Capri — peaceful, breathtaking, and endlessly captivating — lingers in your heart long after you’ve returned home. The memories of visiting this island remain etched in my mind; it was one of the most relaxing and memorable vacations we’ve ever had.
Until I return to this stunning corner of Italy, I wanted to share a complete travel guide to help you plan two wonderful days on the island of Capri. In this guide, you’ll find details on how to get there, where we stayed, and the best things to do during your visit.
Surrounded by the brilliant blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Capri enchants with its dramatic limestone cliffs and famous grottos that seem to shimmer under the Mediterranean light. It’s easy to see why Roman emperors once chose it as their retreat — and why it continues to captivate travelers from around the world.
This small island won our hearts with its scenic views, delicious food, and welcoming locals. I hope this Capri travel guide helps you experience the same beauty and warmth that made our time on the island so special.
Contents
Visiting Capri: How to Get There from Naples or Sorrento
Capri lies on the southern side of the Bay of Naples in Italy. Because of its island location, the only way to reach Capri is by ferry or by hydrofoil, the faster high-speed service. Ferries operate frequently from both Naples and Sorrento, making the journey to Capri easy and convenient. During the busy summer season, additional routes also connect Capri with Positano, Amalfi, Salerno, and Ischia.
The high-speed ferries from Sorrento take roughly 25 minutes to reach the island, while the regular ferries departing from Naples (Molo Beverello or Calata di Massa) take about an hour.
High-Speed Ferry from Sorrento to Capri
We traveled to Capri by hydrofoil from Sorrento after visiting Pompeii. Our ferry departed from Marina Piccola, and I booked our tickets online in advance through SNAV ,one of the main ferry operators serving the island. Their service was prompt and efficient, and the booking process was very straightforward. Other well-known companies such as Caremar and NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo) also operate ferries between Sorrento and Capri, offering multiple daily departures and easy online reservations.
Morning departures are usually crowded with day-trippers, so we chose an afternoon ferry since we were planning on spending two nights in Capri — a decision that proved perfect. With Mount Vesuvius framing the horizon, the boat left Sorrento’s harbor for a beautiful crossing. Sitting on the open deck, we watched the coastline fade as the ferry sped across the shimmering sea toward Capri.
Outbound Ferries from Capri
If you’re visiting Capri just for the day, keep in mind that ferry departure times from Capri vary by destination and season. It’s best to check the return ferry schedule upon arrival and plan your departure accordingly to avoid missing the last boat back.
Visiting Capri: Arrival at Marina Grande on Isola di Capri
All ferries arriving at Capri dock at Marina Grande. From here, you can reach Capri Town or Anacapri by bus or taxi — though taxis are quite expensive. A funicular also connects Marina Grande with Piazza Umberto, the island’s main square. At busy times, lines for both the bus and funicular can be long due to the number of visitors, but both remain reliable options and are the most affordable ways to get around the island.
Experience Capri in Motion
Watch our short Capri travel reel — a glimpse into the island’s contrasts: the lively charm of Capri Town, the serene beauty of Anacapri, and the breathtaking sea views that tie them together. From cliffside paths to quiet gardens, every corner here feels timeless.
View this post on Instagram
Filmed by me across both Capri and Anacapri, this reel captures the island’s dual spirit — elegant and vibrant, yet calm and deeply grounding. From bustling piazzas to peaceful terraces draped in wisteria, Capri is a reminder that beauty thrives in both motion and stillness.
Our Stay in Capri at B&B Palazzo a Mare
Capri Island consists of two charming towns — Capri and Anacapri. There’s a wide range of accommodation across the island, from hotels and resorts to villas and cozy bed and breakfasts. Prices tend to run high, especially in the summer months, and most properties book up well in advance. I’m so glad we chose to stay at a charming family-run B&B in Capri – Casa Palazzo a Mare, where we spent two nights in their one-bedroom apartment.
Our stay there made our time on the island even more memorable. Theresa and Grazziano, the gracious hosts, welcomed us warmly and offered wonderful suggestions on what to see and do during our visit. Each morning began with their delicious homemade breakfast — including freshly baked Italian cakes — and in the evenings, Theresa would greet us with a chilled glass of her own limoncello, a true treat after a day of exploring.
