Best Things to Do in Capri

The island of Capri is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea in Italy, south of the Gulf of Naples and just off the Sorrento peninsula. It has been a popular holiday destination since ancient Rome. Despite being a small island, it has many iconic sites worth visiting that will make you feel like you're in an Italian postcard paradise. What are you waiting for?

From its beautiful harbours and beaches, to its sea caves, they all stand out. The natural sites are the most visited. However, on the island you will also find architectural works that you should not miss. Among them are the Villa Jovis and the Villa Malaparte.

Marina Grande is the main port on the island of Capri. It is located in the north of the island at the foot of Monte Solaro. This is the first place you'll visit when you arrive in Capri and it's where you'll find a variety of services. When you are there, I invite you to browse the souvenir shops and typical food restaurants. It is also one of the best beaches in Capri.

You can take a short tour of all the shops and have lunch in restaurants such as the Verginiello pizzeria. Afterwards you can spend hours on the beach - don't forget your swimming costume and sunscreen! Getting to this port is the best way to get to know the island as it is very lively and offers many options.

As it is at the foot of Monte Solaro you can take the funicular and travel there. You can also book a boat tour around the island. This is the central point to go to the most touristic places of the island.

Interesting details

• Location: 80076 Marina Grande, Naples, Italy.
• Price: There is no charge to enter the island, but you do have to pay for the ferry ride which costs on average €50 or more.
• Timetable: You can go at any time of the day.

The Blue Grotto is a sea cave approximately 60 metres long and 25 metres wide. One of its entrances is very narrow, so you can only access it in a small boat that is anchored to the outside of the route. Do you dare to do it? Although it can be a little intimidating, I assure you that this almost magical experience is well worth it. When you enter, you will be able to appreciate how the water seems to be illuminated from the bottom of the sea.

The other entrance is wider, but it is submerged. It is precisely thanks to it that the phenomenon of sunlight reflection occurs, which allows the blue colouring inside the cave. Please note that it is not possible to pass through this entrance, as it is forbidden to swim inside the cave.

The Blue Grotto was frequented in Roman times, but it is said that they stopped visiting it because they thought there were evil spirits in it. The cave was later rediscovered and has since become a major attraction. Tourists are willing to wait for hours for their turn to explore it.

I recommend booking a boat tour that passes through the cave early in the morning. It is usually less crowded at that time of day, so you won't have to wait long. Once inside, let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the cave. Some recommend singing to take advantage of the acoustics of the site.

Details of interest

• Location: 80071 Anacapri, Naples, Italy.
• Price: To enter you must pay for a boat trip for up to four people. This costs on average €15.
• Hours: You can go at any time of the day.

The iconic Faraglioni of Capri are made up of three large rocks set in the sea. Thanks to their enigmatic presence and beauty, they are now an icon of the island. Each one has a name: Stella, Faraglione di Mezzo (it has a crevice) and Faraglione di Fuori. Seeing them is one of the things you can do in Capri in November, because despite the cold, their beauty will be breathtaking.

These rock formations have years of history. They are part of the island, but over the years they have been modelled and separated thanks to the action of the wind, water currents and other factors. According to Omero's Odyssey, the Faraglioni are the massifs thrown by Polyphemus.

Many artists around the world have taken them as inspiration or include them in some way in their works. In addition to this, in ancient times they were used as lighthouses to guide navigators. For this they had to light bonfires, so their name "faraglioni" may have originated there.

If you want to see them up close, I recommend a kayaking adventure. This way you can paddle and pass right next to them. Another option that is also very good to appreciate them is to visit the Punta Tragara viewpoint. You can also take a boat trip around the island.

Interesting details

• Location: 80073 Capri, NA, Italy.
• Price: There is no specific price to see the Faraglioni, however, you must pay for the experience that allows you to see them, either a boat ride or transport to certain points on the island.
• Time: You can see them at any time of the day, but it is not recommended at night, as they are not clearly visible.

The Natural Arch of the island of Capri has its origins in the Palaeolithic age and is formed by the remains of a collapsed grotto. It is made of limestone and is about 12 metres wide and 18 metres high. If you are a photography enthusiast, you will be delighted to know that the arch offers a perfect picture frame for photographing seascapes.

I recommend going to the arch in the morning or at sunset, as it is an excellent viewpoint. From there you will be able to see how the colours of the sky change and blend in with the sea. You will also see the tip of the Sorrento peninsula, other small islands and the entire east coast of Capri.

To get there you have to walk to the top of a cliff. The only way to get there is on foot, so I recommend you wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for the walk. If you book a tour in Capri you can count on the help of a guide who will take you there and tell you the history of the site.

In any case, you should know that there are two paths you can choose. The first one starts from the main square of Capri. The second is a much more scenic route as you will pass through the Faraglioni and along the southeast coast.

Interesting details

• Location: 8 Via Arco Naturale, Capri, 80076, Italy.
• Price: free admission.
• Time: You can go at any time of the day, but I recommend going at sunrise or sunset.

Villa Jovis or Jupiter's Villa is a great place to visit when visiting the island of Capri. It is an ancient Roman palace located in the south of the island and was built for the Roman Emperor Tiberius. It is said that in this palace the emperor spent his holidays and had a secret life.

This building covers about 7000 square metres and has multiple terraces, walls and staircases. It is undoubtedly an outstanding example of Roman architecture of the period. Over the years it has had some reconstructions, as time has deteriorated parts of its structure.

