3 Day Capri Itinerary
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Capri is a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the coast of Naples. Most visitors rush through on a day trip, but if you want to fully experience the island at its best, I highly recommend slowing down and staying for at least three days.
I visited Capri off-season in November and really enjoyed having the island's hidden swimming holes and hiking trails for myself. I got to take things at my own pace and loved not needing to squeeze past other tourists just to see some attractions.
The island may be small, but a few days will give you extra time to explore the famous Blue Grotto, hike Monte Solaro, and enjoy people watching in the Piazzeta without feeling rushed.
So if you're slow traveling Italy and want to fully immerse yourself in Capri’s beauty, here’s the perfect 3-day itinerary to make the most of your stay.
Quick Tips For Planning Your Capri Trip:
Use Omio to book ferry tickets to and from the island. It gets super busy during high season so you want to make sure that you definitely have a ride!
Booking.com is my favorite platform for accommodations in Capri. You can filter by "guesthouses" or "beds and breakfasts" for a more boutique experience (and give back to the local community!)
If you plan on visiting off season, some restaurants are going to be closed and transportation will be more sparse. Just plan accordingly!
Make sure to bring cash! You can use card at some restaurants and with some larger shops, but since it's a small island, most vendors prefer cash. This is especially handy when it comes to transportation.
Always buy travel insurance when you're abroad. There's only one hospital and a handful of clinics on Capri, but you never know when you might get sick or hurt so it's best to make sure you're covered at all times.
Day 1: Exploring Anacapri & Monte Solaro
Arriving At Marina Grande
Regardless of where you're coming from, your first stop is Marina Grande, the island's main port!
Ferries from Naples and Sorrento arrive here throughout the day, with multiple operators running routes at regular intervals.
If you're coming from Naples, the ferry departs from either Molo Beverello (for high-speed hydrofoils) or Calata Porta di Massa (for traditional ferries). The journey takes anywhere from 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the type of boat you choose.
I took the hydrofoil from Molo Beverello because it was faster (and closer to where I was staying) but no matter which option you go with, I highly recommend booking in advance through Omio. The ports get really crowded during the summer and you want to make sure that you get a seat!
If you're traveling from Sorrento, ferries leave from Marina Piccola. The boats run roughly every hour but make sure to check official schedule just in case. The trip from Sorrento is a lot faster and you can expect to get to Capri in just 20–25 minutes.
Once you arrive, you can take a moment to explore Marina Grande. If you're traveling light, it's worth wandering around the traditional port and grabbing a bite to eat at one of the family-run waterfront trattorias.
However, if you have a lot of luggage, it's better to just head to your accommodations first.
Where you stay on the island will determine how you structure your itinerary. I opted to stay in Anacapri, the quieter side of the island with fewer tourists and more affordable lodging, so we’ll start the agenda there. But if you’re staying in Capri town, feel free to swap day 1 with day 3 in this itinerary.
Getting Around Capri
Capri is a steep and hilly island so while on paper it looks like an easy 40-minute walk from Marina Grande to Anacapri, the reality is that it's a massive hike up never-ending stone stairs. And with luggage, forgettaboutit!
So, your best bet for getting around Capri is by bus.
Sure, you can take a taxi but the 15-minute ride will run you around €25. I'm a mid-range, sustainability-minded traveler, so I just went with the more economical, eco-friendly (and just as accessible) public transportation option.
Right outside Marina Grande, you’ll find a ticket booth where you can purchase bus tickets. The signs are clearly marked and buses run every 15 minutes or so. Google Maps is decent for estimating arrival times but for a more accurate schedule, ask the operators at the ticket booth before boarding.
The bus ride from Marina Grande to Anacapri takes about 15 minutes and offers stunning scenic costal views along the way.
Checking In To Monte Solaro B&B
I stayed at Monte Solaro Bed & Breakfast during my time on the island and honestly, it was one of the best decisions that I made.
The guesthouse has a pool, serves a free daily breakfast, and offers some of the most stunning sunset views on the island. On top of that, they took hospitality to the next level by helping me with transportation to and from the bus stop.
The B&B is located on a hill (halfway up to the peak of Monte Solaro) so if I had to lug my suitcase uphill, it would've been a tedious experience. This little bit of thoughtfulness made the experience that much more pleasurable and helped set the tone for the rest of the trip!
Exploring Anacapri
Once you’re all settled in, it’s finally time to explore!
Unlike the glitz and glamor of Capri town, Anacapri has a relaxed, local vibe that makes it perfect for wandering without an agenda. The best thing about small islands is that you can truly clear your mind. There's no rush to be anywhere and the natural geography ensures that you can only walk so far. 😝
Start your visit by exploring Anacapri's quiet streets and independent boutiques. Whether it’s a pair of handmade leather sandals, a bottle of artisanal perfume, or hand-painted ceramics with Capri’s signature lemon motif, there’s no shortage of unique souvenirs to bring home.