The B&B’s peaceful garden was the perfect spot to unwind, and the Palazzo a Mare beach was just a short walk away. Capri captured our hearts completely, and our stay at this lovely B&B remains one of our fondest memories of the island.
Visiting Capri, Italy: The Best Things to Do During Your Trip
The best time to visit Capri is from April to May or September to early October, when the weather is pleasantly mild and the island feels more relaxed. We visited in July — right in the heart of summer — and while the crowds were lively, Capri never lost its charm. Many travelers visit the island on a day trip from Naples or the Amalfi Coast, but regardless of the season, to truly experience Capri’s magic, I highly recommend staying at least two nights on this beautiful slice of Italy.
Although there were plenty of tourists, Capri never felt overwhelming. We loved exploring at an unhurried pace, basking in the sun, and strolling along the beaches in the warm evenings while watching unforgettable sunsets.
To help you plan your own visit, here are our favorite things to do in Capri.
1. Take a Boat Tour Around the Island and Visit the Blue Grotto
A boat tour is an essential experience when visiting Capri — it lets you see the island from an entirely different perspective. Depending on your budget, you can book a private boat or join a group tour departing from Marina Grande. Tickets are easy to purchase at the booths near the port; we chose a group tour with Laser Capri, and it was a wonderful experience.
Group tours usually last about an hour around the island or up to two hours if they include a stop at the famous Blue Grotto. Keep in mind that a Blue Grotto visit is never guaranteed — the tiny entrance closes whenever the sea is rough. On calm days, visitors transfer from the larger tour boat into a small rowboat to enter the grotto itself.
Our boat left promptly from the dock, and the bilingual guide shared stories about the limestone cliffs, hidden grottos, Punta Carena lighthouse, and the iconic Faraglioni Rocks as we circled the island. It was a delightful way to begin our Capri adventure.
2. Ride the Chairlift to the Top of Monte Solaro
Located in Anacapri, the chairlift to Monte Solaro is one of the island’s most popular activities. Each open chair fits a single person, and as you glide quietly above whitewashed homes and lush gardens, the panorama slowly unfolds beneath you. Many visitors ride up and then choose to walk back down towards Anacapri, making the descent just as memorable.
3. Enjoy the Panoramic Views from the Top of Monte Solaro
Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island of Capri, lies in Anacapri and offers sweeping views of the entire island — from the Faraglioni Rocks to the Bay of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius rising on the horizon. It’s one of the most breathtaking spots in Capri and an absolute must for any itinerary.
4. Stroll Through the Charming Streets of Capri
The streets of Capri are lined with elegant boutiques, cascades of bright bougainvillea, and inviting cafés. Although I wasn’t particularly drawn to the shopping scene, I loved wandering through these lanes, pausing to admire artful displays, quiet gardens, and glimpses of the sparkling sea beyond. Capri is compact and wonderfully walkable — a place that encourages you to slow down and savor the rhythm of island life. The more time we allowed ourselves to simply wander, the more we fell under its spell.
5. Enjoy an Evening Walk Through Giardini di Augusto (Gardens of Augustus)
When you’re ready for a peaceful break from sightseeing, the Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto) offer a serene retreat surrounded by fragrant blooms under the Mediterranean sun. Just a fifteen-minute walk from Piazza Umberto, this beautifully landscaped garden sits beside the Carthusia perfume boutique and overlooks some of Capri’s most iconic scenery.
Originally created in the early 1900s by German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp, the gardens were once part of his private estate. Today, they’re open to the public for a small entrance fee and remain one of the most accessible things to do in Capri. The terraces are filled with colorful flowers and sculptures, and the views extend across the Faraglioni Rocks, Marina Piccola, and the winding stone path of Via Krupp below.
Built to connect the Charterhouse of San Giacomo with the sea, Via Krupp zigzags dramatically down the cliffs and is considered a masterpiece of early 20th-century engineering. Although the path occasionally closes due to rockfall, you can admire its elegant curves from the gardens’ terraces—especially near late afternoon, when the golden light shimmers on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
We spent a quiet evening here, surrounded by color and sea breeze—a simple moment that perfectly captured Capri’s tranquility and timeless charm.
