Visiting Capri, Italy : The Ultimate Travel Guide To This Italian Gem

Visiting Capri, Italy : The Ultimate Travel Guide To This Italian GemOh Capri, I love you so!  Breathtaking, peaceful and mesmerizing – memories of visiting Capri will forever be etched on my mind. It was one of the most relaxing and memorable vacations we’ve had so far.

I can’t wait to return to this stunning Italian island but until I do so, I wanted to share a travel guide on how to spend two amazing days on Isola di Capri. This travel guide on visiting Capri offers details on how to get there, where we stayed and the best things to do during your visit.

Capri is surrounded by the brilliant blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The dramatic limestone cliffs and famous grottos dotting its edges add to the charm of this island. It is stunningly beautiful! No wonder, Capri was once the vacation destination of Roman emperors. In fact, it remains an extremely popular Italian destination to this day.

This relatively small island captured our hearts with its scenic vistas, culinary delights, and friendly locals. I hope that this travel guide will help make your trip to the Isola di Capri as magical as ours!

Visiting Capri: How to get there from Naples or Sorrento

Capri is located on the south side of the Bay of Naples, Italy. Due to its location, the only way to reach Capri is by taking the ferry or the hydrofoil (high-speed ferry). Ferries run frequently from Naples and Sorrento making visiting Capri convenient. In addition, during the peak tourist season in summer, we were told that ferries also run from Positano, Amalfi, Salerno, and Ischia to Capri.

Via Luigi de Maio, Sorrento - the road that leads to Marina Piccola

The high-speed ferries from Sorrento take about 25 minutes to reach Capri. On the other hand, ferries that depart from Naples (Molo Beverello or Calata di Massa) take about an hour to reach Capri.

 

High-speed ferry from Sorrento to Capri

We took the hydrofoil from Sorrento to Capri as we had visited Pompei and Sorrento earlier that day. The departure point for our ferry was Marina Piccola in Sorrento. I had purchased our ferry tickets in advance online from OKFerry and found their booking service to be prompt and reliable. Other notable ferry services are the ones run by SNAV and Caremar and these also allow online booking.

The ferries and port tend to be crowded during the morning hours with plenty of tourists visiting Capri as a day trip. So, we took the ferry in the late afternoon which turned out to be a great experience.  With Vesuvius in the backdrop, as our ferry left the Sorrento port, we knew we were in for a scenic ride. We sat on the outside deck of the ferry to enjoy the views as our ferry sped towards Capri.

Outbound ferries from Capri

If you plan on visiting Capri for a day trip, then keep in mind that the departure times for the last outbound ferries from Capri vary depending on the destination. So upon arrival in Capri, be sure to check the time of the last outbound ferry for that day and plan your return trip accordingly.

View of Marina Grande as our ferry approached Capri

Visiting Capri: Arrival at Marina Grande on Isola di Capri

All ferries arriving at Capri dock at the Marina Grande. From the Marina Grande, either taxi (somewhat expensive) or bus can be taken to reach Capri town or Anacapri. There is also a funicular that runs between Marina Grande and Piazza Umberto (the main Piazza of Capri) . The wait time at the bus stop and the funicular near Marina Grande can be quite long depending on the number of tourists visiting Capri. However, both the bus and the funicular services are reliable and the most economical way of getting around the island

Our stay in Capri at B&B Palazzo a Mare

Capri Island has two towns – Capri and Anacapri. There are several hotels, air B&Bs, resorts and villas available for staying at when visiting Capri island. Generally, the hotels and villas are quite expensive and get booked out well in advance. I am so glad we chose to stay at a beautiful family-run B&B in Capri – Palazzo a Mare.  We stayed at this B&B for two nights in their one-bedroom apartment.

Our stay at this B&B made our visit to Capri even more special. Theresa and Grazziano provided us with a warm welcome and gave us a detailed overview of the island and suggestions of the must-sees when visiting Capri. Our day would start by enjoying their delicious breakfast spreads which included freshly baked, homemade Italian cakes. In addition, Theresa welcomed us back in the evenings with chilled homemade limoncello – such a treat!

