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Capri is the gem of the Amalfi coast and our favorite destination in the area. This small island is known as a hotspot for the rich and famous, but normal people like us can easily join in on the fun. If you only have time to see one place on the Amalfi coast, choose Capri. This mountainous, bougainvillia-draped paradise is not to be missed. It makes a great home base for exploring the coast, as there are frequent ferries to Positano and other Amalfi coast destinations you can visit as day trips. You could also opt to visit Capri as a day trip. With this one-day Capri itinerary, you can see all the island’s most important attractions in a single day. Do the activities in the order listed to optimize your time.
Table Of Contents – Capri Day Trip
Star Rating Key
★★★ Top priority
★★ Highly recommended
★ Worthwhile
No Star – Skippable if not interested
Capri Day Trip
Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) ★★
The Blue Grotto is the most famous sight on Capri island. It is a beautiful mostly-underwater cave which reflects the color of the sky to create a gorgeous glowing blue hue. If it were easy to see, it would be a 3-star sight, but getting here is a hassle. You can either take a boat from Marina Grande or get to the grotto yourself by bus from Anacapri (see website for details on getting there).
Just outside the grotto you’ll have to make your way into a small row-boat carrying a max of 4 passengers, and be pulled into the tiny hole leading into the grotto. You’ll get a few minutes in the cave, then you will be pulled back out again before you know it. If you have enough time to fit it into your day (plan for 60-90 minutes), it’s worth the hassle. If you’re pressed for time, this is a reasonable activity to skip.
Cost and Hours: €14 per person for grotto entry, plus €14 per person for a round-trip boat ride from Marina Grande (if you choose to go from there). Open 9am-5pm daily. However, the grotto may close at any time without notice in rough seas (this happens particularly frequently in off-season).
Website: www.capri.com/en/e/la-grotta-azzurra
Monte Solaro Chair Lift ★★★
Monte Solaro is Capri’s highest peak at 1932 feet (590m). The chairlift leaves from Piazza Vittoria and takes you on a 13 minute journey to the top. Once you arrive, you will be rewarded with arguably the most stunning views in all of Italy. Looking down from the mountain-top bar, you can watch as the landscape seems to cascade down from your feet into the Gulf of Naples.
Cost and Hours: €12 per person round trip. Open daily 9:30am-5:00pm (shorter hours during offseason, see website for details).
Address: Via Caposcuro, 10, 80071 Anacapri NA, Italy
Website: www.capriseggiovia.it/en/impianto.html
Villa San Michele ★★★
Villa San Michele belonged to Axel Munthe, a Swedish doctor and philanthropist. It was built in the 1800s atop the ruins of one of ancient Roman emperor Tiberius’s villas. Inside, you can learn a bit about Dr. Munthe, as well as see the villa’s collection of art, antiques, and ancient objects unearthed here.
The building itself, with its open-air courtyards and stunning views, is the main draw. Don’t miss the view of the ancient sphinx overlooking the island and sea.
Cost and Hours: €10 per adult. Open 9:00am-6:00pm (shorter hours in offseason, see website for details).
Address: Viale Axel Munthe, 34, 80071 Anacapri NA, Italy
Website: www.villasanmichele.eu/visit
Anacapri Stroll ★★
Anacapri is where most of the island locals live, and not many tourists make it into the actual town here. Take some time to walk around and appreciate regular life on this island, away from the glitz and glam of Capri town. There is no specific path you must take, simply meander the narrow streets and you will find yourself walking alongside vineyards, gardens, storefronts, and residences.
If you have time, get a lemon or orange granita (fresh-squeezed slushy) and enjoy it on a bench in front of the church of Santa Sofia. Here you can sit quietly and watch the locals live out their lives in the square.
I Faraglioni ★★
This cluster of three immense limestone rock formations jutting out of the sea is perhaps the most recognizable natural landmark of Capri. The furthest rock from the shore is the natural habitat of a blue-bellied lizard, which cannot be found anywhere else on earth.
While some people make their way down to the rocks themselves, for most it is enough to see them from a distance. The Belvedere Tragara observation deck is a great spot to appreciate this natural wonder and take some photos.
Belvedere Tragara Address: Via Tragara, 80076 Capri NA, Italy
Capri Town Stroll ★★
Capri town is the island’s main town and home to most of its tourists. Start in the Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto I) and wander around from there. You’ll pass designer storefronts, difficult-to-place celebrities, yacht-owners, and wealthy jetsetters from around the world. Try not to let this atmosphere distract you from how beautiful this white-washed town really is.
If You Have Time, Add To Your Capri Day Trip
Certosa Di San Giacomo ★
This cliffside monastery has been in use since the 1300s. It is open for self-guided touring Tues-Sun year-round. While it was once the home of Carthusian monks, it currently houses the Museo Diefenbach, which displays the work of painter Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach, a famous nudist who lived on Capri in the early 1900s. These dark, moody paintings are worth taking some time to appreciate.
Cost and Hours: €6 per adult. Hours vary by season, check website for details.
Address: Via Certosa, 10, 80076 Capri NA, Italy
Website: www.beniculturali.it/luogo/certosa-di-san-giacomo
Practical Info – Capri Day Trip
Getting To Capri
Getting to Capri is easy. Simply take a ferry from Naples, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, or other coastal destinations. There are multiple types of ferries and the info can be confusing, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Just be sure to check the updated ferry schedule before your trip and plan accordingly. Be aware that not all routes are offered during the offseason.
Getting Around Capri
Getting around Capri is easy. Within Capri town and Anacapri, you can easily get around on foot. To get between the two towns, or to go elsewhere on the island, you can take a taxi or bus (opt for a taxi if you have luggage with you). To get from Marina Grande (where the ferry drops you off) to Capri town, you also have the option of taking the funicular. Google maps works well on the island, and can help you get to your final destination using the bus.
When To Go To Capri
Unlike most of Italy, timing matters in Capri. The busiest time here is late June through August. This is the best time to go as far as weather, but the crowds can be stifling. This is especially true on summer weekends, when locals from Naples visit. Off season is late November through May. We recommend against visiting during off-season, as the ocean breeze gets chilly, and most of the shops and restaurants close during this time. Our favorite time to go is shoulder season, particularly in May, early June, or September. The weather is still pleasant during these months, and you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds and lower prices on accommodation.
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