Capri In a Day: What to Do and See
July 15, 2013
While ferries make it easy to reach, figuring out what to see and do in Capri in a day can be a little overwhelming.
Here are some tips to make the most of your day trip to Capri!
On your day in Capri, get an early start
It’s impossible to see all of Capri’s attractions in just one day. But by heading to Capri early, you will have a chance to see many of the island’s best offerings.
Take the first ferry for Capri, usually at about 8:30am, which gets you into Capri by 9:30am. Although you can purchase tickets the morning you leave, we’d recommend booking a few days ahead to avoid disappointment—especially in the crowded summer months.
Deciding when to head back? Remember that the last ferries usually leave for Positano and Amalfi between 5:30pm and 7pm (depending on each provider), giving you a good 6 hours to explore the island.
Note: If you are traveling off-peak, from September to May, contact the Capri tourism office, as ferries will be less frequent.
Read More: The Biggest Mistake People Make When Planning a Trip to Italy and How to Avoid it
Getting around Capri
The funicular connects Marina Grande and Capri Town
All ferries dock at Marina Grande. From here 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.
If you don’t want to worry about having enough tickets, there is also a day pass (UNICO Capri costs €8.60) that gives you unlimited bus rides and two trips on the funicular.
Be aware that, in summer, lines for both buses and the funicular are long—so bring along some patience with you!
What to see in Capri
Head to Anacapri and start your day on the top of the world! At least, it feels that way when you’re up on Monte Solaro, the island’s highest point. A chair lift takes you up for €10 (round-trip). While this may seem costly, believe us: The splendid views are priceless.
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).
One of our favorite things to do in Capri: visit the gardens at Villa San Michele!
And there’s still more to see in Anacapri! We love to #takewalks, and a visit to Anacapri wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through the historic center. Less crowded than Capri, the atmosphere here is also more laid-back, with a more authentic character.
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. While the facade is unpretentious, the handpainted tiled-ceramic (majolica) floor depicting the expulsion of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is extraordinary—and more than merits the €2 fee. To take in the entire view, head up the spiral stairs to the organ loft.
The hand-painted ceramic floor in Capri’s Church of San Michele
Places to eat in Capri
With all that walking, it’s time to think about food! Looking for a quick bite? Then a panino caprese, named after the island and filled with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, couldn’t be more perfect.
Trying torta caprese is a must-do in Capri!
Prefer a sit-down lunch? Head to Aumm Aumm (Via Caprile 18, closed on Mondays), a popular place in Anacapri for pizza. Another great pizza option, Verginiello in Capri Town (Via Lo Palazzo 25/A), is very reasonably priced.
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).
Seeing more spectacular views in Capri
Now you’ve fueled up, it’s time to explore Capri Town itself. Unlike in Anacapri, here, you’ll immediately feel the energy and lively atmosphere… especially in the areas around the piazzetta.
We’ve already mentioned that we love gardens, so a visit to the Gardens of Augustus is must. For just €1, this small yet well-kept garden not only offers a splendid view of the Faraglioni, but also of the incredible Via Krupp, which zigzags its way to Marina Piccola.
The Via Krupp, zigzagging down Marina Piccola
As you stroll through the winding alleys to the gardens, there are some sweet treasures you’ll come across. We love the renowned gelateria Buonocore. Closer to the Gardens, don’t miss the stand that serves incredible citrus granita, another excellent way to cool down on a blazing summer’s day. (Not familiar with granita? Don’t miss our fun video on this cold, sweet summer treat!).
While a day trip to Capri barely scratches the surface of all there is to do in Capri, with these tips in mind, by the time you leave the island, you’ll already be planning your return… hopefully, next time, for more than a day!
Note: As ferry schedules and prices of tickets mentioned can change without notice, please check ahead before your trip.
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18 responses to “Capri In a Day: What to Do and See”
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Thank you so much for these suggestions. I am spending 2 nights in Capri in September. I will be traveling solo, would you recommend staying in Anacapri or Capri?
Hi Iche,
We’re happy to help! As you might expect, it very much depends on what your interests are. Anacapri is much quieter than Capri, which means it doesn’t have the same crowds as Capri, but doesn’t have the shops or nightlife, either. But the good news is no matter where you stay, it’s easy to get to the other one: they’re just 3km apart, and buses between the two run every 15 minutes.
