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GETTING THERE
Whether you’re on a cruise or staying nearby in either Naples or Sorrento, getting to Capri is easy. Ferries depart from Naples and Sorrento. During the summer months, there are also ferry routes departing from Positano, Salerno, and Ischia. For most of the year, vehicles are prohibited from embarking for the island, with the exception of residents.
Top Ten Things To Do On Capri
1) A BOAT TOUR AROUND THE ISLAND
There are few tours to discover Capri from the sea: boat tours depart from Capri’s port, Marina Grande.
You can either choose to join an organized group tour, or hire a boat with skipper just for youself.
My suggestion is … Camillo 🙂 – He organizes base tour, half day, full day, sunset , honeymoon and more over with his traditional wood boat (check his website here).
The full day tour, for example, is perfect for the guests who wants to spend a day completely relaxing and enjoying the crystalline waters of Capri, to tan and discover the beauties of Capri (for ex. Blue Grotto and Faraglioni ). The full day includes a complete tour of the island (he’ll stop the boat in the best bays to live completely Capri sea). During the tour he will show you all the rock formations the caves and famous houses. This tour will truly immerge you in the atmosphere of Capri and I provides more time to explain the secrets of Capri! and… don’t forget to try the Camillo Limoncello!Â
2) A WALK IN THE CENTER OF ANACAPRI
From Marina Grande you can either take the funicular up to the charming Piazzetta, the heart of Capri town, or the bus to Anacapri, which though still touristy, is more residential and tranquil. The cost of a one-way ticket is €1.80, and can be used for the bus and funicular. Be aware that, in summer, lines for both buses and the funicular are long.
Once arrived, you can start to walk till Monte Solaro (the island’s highest point).
Another gorgeous place to get sweeping views of Capri is Villa San Michele. If you love beautiful gardens as much as we do, this is a real gem! Built in the early 20th century by Axel Munthe, a Swedish physician, it’s home to an enchanting and serene garden that’s billed as one of the top 10 gardens in Italy. With spectacular panoramic views, dreamy pergolas, and surrounded by a variety of flowers and plants, it’s paradise! (Ticket cost: €7).
Take a slight detour from main street Via G. Orlandi to the lovely piazza, where you’ll find the modest-looking church of San Michele. To take in the entire view, head up the spiral stairs to the organ loft.
3) TORTA / PANINO CAPRESE
When you are in Piazzetta, you must try a panino caprese filled with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, ( Aumm Aumm Via Caprile 18, closed on Mondays or Verginiello in Capri Town Via Lo Palazzo 25/A).
Before leaving the island, though, you have to try a bite of torta caprese, a flourless cake made with almonds and chocolate that is light, rich, moist, and heavenly! For one of the best, get a slice at Pasticceria Ferraro Via G. Orlandi 233 or a miniature version of the specialty at Da Alberto Via Roma 9.
4) HIT THE BEST BEACHES
In Marina Piccola there are two strips of beautiful beaches, Marina di Mulo and Marina di Pennauro, from which you have a great view of the Faraglioni Rocks just offshore. These beaches are the most popular on the island so plan to arrive early and absolutely no later than noon to get a good place on the beach or rocks to lay in the sun. The public beaches are free but there are also a few ‘beach clubs’ where you can rent a lounger and buy something to eat and drink:
- da Gioia Beach Club and Restaurant – They offer a ‘light refreshment service’ if you just want to beach it. Or try some of the excellent seafood dishes at the restaurant that has an incredible view of the Faraglioni Rocks.Â
- La Canzone del Mare – Maybe best known for its restaurant, this beach club also plays host to weddings and private parties for special events. And yes, the view of the Faraglioni Rocks is just about perfect.
- Torre Saracena – Situated in a secluded cove where you can sun or enjoy the warm water. There is another excellent seafood restaurant here with a great view of the Faraglioni Rocks.