6. Take In the Iconic Views of the Faraglioni Rocks
Whether you’re on a boat, walking along the island’s paths, or relaxing in the Gardens of Augustus, it’s impossible to miss Capri’s signature landmark — the Faraglioni Rocks. These three sea-sculpted formations have become symbols of the island: Faraglione di Terra (Stella), Faraglione di Fuori (Scopolo), and Faraglione di Mezzo. Watching the sunlight shift across their surfaces is one of those scenes that stays with you long after you leave.
Seeing the Faraglioni Rocks up close from the water is truly spectacular. Most boat tours circle right through Faraglione di Mezzo, the middle arch, where sunlight filters through the rock and dances on the blue waves. Locals say couples who kiss as they pass under the arch are blessed with lasting love — a sweet tradition that adds to the island’s romantic charm. Whether viewed from the sea or from the Gardens of Augustus, the Faraglioni are the unmistakable icons of Capri and a highlight of any visit.
7. Stop by Buonocore for a Delicious Gelato
As you wander through Piazza Umberto — the lively heart of Capri — the sweet aroma of freshly baked waffle cones will lead you straight to Buonocore Gelateria, perhaps the island’s most beloved ice-cream shop. Our B&B host recommended it, and after one visit, we instantly understood why. The lines can be long, but the creamy gelato, served in warm, just-baked cones, makes the wait worthwhile. My favorites were melon and pistachio — a perfect, melt-in-the-sun indulgence after a day of exploring.
8. Explore Anacapri — The Peaceful Side of Capri
Anacapri, perched higher on the western side of the island, offers a calmer pace and a more local atmosphere than the busier Capri Town on the island. The short, scenic three-kilometre drive up the winding road is beautiful, with every turn revealing new sea views. Buses and taxis make the trip easy, arriving at Piazza Vittoria, the central stop in Anacapri.
We spent an afternoon wandering along Via Giuseppe Orlandi, a lovely pedestrian street lined with artisan boutiques and tiled benches painted in bright majolica patterns. Nearby, the chairlift to Monte Solaro departs from Via Caposcuro, and the Church of San Michele enchants visitors with its hand-painted majolica floor depicting Paradise on Earth. Peaceful and inviting, Anacapri felt like a quiet retreat above the crowds.
9. Climb Down the Phoenician Steps (Scala Fenicia)
After visiting Monte Solaro, we decided to descend the famous Phoenician Steps — 921 stone steps linking Anacapri with Marina Grande near the Palazzo a Mare area. Despite their name, the steps were likely built by the Greeks long before the Phoenicians. The path begins close to Villa San Michele and winds down the cliffs, offering dramatic views of Capri Town and the bay below.
The walk is steep, and some steps are uneven, so it’s best to take your time. Parts of the trail may close occasionally for restoration, but when open, it’s one of Capri’s most rewarding off-the-beaten-path experiences.
10. Find Capri’s Hidden Beaches
While Marina Grande and Marina Piccola draw most of the crowds, several small coves around Capri remain quiet and uncrowded. One evening we wandered to Palazzo a Mare Beach, just a short walk from our B&B, and found ourselves almost alone. Watching sailboats drift across the horizon as the sun set over the Tyrrhenian Sea was pure magic — the kind of tranquil moment that captures Capri at its most authentic.
11. Explore La Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto)
At the heart of Capri Town lies La Piazzetta — officially Piazza Umberto I — often called the island’s living room. The square’s clock tower, Torre dell’Orologio, and the nearby Cathedral of Santo Stefano dominate the scene, while cafés and boutiques spill onto the cobblestones.
You can reach La Piazzetta easily by bus or funicular; the latter runs up from Marina Grande and stops just behind the clock tower. From here, buses connect to Anacapri, Marina Grande, and Marina Piccola. One of the best views of the island greets you as you step off the funicular and climb the short staircase into the square — especially beautiful in the early morning or at sunset when the light softens over Capri.
12. Stop by the Perfume Boutique of Carthusia
13. Stroll Along Via Camerelle, Capri’s Luxury Shopping Street
Via Camerelle is Capri’s answer to Rodeo Drive — a polished street lined with designer boutiques, stylish cafés, and blooming balconies. Whether you’re browsing the latest fashions or simply window-shopping, this elegant promenade is a joy to explore. I loved admiring the creative window displays and pausing at one of the nearby restaurants for a leisurely meal. Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, a stroll along Via Camerelle is part of the quintessential Capri experience.