Let us know if we can help with anything else (and what you decide!).
no chance of tacking on la grotta azzura in here somewhere?!
Hi Fiona,
It might be a bit of a stretch, time-wise. But of course, if it’s a priority you can always fit it in 😉
Let us know if we can help with anything else!
Hi
I will in Salerno in mid-June and planning head to Capri for Blue Grotto. What is the most convenience way? Should I stay one night in Capri ?
Is this a better way that drop by Naples from Capri before returning to Rome?
Hi Kaka, the most convenient way to get from Salerno to Capri would be to take the ferry (Alicost). We suggest then staying a night in Capri and heading to Naples where you can catch a train to Rome. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Hi, I will be in Naples on May 9th. Do you think I need to buy my ferry tickets ahead of time to get the early ferry or do you think they will be plenty to choose from at that time? Do you feel that I need a tour guide or is Capri pretty easy to do on your own?
Tina
Hi Tina,
You can probably get a ferry ticket, but to be safe it’s best to buy it at least the day before. Also, you don’t need a tour guide to get around Capri, be it is nice to do some research ahead of time to know what to see and do – like in this article! We’re sure you’ll have a great trip 🙂
Thank you for these great posts. I’m planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast on the way from Rome to a wedding in Maratea (I guess Sapri would be the closest “big” town to the wedding). After reading your blog, I’m thinking of staying in Salerno during the Amalfi portion of the trip. I was just wondering since the wedding is so far from the big cities if you would recommend renting a car in Salerno and driving to Maratea or taking the train from Salerno to Sapri – if such a train exists… ? Also, are taxis common in very small towns like Maratea or Acquafredda? – John
Hi John,
As far as taxi’s go, we’d say it depends on just how small the town is! Remember, most really small Italian towns are easily walked through and the historic center of many is a limited traffic zone, if not pedestrian only. Probably a car is the easiest route, but you definitely don’t want a car in Salerno. The town is easily navigable on foot, but not with a car! You can search Trenitalia.com (english version) to find out if a train exists from Salerno to Sapri. Hope you have a great trip!
Hi – Thank you for your post! So helpful.
We’re staying in Positano and interested in taking a day trip to Capri to visit the Blue Grotto + La Fontelina Beach (and potentially some of your suggestions!). Is this at all doable? Are there any tour companies you’d suggest?
Hi Lauren,
Absolutely – We recommend our day tour to Capri from Sorrento. Cruise the coast of Sorrento & Capri aboard a modern gozzo boat, stopping at the most picturesque stops along the way like the White Grotto, the Green Grotto and the Sailor Grotto.
Hello,
That was a wonderful post read.
We are planning to visit the Amalfi coast, Capri and Anicapri in the month of July 2018.
We are a little confused as to how to go about it.
Should we stay put at Naples and do day tours or should we stay in capri and do the tour.
Your valuable suggestions will really help.
Thanks in advance
Hi Ayush,
We have just the thing for you! An easy transfer service from Sorrento to Capri or Anicapri with stops to swim and snorkel along the way among some of the most beautiful grottos and coastlines of the area! Hope to see you there!
Hello, we will be in Italy the first part of August and will have 4-5 days for a southern coast tour. Should we stay in Naples and day trip to Capri or spend a night or 2 on Capri before heading to the Amalfi Coast?
thanks
Hi Lacey,
You can get to Capri from Naples or from the Amalfi Coast, which you stay in depends on what you want to see. As for staying the night in Capri, the island is small and you can see more or less all of it in just one day, but few tourists stay the night so you’ll find an entirely different atmosphere on the island if you do decide to stay!
Hello! Great post! I will be in Positano/Capri in early October. I read that the ferries are less frequent in mid-October however to check the website you provided. I only saw the timetable, but not dates. Would I check back closer to October? Or do you know typically if early October is a similar schedule? Thank you!
Hi Claire,
Ferry routes to and from the Amalfi Coast run from April 1st to October 31st, so you should be fine. You’ll probably have to check back closer to October to be able to purchase tickets in advance.