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Capri

Our Essential Guide to Visiting the Stunning Island of Capri

By Warren GeorgeJanuary 20th, 2025No Comments

Capri is one of those places that conjures images of La Dolce Vita – ‘the Sweet Life’ – and with good reason. This small island has been renowned for luxury and exclusivity since ancient times, and no visit to Naples or Campania would be complete without visiting Capri.

view from capri town
Capri is a slice of paradise, easily reached from Naples

Everything you need to know about visiting the island of Capri

If Capri isn’t on your list of places to visit on your Italy trip, it should be! Whether you’re staying in Naples, Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast, visiting Capri couldn’t be easier and there’s no shortage of reasons to do so.

From stunning natural scenery and fascinating history, to world-class shopping and unforgettable food and drink, there’s something for everyone on Capri!

Where is Capri?

Alongside Ischia and Procida, Capri is one of the three main ‘Neapolitan Islands’.

It is located southeast of Naples, and southwest of Sorrento, in the Bay of Naples, off the coast of the Italian mainland in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

view of mainland from capri
With views like this you can see why Capri has been loved by visitors for thousands of years

A brief history of Capri

Pre-antiquity and ancient period

Capri’s history dates back to the Neolithic and the Bronze Ages, with traces of early human settlement found from these periods. It was later developed by the ancient Greeks who named it “Kapros,” meaning wild boar.

In the early years of imperial Rome a large palace complex was built at the top of the island where emperor Tiberius Caesar resided for much of his later life. This evocative location can be visited today – keeping reading this page to find out how.

ruins of villa jovis on capri
Don’t miss Villa Jovis, an ancient Roman palace perched on the top of the island

Medieval Period and Renaissance

During the Middle Ages, the island suffered from constant raids by pirates, leading to a period of decline. In the 8th century, Capri became part of the Duchy of Naples, later falling under the control of the Amalfi Republic during the 9th century. By the Renaissance, Capri was back (largely) under the control of Naples, and for much of this period, part of the Spanish empire.

Recent Centuries

In the 19th century, Capri became a popular spot for European artists, intellectuals, and writers, drawn by its natural beauty and mild climate.

During World War II, Capri was used by the Allies where they set up a command base at what is now the luxury Punta Tragara hotel, and played host to important figures of the time including General Eisenhower and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Why you should include Capri in your Italy itinerary

With its sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and the Tyrrhenian Sea, world famous food and drink, high end designer and shopping options, and luxury hotel experiences, Capri epitomizes La Dolce Vita.

goat on capri hillside
Capri is also known for its natural beauty and as a large, unspoiled habitat for various animal species

Beyond the above, Capri is a nature-lovers heaven with locations like the Blue Grotto waiting to be marvelled at, and a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in history. Capri fans across the ages have included Roman emperor Tiberius Caesar to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Capri is also famous as the birthplace of the Caprese Salad, Limoncello and the Torta Caprese so foodies will not be lost when visiting here.

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What to see and do on Capri

For such a small space, visitors to Capri are spoiled for choice on what to do – here are my three top travel tips:

Live La Dolce Vita

Enjoy Capri town as it’s meant to be, by shopping/window shopping in the luxury and artisan boutiques with pit stops at any bar or restaurant you like the look of.

One of our favorite shops on the island is Mike Capri which offers a small but curated selection of artisan-made ceramics – find it in the heart of Capri town at Via Vittorio Emanuele 25.

capri lemon ceramic christmas baubles
Mike Capri is the perfect place to grab a unique and authentic souvenir to remember your time here

Live like an Emperor

Visit Villa Jovis, an ancient Roman imperial palace perched on the top of the island. This evocative residence was the main base of Tiberius Caesar, Rome’s second emperor. Large portions of the palace remain to walk around, and are a must-see for any history lover.

When you reach the top, take in the views and try to imagine life as a Roman emperor knowing that you were at that point the most powerful person in the world. Unfortunately visit hours are inconsistent so be sure to check ahead via the official website here before taking the walk up the hill!

quiet capri shopping streets
Don’t fancy the walk up to Villa Jovis? Explore Capri’s backstreets where beauty can be found around every corner

Boating bonus

A favorite for a lot of visitors to Capri (so therefore book ahead) is to take a boat tour around the island, stopping to visit sites such as the Blue Grotto. Famed for how the unique combination of the local mineral-rich water combines with light in the cave, the name is well deserved.

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Take a hike

Nature lovers should also hike around Capri where a number of routes provide incredible views of the island and surrounding Mediterranean. Why not combine a hike with a swim to really soak up the natural beauty of Capri?

Visit Anacapri

Anacapri is the second town on the island, reached by bus or taxi from the port of Capri which are both available when you get off the ferry. Anacapri is smaller and more relaxed, offering a different Capri experience.

From here you can take a chair lift up to the highest point on the island, Monte Salaro, where you can see some incredible views.

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How to reach Capri from Naples or Sorrento

By ferry/hydrofoils

Considering Capri is an island off the coast of the Italian mainland, getting here couldn’t be easier. From Naples and Sorrento (and also the Amalfi Coast) there are multiple high speed ferries daily during the popular summer months.

The ferry schedules vary depending on the operator you choose – the main ferry companies include:

  • NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo)
  • SNAV
  • Caremar
  • Alulauro

The Capri ferries get booked up extremely fast in the summer, so we would always recommend reserving your spot on board, including a return ticket – as far in advance as possible.

ferry at dock in capri
You’ll find several piers at Capri port – pay close attention to the departure boards to ensure you get the right ferry when leaving the island

Do not rely on the last ferry advertised always being available. These are often fully booked and if you arrive without a ticket, you could be refused boarding. 