This B&B also had a beautiful garden to relax in and was a short walk away from Palazzo a Mare beach. Capri captured our hearts and our stay at this B&B was one that we will always cherish.

Italian breakfast at Palazzo A Mare

 

Visiting Capri, Italy: The Best Things to do During Your Trip

The best time to visit Capri is from April-May or from September-early October when the weather is milder. However, we ended up visiting Capri in July  – the peak of the summer season!
Although there were plenty of tourists on the island, surprisingly it was never overwhelming and we enjoyed exploring the island thoroughly. Basking under the sun and strolling along the beaches on balmy evenings as we watched stunning sunsets was exactly what he had hoped for while visiting Capri.
To make your trip to Capri unforgettable, here are our suggestions for things to do during your visit to Capri.

1. Take the boat tour around the island and visit the famous Blue Grotto:

A  must-have experience when visiting Capri is taking a boat tour around the beautiful island to see it from a different perspective. Depending on your budget, you can choose to hire a private boat tour or join the group boat tours that depart from Marina Grande. The tickets are easily available at the sales booth located in the buildings near Marina Grande. We took a group tour from Laser Capri tour company and it was a delight!

A brief stop during the boat tour near the iconic Faraglioni Rocks of Capri

Tickets are available for group tours that include a visit to Blue Grotto (1.5-2 hours) or the group tours around the island by itself (1 hour). Even if you purchase the tour that includes a stop at the Blue Grotto, this does not guarantee entry to the famous grotto itself. The reason for this is that the entry to the Blue Grotto is really small and when the waves are choppy, the entry has to be called off. However, if the sea waters are calm, you are allowed to transfer from the tour boat at the entrance of the grotto onto a smaller boat in order to enter the Blue Grotto.
The boat left promptly from the docks and the narration during the boat tour was both in Italian and English. There was a lot of information given about the unique rock formations as we passed along the limestone cliffs, various grottos, Punta Carena lighthouse, and the iconic Faraglioni rocks.

 

Limestone-cliffs-of-capri-italy-boat-tour

 

2. Ride the chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro when visiting Capri

Located in Anacapri, one of the most popular activities for visitors is riding the chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro. Several visitors take the chairlift on their return trip while others choose to hike down from Monte Solaro to Anacapri. The views as you ride up the chairlift are truly stunning. Perched in the little chair that fits only one person, you glide over homes and lovingly maintained gardens

3. Enjoy the panoramic views from the top of Monte Solaro

Monte Solaro is the highest point on Capri Island. From the top of Monte Solaro, you will be able to take in unrivaled views of the island, Faraglioni Rocks and the Bay of Naples with Vesuvius in the background. It is an experience like no other and I highly recommend including it in your itinerary when visiting Capri.

Capri Anacapri Italy Montesolaro View 2

 

4. Stroll along the streets of Capri

The streets of Capri are lined up with exclusive boutiques, bright bougainvillea and inviting cafes. While I was not particularly interested in the shopping aspect when visiting Capri, it was fun to stroll around the streets of Capri while browsing the shops. Wandering around the streets – discovering beautiful sculptures, gardens, and views of the surrounding sea waters made for a fun experience in itself. Capri is a small island and is quite easy to navigate by foot. I felt that Capri was a place that made us want to slow down and relax – and the more we did, the more we enjoyed!

Capri-shops-near-piazza

 

5. Enjoy an evening walk through Giardini di Augusto (Gardens of Augustus)

When in need of some rest as you explore the island, there could probably be no better place than relaxing in Gardens of Augustus. The view from these tranquil gardens was stunning! It took us about 15 minutes to walk to these gardens from Piazza Umberto. The gardens are located very close to Carthusia and Via Krupp, both of which are must-sees too when visiting Capri. With flowers in full bloom and a stunning view of the Faraglioni Rocks in the distance, Giardini di Augusto was truly a pleasant retreat.