14. Taste Capri’s Signature Limoncello
No trip to southern Italy is complete without tasting Limoncello, the region’s beloved lemon liqueur. On Capri, it’s more than a drink — it’s a tradition. Locals enjoy it after dinner as a digestivo, savoring its bright citrus flavor and smooth warmth. It’s made from the zest of the island’s fragrant lemons, steeped in alcohol and sugar until golden. My first sip came courtesy of our gracious B&B hostess, Theresa, who offered her homemade version one evening. Sweet, strong, and wonderfully fresh — it was Capri in a glass.
15. Walk Off the Beaten Path Along Via Tragara
A short walk beyond Via Camerelle brings you to Via Tragara, one of the most picturesque walking routes in Capri. The well-marked path soon divides — one way toward the Arco Naturale, which may occasionally close for restoration, and the other toward Belvedere Tragara and Faraglioni Beach. From the Belvedere, the view of the Faraglioni Rocks rising from the sea is simply breathtaking.
We followed the steps beyond the viewpoint down toward the beach, enjoying the quiet charm of this lesser-visited side of Capri. The combination of sea breeze, stone paths, and endless views reminded me of our unforgettable hike between Monterosso and Vernazza in Cinque Terre — a perfect way to end our time on the island.
A Final Note on Visiting Capri
I wish we’d spent a few more days soaking in Capri’s beauty — but that just means there’s a reason to return. Our time here was one of the most unforgettable parts of our Italian trip, filled with golden sunsets, laughter, and endless sea views. I hope this guide helps you plan your own visit and fall in love with Capri, just as we did.
Until then… Ciao, Capri!
Hello ! I’m Aditi …..
Welcome to Land Of Travels – a travel blog that my husband Manish and I started to share our travel stories and travel tips. We are full-time professionals, dedicated parents, foodies, and it is our shared passion for travelling that lead us to become part-time bloggers.
I was born and brought up in Northern India, and have been living in Bay Area, California for more than two decades now. Since childhood, I’ve always had a passion to travel far & wide and experience different cultures. I am passionate about planning our trips and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
My sincere hope is that the travel tips offered on this blog will help you plan your next memorable adventure.
Happy travels!
~ Aditi Sharma ~
Wow. This post gave me such wanderlust! Capri looks absolutely beautiful.
The capital looks so colourful! All your photos are so beautiful, Aditi!
Oh wow! Capri looks like our kind of place. What made me fall in love with it most is the photo of you on the staircase with those incredible views! Planning to go to Italy as soon as possible – you just put Capri on our to do list for sure 😀
I’ve always wanted to visit Italy during the summer holidays. Capri looks amazing! Hopefully, I can visit Italy someday too.
Your post and photos brought back such great memories. We loved Capri. It was so much fun exploring.
Capri has such a dreamlike feel to it – we loved it as well.
I really love the breakfast that you posted it looks so delicious and a lot of food there hehehe.
I also like the chairlift that you posted it looks like a great excitement to try it.
Capri is one of my ultimate bucket list destinations. I have a friend who just honeymooned in Italy and just spent one day on Capri. She said, one day is just not enough time on the island and wished it would have been several days. Thanks for your insight!
I completely agree – we spent two days in Capri but I seemed to keep wishing we could spend some more – that’s how much we loved our visit to this island. Hoping to return someday soon.
This place is soooo scenic. Should be a good destination for a travel photographer like me. I would pick up a boat or kayak and go around.
Capri is indeed a beautiful destination. Thanks for visiting the blog.
Wow, this article sure brought back some nice memories. I visited Capri back in 2017 but I still enjoyed this lovely virtual tour. I think you covered everything one needs to be aware of before visiting. I would love to visit again!
Thanks Daniel. We loved our vacation on this stunning Italian island and look forward to revisiting it someday.
How amazing to visit a perfume factory in Capri! That plus the views and gelato make this the most desirable spot for my next trip!
Experience of visiting Carthusia in Capri was memorable. I can’t wait to return to Capri someday. Thanks for visiting the post.
