As the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’, Capri is a picturesque island like no other. From its stunning cove-studded coastline to the crystal clear blue waters and scenic pine tree-laden rocky landscape, Capri is a vacationer’s paradise that’s teeming with things to see and do. Nestled 30 minutes off the coast of Naples in the Campania region, the island is located off the Sorrento Peninsula in the Tyrrhenian sea.
With a fabled history dating back to the ancient Neolithic era, Capri’s fascinating past brims with intrigue and wonder. Legend has it that its earliest inhabitants were the mythical Teleboi from Acarnania, under the ruler Telon. In later years, the island became a melting pot for legendary European artists and writers like Maxim Gorky and Norman Douglas.
A Naples to Capri day trip offers the best way to explore this idyllic island. Spend your day in Capri and experience the breathtaking scenic beauty that the region has to offer. Indulge in some fine limoncello liquor, laze about at the beach, get a taste of delicious Insalata Caprese and take in the splendid vistas. Our guide to exploring Capri has all you need to make your day trip a spectacular one!
Why take a day trip to Capri?
- Experience the jaw-dropping scenic wonder of the Faraglioni rock formations.
- Hop on a boat along the stunning blue waters of the Blue Grotto, a sea cave that glows iridescent blue light in the dark.
- You never know who you might bump into in Capri! Celebrities abound on the island, so keep an eye out for your favorite celeb lounging about at the beach.
- Head to the delightful little town of Anacapri and dine on the finest authentic local cuisine.
- Make your way to the Giardini di Augusto for a magnificent view of the sunset.
How to get from Naples to Capri
The easiest way to get from Naples to Capri is to take the ferry. There are frequent ferries from Naples and the Amalfi coast to the island of Capri. The two major ports where you can board the ferry include Molo Beverello and Calati di Massa. The journey takes between 50 to 80 minutes, depending on the speed of the ferry you choose.
If you’d prefer a quicker journey, make sure you pick the ferry at the Molo Beverello Port. You can then check the departure board to find out which dock you need to be on. The ferry costs around €15. We recommend booking tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in long queues. You can check the ferry timings to make planning your trip much easier.
Getting around Capri
The island has hardly any traffic, so moving around by taxi or a minibus shouldn’t be much of a hassle. The quickest and most convenient way to get around Capri is by taking a taxi. The taxi services in Capri are reliable and there are plenty of convertible luxury taxis to take you around town in style. Public buses are another good option, as they run around the entire island, but are often packed with tourists and locals.
If you need to get to the town of Capri from Marina Grande, we recommend opting for the funicular railway as it takes visitors up the hill from Marina Grande to Capri. Anacapri even offers a chairlift during the day to get to Mount Solaro, the highest point of the island. The island offers numerous boat tours and rental boats round the clock at the harbor that can take you to the Blue Grotto. Alternatively, you could choose a guided tour to skip the hassle of having to worry about getting around.
Naples to Pompeii and Capri Day Trip
- Experience the best of Naples on a single tour: The ancient Roman ruins of the city of Pompeii and Italy’s most scenic island, Capri.
- Enjoy a 30-minute hydrofoil journey from Naples to Capri over the stunning blue water of the Gulf of Naples followed by a funicular to the top of the island; two-ways.
- Guided tour of the city of Capri and its highlights with free time for you to explore some of the nearby sights at your own pace.
Naples to Capri Day Trip
- Experience a day of delights as you explore Italy’s most scenic island, Capri.
- Spend your day in the picture-perfect island that dots the Mediterranean sea and drive up to Anacapri for breathtaking panoramic views of the blue waters below.
- Ideal for a romantic getaway, a family day out or an excursion, this is something you cannot miss.
Must-See Attractions in Capri
Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto, or the Grotto Azzurra, showcases nature at its most magnificent. A sea cave that radiates iridescent blue light, the Blue Grotto offers stunning views of the brilliant blue and emerald waters.
Although swimming in the Blue Grotto is forbidden, you can choose a boat tour to catch a spectacular glimpse of the blue waters. Start your day at the Marina Grande, where you can hire a boat tour to take you to the Blue Grotto. To enter the cave, hop on a rowboat near the cave entrance.
Anacapri
Olive trees, flowers and wineries abound in the picturesque town of Anacapri. The highest town on the island, Anacapri offers splendid views of the harbor. Unspoiled by rampant tourism, Anacapri might be a better option than Capri if you’d like to enjoy a calmer, relaxed night about town.
With streets lined with quaint little shops selling everything from limoncello to handicrafts and designer clothing, Anacapri is a must-visit on a day trip.
