When you’re in Naples, you won’t want to miss the island of Capri.
As soon as you embark at the Molo Beverello port, the atmosphere already gives you a foretaste of the escapade: the smell of the sea, ships monopolizing the quays and a view of Vesuvius in the background.
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, but when we got there, it was nature and raw beauty that really took center stage.
Disembarking at Marina Grande, the scenery is breathtaking: sheer cliffs, rocks sculpted by the sea, panoramic villas clinging to the heights. The astonishingly transparent sea takes on blue hues that vary according to the light. If you stray a little from the busy 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: from the port of Molo Beverello, tickets can be purchased directly from the ticket office 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 is often a long queue to board: arriving a little early is recommended.
➡️ You can also opt for an organized tour including transport and a cruise around Capri. This is a practical solution if you want to centralize everything.
➡️ Finally, you can hire a boat (with or without a licence) directly from Naples to sail to Capri and explore the coast at your own pace.
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, with photo stops, free time ashore and a visit to the blue grotto, sea conditions permitting. A swim is often included in the quieter coves.
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: 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 site, the natural charm far outweighs it all. There really is so much to do: viewpoints, panoramic paths, 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: 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.
- 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 may be fully booked several days in advance, especially in the middle of the day.
➡️ In advance:
We warmly recommend booking this 2-hour cruise online, which takes you all the way around the island.
It offers a privileged view of the Faraglioni, a swim in crystal-clear water and a visit to the blue grotto (€23).
It’s the best boating experience we’ve had in Capri.
➡️ See prices and availability for a 2-hour cruise around Capri + Blue Grotto.
✅ Booking via Get Your Guide allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled date.
Book a private boat
For a more exclusive experience, you can hire a private boat. With or without a license, this solution gives you total freedom to discover Capri at your own pace, swimming wherever you like and avoiding the busiest times.
We recommend the Samboat platform, which is very comprehensive and easy to use.
Simply enter“Capri“,“Naples” or“Sorrento” and your dates to access the different types of boats available.
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 I – 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, there are a number of small private beaches and platforms where you can swim, 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: Capri Dreaming in Anacapri, comfortable, quiet and just a few minutes from the main streets. Approx. €90 with breakfast – See prices
- With pool: Casa Morgano, in the heart of Capri, with a superb infinity pool. Approx. €200 breakfast included – See rates
Casa Morgano
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 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.
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