Located 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the edge of the Sorrentine peninsula, the island Capri is one of the loveliest resorts in Italy. During spring and summer, it is overrun by tourists and is popular with local and international travelers, drawn here by the sun, sea, and romance. This friendly island is easy to get around in one day.

Your ferry or hydrofoil will dock at the Marina Grande. All major hotels, cafes, and restaurants are on the steep hill facing the harbor. There are also funiculars that can take you to and from the clifftop.

A short distance from Capri is a small ancient town called Anacapri. You can also take a bus to get to this little gem near Monte Solaro. Furthermore, you should also visit Marina Piccola. It has a big beach that is very popular. So if you decide to go to Capri for a day trip, here are essential things you should know:

How to get to Capri

You can get to Capri from either Naples or Sorrento. Ferries and hydrofoils drive from these two destinations several times a day. From Naples, the hydrofoil ride takes 40 minutes and one hour and a half by ferry. From Sorrento, the hydrofoil takes only 30 minutes.

Moving around Capri

If you are planning to visit Capri in one day, we advise you to travel by local transportation and avoid getting there by your car. You won’t find a place to park your car since your hotel will probably be on top of a hill that can only be reached by funicular. There are plenty of taxis and buses for you to get around, so personal cars are a big no in Capri.

The hotels are far from the docks, and in case you have heavy luggage, you can engage a porter whom you’ll find near the Marina Grande jetty. Although fixing a price for the service is most often a harrowing process, your porter will easily be able to guide you to your hotel through the narrow maze-like streets of the island. If you’re staying at one of the luxury hotels on the island, they will send a porter to pick you up.

Piazza Umberto I is Capri’s nerve center, with the most popular bars, restaurants, and cafes lining the street. Strolling around the center of the town is an excellent way to spend some time. The most popular route goes through Via Vittorio Emanuele, past the deluxe Quisisana hotel, and finally to Giardini di Augusto, where you can get an amazing view of the sea and it is also a perfect place to relax.

You can also see I Faraglioni, the legendary abode of the Blue Lizard. Furthermore, you can continue to Certosa. It is a Carthusian monastery honoring St. James that was built in the 14th century. Entrance to the church is free, so do not miss this little gem. The church is open on all days except Mondays between 9:00 AM (9:00 hours) and 2:00 PM (14:00 hours).

Another popular walk starts at Piazza Umberto I, going past Via Longano and Via Tiberio to reach Monte Tiberio. You should definitely visit the Villa Jovis that is located there. These are the ruins of an estate belonging to Tiberius, who ruled from A.D. 27 to A.D. 37. Apart from the ruins, you will be treated to fabulous views of the Bay of Salerno, the Bay of Naples, and the rest of the island of Capri.

The villa is open from 9:00 AM (9:00 hours) until one hour before sunset. An entrance fee is 3 euros per person, which is a pretty cheap price for what you get.

Nightlife in Capri

There are quite a few clubbing opportunities on the island. The great thing is that you don’t have to pay a cover to enter. Most clubs are open only between April and September, so keep that in mind. The most famous club on the island of Capri is Number Two on Via Camerelle. If clubbing isn’t your thing, then you can spend your evenings at the numerous cafes, bars, and taverns in the historic center.

Shopping in Capri

If you are visiting Capri in one day, you should go shopping for at least an hour. The best place for shopping for top-end products and designs is Via Camerelle. Check out Carthusia-Profumi di Capri for some exclusive perfumes that are made from local ingredients.

Started in 1948, the scents are very unique, smell perfect, and are often considered collector’s items. You can also visit their perfume lab on Vialle Parco Augusto. It is open every day from 9:30 AM (9:30 hours) to 6:00 PM (18:00 hours).

Don’t leave the island without buying a bottle of Limoncello. This local liqueur, made from lemon zest, was made by the Canali family from this island years ago. You can drink it as an aperitif or mixed with vodka or sparkling wines.

In 1989, the Canalis established modern distilleries, and their popularity has soared ever since, with exports going to countries like America and Japan. If you want a local authentic product, you can buy it from Limoncello di Capri on 79 Via Roma in Capri. In Anacapri, you can pick it up from Via Capodimonte.