Faraglioni
The stunning coastal rock formations of the Faraglioni are among Capri’s most renowned sights. They comprise three rocky stacks that combine to create one of the most astonishingly beautiful landscapes in the world.
Hop on a boat for a tour of the island to get some of the best views. The Faraglioni and Marina Piccola beaches also offer stunning views of the rock formations.
Marina Piccola
Lying directly opposite the Faraglioni and located on the southern side of the island, Marina Piccola is the ideal spot to spend your day if you’re looking to bask in the sun. The Marina is split into the Marina di Mulo and the Marina di Peannauro by the Scoglio delle Sirene cliff.
Mythical legends suggest that the cliff was once inhabited by bewitching sirens. The Marina Piccola beach gives you a chance to take a dip in the warm blue waters of Capri and offers access to the Blue Grotto.
Villa Jovis
Villa Jovis, or the Villa of Jupiter, is an ancient Roman palace built by Emperor Tiberius in AD 27. The palace offers a glimpse of the storied past of the island of Capri, having been the site of the fabled ‘Tiberius’ Leap’, where the emperor’s adversaries and disobedient servants were hurled off on his order.
To get to Villa Jovis, you will need to walk about 45 minutes from the Piazzetta, as the palace is only accessible on foot. Make the most of your time and stop at the Villa Lysis and Parco Astarita on your way there. Entrance to the palace costs about €6.
Giardini di Augusto
Overlooking the town of Capri, the Giardini di Augusto, or the Gardens of Augustus dates back to the early 20th century, when they were initially known as the ‘Krupp Gardens’. Showcasing the natural beauty and the flora of the region, these botanical gardens are the perfect spot to capture stunning photographs of the landscape.
Stroll through the flower-decked terraces near the Certosa di San Giacomo, where the road winds down to the sea, for spectacular 180-degree panoramic views of the Faraglioni and the Bay of Marina Piccola.With streets lined with quaint little shops selling everything from limoncello to handicrafts and designer clothing, Anacapri is a must-visit on a day trip.
Mount Solaro
The highest and most panoramic point in the town of Anacapri, Monte Solaro, or Mount Solaro, offers the best views of the region. At 589 meters above sea level, the summit lets you catch a glimpse of the entire island of Capri, as well as the distant mountains of Calabria.
The quickest way to get to Mount Solaro is by riding the chairlift from Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri. The journey should cost around €12 for a return trip.
Villa San Michele
Among the most-visited sites in Capri, Villa San Michele was built in the late 19th century by the Swedish writer Axel Munthe. The villa features traditional Roman and Swedish furnishings in addition to marvelous paintings dating back to the ancient era.
The villa’s garden presents breathtaking views of the harbor and the sea and offers an enchanting glimpse of the natural and architectural wonders of Capri.
Best Time to Visit
The island of Capri is blessed with hot, mostly clear summers and cool, windy winters. The moderate temperatures make it a sought-after tourist destination throughout the year. The ideal time to visit is in the spring and fall seasons, when the weather is characteristically pleasant.
If you’d like to escape the hustle-bustle of tourists flooding in and have a relaxing vacation, the off-seasons of May and June and August through September are a great option.
Visiting in May also means that you’ll get a chance to celebrate the feast of San Costanzo, with a procession at La Piazzetta, the main square of Capri, and a sailing regatta at the sea.
The summer offers numerous classical music concerts and the International Folklore Festival in August. If visiting in the summer is not for you, the end of the year brings with it the Capri film festival throughout December and a spectacular fireworks display at the La Piazzetta on New Year's Eve.
Handy Travel Tips for your Day Trip
- Although tipping isn’t customary elsewhere in Italy, it is a practically mandatory practice in Capri. Since many of the workers don’t live on the island and travel long journeys on a daily basis, make sure to be generous while tipping.
- Capri’s local cuisine abounds with mouth-watering delicacies and dishes. Make sure you try the incredible Insalata Caprese at Lo Smeraldo and don’t forget to savor the lightly fried fish. We recommend booking a table at the outdoor patio, as it offers phenomenal views.
- We recommend boarding the Naples to Capri ferry early in the morning to enjoy touring all the locations at a leisurely pace. Don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen!
- Make sure you carry comfortable shoes as Capri is a great town to explore by foot, with great attractions at every corner.
- If you’re looking for a great souvenir to take back home with you, grab a bottle of the excellent Limoncello liquor. You should be able to find it in any specialty shop around town. Capri is also renowned for its Canfora Capri Sandals, popularized by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis! You can purchase them at premium boutiques around town.
- Most of the fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels are concentrated in the central square of Capri. If you’re budget-conscious and are looking for more affordable accommodation and dining, the remote areas around town are your best bet.
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