The sun, the sand, and the sea.
Oh Capri, jutting out from the southeastern arm of Sorrento like a fine gem of the majestic Tyrrhenian Sea. Those who yearn to have a whimsical getaway by the water steeped in a luxurious history will find this place a charm.
Capri, in my mind, is the closest thing to heaven. This compact island is a haven for all sorts of activities for nature worshippers, history buffs, and leisure travelers.
Going beyond the majesty of the Blue Grotto where you can only sneak in on a small boat, Capri always has more to offer. Today, the name Capri is still associated with a fancy isle, a place where hillside villas perched above rocky headlands get your money’s worth.
Somewhere in the shadows of these expensive mansions, couples on a romantic holiday are busy indulging in their own little world walking this dramatic stretch of coastline peppered with grandiose scenic restaurants.
To make the most of this glitzy Italian island, check out my ultimate travel guide to Capri below!
How To Get To Capri Island By Ferry?
As the island is located completely off the coast of Italy, you’ve got to rely on a ferry or a boat. Some people spend their good money on a helicopter ride – but I won’t dig any deeper into that luxurious part of the vacation.
Riding a ferry is the most popular option, with most companies setting out from either Naples (Calata Porta di Massa port, 50 minutes of duration) or Sorrento (Marina Piccola port, 25 minutes of duration). The three companies, SNAV, NLG, and Caremar, are the most talked-about, with their prices fluctuating almost around the same ranges.
Tickets online are available. You can either book one online to ditch the crowd. However, buying the ferry tickets right on the site is totally handy, especially if you’re unsure about the weather or have yet to finalize a proper plan.
Since summer is the best time to visit Capri, the ferries run more often (expectedly every half an hour).
As you can see from the pictures below, I booked the tickets right on the site, with the departure set at 10:35 am so I wouldn’t have to wait too long after arrival.
A bit further afield is the boarding dock, with a large electronic board near the pier with the departure times so you don’t miss your ride.
This time, I traveled with NLG, which was a bit discouraging for those who can’t deal with seasickness. There’s no air-con on the boat, and most passengers sitting near the front deck are likely to take a hit from the dramatic waves. So my tip here for you is to stick to the final rows and save your life.
Without further ado, I’ll walk you over a list of things to do on Capri, how to get around, and some scenic spots to draft your own walking tour on the island.
First Thing First, Take A Boat Tour To The Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is the most talked-about natural sight in Capri – but in fact, it’s only one of a few “colors” Capri has to offer.
The reason for its massive reputation is that the Blue one is the only grotto accessible. And you’ve gotta sign up for an organized boat trip in order to sneak into the enchanting mystical world.
Most of these voyages leave from the main port on Capri, Marina Grande, heading south to Faraglioni rock formations, passing a whimsical landscape capping the Punta Carena lighthouse before taking you to the Blue Grotto.
The locals call it Grotta Azzurra. The boats either go past it for a glimpse of the outside or offer different tickets for those who wanna see the cave on the inside. If this is what your heart desires, book your trip accordingly and switch to a smaller boat for an adventure inside.
This boat is designed to fit the compact size of the rocky mouth of the cave. Once you make it through, that’s a totally unique world there. A sea of deep turquoise water rings in a calm and somehow mystic feel, with its calm surface illuminated by the sunlight.
Hail A Scenic Funicular To Capri City Center
Once you get off the boat after a brief voyage, get ready to embark on another ride to the city center of Capri. This is when you need a funicular ticket from the western edge of the island to the downtown core. Otherwise, you’ve gotta rely on your foot.
The funicular ticket office is located at 276, Via Marina Grande. It soars through the lush thickets of lemon trees on the sun-kissed hills below and drops you off at Piazzetta di Capri. This one and Piazza Umberto I, are right next to each other, teaming up to create Capri’s most famous square to watch the world go by while munching on tasty bites.