When you enter, you will notice that to the north of the palace is the living area. To the south is the administrative area, and to the east is the reception area. At the entrance the walls are open to give a good view of Anacapri. A curiosity is that the rainwater collection system was complex, as it collected the water from the roofs to a cistern.

Please note that in order to visit this site you have to walk from the city. The walk is approximately two kilometres, so be prepared with the most comfortable shoes you have! You will also need to plan your visit, as it is open from 10am to 7pm. The average entrance fee is €5.

Interesting details

• Location: Via Tiberio, 80073 Capri NA, Italy.
• Price: approximately €5.
• Opening hours: from 10 am to 7 pm.

Monte Solaro is the highest point of the whole island and has an elevation of 589 metres. It is an imposing mountain where the "Fortino di Bruto", a blockhouse used during the battles between Great Britain and France in the 19th century, is located. To get there, you have to travel by bus from the village and then take a funicular or a taxi.

I recommend you plan your visit well in advance, as transport can be a bit tricky. Although there are buses that travel directly to the mountain, they usually take about an hour to get there. Therefore, I recommend taking a bus and then a funicular. The average cost of a funicular is €15 or less. The best way to get back is to walk so you don't have to wait for a taxi or bus.

The funicular is a relatively short ride, taking less than 15 minutes. When you get there you will be able to enjoy spectacular views. This plan is ideal for all months of the year. If you travel to Capri in September from the mount, you will be able to see the beautiful autumn colours.

From Mount Solaro you can see Ischia and the Galli Islands. You will also have a privileged view of the Gulf of Naples with Vesuvius and the Sorrento peninsula. If the sky is clear enough, you can also see the Gulf of Salerno.

Interesting details

• Location: 80071 Anacapri, Naples, Italy.
• Price: The price for transport is approximately €15.
• Hours: You can go at any time of the day.

Capri is an island paradise full of history and iconic sites not to be missed on your visit. Architecturally it is full of wonders such as the Villa Malaparte. It is one of the most representative houses of the island.

The Villa Malaparte in Punta Massullo is recognised as an icon of Italian rationalist architecture. It is also a famous work of Curzio Malaparte, a writer, journalist and poet. It has the shape of a red parallelepiped. Its presence stands out at first sight on the cliff of Punta Massullo. However, it is only possible to see it from the outside.

It is only about 10 minutes by car and half an hour on foot from the location of this villa to the Augustus Gardens. These are a series of natural terraces coming from the cliff. To visit them you have to pay an entrance fee of approximately €1. Please note that the opening hours are from nine in the morning until seven in the evening.

From the gardens you can take beautiful pictures of the Faraglioni, the rooftops of the island, the Carthusian Monastery of La Certosa di San Giacomo, Mount Tiberio and Mount San Michele. The views are incredible, so it is worth visiting these terraces, especially in the morning.

Interesting details

• Location: 80076 Capri, NA, Italy.
• Price: Although you can't visit the Villa Malaparte, you can enter the Gardens of Augustus for only €1.
• Hours: You can go at any time of the day to see the villa. To enter the gardens the opening hours are from 9am to 7pm.

Marina Piccola is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Capri. It is located towards the south of the island and, according to Greek mythology, it was the place where the mermaids tried to seduce Ulysses with their music.

Marina Piccola Bay is located on a high point of Capri, so it allows a good view of the rest of the island. It is also a sunny area, so I recommend using sunscreen to avoid discomfort later.

The bay is surrounded by a rock wall that protects it from the winds. This makes it very quiet and an ideal place to relax. Its beaches are public, so you won't have to pay anything to enjoy them.

Interesting details

• Location: 80076 Capri, Naples, Italy.
• Price: There is no charge for bathing on the beaches, but there is a charge for the services, and these may vary.
• Hours: You can go at any time of the day.

The luxurious island of Capri has a past that can be felt in every corner. However, its historic centre is ideal to learn more about it. You'll see picturesque houses and places full of anecdotes.

The old town is divided into two nuclei. The first one is delimited by the streets M. Serafina, S. Aniello, l'Abate and Posterla (small gate). The other is located in the north of the island, just behind Umberto I square. It is the oldest area and surrounds the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Visiting the centre of Capri is one of the top 10 things to do on the island. You can wander the streets which are almost always bustling with commerce and architectural beauty. I also recommend eating in its restaurants and doing some shopping.

Villa San Michele is a romantic Roman retreat. It is located towards the north-eastern part of the island just above a steep cliff of approximately 327 m. You'll feel like you're overlooking the world from this height! The average price to visit is 10 € and the opening hours are from nine in the morning until six in the evening.

This site was originally the ruins of a 10th century chapel dedicated to St. Michael. Axel Munthe, a Swedish doctor and writer, bought it and the surrounding land in 1895. It was gradually rebuilt to form what we know today as Villa San Michele.

It consists of a three-storey palace and has an architectural style that cannot be pigeonholed, as it was made to the taste of its owner. Outside the palace you will see the beautiful gardens of Axel Munthe which follow the contour of the cliff. Following them you can reach the Sphinx Chapel, where you can make a wish by placing your hand on it and looking out to sea, do you have a wish in mind?

Besides magic and beauty, inside the mansion you will have the opportunity to see sculptures more than 2,000 years old. You will also see archaeological remains that were recovered by Axel Munthe. Other works on display include multiple sculptures in ceramic, wood, metal and much more.

Interesting details

• Location: Viale Axel Munthe, 34, 80071 Anacapri NA, Italy.
• Price: around 10 €.
• Opening hours: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.