This is so great! I wanna pack my bags and immediately book a flight to Capri. Very beautiful indeed.
Thanks Anwesha. Glad you enjoyed reading the post.
Look’s incredible! Such a great summer destination.
OMG wow I knew Capri is beautiful but your photos really have made me want to go and visit ASAP!! Thank you for such a detailed list of things to do, I’ll definitely be referring back to this when I plan my trip 🙂
I am glad you enjoyed reading the post. Capri has a way to cast a magic on its visitors 🙂
Haven’t heard about Capri that much but this place looks so much picture perfect. The food seems to be worth trying.
Really very beautiful place. This is my one of the listed destination, I love Italy and want to go there for sure.
Indeed – Capri is lovely. Thanks for visiting the blog.
Capri is surely in my list. I loved the places you have been to eat. The grapes growing fresh right in the restaurant was an amazing site. I am definitely going to have the best time in the boat tour.
We loved the Amalfi Coast and the time we spent in Capri. The beautiful garden of the B&B we stayed in was such a relaxing oasis indeed – grapes, lemons growing in their mini-orchard. Thanks for visiting the blog.
I have been to so many places in Europe but have not yet been to Italy! Will be sure to include Capri when I head there next time! Thanks for sharing Aditi!
We absolutely loved Italy and visiting Capri felt like being on a vacation from our vacation – it was just so relaxing and the island is stunning. I hope you enjoy visiting Amalfi Coast and Capri on your trip to Italy.
Capri looks heavenly. I loved the lemoncello store! Thanks for this great guide. I hope I can visit soon.
Capri is a gem! I am glad you enjoyed reading this post.
Visiting the Blue Grotto has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember! Capri is definitely beautiful and is a must-see destination. Great informative post!
Wow! This looks beyond incredible! We also recently visited Italy and I loved every second of it! Wish we included Capri on our travels though. Your pictures are amazing!! Next trip for sure 🙂
Capri looks so beautiful. I love the contrast between the flowers and greenery and the bright blue skies!! The Gardens of Augustus look so beautiful. You also had some amazing sunsets while you were there. I like the idea of checking out a perfumery, too. Obviously, I’ve not made it to Capri yet, but it’s definitely on my list.
Thank you for this detailed guide!! Capri looks stunning, love all your pictures. Hopefully, I can go there later this year or next year!! Also for the gelato 😉
We loved visiting this island and I am looking forward to a trip back there again. Glad you enjoyed going through this post. Thanks for visiting the blog.
This island looks lovely and relaxing!
Capri is absolutely stunning! I would love to visit sometime soon. The boat trip around the island and visiting the Blue Grotto is definitely on my bucket list
Indeed – Capri is mesmerizing. We loved visiting this beautiful island and can’t wait to return. Thanks for visiting the blog.
It looks absolutely delicious. I would have loved to visit when we were in Naples last year. Definitely would go another time and use your great guide!
Glad you found the guide helpful. Wish you a lovely trip in the Amalfi Coast region. Thanks for visiting the blog.
That B&B sounds magical!!! Thank you for such detailed suggestions and a very compressive guide to Capri!
Wow!! this is such a beautiful place. The blue waters, bright sun, lovely flowers, and stunning views are a treat. adding to my list.
Glad you enjoyed going through the post. Indeed, Capri is breathtaking – can’t wait to return to this Italian island. Thanks for visiting the post.
I know!! Via Krupp is stunning in itself – it’s actually a footpath leading to the Marina below but when we were there it was closed. So I didn’t get a chance to actually walk down that path to the marina. It’s quite a sight though! Thanks for visiting my blog post.
Capri is absolutely gorgeous! Have always wanted to visit and now will definitely add it to my list for when we go to Italy next year. Especially love the idea of the chair lift and then hiking down. Thanks for this awesome detailed guide!
Thank you, Gwen. Indeed the chair lift gives such an awesome glimpse of the beauty of the island and the surrounding area. Glad you enjoyed reading the post and thanks for visiting.
Ah, I’m so sad that I missed Capri when I was in Italy last year. It looks like you had beautiful weather while you were there! I’d love to just soak up the sun all day long.
