Capri, Italy is a gorgeous island in the Tyrrhenian Sea and a quick, 20-minute boat ride from the Amalfi Coast.
Capri has a classic Italian aesthetic and is filled with gorgeous hotels, unique shopping, great restaurants, and incredible views. It makes a great day trip from Positano, Naples, Sorrento or Amalfi, or stay for a few days to experience all the island has to offer.
Read on for everything you need to know to plan your visit!
How to get there
The best way to get to Capri is by ferry. There are a number of ferries that travel between the Amalfi Coast and Capri; some are high-speed ferries that only take about 20 minutes. If you go this route, plan to pay around EUR 25 for a one-way ticket. Naples and Sorrento offer ferries year-round, while more seasonal Amalfi Coast destinations such as Positano and Amalfi only operate ferries to Capri during the high season (generally April through October.) It’s a good idea to check the ferry schedules before your trip to ensure crossings are available on the dates and times you’re planning to travel.
Another consideration: luggage. If you’re staying overnight, check the luggage requirements for the ferry company you plan to book. Many offer one piece of carry-on luggage for free, with fees or restrictions for additional bags.
Another option is to take a private charter boat, but that comes with a price. Private charters can range from EUR 500 to EUR 2,000+.
Getting around in Capri
The island is made up of two towns: Capri and Anacapri. The town of Capri is where you’ll arrive if you take the ferry. (Actually, you’ll arrive in the port of Capri – take the funicular up to the actual town!) You’ll find more luxury shopping in Capri town, with well-known brands.
Anacapri is a quick, 10-minute taxi ride from Capri. It’s a little quieter and the boutiques are more artisan. Anacapri is at a higher elevation than the town of Capri, and offers sweeping views.
You don’t need a car for your visit. The island is very walkable, and when walking isn’t an option, there are taxis available; many are convertibles for a true open-air, island experience.
Things to do (beyond the Blue Grotto)
There’s no shortage of things to do on this beautiful island. A couple can’t-miss activities include:
Stroll a terraced botanical garden
The Gardens of Augustus are a breathtaking botanical garden created in the early 1900s by German industrialist, Alfred Friedrich Krupp. Less than a five minute walk from the town of Capri, the gardens offer winding terraces and views of the coast and sea.
Shopping
In the town of Capri, most shopping is located on a street called Via Camerelle. Here, you’ll find Chanel, Dior, Golden Goose, Gucci, Hermés and more.
If you’re looking for unique pieces, Capri is known for handmade sandals. Canfora is the most well-known shop, creating handmade sandals since 1946. Over the years, Canfora customers have included Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly.
Speaking of Jackie Kennedy, she was also a fan of La Parisienne, a boutique shop specializing in tailored clothing since 1906. She popularized their pants – Capri pants – and visitors today can purchase the very same pant, now known as the Jackie O Pant.
Tour a gorgeous villa
Villa San Michele was the dream home of Swedish physician, Dr. Axel Munthe. Dr. Munthe was the personal physician of notable contemporaries, including the Swedish royal family. He was also a naturalist who loved the island, choosing to build a fantastic villa on an ancient site. Today, you can tour the villa and its gardens, which recently won a prize for the best private garden in Italy. A visit costs EUR 10, and includes admission to the villa and gardens, as well as fantastic views of Capri, nearby Sorrento, and beyond.
Best hotels in Capri, Italy
Hotel Minerva
With 19 guest rooms, Hotel Minerva is a beautiful boutique hotel that’s right-sized to provide incredibly personalized service and warm Italian hospitality. Hotel Minerva is located in the town of Capri, and is a five minute walk from the city center.
Visit the hotel website
Hotel Caesar Augustus
Opulence is on full display at this cliffside hotel in Anacapri. Amenities include a double level infinity pool, overlooking the sea, and locally grown cuisine.
Visit the hotel website
Where to eat
Da Paulino
Dine in a lemon grove under 130 fragrant lemon trees at this waterfront restaurant. Um okay!
Via Palazzo a Mare, 11, 80076 Capri NA, Italy
Buonocore Gelateria
Located on one of the main thoroughfares in Capri town, this was some of THE.BEST. gelato I’ve had in Italy. Don’t miss it!
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 35, 80073 Capri NA, Italy
La Capannina
A celebrity favorite dating back to the 1950s, La Capannina has welcomed everyone from Julia Roberts to Aristotle Onassis.
Via le Botteghe, 14, 80073 Capri NA, Italy
What to pack
I enjoyed dressing up a bit more in Capri than more casual parts of Italy, such as Tuscany. With that said, comfortable shoes and clothes you can easily walk and explore in are a must, especially for the Gardens of Augustus, strolling the island, and climbing stairs to and from the sea. A swimsuit and hat are essentials during the summer, as are great accessories for a night out.
Heading to the Amalfi Coast? You may also enjoy my guide to Positano.
FAQs About Capri
Is it worth going to Capri for a day?
Yes! Capri makes a great day trip from Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Sorrento, or any of the coastal towns along the Amalfi Coast. I would stick to either the town of Capri or the town of Anacapri if you visit for a day trip.
Is Capri really touristy?
Capri is touristy but don’t let that deter you from visiting. It’s a place unlike anywhere else in the world, and worth seeing at least once. The most touristy places are the center square in Capri, the main shopping corridor in Capri, and the Blue Grotto. If you want to avoid these areas, consider visiting Anacapri which is a little quieter.
Is Capri different from Amalfi?
Capri is very different from Amalfi. Capri is known for its upscale and glamorous atmosphere, attracting celebrities and travelers seeking luxury. Visitors come to explore its natural beauty, upscale boutiques, and famous attractions such as Villa San Michele or the Blue Grotto.
Amalfi offers a grittier Italian coastal town experience. It’s famous for its historic center and beautiful Duomo (cathedral.) Throughout the city you can see Arab influences in art and architecture, stemming from Amalfi’s long history as a maritime republic. Today, travelers visit to soak up the local culture and enjoy the scenic coastline.
