Visit Capri in 1 day, on foot or by boat: our must-sees to make sure you don’t miss a thing of this dream island!

When you’re in Naples, you won’t want to miss the island of Capri.

As you approach Capri, the limestone cliffs close in, the water becomes clearer and the island gradually reveals its steep relief. It’s easy to see why Capri is considered one of the jewels of the Bay of Naples.

We were a little apprehensive about the bling-bling, but on the spot, it’s the nature and beauty of the island that we’ll remember most. If you stray a little from the crowded areas, especially at the end of the day, you’ll find quiet paths, perfect for enjoying spectacular views with no one around.

In this article, we’ll explain how to get to Capri, share our one-day itinerary, and introduce you to the island’s must-sees. You’ll also find our interactive map with all the places mentioned at the end of the article.

How to get to Capri from Naples

➡️ By ferry: departing from the Molo Beverello port in Naples, you can buy your tickets directly from the ticket offices or via the on-site terminals. The NLG and Caremar companies offer regular departures, generally from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. depending on the season. Prices range from €30 to €50, with crossing times from 45 minutes (NLG) to 1h30 (Caremar). In high season, there are often long queues to board: arriving a little early is recommended.

⛵ You can also opt for an organized tour including transport and a visit to Capri and Anacapri, as well as a cruise around Capri + free time, from Naples (in several languages: French, English, Italian, Spanish). This is a practical solution and the most complete tour if you want to centralize everything.

Book a cruise to Capri from the port of Naples in several languages (French, Italian, English, Spanish…) – in small groups

How do I get from Sorrento to Capri?

➡️ By ferry: from Sorrento, the crossing is quicker, about 25 minutes with NLG (April to October). Departures are frequent in the morning, especially between 8 and 11 a.m.

Boat excursions are also available for a complete tour of the island, including a visit to the Blue Grotto.

In small groups, these excursions generally include a complete tour of the island, photo stops, free time ashore, then a visit to the blue grotto (sea conditions permitting), the Faraglioni + a swim in the most tranquil coves with crystal-clear waters.

Book a cruise to Capri from the port of Sorrento in several languages (French, Italian, English, Spanish…) + blue grotto

When to go to Capri?

Capri can be visited all year round, but there are certain periods when you can enjoy the island to the full. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers.

• April to June: pleasant temperatures (18 to 26°C), cool seas but superb scenery, moderate crowds.
• September to October: warmer water (23 to 25°C), stable weather, fewer visitors.
• July-August: very busy, hot (often 30°C+).
• November to March: the wettest period, some excursions may be cancelled due to rough seas.

Is Capri worth it?

Capri sometimes suffers from an image that’s a little too “chic”, but on the spot, the natural charm and crystal-clear waters around the island far outweigh this.

There’s so much to do: viewpoints, panoramic trails, hilltop villages, wild coves, sea caves… To make the most of it, we recommend arriving early in the morning.

Compared to other emblematic spots on the Amalfi coast (Positano, Amalfi), Capri offers a wilder side and steeper panoramas. Prices are higher, but the experience is unique.

What to do in Capri in one day?

Here’s theitinerary we followed, ideal for a single day: arrive early, tour the island by boat, then discover the villages of Capri and Anacapri. You can also add a stroll along an accessible path, or a limoncello tasting stop at Anacapri.

Take a boat to go around the island

What to see

A complete tour of Capri by boat is an emblematic experience not to be missed. From the sea, the island reveals its wildest side: vertical cliffs, natural arches and caves carved out by erosion. The boat skirts the rock faces, and the almost unreal blue water changes hue with the light. The sound of lapping against the hull and the smell of iodine add to the charm of the place.

• The Faraglioni: three rocks sculpted by the sea, the absolute emblem of Capri. Some boats even pass under “Stella”, the first rock, when the sea is calm.
• The Blue Grotto (the most famous grotto): accessible via a tiny passage at water level. Inside, the light gives the sea an electric blue hue. Access depends on weather conditions, as swells can easily make entry impossible.
• The Green Grotto : one of Capri’s most beautiful surprises. Located on the island’s south-western coast, it owes its name to the emerald-green reflections that illuminate the water inside. It’s also much less crowded than the blue grotto.
• L’Arco Naturale: a natural arch visible from the sea, some forty metres high, beautifully cut into the limestone rock.