A relaxing evening in Augustus Gardens, Capri

 

Visiting Capri, Italy : View of Via Krupp, Capri

6. Catch the breathtaking views of the iconic Faraglioni Rocks

Whether you are walking around the island, taking a boat tour or relaxing in the Augustus gardens, it is hard not to spot the iconic Faraglioni Rocks in the distance. These three coastal rock formations that seem to have been sculpted by the sea are an iconic landmark of Capri. The tallest of the three rocks is Faraglione di Terra (Stella), followed by Faraglione di Fuori (Scopolo) and finally by Faraglione di Mezzo.

7. Stop by Buonocore for some delicious gelato when visiting Capri

As you stroll around the main square of Capri – Piazza Umberto, you are drawn to Buonocore, thanks to the aroma of freshly made waffle cones wafting down the streets. Our B&B host had mentioned that this is the most famous gelateria on the island and we could easily see why once we got there. The lines outside Buonocore were long but the wait was absolutely worth it. With plenty of choices and combinations of their famous, creamy gelatos served in freshly made-warm cones, this place is a delight for all. In particular, I absolutely loved their melon and pistachio flavors. Sweet indulgence!

Buonocore gelateria-Capri-Italy-1

 

8. Explore Anacapri – the less touristy town on the Isle of Capri

Anacapri is the less touristy town on the island of Capri. It is located on the western side of the island at a higher elevation. The easiest way to reach Anacapri is by bus or by taxi. The approximately 3km drive from Capri up the steep, winding road towards Anacapri is visually stunning. The buses arrive in Anacapri at the Piazza Vittoria stop.

A leisurely walk along Via Giuseppe Orlandi in Anacapri brought us across beautiful artisan shops. As we explored Anacapri further, we were able to see locals sitting on benches adorned with beautiful hand-painted majolica tiles. The chair lift to the top of Monte Solaro is located on Via Caposcuro, very close to the Piazza Vittoria. La Chiesa di San Michele (San Michele church) is also located in Anacapri and it is famous for its unique floor that depicts the Paradise on Earth painted over majolica tiles. We were pleasantly surprised by the peaceful atmosphere on Anacapri.

9.Climb down the Phoenician Steps from Anacapri to Capri

After our visit to Monte Solaro, we decided to climb down the 921 stone steps from Anacapri to Marina Grande (Palazzo a Mare area). These famous steps are known as La Scala Fenicia (Phoenician Steps). They are thought to have been built by the Greeks rather than the Phoenicians. A climb down these steps starts near Villa San Michele in Anacapri and offers some of the most dramatic and breathtaking views of Capri town and Marina Grande.
One should take their time to walk down these steps! The steps are steep and some of these can be uneven at certain points, although they are generally well maintained.  Given the fact that there weren’t too many visitors hiking down these steps even during the peak tourist season, I found this experience to be one of the best off-the-beaten-path things to do when visiting Capri.
Visiting Capri, Italy : The breathtaking view from the Phoenician Steps

10. Find the hidden beaches of Capri

The Marina Grande and Marina Piccola beaches are very popular with tourists visiting Capri and locals alike. These beaches are completely packed with people enjoying the views of the brilliant blue waters under the clear skies. However, there are also other off-the-beaten-path beaches tucked away around Capri and that’s where we headed to in the evening.

Palazzo a Mare beach was located a few minutes walk from our B&B and what a hidden gem this was!  As we sat on this beach that we seemed to have all to ourselves, we watched sailboats pass by while gazing at the gorgeous sunset in the distance. What a perfect way to spend the evening!

Visiting Capri, Italy : Soaking in the magic of Capri while watching the sunset at Palazzo a Mare beach

 

11. Explore the area around La Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto) when visiting Capri

La Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto)  is the main square of Capri town. The clock tower of Capri (Torre del Orologio ) is one of the famous landmarks of the island and it is located in the heart of the Piazzetta. The Cathedral of Santo Stefano also towers above this Piazzetta and can be easily reached by climbing just a few steps from the Piazzetta. Piazza Umberto is dotted with restaurants, trendy boutiques and souvenir shops and can be easily reached by bus or by funicular. The funicular stop is located right behind the clock tower and the bus stop is located a few meters from it. From the bus stop located near the Piazzetta, buses run to the town of Anacapri, Marina Grande, and the Marina Piccola. 