In this situation you’ll be staying the night or paying for a very expensive private transfer off the island!

Note that the high speed ferry routes from Naples and Sorrento are restricted during bad weather and during the late fall until early spring. We always recommend planning ahead and checking the official operator websites before traveling.

From Naples, the high speed ferries depart from Molo Beverello in the main city port, reached easily by navigating to the Municipio metro station and then with a short walk.

From Sorrento, the ferry depatures are from the Marina Piccola port, a short walk (or bus) from Piazza Tasso in the town center.

You can also take ferries from the ports of Amalfi town and Positano

To be on the safe side when planning your trip, allow about an hour for the crossing in your itinerary.

cliffs of capri from harbor
Capri’s famous cliffs can be seen easily when arriving at, or departing from the island via ferry/hydrofoil

Curious to know more, or want to share your own tips? Leave a comment!

Arrive and depart in style

Another option for arriving in Capri is to book a private boat transfer from wherever you might be staying on the mainland.

This option means you won’t be tied to the ferry schedule, and can often be combined with a tour of the island, accessing famous locations like the Blue Grotto at your convenience.

How to explore the island

All major ferry routes from Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast dock at the Porto Turistico di Capri in the Marina Grande in Capri. It is here also that most tours for the Blue Grotto and other sites on the island will pick-up and drop-off.

Note that here you will find numerous bars and restaurants but ignore these – unfortunately all those I have visited are overpriced compared to the quality of the food and drink provided. I’d only advocate stopping at one of these if you are in a rush, but be prepared to pay more for the convenience of being right at the port!

To reach Capri town, from the Porto Turistico di Capri take the funicular railway up to the top of the cliffs – grab your tickets at the desks just near the main ferry ports before queuing for the funicular.

capri ferry desks
You’ll find the ticket desks for the funicular on the right while tickets for ferries can be found on the left

You’ll arrive close to Piazza Umberto I in the historic town center. From here you have three options for getting around:

On foot

If you are looking to discover just Capri town this is my preferred method as you can explore at your own pace, and you will see a lot more. Capri town is not big and you can easily explore end to end in a couple of hours without stops.

For those feeling more adventurous, you can also reach other parts of Capri island conveniently on foot by following the signposted paths and staircases.

capri cliffs with town at base
If time allows be sure to take a walk out of the main towns of Capri and Anacapri for scenic and unforgettable views

By bus

Bus is a great way to explore beyond Capri town, with routes to and from Anacapri and other parts of the island available.

Tickets can be purchased at tabbacherie (the little newsagent/convenience shops marked with a T sign outside), at Capri’s main bus station (pictured below) or on board the buses themselves direct from the driver. The latter option is a little more expensive and is cash only, but saves you making a detour to get tickets.

capri bus station and ticket desk
Capri’s bus station can be found just a few paces from the town’s main central square (Piazza Umberto I)

By taxi

Motor vehicles are limited on Capri due the island’s geography, restricted parking options and for the fact there generally isn’t much space here, but you’ll find a taxi if you need one.

You can get a taxi from the Marina Grande, historic center of Capri, and other designated areas. All taxi’s are metered, but consider due to the island’s limitations, this is not the cheapest way of getting around! More often than not, taxi’s will insist on cash payment, so ensure you have some euro to hand if opting for this transport method.

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Where to eat and drink on Capri

If you enjoy good food and drink, Capri is for you! Some of Italy’s most iconic edible and drinkable creations are from Capri originally, including:

  • The Caprese salad; a staple starter of most Italian restaurant menus worldwide, this simple combination of mozzarella, tomato and fresh basil is always a good idea.
  • Torta Caprese – if you haven’t had a real Caprese cake, you are missing out. Perfect with an afternoon coffee, or as a dessert, this rich brownie-like cake is one of my all-time favourite Italian sweets.
  • Limoncello – needs no explanation.

While the origin of the first two is not disputed (caprese translates as ‘of the people from Capri’ in Italian), the last on the list is a little more contentious.

Other nearby towns, including Sorrento, claim that Limoncello was their invention, but what is not in dispute is that on Capri you will find some of the best Limoncello.

Regardless of where you eat and drink on Capri (more on this below), be sure to try some of the Caprese classics to honor this foodie island.

mozzarella ball surrounded by cherry tomatoes and rocket salad
The simplicity of Caprese salad makes it a winner, especially when on Capri where it was created

Our favorite restaurant on Capri is Villa Verde which is centrally located, but tucked away from the hustle and bustle. The menu here features Italian classics as well as more contemporary options, all served in a beautifully decorated space with ample indoor and outdoor seating.

villa verde garden tables capri
Villa Verde’s secluded patio is the perfect place to enjoy a long lunch on Capri

We also like to stop for a coffee and/or limoncello at any of the bars on Piazza Umberto I, right where the funicular drops off. Prices are slightly higher compared to the rest of the historic center of Capri, but its worth paying extra for the incredible views you’ll enjoy!

Where to stay on Capri

To be frank, staying on Capri is not cheap. If you are visiting Campania on a budget, consider staying in Sorrento or Naples and taking a high speed ferry or hydrofoil to visit Capri.

However if you’re happy to splurge/indulge, we recommend staying as close to the historic center of Capri town as possible – doing so will save you time when shopping and visiting the sites, and give you easy access to the bars, restaurants and shops.

If you are looking for a slower paced stay on Capri, consider staying in Anacapri. The trade off of increased travel time to reach Capri’s second town is worth it for the increased tranquillity and seclusion.

There are no shortage of hotels on Capri – start planning your trip here:

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To sum up…

The island of Capri has a lot more to offer visitors than just expensive shopping and private yachts. The unspoiled nature all around, as well as the excellent food, makes the ferry trip absolutely worth doing!

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