The Italian island of Capri was inhabited since ancient times. It was a favorite of Roman Emperors and later amongst artists and writers. Today it is a popular tourist spot, especially during the summer months. It is located in the Gulf of Naples, close to the Sorrentine Peninsula, surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Getting to Capri Island
From Sorrento, it takes about 20 minutes to get to Capri Island by ferry. A ticket costs 20.70€ each way. If you’re coming from Naples, the ferry costs 23€ from Molo Beverello Port in the center of Naples, and the journey takes 50 minutes. Check the timetables for either route right here.
One more thing, if you have a car, don’t bring it. Only residents can get their cars to Capri from April to October. If you are traveling off-season, keep in mind that the towns of Capri and Anacapri don’t allow cars in the city center. Moreover, the roads are high and narrow.
Read Megbeth’s Travel Blog reasons to put Capri on your Italian itinerary before coming back for a step-by-step walkthrough, the beautiful Capri Island.
My itinerary for Italian Capri Island
You will get to Marina Grande, Capri’s port – a colorful place with a few souvenir shops and cafes overlooking the sea. Don’t stop now – there’s plenty to do in Capri, and you can spend some time here as you wait for the ferry on your way back.
On the island, all public transport uses a single type of ticket – Unico Capri. The price is 2€, and you should buy as many as you think you’ll need for the day. From the port, you will have to get the funicular up to Capri town. The funicular runs every 15 minutes.
Capri
It will take about 5 minutes to get to the Piazzetta in Capri, the heart of Italian Capri island. The area is full of posh shops, boutique hotels, and restaurants with sea views. Wonder a bit and find the Gardens of Augustus, then follow Via Tragara to the point where you’ll have the best view of the Faraglioni.
If open, walk the stunning Via Krupp down to Marina Piccola. If not, you can take the bus there.
Marina Piccola – the most beautiful place on Italian Capri Island
Now, Marina Piccola is one of my favorite little spots in Italy, or anywhere else for that matter. Maybe a little crowded in July and August.
It’s a natural bay where boats can anchor safely, but too close for my taste. It comes with a few (rather expensive) restaurants and a small rocky beach.
It doesn’t sound like much, so what’s so special about it?
The color of the sea is a shade of turquoise that I haven’t seen often. Italian Capri island is just a big limescale rock in the middle of the sea. That might have something to do with the colors here. It isn’t the result of volcanic activity in this area, like Ischia island nearby.
There’s a naturally arched rock you can swim under at Marina Piccola. Plus, you can always see the Faraglioni at a distance.
If you swim away from the beach for a few minutes, as you turn around, the view will just take your breath away. The mountain wall descends vertically into the sea and makes you feel really small and insignificant.
Before leaving, have a spritz at one of the restaurants in the area to catch your breath, then head to Anacapri by bus. The station is just a few hundred meters from the beach.
Anacapri
Anacapri is on the high end of the island. Remember that spritz? You will need it for this bus ride. The narrow road is always on the edge of the cliff.
This part of the island is somewhat different and more tranquil than Capri. You will find good restaurants and posh shops here. I also had the best cannolo ever in Anacapri.
From Anacapri, take the chairlift to Mount Solaro – the highest point of the island. The price is 10€ for the round trip, and you will have lots of opportunities to take great pictures and admire the views.
Pay attention to the hours, the chairlift runs 9:30 to 5:30 from March to October but only 10:30 to 3 p.m. in the off-season.
Skip the bus getting back to Marina Grande, and take the Phoenician Stairway. There are 900 steps, and it takes about 30 minutes to get down to the harbor. Avoid this route if it’s been raining or if you’re wearing flip-flops, the steps are not exactly regular, and they can be slippery after rain.
This was my itinerary for a day in Italian Capri. If you have more time on the island, there are other places to visit. There are other beaches, the remains of Villa Jovis, which was the residence where Emperor Tiberius retreated, and the Museum Villa San Michele. Also, a boat tour around the island will allow you to visit the grottoes around the island and admire the coastline.
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What a gorgeous looking place Sarah. Capri keeps popping up on my travel radar screen recently.
Ryan
These pictures are so captivating. This post has made me want to go to Capri even more now!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Great itinerary! xxx
Sarah
The sea looks amazing! What a beautiful place — I’d love to visit one day!
It looks gorgeous! Adding to my travel list:)
So Capri has been on my list for a while and your blog post just moved it up to the top of my list. It looks gorgeous. Great tip about the car as well, good to know!
What a beautiful place. Out of all of the places I have been lucky enough to visit, I’ve still never been to Italy. I need to change that in 2020.
Capri sounds, and looks, like such a beautiful place. The water is so blue and vibrant! Thank you for sharing your experience, I’ll definitely need to make a trip there someday! xo
You have to! It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.
I adore Italy! Lived there one year and been on holiday quite a few times there. The Almafi coast and capri are on my bucket list! capri is just so beautiful!