The funicular leaves every 15 minutes with only a few minutes more to complete the ride. The latest update on the fare says EUR 2.20, including free carry-on baggage and a surcharge for larger bags.
What Is The Difference Between Capri And Anacapri?
Even though the island is known as Capri as a whole, it’s actually broken down into two distinct areas: Capri and Anacapri.
The first town, Capri, is hands down the most popular area to stay and visit. Many visitors will also pick it as the main base for an overnight stay or even for a brief visit when they come for a day.
The latter, Anacapri, is more on the quieter side. Sitting higher up on the island, Anacapri boasts a sweeping wraparound vista out of Monte Solaro. It’s more peaceful and laid-back, attracting those who wish to steer clear of the buzzes of the chaotic roads. For that reason, the restaurants are cheaper with a dense concentration of boutique hotels rather than the higher-end calls.
Now, let’s take a look at the best places to visit in Capri town!
Piazzetta di Capri and Piazza Umberto
Right after you step off the funicular from the port, the sprawling squares appear right in front of you, marking the start of your discovery!
Right here, the squares look out to the harbor and the majestic Mount Solaro at a distance, calling for some Pinterest-ready shots to keep in your book of memoir. If your legs are tired, rest up on one of the benches along the way.
The piazza is flooded with the best colors of life, and it’s the perfect spot to people-watch while enjoying a refreshing drink or a bite to eat. The squares are peppered with multiple chic cafes and cute bistros, even though the prices here can be a bit higher. When the sun beams down and the lights are up, the whole square comes alive again. If you decide to come at the end of your day, don’t miss out on its sunset! This is the best chance for you to capture Capri’s sky flooded with vibrant tints, casting a magical glow over the water.
Chiesa di Santo Stefano
Just three minutes west of the city square on foot, you’ll end up at the church of Chiesa di Santo Stefano. This heritage building dates back to the 17th century and once served as a cathedral. One of the most incredible features of the building is the clock tower which has been glued to the skeleton of the old building itself ever since it was established.
Other than that, the domes and extrados of the side chapels are the second biggest hooks that draw crowds. Take a closer look and you will be amazed at the beautifully crafted elements, bringing out a perfect balance of grandeur and elegance.
Gelateria Buonocore Capri
No exploration is complete without a charge for the sweet tooth. That’s why I want you to come over to Gelateria Buonocore and have a go at Capri’s most demanded ice cream!
This heritage store is a short walk west of Piazzetta di Capri. The best catch here is that they whip up their own crispy sugar cones. The crowds come in on any given sunny day, from morning till night.
I know their extensive collection of flavors may drive you crazy – but rest your worries! Ask for a mix of your different favorite flavors in one cone and they are happy to delight you.
Shop Til’ You Drop At Via Vittorio Emanuele
At the end of the day, nothing’s more tempting than a leisure stroll along a bustling boulevard. Just one minute east of Piazzetta di Capri, Via Vittorio Emanuele is dubbed as the town’s most visited shopping hub. From boutique stores to unique keepsakes and perfumes, you name it!
This sprawling extensive shopping stretch wraps around the historical landmark of Porta Romana. It gathers well-received shops such as Ferragamo selling Italian footwear, bags, and accessories; Angela Puttini Gioielli is the house of bespoke designer’s jewelry; and a clothing boutique of Antica Sartoria by Giacomo Cinque.
Side Note: Cap It Off With A Stop Over At Capri Overlook
If this is not the most jaw-dropping outlook at Capri, I don’t know what is. The viewpoint is jutting out from the rocky headland of Giardini di Augusto, a famous botanical garden with a unique landscape connected to a footpath with a view of the vast ocean.
Bonus:
Those who don’t wanna venture out to Capri on their own can sign up for one of the day trips leaving from Naples, Sorrento, or Positano I recommended below. If you’re looking for the best accommodations for a night or two in Capri, don’t look over Hotel San Felice and Capri Tiberio Palace. Both are located right in the heart of Capri.