Marina Grande is Capri’s largest beach ( you’ll still need to get here early especially during the high season). There is a ‘beach club’ here that has a private section of beach and offers beach and dining amenities.
- Le Ondine Beach Club – Has a very nice deck with tables and chairs where you can order food from their very good restaurant, da Gemma. They also have changing rooms, showers and towels.
- Bagni di Tiberio – This beach establishment is about a 10 minute walk from Marina Grande or you can catch a ride on a gozzo boat from the marina. They have beach cabins and a snack bar but for something more to eat there is a restaurant of the same name serving excellent seafood and local wines.
5) WALK VIA KRUPP TO MARINA PICCOLA
It was originally commissioned by and named for the German industrialist, Friedrich Alfred Krupp, in the early 1900s. This is a fun downhill walk to Marina Piccola from just below the Gardens of Augustus.
If you’d like to spend the day at the beach at Marina Piccola and don’t want to walk, the best way to get there would be to take the bus or a taxi. The bus stops in the square near the Church of Sant’Andrea. From here, there are steps that lead down to the beach and the Sirens’ Rock where according to Greek mythology the Sirens attempted to seduce Ulysses. Take your time and take your camera.
6) VISIT THE GARDENS OF AUGUSTUS
This botanical garden was originally named Krupp Gardens until 1918 when the name was changed to what it is today. The gardens are beautifully terraced and hold the best flora that Capri has to offer. A popular spot for day visitors, the gardens are an easy walk from the center of Capri town via some of the most scenic lanes on the island. Along the way there are toilets, usually clean, and a small refreshment stand. Once reached, there are absolutely amazing views of the Marina Piccola Bay and the Faraglioni Rocks.
If you’re staying overnight on the island plan to visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, before and after the crowds of day visitors. There is a modest entry fee of €1.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN CAPRI
There are just too many excellent restaurants on Capri to review them all but here are some of my favorites.
- Le Grottelle is an ideal stop after a peaceful walk in Pizzolungo, which runs for kilometres along the coast. As its name suggests, the interiors of the restaurant resemble a cave, adorned with bucolic decorations and homey furnishing. The menu includes homemade regional dishes such as the seafood scialatielli in tomato sauce and the restaurant’s renowned wood oven-cooked chicken, creating a balance of land and sea flavours that cater to anyone’s taste.Â
- Terrazza Brunella is a terrace-restaurant with a beautiful view over the Faraglioni and it offers a wide range of wines and dishes. The choice includes many seafood-based pasta dishes, regional delicacies as well as prawns with cognac and Chateaubriand. The interiors are refined yet delicate with a predilection for soft, white-beige furniture that makes the venue plush and romantic. Adjacent to the restaurant is the Belvedere of Tragara, the starting point of a path going all the way to the feet of the Faraglioni.
- Pulalli Wine Bar is positioned on the top floor of a building right next to the Clock Tower and offers a bird’s-eye view of the famous Piazzetta (‘little square’); Capri’s historical centre where traces of the urban and architectural heritage of the Middle Ages are still strongly visible.
BEST HOTELS IN CAPRI
Don’t forget that this island is heaving during the peak summer months, so get organised and book well ahead if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Capri.
- If you’re looking for a hotel to match the glitz then check into the Capri Palace Hotel and Spa. Here you’ll find the only Michelin starred food on the island and original artwork on the walls. Book a suite and get your own private pool.
- Tranquil and luxurious, but still family friendly, the Villa Marina has 21 lavishly decorated rooms and suites with fantastic views over the Bay of Naples, a deluxe spa and a restaurant serving excellent Mediterranean cuisine.
- The Villa Brunella has its 20 rooms, all with their own balconies, arranged over a series of terraces running down the hill towards the sea to optimise the views. At the bottom is the glorious pool and sun terrace.
- For cliff top dramatics Punta Tragara is the place. The situation is stunning with breathtaking views. Inside the vibe is calm and luxurious and superb food is served on candlelit verandas.
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