At this point, it's also about noon, so head to Le Arcate to grab a bite to eat.
This local gem has the most delicious, fresh, filling, and flavorful pasta that I had during my one month trip through Italy. It completely redefined my understanding of pasta so I highly, highly, highly recommend that you check it out.
Take a moment to enjoy la dolce far niete, the "sweetness of doing nothing" before heading off to see some of the island's other attractions.
Visiting Villa San Michele
Before heading up the mountain, take some time to explore Villa San Michele, one of Anacapri’s most unique and historically rich landmarks.
This stunning villa and garden once belonged to Axel Munthe, a Swedish physician who fell in love with the island and built his dream home on the ruins of an ancient Roman villa.
The museum and cultural site features elegant courtyards with a fascinating mix of ancient artifacts including Roman sculptures, Egyptian relics, and medieval art that Munthe collected throughout his life.
It also offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples so make sure to take plenty of photos!
Taking the Chairlift Up Monte Solaro (And Hiking Down)
Wrap up your first day in Capri with sunset views from Monte Solaro.
Monte Solaro peaks at 589 meters (1,932 feet) above sea level and is the highest point on Capri. It's the best place to enjoy panoramic views of the island, the Bay of Naples, and the Amalfi Coast.
Whether you're a photographer, a nature lover, or just someone who enjoys a good sunset, this is one of the best places to admire the island’s natural beauty.
To get to the peak, take the chairlift from Piazza Vittoria. Tickets cost €11 one way or €14 round trip and the ride is 13 minutes long. At the peak, there's a small cafe where you can grab a drink and take in the view.
If you're down for a quick hike, you can also trek to the Hermitage of Santa Maria of Cetrella. This small 16th-century catholic church is tucked away in the mountainside and only open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
For the perfect end to your day, stay for the sunset and watch the sky light up in hues of orange, pink, and purple.
To get back to Anacapri, you can either take the chairlift again or hike. The downhill trek is pretty clear to follow and offers a different view of the mountain.
However, if you do plan on leaving after dark, please note that the trail is not lit and it can get pretty dangerous (especially if you're traveling alone). If you plan on doing the hike, I recommend leaving a little earlier and traveling with a buddy just in case.
Day 2 - Phoenician Steps, Boat Trip To Blue Grotto, & Faro di Punta Carena Sunset
Hiking The Scala Fenicia To Spaggia Bagni Di Tiberio
Start your second day in Capri with a challenging hike down the Scala Fenicia (Phonecian Steps).
This ancient 921-step stone stairway once served as the main route between Anacapri and Marina Grande (before modern roads were built) and offers dramatic views of the coast with your morning workout.
After the intense descent, there’s no better way to cool off than by jumping into the sea!
Take a dip at the Spaiaggia Bagni di Tibero, one of the best beaches on the island, and rumored to have been used by Emperor Tiberius himself.
If you’re staying in Capri town, skip the stairway and instead take the zig-zagging path from the Piazzetta to Marina Grande. It's a scenic walk along the main road lined with adorable traditional houses and local nonnas catching up with each other.
Taking An Island Boat Tour To Blue Grotto and Faraglioni
One of the best things to do on Capri is to take a boat tour!
Capri is an island so obviously, the best way to see it is from the sea. Most boat tours depart from Marina Grande (which is why we walked there) and circle the island, stopping at key landmarks like the Blue Grotto, Green Grotto, White Grotto, the Faraglioni Rocks, and the Natural Arch.
The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is arguably Capri's most famous attraction. It's a sea cave that glows cerulean blue under the right sunlight conditions. If the ocean is calm, you can transfer from your larger motorized boat to a smaller rowboat and go inside. However, on my trip, the waves were too rough so we could only admire it from the entrance.
I've heard some negative things about pushy tour operators who demanded extra for the entry experience, so make sure to read the tour terms and review comments before booking.
Beyond the Blue Grotto, you’ll also see the Green Grotto, known for its emerald waters, and the White Grotto, which features dramatic rock formations and white limestone cliffs. These lesser-known caves are equally mesmerizing and often have fewer crowds.
Another major highlight is the Faraglioni Rocks. If you've ever seen a Capri postcard, you've likely seen these three rocks.
These limestone sea stacks have become a symbol of the island and legend has it that couples who kiss while passing through the arch of the middle stack (Faraglione di Mezzo) will enjoy eternal love. (Unfortunately for me, I took this trip solo. 🥲)
As a self-proclaimed mermaid, any experience that brings me to the sea is the best experience. The combination of salty ocean breeze and warm sun just can't be beat!
That being said, this experience will probably be the most expensive part of your trip (unless you buy a bunch of designer bags or buy everyone at the beach club cocktails). Still, Capri is an island, and its essence is best captured from the sea... so if you’re going to splurge on anything, this is the place to do it!
