Island Travel Options
Marina Grande
Ferries and boats run to Capri Island from several different destinations on the mainland, including Naples, Sorrento, and Positano.
You can take a standard ferry or a hydrofoil from Naples to Capri, with the hydrofoil journey lasting less than an hour. There are also ferries and hydrofoils from Sorrento, around 25 minutes in duration, and a ferry from Positano, which takes about 40 minutes.
Marina Grande will be your first port of call on Capri. After you disembark, there are several ways for you to get around the island.
Funicular
First off, you can hop on the funicular railway, which runs from Marina Grande to Capri Town. The funicular will drop you off at the Piazzetta, with the quick elevation gain teaching you a thing or two about Capri’s mountainous terrain.
To get around, rent a convertible open-top taxi or else catch a minibus. You’ll also find plenty of scenic hiking trails on the island, including the delightful Sentiero dei Fortini coastal walk.
Faraglioni
If you’re feeling adventurous and don’t mind navigating twisty roads, you can always rent a scooter, which is a very Italian thing to do. There are also options to rent a small boat, letting you visit landmarks like the Blue Grotto or the Faraglioni rocky outcrops.
If you need to get back to the mainland after your Capri day trip, keep a note of the ferry times and bear in mind that there’s a busy rush hour for the late afternoon ferries, with long lines.
What Makes Capri Special?
Capri
Capri is known as the “Island of Dreams,” and for good reason, thanks to its crystalline water, rugged scenery, and its mixture of ultra-luxury and casual island vibes.
With easy access from Naples, a Capri day trip will offer you natural landscapes galore, from the famous Faraglioni rocks to the Blue Grotto, a sea cave that shimmers with blue light.
Villa Jovis
But there’s more to Capri, too, including ancient Roman villas, like Villa Jovis, built by Emperor Tiberius, to visit. In Capri Town and Anacapri, you’ll find posh boutiques, cool cafés, local artisans who make the famous, delicate Capri sandals, and aromatic lemon trees.
There’s a lot of warmth and character in Capri, from dining in family-owned restaurants, treks along the Pizzolungo trail, or relaxing with a limoncello at a bar perched above dramatic cliffs and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Capri Cuisine
Insalata caprese
Capri serves up plenty of authentic Italian cuisine, with some local standouts to try.
To start things off, order an insalata caprese, which is an irresistible combination of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and scented basil served with a drizzle of olive oil. Order a plate of spaghetti alla Nerano, made with zucchini, garlic, and Provolone and Parmesan cheese. The recipe is from Nerano, on the nearby Sorrento Peninsula.
Linguine alle vongole
Fresh seafood is, of course, available on the island. Try some grilled swordfish or linguine alle vongole, pasta with clams. For dessert, indulge in torta caprese, a dense chocolate and almond cake that pairs well with limoncello.
For dining venues with ambiance and lovely views, head to Ristorante da Paolino, which is filled with lemon trees, or Il Riccio, near the Blue Grotto, which specializes in seafood. If something more laid back appeals, Capri’s Piazzetta is filled with cafés and restaurants where you can go for a coffee, gelato, or a light meal.
Best Places to Visit on Capri
Once you arrive on the island, there are several amazing sites to explore, whether your interests include hiking, botanical gardens, natural features, or simply people-watching.
Monte Solaro
Monte Solaro
At 1,932 feet above sea level, the summit of Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island, beckons with its stellar views of Capri’s blue sea and rugged landscapes.
If you don’t want to burn a ton of calories by hiking to the top, opt for the chairlift, which you can catch in Anacapri and ride to the summit. If you’re feeling more energetic, you can trek up the side of the mountain, which should take an hour and a half to complete.
From the top, you will be rewarded with brilliant vistas of the three massive Faraglioni rocks, the Sorrentine Peninsula, and on clear days, the Amalfi Coast. Snap some photos, appreciate Capri’s rugged beauty, cool off with a drink or snack at the summit cafe, and check out the statue of Emperor Augustus while you soak in the views.
Villa San Michele
Villa San Michele
Visit the Villa San Michele in Anacapri for a taste of the kind of life that Capri can provide its well-to-do residents, past and present. It’s an enchanting villa once owned by the Swedish physician and writer Axel Munthe.