I hope you get to visit Capri soon. We loved it there and I can’t wait to return. The entire Amalfi Coast region and Capri are stunning. Ischia, another island in the Bay of Naples, is also a great destination. I would love to go to Ischia as well next time around. Thanks for visiting.
Wow sounds like you had a fantastic trip. The colour of that water is amazing! I love the pretty flowers also- what a lovely place.
Indeed the brilliant blue waters and the pink bougainvilleas really add so much to the magic of Capri. Thanks for visiting.
You did so many things while in Capri- unfortunately when I was in Italy I didn’t have time to visit, and instead visited Naples & the Amalfi Coast. I love that you stayed at an Airbnb and had a great time- one of my favorite things about Italy was staying at Airbnbs and getting to know locals!
I am sure your trip to Naples and Amalfi Coast must have been so much fun as well. Next time I visit the region, I would love to explore Amalfi Coast even more. The whole region is stunning. The B&B we stayed at in Capri was amazing hosts. I had booked the B&B via booking.com (not actually through Air B&B). I too prefer staying at the B&Bs as it gives us a chance to interact with the locals even more. Thank you for reading the post and for the message. I hope you get to visit Capri soon!
Capri looks and sounds like a dream! I had no idea the nobility used to vacation there but am not surprised by it at all. I’d definitely want to check out the less touristy side and climb down those 921 steps! And of course a trip to Italy is never complete without gelato 🙂
I hope you enjoy your visit to Capri as much as we did. There are lots of villas and statues still on the island from the Roman era. Walking down the Phoenician steps was truly a highlight. If you like gelato then do stop at Buonocore – their gelato is just amazing. Thanks for visiting the blog and for your message.
Capri looks so beautiful and the food looks delicious! Thanks for this detailed guide, I hope to use it soon!
You’re most welcome. Glad you enjoyed reading the guide. I hope you have a lovely trip to Capri. Thanks for visiting the post.
What a beautiful place to explore Aditi! I can totally see why you loved it!
It sounds like the distances are not too massive so it might even be possible to walk/hike everywhere if you had enough energy (if it isn’t too hot!) All the paths you have shown make it looks like it could be perfect for lots of mini hikes!! 😀
p.s. what flavour gelato did you try? 😀
I fell in love with Capri and I can’t wait to return 😉 Yes, we found it quite walkable in general. We were able to cover a lot of the sights around the island in two days. So I would recommend a 2-3 day stay at Capri to really soak in the magic of this Italian island. A day trip wouldn’t do justice I feel :). Somehow I loved the melon flavo(u)red gelato – I tried several of the gelato flavo(u)rs during our summer visit but I loved the melon one the most. Pistachio was really good too. Glad you liked the post. Thanks for visitng.
Oh, I miss the Amalfi Coast! I used to head there almost every long weekend when I lived in Italy, but since I was on a tight budget I always skipped Capri. Now I’m wishing I’d gone at least once, since the Gardens of Augustus look so pretty (and quite different than the gardens I saw in the other coastal towns). If you’re ever in the area again, try the creamy versions of both the limoncello and the meloncello – they’re my fave!
Amalfi Coast is stunning and I fell in love with Capri. I can’t wait to return to this magical island and I hope you get to visit it too. That’s a great tip regarding the creamy versions of the limoncello and meloncello – will try those next time we visit the area. Thanks for taking the time to read my post and writing the message.
So much detail! Loved this. I went to Capri once around 10 years ago but was still a college-aged backpacker. I feel like your tips and recommendations will be so much more applicable for me the next time I visit!
Thank you so much Brittany. Wow, must have been such an amazing experience backpacking around Italy during college days. I hope you get to visit Capri during your next trip to Italy. Glad you enjoyed reading the post.
Your photos are stunning! I’d love to visit Capri. I could use some Italian sun right about now. Check out my blog and let me know if you have a travel story you’d like to share to get your blog featured!
Thank you so much – glad your liked the photos. Capri is magical. I hope you get to visit Capri during your next Italian vacation. I can’t wait to be back.
Very informative post!
We are planning our trip to Italy and will now certainly include Capri in our itinerary 🙂
Thank you so much. Glad you found the information helpful and I hope you have a wonderful trip.
Useful information you shared with us, because me and my husband planning after covid 19 once finish.