Watching The Sunset At Faro di Punta Carena
Wrap up your second day in Capri at the island's most iconic sunset spot: Faro di Punta Carena.
This historic lighthouse was built in 1867 and is located on the southwestern tip of the island. It's popular with both locals and visitors alike and the perfect spot for settling in with a boozy beverage and watching the sky shift from orange to pink to deep purple.
Unlike other parts of Capri, Faro di Punta Carena has a laid-back, unpretentious vibe. There are no beach clubs and no dress codes. It's just a chill spot to watch an incredible sunset while listening to the therapeutic sounds of the ocean.
The point of visiting an island is to fully immerse in nature so what better way than to chill out here?
Day 3 - Exploring Capri Town & Cultural Attractions
Coffee and People Watching At Piazzetta di Capri
Finally, we get to the main town of Capri!
Start your day with coffee and people watching at the town square (Piazzetta di Capri). I'd skip breakfast because the restaurants can be quite pricey (€30 for a simple continental breakfast, for example), but if you want, you can grab a quick pastry to help hold you over until lunch.
Soak in the immaculate vibes and when you're done making up stories for people walking by, we'll head off to explore more of the town!
Shopping On Via Camerelle and Via Tragara
Capri is famous for its shopping scene so even if you're a conscious consumer and not a fan of typical souvenirs like I am, it's still worth a look to get the full experience.
Go window shopping along Via Camerelle and Via Tragara and just admire the craftsmanship.
Capri is known for their handmade leather sandals (which you can get custom-fitted by local cobblers) but beyond that, they also have more sustainable options like handwoven straw bags and breathable linen clothing (perfect for your travel capsule wardrobe).
I personally avoid buying souvenirs just for the sake of it, but I love sending myself a postcard or picking up something small for my travel journal.
Food items also make great responsible gifts—think a bottle of limoncello, coastal citrus candies, or of course, high quality olive oil--as they're consumable and will never go to waste. They're also an authentic way to share the culture and a much better alternative to a mass-produced plastic trinket.
Enjoying The Views From Belvedere di Tragara
The main shopping road naturally brings you to Belvedere di Tragara, one of the island's most breathtaking viewpoints.
We saw the Faraglioni rock formations from the boat tour yesterday, but this scenic terrace offers a different perspective as you get the view from above in the context of the entire ocean.
The Belvedere di Tragara is one of my favorite photo spots on the island so I highly recommend that you take all your Insta photos here!
Visiting Capri's Cultural and Historical Attractions
While I’m not a fan of bucket-list travel, I do think there's value in seeing a destination’s most famous attractions on your first visit. So from here, we'll transition to more cultural and historical attractions that you should add to your Capri itinerary.
The Gardens of Augustus
Capri has been a luxury retreat destination for a long time and an example of this can be seen at the Gardens of Augustus. The gardens were designed by Friedrich Alfred Krupp, a German industrialist who bought the land as a place to entertain foreign guests. They offer a peaceful escape with into carefully manicured lush greenery with beautiful views of Marina Piccola and the dramatic curves of Via Krupp.
Certosa di San Giacomo
Just a short walk away is the Certosa di San Giacomo or Charterhouse of St. Giacomo. This is Capri's oldest monestary and dates back to 1371. Over the centuries, it has served as both a monastic retreat and a military barracks, but today, it’s home to a museum and a quiet space to appreciate medieval architecture, history, and art.
These next two attractions are a little further from the main town. You'll have to walk 45 minutes uphill so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and apply plenty of sunscreen!
Villa Jovis
Villa Jovis was Emperor Tiberius’s private retreat. It was built in the first century B.C.E. and although it now mostly remains in ruins, you can still see the remnants of the ancient marble baths and courtyards of the residence. The villa was strategically built on the cliff's edge to guarantee both privacy and security and is a reminder of the rich history of Capri.
Villa Lysis
Looping back through Tiberio, you'll make your way to Villa Lysis. This masterpiece of neoclassical and art nouveau design was built in 1905 by Jacques d’Adelswärd-Fersen (a French poet). It's an opulent villa that features extravagant marble interiors, beautifully curated gardens, and an artistic ambiance that once attracted writers and artists from all over the world.
Once you're done with all these cultural sights, it's about time to head back to your accommodation to check out and catch the ferry back to the mainland.
Where Next?
On my one month solo journey through Italy, I went from Naples → Capri → Sorrento → Amafi.
You can of course follow this itinerary (or reverse it) but I recommend checking out the neighboring regions rather than taking a flight somewhere else (like Rome or Milan) as it's more fuel intensive and harmful to the environment.
For more ideas, here's a full list of everything to do in Capri or how to figure out if Naples is worth visiting.
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