12 Best Things To Do In Capri, Italy (+ Map & Itinerary)
Capri is one of those places that simply takes your breath away – from that first glimpse of the iconic Faraglioni rocks, to your second (punchy) limoncello at lunch, it’s the kind of destination that sticks with you long after your tan fades.
Sure, it’s expensive, a little bit flashy and full of people taking outfit pics in the middle of the street (hi, yes, I’m guilty of this too), however, it’s truly jaw-droppingly beautiful and totally worth adding to your Italian bucket list. I’ve visited Capri three times now, and each visit I’m discovering new corners of the Island that take me by surprise.
Whether you’re coming for a day trip or checking in for a few nights of Italian bliss, here’s my guide on the best things to do in Capri and my tried & tested tips that will help you make the most of this stunning island.
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Capri Key Info
When to visit
May – September
18°C (64°F) to 32°C (89°F)
How to get there
Take a ferry from Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast.
How to get around
Capri is mostly car-free and best explored on foot. Use funiculars, buses, tacis or water taxis to get around the island
IDEAL TRIP LENGTH
1-3 days
PLACES TO VISIT
Gardens of Augustus
Blue Grotto
Villa San Michele
Anacapri
Marina Piccola
MUST-DO ACTIVITIES
Capri Island Boat Tour
Capri Caves Kayaking Tour
Sunset drinks at Capri Rooftop
RESTAURANTS
Da Paolino
Le Monzù
Sina Flora
Pulalli
Restaurant Il Riccio
MY TOP HOTEL PICKS
Villa Lia Hotel Capri
Il Capri Hotel
Hotel Della Piccola Marina
Hotel Punta Tragara
12 Best things to do in capri
1. Wander through the Gardens of Augustus
These botanical gardens are tiny but STUNNING, with some of the best panoramic views on the island. It only costs €2.50 to enter the Gardens of Augustus, which – I’m gonna warn you now – is probably the cheapest thing you’ll buy in Capri.
From the edge of the garden, you get an incredible view of the Faraglioni rocks and the winding Via Krupp path (which looks like a zigzag carved into the cliffs). It’s perfect for photo ops and a short scenic stroll. It won’t take long to explore, but it’s a peaceful escape from the busy streets.
2. Capri Boat Tour
A boat tour is an absolute must while in Capri. You’ll cruise past the famous Faraglioni rocks, little hidden coves, and pass by the ridiculously fancy villas clinging to the cliffs.
I did this 2-hour group boat tour, which sails around the island and is incredible value at €24 per person, departing from Marina Grande.
If you’re looking for a smaller, more private tour to do with your girlfriends, then I recommend this 2-hour boat cruise which includes drinks & snacks and more room to spread out, from €60 per person.
Or go all out and book a private boat. Expect to pay around €300 for a 2-hour private boat trip, which usually includes a cooler of drinks and a skipper who knows all the best photo spots.
Don’t skip a visit to the Blue Grotto either! On group boat tours, you’ll be offered the option to visit this magical cave for an additional €18, personally, I think it’s worth doing only if you haven’t experienced a blue cave before in other countries like Croatia or Greece.
Boat Tours in Capri
3. Lunch at Da Paolino
This is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Capri, hands down. At Da Paolino, you’ll dine under a canopy of lemon trees, and it honestly feels like you’ve gate-crashed someone’s lavish wedding reception as the setting is that beautiful.
The menu is heavy on traditional Caprese dishes. I ordered the Tagliolini al Limone – a simple, yet flavoursome lemon type of pasta that I washed down with a strong Limoncello Spritz to keep on theme, of course!
We paid €120 for two mains, two cocktails and a cover charge (not bad for Capri standards). They even brought us complimentary limoncello shots to finish. Tip: Make sure to book ahead, especially in summer, as this place fills up quickly.
4. Marina Piccola Beach
If you’re after a classic Capri beach day without the eyewatering beach club fees, Marina Piccola is your go-to. Located on the island’s south side, it’s known for crystal-clear water, a relaxed vibe, and a front-row seat to the Faraglioni rocks.
You can either walk down from Capri town (about 20 minutes, mostly downhill) or hop in a short taxi ride. There’s a small public beach area plus a few beach clubs if you end up deciding you want to splash out on a lounger. Come early if you want a good spot – this little cove fills up fast, especially on sunny days.
