Capri, Italy: The Isle of Capri Ultimate Guide

Have you ever visited a place you felt you were meant to be?  

Like you instantly become overtaken with a feeling of euphoria the minute you arrive?  

The minute I stepped off the boat and arrived at the bustling port of Capri, Italy, also known as the Isle of Capri, it was as if I belonged there.  

Capri is where I was meant to be; I was home! 

Capri was part of our honeymoon, including Capri, Rome, and Paris. 

After visiting Capri, you will understand why it was on our couple’s bucket list!

Capri is a beautiful place sure to steal your heart as well.

There are so many things to see and do on this small Italian island that you could stay busy for months!

While many people make day trips to Capri, we highly recommend spending a few days here so you can see the island and not feel rushed.

It’s genuinely one of the most romantic places in the world!

No matter your time, when you visit Capri Island, you will see why I love it so much!

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to have a great trip to the Island of Capri!

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Getting to Capri

As we said above, no matter how you get here, you must visit Capri Island!

Getting to Capri will be slightly different depending on where you are staying.

We hopped on a high-speed train from Rome to Naples and then grabbed a Naples to Capri ferry.

Of course, if you are on the Amalfi Coast, you can also quickly go from Sorrento to Capri.

The ferry ride to Capri town is beautiful.

We sat on the left side of the boat and had a great view of Mt. Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast. 

I have to be honest; I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to visit Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius. 

The ferry journey from Naples takes about 40 minutes.

You will know that you are close to Capri town and Capri’s port when you see the cliffs jutting out of the ocean beside the boat.

Once you reach Capri, the ferry will dock in Marina Grande.

Marina Grande is the main port of Capri and is located north of the main town of Capri.

You can explore Marina Grande and the town of Capri or take a small bus up to the top of the island and visit Anacapri.

The Island of Capri is worth exploring, so don’t miss Capri Town or Anacapri.

When you are ready to depart the island, you will catch the ferry back to Marina Grande.

Of course, doing a day tour of Capri Island from the Amalfi Coast or Naples is also possible.

Here are some popular options to choose from.

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Where to Stay on the Island of Capri

There are several fabulous places to stay on Capri.

Capri has you covered whether you want a boutique hotel or a nice bed and breakfast.

We stayed in Anacapri, a town on Capri at the top of the hill.

Anacapri is usually quieter, and you truly feel like one of the locals at night.

We chose to stay in Anacapri in a charming bed and breakfast named Il Sogno for this leg of our journey, and it did not disappoint.  

The grounds of Il Sogno were immaculate, and Claudio and Serenalla, our hosts, greeted us warmly upon arrival.

Our room at Il Sogno was bright and cheerful, and the beautiful tile in the bathroom screamed Italy to me.

I wanted to move into this house, especially if Serenalla would cook breakfast for me daily!

Of course, there are many other choices on the Island of Capri, so we know you will find a good place no matter what.

Next time we return, I will stay in one of the luxury hotels in Capri town.

These luxury properties include Cass Morgano, La Scalinatella, and Capri Tiberio Palace, to name a few.

Of course, if luxury hotels aren’t your thing, you can find perfect accommodation here!

If you want to stay in Anacapri, with its small-town feel and beautiful views, check for accommodations here.

When To Visit Capri

The high season in Capri is during the summer, generally June through August.

If you want to enjoy great weather but avoid some of the crowds, consider coming in late spring (April-May) or fall (September-October).

If visiting during the shoulder season mentioned above works for you, you will enjoy the island with fewer people and when accommodations are more reasonably priced.

Of course, visiting in the off-season also means that places could be closed, so that is something to remember when deciding when to visit Capri.

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How To Get Around Capri

Getting around Capri is very easy.

We used the bus system and found it inexpensive and easy to navigate.

The bus makes several stops, but it is an economical way to move around the island.

Of course, taxis are also available on Capri, but they will cost more than public transportation, so keep that in mind when choosing one.

Things to Do in Capri, Italy

Mount Solaro (monte Solaro)

One of my favorite things about Capri is hopping on the chairlift that takes you to Mount Solaro (Monte Solaro).

To reach Mount Solaro, the highest point on the island, you can take the chairlift from Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri.

