What To Do In Capri
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Stuck on what to do in Capri?
This famous resort island located off the coast of Naples is known for its rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, challenging (but super worth-it) hikes, and of course, luxury shopping.
I spent four days exploring Capri and it was easily one of the most memorable destinations on my one-month solo trip through Italy. The second I saw a sunset on that first day, I thought, "yep, I'm an island gyal~!"
Cities just do not compare... and that's coming from a native New Yorker. 😅
So, if you're ready to get your coastal grandma vibes on, this ultimate guide will cover all the best things to do in Capri so that you can experience the island’s magic for yourself.
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Soak In The Coastal Vibes At Marina Grande
Enjoy An Aperitivo At The Piazzetta of Capri
Enjoy Panoramic Views From Belvedere di Tragara
Go Hiking And Explore Capri On Foot
Visit The Gardens of Augustus And The Charterhouse of St. Giacomo
Explore The Architectural Landmarks
Capri Planning Travel Tips
To get to Capri from Rome, Naples, or Amalfi, book your ferry through Omio.
Stay at Monte Solaro B&B in Anacapri for the most incredible sunsets on the island.
My favorite restaurant on the island is Lo Sfizio. Their pasta literally made me question everything I knew about pasta.
The best way to get around Capri by public transportation is by bus. Buy your tickets at a tabacchi or pay on the bus.
Spend at least 2-3 days in Capri to explore at a relaxed pace! (But a lot of people only visit as a day trip from Naples or Sorrento.)
Soak In The Coastal Vibes At Marina Grande
Marina Grande is Capri’s main port and your first stop on the island.
Snap photos outside traditional pastel-colored houses, browse local shops for handcrafted souvenirs, or relax on Capri’s largest public beach.
Enjoy fresh seafood dishes from a family-run waterfront trattoria, and then when you're ready to explore further, take the funicular railway up to Capri’s with scenic views of the island's cliffs and turquoise waters views along the way.
Enjoy An Aperitivo At The Piazzetta of Capri
Every Italian city has a central piazza, and in Capri, that’s the Piazza Umberto I.
This charming square was once a fish market, but is now an important third space lined with elegant cafés, boutique shops, and a famous clock tower where locals and travelers gather to people-watch, soak in the island vibes, and kick off a perfect Capri evening.
Grab a seat at one of the Piazzetta's most famous outdoor cafes, order an aperitivo (a pre-dinner drink that often comes with little snacks like olives and cheeses), and take some time to slow down and enjoy.
A lot of people opt for Il Piccolo or Caffè Caso as they're both located right in the heart of the square, but I prefer Pulalli because it's tucked away on the second floor and gives you a full view of the action from a quieter and more intimate patio.
Browse Handmade Leather Sandals And Indulge In (Window) Shopping At Via Camerelle
Shopping in Capri is about more than just luxury brands—it’s an experience that blends Italian craftsmanship with local tradition.
Sure, Via Camerelle (the island's premiere shopping street) packs dozens of designer shops like Prada, Gucci, and Ferragamo into a tiny 200-meter long road, but right around the corner, there are artisan shops selling hand-painted ceramics with adorable lemon motifs, authentic Carthusia perfumes crafted from local botanicals, and Capri's famous handmade leather sandals custom tailored to your style.
Most designer stores were closed when I visited in November (shoulder season), but the local shops were still open. I thoroughly enjoyed mindlessly wandering the alleys and admiring all the little trinkets that I could take home (but alas, my minimalist traveler ethos would not let me actually take them home).
Enjoy Panoramic Views From Belvedere di Tragara
Walk along Via Camerelle and you'll naturally find yourself on Via Tragara. Follow this road past elegant villas and lush gardens until you reach Belvedere di Tragara, one of the island's most famous and breathtaking viewpoints.
Belvedere di Tragara is a scenic terrace that offers panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This peaceful escape is the perfect spot for photographers and nature lovers to snap photos of the Faraglioni rock formations and document their Capri adventures!