5. Go Shopping in Capri Town
If your vibe is more Prada than postcards, Capri is your spot. It’s full of luxury boutiques, artisan sandal makers, and chic linen shops.
Even if you’re not buying, it’s fun to browse and pretend you’ve got a sugar daddy who will fit the bill (or maybe you actually do, good for you babe!). Look out for handmade sandals from Canfora – the perfect Capri souvenir that were once loved by Jackie Kennedy
6. Sunbathe at La Fontelina Beach Club
While this is the most iconic beach club on the island, it’s also one of the most expensive. If you want to save money visiting La Fontelina Beach Club, my advice is to go before peak season (29th May to 14th September) kicks off. During high season, there’s a minimum spend of €190 per person. Yep, you read that right.
We went in mid-May and paid €50 each for a sun lounger and €23 for an umbrella. Bring your own towels if you can (I swear by these microfibre ones that pack down tiny), otherwise you’ll need to rent one for €13.
The club opens at 9:30 am, and you can stay until 5 pm — trust me, it’s worth making a full day of it. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving fresh seafood, pasta and ice-cold spritzes.
Getting there? It’s a bit of a trek. From the main plaza in Capri town, it’s a 15-minute flat walk followed by a 10-minute descent down a steep path. Coming back up is a full-body workout (I was basically drenched in sweat by the end).
If you’d rather arrive in style (and sweat-free), you can take a water taxi from Marina Piccola for €9 per person. From Marina Piccola, you can get a bus or a taxi to the main port in Capri.
For an alternative (and slightly more affordable) beach club, check out Bagni Tiberio Beach Club. To visit, it costs €30.00 per person, which includes a full day access to the beach, a sun lounger and also a free boat transfer from the main port of Capri.
Note: Beach umbrellas are available at an additional cost. Reservations are essential, you need to arrive by 12 pm to secure your spot.
7. Chairlift to Monte Solaro
From Anacapri, you can hop on a single-seat chairlift to the highest point on the island — Monte Solaro. It takes about 15 minutes each way and costs €15 for a return trip. The views from the top? Breathtaking.
You can see across the Bay of Naples, Sorrento, and even as far as the Amalfi Coast on a clear day. If you’re scared of heights, it’s definitely a little nerve-wracking, but I promise the views are worth it.
8. Eat Lemon Sorbet out of a Lemon
It’s hard to know exactly where this trend of overpriced sorbet served in a lemon originated from, (possibly Sorrento or Positano), however, you’ll find multiple stands selling this expensive sweet treat across Capri, from the port to the main plaza.
I’ve devoured this sorbet multiple times from the ice cream stand, Chiosco Tizzano di Natalia e Antonio Tizzano, which is only a few steps from the Gardens of Augustus. Here, their lemon sorbet will set you back €9. Yes, I do admit that the price is excessive, however, it was extremely tasty and the perfect way to cool down in the summer months.
9. Visit Villa San Michele
This stunning villa and garden were once the home of Swedish physician Axel Munthe (a bit of a Renaissance man). The gardens at Villa San Michele are lush and filled with statues and ancient relics, and the views over the sea are jaw-dropping. Entry costs €12, and it’s an easy walk from the centre of Anacapri.
Popular activities in Capri
10. Pick Your Signature Scent at Carthusia
This is Capri’s OG perfumery, with a history dating back to 1380. Everything at Carthusia is made in small batches using local ingredients like lemon blossom, rosemary, and wild fig.
Step into the store and prepare to smell incredible for the rest of the day. My fave is the Fiori di Capri, but they’ll let you test loads before you commit to your new signature scent.
11. Sunset Drinks at Capri Rooftop
This spot is the place to be for golden hour. You’ll find Capri Rooftop just above Hotel Luna, with a view that looks directly out to the Faraglioni rocks.
Cocktails here average around €25 a drink, but they’re strong, beautifully presented, and come with a solid selection of complimentary snacks (thank god).
It gets busy at sunset, so book ahead or come early to snag a good table. It’s the perfect spot to toast the end of the day and soak up those dreamy Capri vibes.