If you like secluded coves, a tour of the island will also reveal several small caves accessible only by boat, with turquoise waters worthy of the Caribbean.

Book a cruise

➡️ Locally: in Marina Grande, several operators offer 1-2 hour cruises for around €30. ❗ In summer, some can sell out several days in advance, especially in the middle of the day.

➡️ In advance:

➡️ See prices and availability for a 2-hour cruise around Capri + Blue Grotto + Blue Grotto (optional).

✅ Booking via Get Your Guide allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled date.

Explore the island’s interior

The port of Marina Grande

Marina Grande is the gateway to Capri. Impressive yachts are often seen here, lined up in front of the colorful harbor houses. This is also where you’ll find the ticket offices for excursions. A short stroll along the jetty allows you to observe the port’s activity and get a first view of the island’s heights.

We advise you to book your cruise online or on arrival to avoid unnecessary waits.

Reaching the heights of Capri

Capri has two main villages: Capri and Anacapri. One is lively and elegant, the other is quieter and more traditional. The two complement each other perfectly for a well-balanced visit.

Capri

From the port, you can reach Capri by bus (€2) or on foot via a steep staircase that takes about 20 minutes. Once you’ve reached Piazza Umberto, the famous “Piazzetta”, you’re in the vibrant heart of Capri.

Stroll through the flower-filled alleyways, explore the small boutiques, and pass along Via Camerelle, known for its high-end signage. Don’t miss the Jardin d’Auguste, offering breathtaking views of the cliffs, the Faraglioni and the Via Krupp road (closed since 2014 but still visible from the belvederes).

For an even more spectacular panorama, follow the path to the Tragara belvedere, opposite the Faraglioni. This is one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the island.

Anacapri

Located further up the island, Anacapri is quieter and more authentic than Capri. We particularly appreciate the local atmosphere, with its white streets and traditional cafés. From Capri, a bus takes you up there in around 15 minutes.

Don’t miss Villa San Michele, a museum-villa built by Axel Munthe. Its panoramic garden is one of Anacapri’s finest, with an unobstructed view of the harbor and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Mount Solaro

Monte Solaro is Capri’s highest point, at around 600 m altitude. It is reached by chairlift from Anacapri. The ascent takes 12 minutes and offers an exceptional panorama of the whole island. The wait can be a little long in summer, but the final view is more than worth it.

Where to swim?

In Marina Grande, the public beach is located right next to the port. It’s convenient but often very busy, especially in high summer.

Further south on the island, near Marina Piccola, a few small beaches and private platforms also offer bathing, but space is limited due to Capri’s rocky configuration.

To take full advantage of the turquoise waters, we recommend swimming during your boat cruise: calm, clear water and incredible scenery.

Where to sleep?

If your budget allows, spending a night in Capri changes the whole experience: once the boats have left, the island regains its calm and its alleyways become much more pleasant. Please note: accommodation is more expensive than in Naples or Sorrento.

– Sleep in Capri: ideal for being close to restaurants, the Piazzetta and shopping streets.
– Sleep in Anacapri: quieter, less expensive, more authentic atmosphere and beautiful views.

• Excellent value: Rest and Dream in Anacapri, comfortable, quiet and just a few minutes from the main streets. Approx. €90 with breakfast: See prices for Rest and Dream Capr in Anacapri

For Naples, our guide will help you choose among the best neighborhoods and avoid the less recommended areas: where to sleep in Naples.

Where to eat?

Prices in Capri are rather high, even for cafés. Anacapri remains the most affordable place to eat. Don’t leave without trying two local specialties:

• raviolo caprese: fresh pasta, cheese and basil, an island classic;
• torta caprese: soft, fragrant chocolate and almond cake.

• Aumm Ristorante Pizzeria Aumm Ristorante Pizzeria: excellent value in Anacapri, with very good pizzas.

• Buonocore Gelateria Pasticceria: one of Capri’s best ice creams.

Map of the most beautiful places in Capri

You can save this map on Google Maps and use it offline during your trip. Tip: if you arrive early in Capri, start directly at the furthest points to avoid the crowds.

We hope you enjoy your stay in Naples and the surrounding area. Don’t miss Pompeii, Vesuvius and Herculaneum.

Feel free to leave us a note or 5 stars, or ask your questions here or on Instagram.