☀️ Tip: make sure to wear a hat or sunnies because it gets BRIGHT during the summer and you want that UV protection! (Here's a full 2-week travel capsule if you need packing tips!)
Take A Capri Boat Tour Of The Island's Most Famous Attractions: Blue Grotto, Green Grotto, White Grotto, Faraglioni the Natural Arch
No trip to Capri is complete without a boat tour of the island's most notable attractions including the Faraglioni Rocks, the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzura), and the hidden caves of the Green and White Grottos.
Seeing the island from the water offers a whole new perspective and allows you to experience Capri's raw natural beauty up close.
For a truly unforgettable time, book a trip on a Caprese gozzo (traditional wooden boat) at sunset and watch the island glow pink and orange while sipping a refreshing aperitivo.
Heads up: entry to the Blue Grotto is weather-dependent but I'll talk about that in another post...
Explore Capri By Paddleboard
Alternatively, if you'd rather something a little more active, you can explore the island by paddleboard!
This beginner-friendly Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) tour takes you past those same iconic sights but with the added thrill of gliding across the crystal-clear waters and potentially accidentally (or intentionally 😉) falling in.
When I travel, I often opt for small group tours like this because it's a great way to connect more intimately with locals and ensure that our dollars are directly given back to the community.
Adventure Down Scala Fenicia To Spaggia Bagni Di Tiberio
Sometimes the best adventures happen by accident. 😅
I was looking for a swimming beach near my B&B in Anacapri when I found Spiaggia Bagni di Tiberio. This sandy stretch was once used by Emperor Tiberius himself, and it looked like the perfect place to lay out and catch some rays.
However, as I followed Google Maps to the beach, what seemed like a simple walk suddenly turned into an endless zigzag of steep, uneven stone steps. Before I knew it, I was on Scala Fenicia, an ancient 921-step stairway plunging straight down to the coast—not at all what I had in mind!
Honestly, after the initial shock, it was totally manageable. I’m sharing this recommendation in hopes that you'll be better prepared than I was.
It may feel a bit intimidating at first, but the refreshing swim and stunning views of the Bay of Naples on the way make it well worth the effort.
Go Hiking And Explore Capri On Foot
While we're on the topic, hiking is one of Capri’s most underrated things to do. The island’s steep trails and rocky terrain offer plenty of adventure, with incredible views at every turn.
Here Are A Few Hikes To Try:
Pizzolungo Trail: an easy 1-2 hour coastal walk that takes you past the Natural Arch, through fragrant pine forests, and ends near the Faraglioni viewpoint
Via Krupp: this four mile out awind back hike is one of the prettiest trails on the island following hairpin bends that wind down the mountain
Monte Solaro: a moderate 2-hour hike from the town of Anacapri to the highest point on the island
Sentiero dei Fortini: the Path of the Little Forts is a 3-hour trail that passes three 19th-century forts between the Blue Grotto and the Punta Carena lighthouse
Visit The Gardens of Augustus And The Charterhouse of St. Giacomo
Capri island has been a resort town since Ancient Rome, and a great way to experience its history and culture is by visiting The Gardens of Augustus and the Charterhouse of St. Giacomo.
The Gardens of Augustus were designed by German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp, and provide a peaceful retreat with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and panoramic terraces overlooking Marina Piccola and Via Krupp’s dramatic curves.
Certosa di San Giacomo is Capri’s oldest monastery and dates back to 1371. It's served as both a monastic retreat and military barracks but nowadays is home to a museum and offers history and art lovers a quiet escape among stunning medieval architecture.
Explore The Architectural Landmarks Of Villa Jovis and Villa Lysis
For a deeper look at Capri’s architecture and history, visit Villa Jovis and Villa Lysis.