One of the most gorgeous views of the island can be seen when we exit the funicular and climb up the steps towards the Piazzetta. Even though this main square is always buzzing with activity, take the time to enjoy the commanding views, especially in the mornings or evenings when visiting Isola di Capri.

Piazza Umberto

 

View of the beautiful island from La Piazzetta

 

12. Stop by the perfume factory of Carthusia

Tucked in an elegant corner of Capri, Carthusia is a local boutique producing and selling excellent quality perfumes. Carthusia still uses the same traditional perfume making methods as the Carthusian monks. It is said that perfumes made at Carthusia are derived from components found on the isle of Capri. All the methods in the perfume production, including wrapping each perfume, are done by hand. The staff was very kind and helpful with their recommendations when we stopped at their boutique.

Carthusia, Capri

 

13. Taste the locally-made alcoholic beverage – Limoncello when visiting Capri

Italian Limocello is a lemon liqueur that is particularly popular in Southern Italy, especially along Amalfi Coast and Capri. The locals drink limoncello after the meal as a ‘digestivo‘. The alcohol content in it can vary quite a lot and tends to be on the higher side for alcoholic beverages. Limoncello is made from the macerated zest of lemons that are grown locally. My first taste of limoncello was when our gracious B&B hostess,Theresa, offered us her homemade limoncello one evening. Tasting the flavorful limoncello when visiting Capri is an experience in itself!

14. Stroll along the luxury shopping street of Capri – Via Camerelle

Shopping along Via Camerelle is like shopping along Rodeo Drive. There are so many luxury boutique stores lining up this shopping street that it can be a shopping paradise for those wishing to indulge in some high-end shopping when visiting Capri. However, for those preferring to window shop instead (like me), a walk along this beautiful and romantic street is enjoyable too. The window displays in the boutiques are stunning and there are several restaurants located on Via Camerelle where visitors can stop by for a delicious meal.

15. Head off-the-beaten-path when visiting Capri for a walk along Via Tragara

We reached the start of Via Tragara as we walked down Via Camerelle in the direction away from the Piazzetta. Walking along the Via Tragarra brought us to a well-marked intersection. From this intersection, the left street went towards Arco Naturale, whereas the path to the slight right lead to Belvedere Tragara and Faraglioni beach. The streets in Capri are well marked at the intersections and so it was easy to follow the walking routes around the island.

While we were not able to see Arco Naturale when visiting Capri due to the path being closed for restoration, we decided to head towards Belvedere Tragara instead. Belvedere Tragara is one of the most scenic vantage points in Capri and offers a stunning view of the Faraglioni Rocks. We followed the steps beyond Belvedere Tragara that lead us further on Via Tragara towards the Faraglioni Beach. Exploring this quieter yet equally stunning side of Capri was a delight. It somehow reminded me of our memorable hike from Monterosso to Vernazza in Cinque Terre.

Walking along Via Tragara towards the beach near Faraglioni Rocks

I wish we could have spent a few more days in Capri but there’s always a next time! Our visit to Capri turned out to be one of the highlights of our Italian vacation. We fell in love with Capri and will definitely return to this charming island someday. Until then…..Ciao Capri!

Happy travels and I hope you have a wonderful time visiting Capri.
Disclaimer: It’s a pleasure for us to share our travel experiences with all our readers and we sincerely hope to inspire your future travels. In order to help us maintain this blog and offset the costs of running landoftravels.com, we have sprinkled affiliate links throughout the site. If you choose to make a purchase via any of these affiliate links, we’ll earn a tiny commission at no additional cost to you.
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Visiting Capri, Italy : The Ultimate Travel Guide To This Italian Gem

 

 

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