Villa San Michele features stunning gardens and a panoramic view over the Gulf of Naples. You’ll also find an eclectic assortment of objects inside, from Roman figurines to ancient artifacts that Munthe acquired during his lifetime.
The villa is as much of a museum as it is a window into Munthe’s ideas and personality, which can be explored further in his bestselling autobiography The Story of San Michele, first published in 1929.
Villa San Michele
The estate, filled with Etruscan and Egyptian sculptures, also includes the Barbarossa mountainside, which the Munthe purchased to create a bird sanctuary.
Walk around the gardens, gaze at the sea, and don’t miss the villa’s famous Egyptian sphinx statue sitting on a terrace edge.
Augustus Gardens
Augustus Gardens
The Augustus Gardens, or Giardini di Augusto, is a botanical heaven of flowers, trees for shade, and picturesque pathways.
The gardens are only a short stroll from Capri Town. From the terraces, you can marvel at the Faraglioni pillars in the distance and Via Krupp, an old switchback path dating back to the early 1900s, carved out of the hillside.
Giardini di Augusto was built by the wealthy German industrialist Alfred Krupp, who later became persona non grata on Capri due to a well-publicized scandal.
The gardens, an amalgamation of natural beauty and art, plus the Capri Sundial, will enchant you, inviting you to linger for a while. For a small entrance fee, you’ll get to enjoy this serene oasis and its commanding views of the sea.
La Piazzetta and Via Camerelle
Via Camerelle
Most people would likely agree that La Piazzetta is Capri’s beating heart. La Piazzetta is the town’s main square, a gathering place for espressos, an aperitif or two, or a meal while watching the goings-on.
During the tourist season, the pedestrianized streets, small cafés, and trendy boutiques on Via Camerelle, Capri’s main shopping street, also await.
The Torre dell’Orologio clock tower is another sign indicating that you’ve arrived in one of the most happening spots in town.
Blue Grotto
Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is, without a doubt, one of Italy’s most celebrated natural wonders and should not be missed. This sea cave got its name due to the blue color that results from sunlight penetrating the watery grotto through an arched opening.
To see this hauntingly beautiful limestone cave for yourself, you’ll have to get on a small rowboat outside the watery entrance. A professional guide will then carefully steer you inside.
Once you’re inside the grotto, you’ll be captivated by this translucent, tunneled world. You can only access the grotto when the sea is calm, so check the weather before departing. It’s a short ride but worth the effort, making a day trip to Capri all the more memorable.
Marina Grande
Marina Grande
Marina Grande is where the ferries dock on Capri and, in most cases, a first introduction to the island. This busy harbor is also a thriving destination with shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Colorful buildings line the waterfront, making for postcard-perfect images. You’ll find small fishing boats and bigger, more expensive yachts here. There is also a pebbly Italian beach where you can relax or take a dip in the sea before touring the island.
Arco Naturale
Arco Naturale
Arco Naturale is an imposing natural arch formed by eons of erosion. Located along the eastern edge of Capri, this limestone rock, perched on the cliffs, opens up like a stone window, with views of greenery, rocky outcrops, and the bright blue sea below.
You’ll have to opt for a nature walk to get there, as you can’t reach Arco Naturale by car, although the pretty hike is worth it. Once you arrive, you’ll have big vistas of blue sky and blue sea.
Arco Naturale is a quiet place that isn’t always packed like other tourist destinations on the island. Take your time here to capture some spectacular photos, and perhaps sit and meditate, enjoying the fantastic views.
Phoenician Steps
Phoenician Steps
The Phoenician Steps or Scala Fenicia are a masterpiece of stairway construction. These stone stairs, numbering 921 vertiginous steps in total, lead from Marina Grande to Anacapri, hugging the side of Mount Solaro.
Built by the ancient Greeks, these steps were once the principal route between the two settlements. The ascent is a rewarding, but difficult one, which can take anywhere from half an hour to an hour or more, depending on your level of physical fitness.
If you’re not inclined to tackle the ascent of the steps, you might want to head down them instead of up. It’s worth it for the views.
Capri
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