If arriving on the bus from Marina Grande, get off when the driver yells, “Anacapri.”

From there, go up the stairs that you see opposite the stop, and you will arrive at the Mount Solaro chairlift (Monte Solaro).

At the time of publication, lift tickets were 12 Euro roundtrip or 9 Euro for a one-way ticket.

The lift operates as follows:

• May/October: from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• March and April: from 09:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• November/February: from 09:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Of course, opening times and prices may have changed, so check for these at the Marina Grande or Piazzetta information points.

The ride to the summit of the mountain takes about 12 minutes.

On the way up, you are treated to a stunning view of the Island of Capri, so have your camera ready.

Once you arrive at the summit, you are 589 meters above sea level.

This means you are rewarded with breathtaking views of not only Capri and the Faraglioni rock formations but also of the Bay of Naples (on the island’s south side), the Amalfi Coast, and the mountains of Calabria.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can hike Mount Solaro instead of taking the chair lift.

The hiking trails to the mountain begin at Piazza della Pace in Anacapri (behind the cemetery).

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Take a Boat Tour Around Capri

If you choose only one activity in Capri, make it one of the boat tours around the island.

Enjoying a boat tour and seeing Capri from the water gives you a new perspective and appreciation for this beautiful island.

Boat tours of Capri Island allow you to see many of Capri’s iconic landmarks.

I’m talking about La Grotta Azzurra (The Blue Cave), Arco Naturale (The Natural Arch), La Grotta Bianca (The White Cave), La Grotta Verde (The Green Cave), the Punta Carena Lighthouse (Faro di Punta Carena), and I Faraglioni.

Seeing the grottos and the natural arch is incredible in person.

I was amazed at how big the cliffs and the natural arch are!

You have options when choosing your boat tour.

You can take a small group tour, a private tour, or captain a boat!

Tours and boat trips are generally easy to find, but if you are traveling in the high season (the summer months), be sure to book your tour in advance as they often sell out.

Even if you are only here on a Capri day trip, a boat tour around the island is something to have on your list!

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Visit The Grottos of Capri

Some of the main attractions on the Island of Capri are the grottos.

While there are three grottos in Capri, the Blue Grotto is the only one you can enter.

The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzura)

Capri’s Blue Grotto is one of the number one tourist attractions on the island.

Most boat tours will pass by the magical Blue Grotto slowly so you can see it, but if you want to go inside, you have to purchase a ticket.

And believe us when we tell you to purchase your ticket in advance.

To enter the Blue Grotto, you are transferred to a small boat where the captain paddles carefully to guide you through the small opening in the rock.

Once inside, the cave seems illuminated with colors of blue and silver thanks to the light filtering through the small opening of the mouth of the cave. It is truly a breathtaking experience.

Pro Tip: The boats can only enter the Blue Grotto if the water is super calm, so check the weather and sea forecast before booking your ticket to see the Grotta Azzurra.

This is one of the best tours in Capri, so try not to miss it.

The Green Grotto (Grotta Verde)

Another famous grotto around the Island of Capri is the Green Grotto, also called the Grotta Verda.

While you can’t enter this grotto, if you take a boat tour around the island, you can see it.

Look inside the mouth of the cave to see the gorgeous emerald-green waters inside.

If you are visiting at just the right time of the day, the cave is also illuminated with this gorgeous shade of green.

White Grotto (Grotta Bainca)

The White Grotto is another fabulous sight around the island.

On a sunny day, the white limestone rock that makes up the cave reflects beautifully off the blue waters of the sea.

Looking inside, you can also see the stalactites and stalagmites in the White Grotto.

Visit the Villa San Michele

Like me, a Swedish doctor, Axel Munthe, also fell in love with the island of Capri.

Alex was so in love with Capri that he built one of the most beautiful villas here and named it Villa San Michele.

You can visit the Villa San Michele today during your time in Capri.

Stroll through the fabulous gardens before touring the home to see the collection of art and antiques.

This is one of the hidden gems on the island!

You will find Villa Michele at Viale Axel Munthe, 34, 80071 Anacapri NA, Italy. Please check their website for the most up-to-date information on hours and prices.

Pro Tip: Don’t rely on Google Maps to get you to Villa San Michele; it will lead you astray. Instead, ask a local or look for the signs.

