The island of Capri rises like a massive blue-grey limestone rock with dramatic cliffs plunging to the brilliant blue sea. It’s surrounded by unique sea stacks and caves while offering a paradise that attracts plenty of the well-heeled, including big-name Hollywood celebrities. The Blue Grotto, one of the top attractions on the land, helped to make it one of the most popular destinations in the 19th century, drawing tourists from across the globe to enjoy its mild Mediterranean climate and stunning natural wonders. Capri town is the main city, renowned for its many high-end designer shops as well as being home to the spectacular Augustus Gardens. In tranquil Anacapri, hike or ride a chair lift to the summit of Mount Solaro for unbelievable views of the Amalfi Coast and the entire Bay of Naples. There are trails and paths to hike, countless boat tours and sunset cruises, delicious cuisine, and a wide range of accommodation options.
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Capri offers a wide range of accommodation options, from charming family-run B&Bs and guest houses to apartment rentals, boutique hotels, and luxury resorts. Before deciding which to book you’ll want to determine where you’ll stay. The main areas include Capri Town, Anacapri and South Anacapri, Marina Grande, and Marina Piccola. There are positives and negatives of each, with the best destination depending on your interests, budget, and travel style. Capri Town is arguably the best for most visitors, particularly sightseers and those here for the first time. It’s well-connected via public transport with the funicular connecting it to Marina Grande for boat tours, ferries, cruises, and more. Anacapri provides a more tranquil setting, while South Anacapri is known for its budget-friendly accommodation. Marina Grande is great for families and anyone who plans to spend a lot of time on the water while Marina Piccola is known for offering a high-end stay that attracts many celebrities.
The top attraction on the isle of Capri, the Blue Grotto is a natural sea cave that fills with water while sunlight filtering through the entrance illuminates it in an electric blue glow. It’s an awe-inspiring sight that can be enjoyed on a boat tour with most traveling into the narrow entrance in a traditional fishing vessel with low sides. Swimming is no longer allowed as the water is often choppy with the cliff face looking at the open sea, but it’s well worth the trip.
The Gardens of Augustus are another one of the most famous attractions on Capri Island, with the gorgeous botanic gardens featuring colorful flowers and beautiful views of the sea stacks just offshore that rise from the stunning aquamarine sea. A 180-degree vista can be enjoyed of Mount Solaro and the bay of Marina Piccola too. The terraced gardens burst with vibrant brugmansia, geraniums, and dahlias with the colors ranging from red and pink to brilliant orange depending on the time of year.
The center of the main town on Capri Island, the Piazzetta is officially known as Piazza Umberto, a lively square that serves as a popular gathering spot with great people- watching in the enticing cafes that surround it. Grab a drink and enjoy before doing some shopping or browsing on Via Camerelle, just steps away. It features many renowned designer stores like Prada but you’ll also find other shops selling souvenirs, locally made perfumes, clothing, pottery, custom-made leather sandals, and more.
A coastal path that reveals plenty of beauty and history along the island’s rugged western shore, Sentiero dei Fortini Borbonici is ideal for a two-hour walk that will bring you to a series of three early 19th-century forts nestled between the lighthouse and the Blue Grotto. You’ll also pass awe-inspiring sights like deep coves with crystal-clear blue waters and rocky limestone promontories. Instead of backtracking, return by local bus. If you start at the Blue Grotto, you’ll end at a small beach ideal for a dip.
The main port on Capri, Marina Grande is a natural starting point for many with the ferries docking here. It’s worth spending time in the area with many restaurants and bars that offer dining with a view of the promenade and the many boats that come and go. It’s another great place for people-watching and shopping for souvenirs too. Marina Grande Beach is located here, the largest sandy beach on the island. It’s one of the free beaches with both sandy and pebbly sections.
Taking a boat tour of any kind is really a must here but sunset cruises around Capri are particularly unforgettable. You’ll get to see iconic sights from the perspective of the water, such as the Punta Carena lighthouse, a famous natural arch formation, the Blue Grotto, the Faraglioni sea stacks, a villa that was used in 1963’s “Contempt.” Tiberius’ Leap, and more. Some include a swim stop, dinner and unlimited drinks, and/or live music with both group and private cruises available.
With its striking beauty and mild, Mediterranean-like climate, Capri Island can be visited year-round, but most come between Easter and early November, the main tourist season, with the peak time July and August. Famous for its idyllic beaches, magnificent villas, lush gardens, and as a playground for the rich and famous, including celebrities, it’s the busiest, warmest, and most expensive in the summer, with temperatures that can reach well above 90 degrees. Many feel the best time to visit the island of Capri is in May through mid-June or September through mid-October. This is when the weather is pretty much perfect, with temperatures in the 70s, and the crowds aren’t at their thickest. While plenty of day-trippers are likely to be hanging around during the day, evenings are quite pleasant and peaceful as most have returned to the mainland. Winter is low season, with many hotels and restaurants closed, but you’ll have the sights to yourself.
We recommend 2-3 days in Capri. This gives you time to enjoy attractions, food, and relaxation. But it’s flexible based on what you want to do
Don’t miss the Blue Grotto, Faraglioni rocks, and charming Anacapri town. For more guidance on things to do in Capri, see our full guide.
The prime time to visit Capri is from April to September. This is when you’ll find great weather and a lively atmosphere for enjoying the island’s beauty and activities. For fewer crowds, consider coming in spring or early fall.
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