12. Visit Il Riccio’s Dessert Room
If you have a sweet tooth, then quite frankly, you haven’t lived until you’ve walked into the iconic dessert room at Il Riccio Restaurant at Jumeirah Capri Palace.
Covered in blue tiles and filled with the most beautiful (and mouth-watering) spread of sweet treats, it’s every sugar lover’s dream. Think tiramisu, tarts, panna cotta, mini pastries, and cannolis.
A visit to this famous “Temptation Room” costs €30. After you’ve finished your main meal, you’ll be invited to tour the room and make your pudding selections, as many as you want or rather as many as will fit on your plate.
How to Get to Capri
Unless you’re lucky enough to be arriving by private yacht (in which case, congrats on life), you’ll be joining the rest of us mere mortals on a ferry to reach Capri.
The most common route is from Naples – you can fly into Naples International Airport (NAP) and from there, it’s about a 30-minute taxi or shuttle to the port.
There are two main ports in Naples: Molo Beverello (for fast ferries/hydrofoils) and Calata di Massa (for slower, cheaper ferries).
If you’re short on time and patience, go for the hydrofoil – it’ll get you to Capri in about 50 minutes. Tickets cost around €20–€30 one way, depending on the time and ferry company.
Tip: Book your tickets in advance on sites like directferries.co.uk or ferryhopper.com, especially during the summer months when literally everyone is Capri-bound. You can also book at the port, but be warned – queues can be long and chaotic.
Ferries run pretty frequently, roughly every 30–60 minutes during high season. But don’t cut it too close – they don’t wait around. And once you’re onboard, grab a seat on the left-hand side for the best views as you approach the island.
If you’re coming from the Amalfi Coast, there are also direct ferries from Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and even Salerno in summer. These routes are shorter and more scenic (Sorrento to Capri is just 20 minutes), but they’re also more dependent on weather, so keep that in mind.
Once you’ve arrived in Capri, you’ll disembark at Marina Grande, the main port, I recommend getting the funicular up to the Piazzetta di Capri (Capri’s main plaza) in order to avoid the steep climb. The funicular costs €2.50 a ride, it runs every 15 minutes, and the journey takes 5 minutes up the cliffside.
The funicular departs from here, however, do note that you have to buy tickets from an office across the street, located here.
Best Time to Visit Capri
Capri is at its best between mid-late May and early June or September to early October – when the sun’s out, the water’s warm, and the island hasn’t been completely overtaken by summer crowds.
During these shoulder months, you’ll get to enjoy the postcard-worthy views, lemon-scented air, and lunches without having to queue 30 minutes for a taxi or a table. Expect days averaging 18–27°C (64–81°F) and a light coastal breeze.
July and August? Gorgeous weather, yes, but as it’s peak season, this means temps can sometimes soar above 30°C (86°F), inflated prices, and hordes of people everywhere from the Piazzetta to the beach clubs. If you’re not a fan of heatwaves and crowds, I’d give these months a miss.
Be aware that some places close for the season between late October and Easter, so always double-check what’s open before you book.
I’ve visited Capri in both May and September, and if I had to pick again, I’d recommend going in mid to late May – the island is covered in a rainbow-hued blanket of spring flowers, and high season hasn’t kicked off yet, meaning you can skip the eye-watering minimum spends most beach clubs start enforcing from June.
Capri One Day Itinerary
Here’s how I’d recommend spending a perfect day in Capri:
⛴️ 9:00 AM – Arrive at Marina Grande
Jump off the ferry and head straight to the funicular (buy your €2.50 ticket at the kiosk across the road first). It’ll zip you up the cliffside to Capri town in 5 minutes flat.
🌺 9:30 AM – Gardens of Augustus
It’s a 10-minute walk from the Piazzetta to these dreamy little gardens, where you’ll get picture-perfect views of the Faraglioni rocks and the iconic zig-zagging Via Krupp. It’s €2.50 to enter and takes about 30 minutes to explore.
🍋 10:00 AM – Lemon Sorbet
Right near the gardens, grab a (very extra but very delicious) lemon sorbet served in an actual lemon from from the ice cream stand, Chiosco Tizzano di Natalia e Antonio Tizzano.
🛍 10:30 AM – Shopping Around Capri Town
Wander back through the Piazzetta and do a little boutique browsing. Pop into Carthusia to pick your signature Capri scent or try on a pair of handmade sandals from Canfora.