Villa Jovis, perched 350 meters above sea level, was Emperor Tiberius’s private retreat. The ruins highlight the grandeur of ancient Roman engineering, with remnants of baths, courtyards, and the infamous "Tiberius Leap," where legend says the emperor disposed of those who displeased him.
Villa Lysis, built in 1905 by French poet Jacques d'Adelswärd-Fersen, and blends Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles. This opulent sanctuary attracted writers and artists from all over the world with its marble decor, meticulously curated gardens, and artistic ambiance.
Wander The Town Of Anacapri
Capri can be a little pretentious so if you find that you need to touch some grass and get grounded in reality, spend an afternoon in Anacapri.
This local town offers a more authentic experience of the island and still has all the charming streets, artisan shops, and historic sites without all the pomp and pageantry.
Anacapri is also the town that I chose to stay in because it was cheaper and quieter.
I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the Villa San Michele (the former home of Swedish physician Axel Munthe) and taking the Monte Solaro chairlift up for a few moments of peace and quiet.
Summit Monte Solaro, The Tallest Mountain On Capri
Okay, maybe "summit" is too dramatic in this instance as Monte Solaro is only to 589 meters (1,932 feet) above sea level, but it's still the highest point on Capri!
That means, once you reach the peak, you get 360-degree views of the island, the Bay of Naples, and the Amalfi Coast, which makes it the perfect spot for photographers and nature-lovers alike.
Once you're up there, stop by the Eremo di Cetrella, a small 16th-century hermitage that once housed monks and later sheltered shepherds. This quiet retreat offers beautiful coastal views and is one of Capri’s best-kept secrets.
For the best experience, take the chairlift from Anacapri on the way up (a quick 12-minute ride) and hike down at your own pace.
Beach Day At Marina Piccola
If you're heading to an island in the summer, you probably want to hit the beach.
But here’s the thing—Capri’s beaches aren’t its strongest feature.
Unlike the soft white sands of Thailand , Capri’s shores are mostly pebbled, and the island’s steep cliffs drop straight into the ocean, limiting beach access.
Still, a beach is a beach, so spend an afternoon vibing out at Marina Piccola, a picturesque bay on the southern coast of the island. It's shielded from the wind by towering cliffs on all sides and offers calm waters and warm sand to enjoy on a day off.
You can also visit the beach at Marina Grande but it's much more crowded and with ferries coming in and out, I'd be skeptical about how clean the waters are.
Grab A Drink And Watch The Sunset At Punta Carena
I always make it a point to watch the sunset on my last day on an island, and in Capri, Punta Carena was the perfect place to do it.
Faro di Punta Carena, the island’s largest lighthouse, has guided ships since 1866 and remains a favorite spot for locals and visitors to grab a drink and unwind.
If the seaside restaurants are open, order a spritz and enjoy the view. If not (and they probably won't be open if you visit off-season), pick up a bottle from the local tabaccheria instead.
Find a spot on the cliffs, take in the views... and whatever you do, don’t miss the last bus back! I nearly did, and the thought of trekking to Anacapri in the dark had me messaging my best friend halfway across the world in full panic mode, convinced I’d get lost, abducted, or worse.
Enjoy A Romantic Dinner
We can't talk about Italy without talking about food and what's better than treating yourself to a romantic dinner of classic Caprese fare featuring fresh seafood, in-season produce, and rich cheeses like mozzarella and caciotta.
During my stay, I had the absolutely most mouth-watering seafood pasta at Restaurant Lo Sfizio. It was simple, fresh, packed with flavor and completely changed my understanding of what pasta could be.
If you're a foodie, you'll definitely want to try some of Capri's signature eats including:
Caprese Salad: I don't think there's a soul in the world who has not heard of this salad. This classic starter combines fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil for a simple yet perfect bite.
Torta Caprese: I have to admit, I didn't know what this was until my B&B served it for breakfast, but this must-try chocolate almond cake is rich, fudgy and perfect with a shot of espresso.