Capri is also the right place for footwear, clothes, and jewelry. If you are lucky and good at searching, you can often find some excellent bargains. Those who want custom-made footwear should visit Canfora on Via Camerelle 3. Antonio Viva is the best sandal maker, and you can buy his shoes from L’Arte del Sandalo Caprese on Giuseppe Orlandi 75, Anacapri. Those who want custom design sandals should also visit this store.

Mamma Olympia’s jewelry is the most popular on the island. Located at La Perla Goielli, Piazza Umberto 10-15, this shop was started in 1936, and it makes the most exquisite jewelry that is popular all over Europe and America.

Regions of Capri

Marina Grande

Marina Grande is the port, and although it is the gateway to the island, it is very interesting. It has a sandy and pebble beach that is frequented by sailors. The biggest attraction in this area is the Grotta Azzurra or Blue Grotto. Although considered a tourist trap, it is wonderful and a must-see with the naturally lit cavern in Mediterranean colors.

Famous in ancient times, it was rediscovered in 1826 by an artist. A trip around the island will take you to the Blue Grotto, the Baths of Tiberius, Palazzo al Mare, the Green Grotto, and Faraglioni. The 25 euros per person motorboat trip lasts an hour and a half.

Anacapri

Situated at a higher altitude, Anacapri is less crowded and more peaceful than the town of Capri. You will have to take the bus to get there but keep in mind that it will be a roller coaster ride. There were ancient steps called Scala Fenicia that once connected Anacapri with Capri, but today the only connection is by bus.

The bus ride costs 2 euros for a round-trip. It takes you to Piazza Della Victoria, and from there, you will have to take a La Segovia or chairlift to Monte Solaro. This ancient citadel is situated 594 meters above the sea. The chairlift operated from 9:30 AM (9:30 hours) up to sunset, and this 12-minute ride costs 5 euros (return ticket). From there, you can get the best views of the Bay of Naples.

But there are also some other interesting attractions in the village. The Swedish writer/physician Axel Munthe’s home is the Villa San Michele, Capodimonte 34. This beautiful and tastefully decorated villa houses some marble ruins of the imperial villa that originally stood here. A walk in the garden shows many scenic views. The villa is open every day, and the ticket costs 5 euros per person.

Marina Piccola

The southern shore of Marina Piccola, with its emerald green waters and the majestic Faraglioni rock, is a perfect place for lunch. It is only a 20-minute walk from Capri. If you don’t like walking, you can take a cab or a bus. This place has many restaurants, but you should definitely try La Canzone del Mare on Via Marina Piccola 93, famous for delicious seafood and authentic Neapolitan food.

Capri Beaches

Capri doesn’t have luxuriant sandy beaches due to the mountainous terrain of the region. However, that hasn’t kept the tourists from enjoying Capri during the summer vacation. There are a few good areas for swimming. These areas have clubs called Stabilimenti Balneari that charge an admission fee to visitors. The most preferred sunning option is lounging around the comfortable poolsides of hotels.

The best beach is Bagni Nettuno (on Via Grotta Azzurra 46). It is located a short distance from the Blue Grotto in Anacapri. Charging 8 euros as an entrance fee, this magnificent beach is enveloped by steep but scenic cliffs. Your admission fee includes the usage of a cabana, towels, and deck chairs. Between mid-March and mid-November, the beach is open from 9:00 AM (9:00 hours) until sunset.

You can do a bit of swimming from there up to the entrance to the Blue Grotto. There are boats that cover this distance during the day, and you should swim in this route after 5:00 PM (17:00 hours). You can save yourself the trouble and head to Bagni di Tiberio for a swim in the sea. This sandy beach is a short walk (30 minutes) from an ancient Roman villa’s ruins. Likewise, you can take a 15-minute motorboat ride from Marina Grande for 5 euros per person.

The most crowded beach is Marina Piccola. This sandy beach is sandwiched between two lava rocks. Apart from sunning and swimming, you could also take a motorboat to Bagni le Sirene. Prices vary depending on the size of the boat and the facilities offered onboard.

Check out more articles about Capri:

• Romantic things to do in Capri
• Things to do in Capri at night
• Best restaurants in Capri
• Best pizza in Capri
• How to get to Capri?
• Best ice cream in Capri