🍝 12:00 PM – Lunch at Pulalli
Hidden just off the main square, Pulalli is a perfect lunch spot with views over the Piazzetta.
🏖️ 1:30 PM – Head to Marina Piccola Beach
From Capri town, it’s about a 20-minute downhill walk (or a short taxi ride) to Marina Piccola. Bring a towel, grab a spot on the public beach.
Alternative option: if you don’t fancy a swim, head back to Marina Grande and go on this 2-hour boat tour with a visit to the Blue Grotto.
🍹 5:00 PM – Aperitivo at Capri Rooftop
Taxi or walk back up to Capri town for golden hour drinks at Capri Rooftop (above Hotel Luna). You’ll get front-row views of the Faraglioni Rocks and delicious cocktails.
🍋 6:30 PM – Dinner at Da Paolino
From Capri town, take a quick taxi over to Da Paolino and dine under the lemon trees like the bougie queen you are. The lemon pasta and limoncello spritz are non-negotiable. Book ahead!
⛴️ 8:15 PM – Ferry Back to the Mainland
From the restaurant, it’s a 10-minute walk back to Marina Grande, from where you can catch your ferry to the mainland.
Best Hotels in Capri
Villa Lia Hotel Capri (££)
Lovely boutique-style villa with bright, modern rooms, a pool and incredible views, just a short walk from Capri town’s main attractions.
Hotel Della Piccola Marina (££)
Stylish and tranquil hotel with sea-view rooms and a panoramic pool terrace, located close to Marina Piccola.
Hotel Gatto Bianco (££)
A cosy, old-school Capri gem with retro charm, excellent service and a central location right off the main shopping street.
Il Capri Hotel (£££)
A dreamy pink neo-Gothic villa turned boutique hotel with gorgeous interiors, a rooftop pool and sunset views over the Marina Grande.
Hotel La Minerva (£££)
Elegant boutique hotel with sea views, impeccable design and the kind of personal service that makes you feel like royalty.
Capri Tiberio Palace (£££)
Colourful, eclectic interiors meet 5-star comfort at this iconic hotel just a short stroll from the Piazzetta. The pool terrace is a showstopper.
Jumeirah Capri Palace (££££)
A glamorous hotel in Anacapri with luxe suites, a world-class spa and that famous dessert room at Il Riccio.
J.K. Place Capri (£££££)
An ultra-luxe hotel perched above the sea with a pool, spa, and some of the best views in Capri – pure indulgence.
Hotel Punta Tragara
two swimming pools
SPA & WELLNESS CENTRE
mICHELIN STARRED DINING
Panoramic Sea Views
short walk to beach
BREAKFAST INCLUDED
Welcome to Hotel Punta Tragara, a coral-hued dream perched dramatically above the iconic Faraglioni rocks on the island of Capri. This place has history (literally — it was once a WWII command base!) and now it’s where the chic come to sunbathe and sip spritzes with a front row seat to Capri’s finest.
There are two gorgeous outdoor pools (one heated with massage jets), a wellness area with cutting-edge treatments, and plenty of sun-drenched terraces for Aperol-fuelled lounging. You’re a quick stroll from the Piazzetta (Capri’s main plaza), but honestly, you’ll probably never want to leave the hotel’s leafy gardens and sea-view loungers.
Le Monzù serves up elegant Mediterranean plates with a view so good it might distract you from the Michelin-starred dishes (I said might).
Upon arrival, you’ll immediately want to make your way to The Tragara Club for their signature cocktails, I recommend their Wisteria Spritz – a delightfully sweet, lavender tasting creation.
Then there’s THE GRILL – a relaxed yet luxurious poolside restaurant, though you’ll find no club sandwiches here, instead you’ll find elevated Italian classics.
There are 44 rooms & suites available at Hotel Punta Tragara, each one more lavish than the last. I stayed in a Junior suite which was split across two levels, with a walk in wardrobe, lounge area and private balcony with sea views.
However, the standout suite is without a doubt the Art Suite with its jaw dropping black bathtub with views of the Faraglioni rocks, along with a private panoramic rooftop terrace.
Google Map of Capri
Here’s a Google Map of all the places in Capri mentioned in this post as well as few added extras worth checking out.
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