Limoncello: this famous Italian lemon liqueur is made from the island's intensely aromatic Sfusato lemons. Enjoy it chilled or as a spritz for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Pasta Cooking Class And Wine Pairing
Experiential travel is all the rage nowadays so get a full hands-on experience with pasta cooking class complete with a wine pairing.
This private workshop teaches you four traditional Italian recipes: Caprese salad, homemade ravioli, eggplant parmesan, and lemon cake, so that you can bring a taste of Capri back home. Led by a local family, you'll learn the secrets of nonna’s cooking—just keep them to yourself! 🤫
Frequently Asked Questions
That just about sums up everything you can do in Capri. But if you need more help planning your trip, here are some frequently asked questions.
How To Get To Capri?
Whether you're coming from Rome, Naples, Sorrento, or Amalfi, the only way to get to Capri is by ferry.
Ferries run year-round from Naples and Sorrento, but only during peak season (summer) from towns on the Amalfi coast.
If you're flying into Naples, take a taxi or a shuttle directly from the airport to the Molo Beverello port and then hop on the ferry. Once you arrive at Marina Grande, you can take the funicular, bus, or taxi to reach your accommodations!
How To Get Around Capri?
I mostly explored Capri on foot and by bus but depending on your itinerary, you might also mix in funiculars and taxis.
Here's a quick breakdown:
Bus: the best way to get around the island. It stops at all the tourist destinations plus a few local spots along the way. Buses are small (they're more like little shuttles) and can get crowded during the summer but run frequently enough and are convenient to use.
Funicular: runs between Marina Grande and Capri town. You can technically walk but the hike is pretty strenuous and I really didn't feel like doing it in under the hot Italian sun. The ride is 4 minutes long and costs €2.40.
Taxi: definitely expensive but if you want a luxury experience cruising down the mountains in an open-air convertible, then this is clearly the way to go.
Walking: human-powered for the most sustainable option! Anacapri and Capri town are pedestrian-only areas but if you plan on exploring the entire island on foot, you better stay hydrated and vigilant! The mountain roads are steep and winding and it can get a little dangerous with other vehicles bombing down those hills.
Boat: some hidden coves and beaches are only accessible by boat tour or private rental.
Where To Stay In Capri?
There are two main areas to stay in Capri: Capri town and Anacapri.
Capri town is the livelier, more glamorous side of the island packed with luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and a buzzing nightlife. It’s the best choice if you want to be in the center of the action but can be pricey and more crowded.
Anacapri, on the other hand, offers a quieter, more local experience. Accommodations here tend to be more affordable, and it’s a great option if you prefer a laid-back atmosphere while still having easy access to Capri town.
Where To Stay In Capri:
Budget: Maison Saint Michael, apartment stay with a full terrace just minutes away from the beach
Mid-Range: Villa Striano Capri, private stay with white-themed rooms just 5 minutes from Capri's Piazzetta
Luxury: Villa L'Ara, newly renovated B&B with a stunning pool and on-property yoga classes
Where To Stay In Anacapri:
Budget: Hotel Senaria, adorable hotel with classic Mediterranean architecture and a friendly atmosphere
Mid-Range: Monte Solaro Bed & Breakfast, best sunset views on the island! (Read my full review here.)
Luxury: Hotel San Michele, expansive property with panoramic views of the bay, a large outdoor swimming pool, and a poolside dining terrace
So there you have it, an extensive list of things to do in Capri.
To make the most of your time, I would recommend planning your itinerary by geography. The steep terrain and spread-out attractions mean you’ll save time and energy by grouping activities near each other on the same day. For example, if you're wandering Capri town, you'll want to explore all the historic sites and scenic viewpoints before moving on to Anacapri.
But no matter which activities you decide to do, Capri is a place that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
If you're ready to plan your Italy trip, here's a full three week slow travel itinerary for responsible visitors or if you need ideas on where to visit, here are the top three places to see (plus three to skip)!
More On Travel Through Italy:
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