See the Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto)

The small but mighty Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto) is worth visiting in Capri.

It is a fabulous garden that also provides lovely views.

Here, you can wander on the walking paths through the gardens, taking in the Mediterranean flowers and statues surrounding you.

The best thing about the Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto) is the views from the scenic overlook!

Walk to the top of the gardens and the terraces and catch magnificent views of the Faraglioni Rock Formations.

Conversely, you can also see the winding Via Krupp and Marina Piccola Bay, which are discussed next.

This is a lovely place to visit and worth your time in Capri!

Tackle Via Krupp Toward Marina Piccola

Via Krupp is the windy road that you can see from the back side of Augustus Gardens.

If you are feeling adventurous, follow the one-mile road to Marina Piccola.

Fair warning, though, this is not a hike for the weak. It may only be a mile, but it is a strenuous mile!

Once at the bottom, you can follow the steps to the beach to see Sirens’ Rock before enjoying the beaches of Marina Piccola.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to go down Via Krupp, take a taxi to Marina Piccola to enjoy the beaches here.

Go Shopping On the Island

Shopping is one of the best things to do in Capri.

In addition to the designer shopping offered, we loved visiting the local shops to see all of the handmade art, pottery, and limoncello.

You can even find local limoncello made right from the citrus trees on the island.

These designer shops will usually even let you sample the limoncello before you buy it!

Capri sandals are among the most popular things to buy on the Island of Capri.

Capri sandals are handmade sandals made from leather just for you.

You will see shops all over the island where they will craft you a custom pair of handmade sandals to fit your feet perfectly.

Is there a better souvenir than a pair of custom sandals?

Stroll Around Anacapri

As we mentioned, Anacapri is a hillside town located high above Capri.

Anacapri has a lot to offer visitors, so it is worth exploring.

In addition to the Monte Solaro chairlift mentioned above, you can find several other attractions in Anacapri, like the Red House (Casa Rosa), the Church of Saint Sophia, and the church Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo.

The evenings in Anacapri are magical. Just before sunset, the locals enter the street for the evening passeggiata.

In Italian culture, the passeggiata is an evening stroll by the town’s locals in the central plaza.

The tourist who took a day trip to Capri is mostly gone now, and the streets come alive with local life.

It is truly a beautiful tradition to be a part of.

Anacapri is also the perfect place for a romantic dinner at sunset!

Explore the Island’s Main Town, Capri

The island’s main town is the town of Capri, and it is well worth spending some time exploring.

If you take the funicular (cable car) to town, you will arrive at Piazetta, officially called Piazza Umberto I.

You can take in the fabulous views of St Piazza Umberto before visiting the church, Chiesa di Santo Stefano, and the clock tower.

You will also find one of Capri’s famous spots here, Bar Piccolo. Bar Piccolo is the “go-to” place for the rich and famous who frequent the island.

We loved popping into the shops and wandering down the alleyways in Capri.

This is also the perfect place for a romantic dinner, as some of the best restaurants on the island are here.

Just find a restaurant with outdoor tables and watch the sunset over the sea while enjoying a glass of wine and a fresh caprese salad.

Visit the Historic Villa Jovis

Ok, I’m not going to lie, you have to be up for a bit of a hike to see Villa Jovis, but if you’re a history lover like us, then I think you will find it well worth the effort.

The path is uphill, and it will take you about an hour to hike, but at the end, you are rewarded with a villa that dates back to 27 AD and was once owned by Roman Emporer Tiberius.

Although the villa is now just ruins, the views are magical, and it is easy to see why someone would pick this spot to build their home.

During your visit to Villa Jovis, you can see the artifacts found in the original villa and some from the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso church.

Visit the Charterhouse of St. Giacomo (La Certsa Di San Giacomo)

La Certosa di San Giacomo was built as a Carthusian monastery in the 14th century.

Its interesting history includes its being sacked and burned before being rebuilt in the 16th century.

Today, it houses the Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach Museum (Museo Diefenbach) on one side of the building and a high school on the other.

You can visit the Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach Museum (Museo Diefenbach) and see the interesting works of the German painter who once called La Certosa di San Giacomo home.

For more information, including operating hours and ticket prices, click here.

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