Best Things to Do in Capri, Italy

Capri sits 5 kilometers off the Sorrentine Peninsula in the Bay of Naples. It is a small island divided into two municipalities: Capri town, the island’s commercial center, and Anacapri, higher up on the island’s western side. The things to do in Capri revolve around its famous natural features — the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), where light refracted through an underwater opening turns the cave’s interior electric blue; the Faraglioni, three limestone stacks rising from the sea; and Monte Solaro, the island’s highest point (589m), reached by chairlift from Anacapri. Villa Jovis, the cliff-top palace of Emperor Tiberius, offers ruins and panoramic views. The island is famously expensive and famously crowded in July and August; the shoulder months offer the same scenery with more room to breathe.

Best time to visit

May, early June, and September through October are the best times. July and August are very crowded and very expensive — day-trippers from Naples, Sorrento, and Positano pour onto the island during peak summer hours. The Blue Grotto is sometimes closed due to wave conditions; morning visits have the best chance of entry. The island is very quiet in winter, with many restaurants and hotels closed from November through March.

Getting around

Ferries and hydrofoils connect Capri to Naples (50 minutes by ferry, 25 by hydrofoil), Sorrento (25 minutes), Positano, and Amalfi. On the island, the funicular connects Marina Grande (the port) to Capri town. Open-top taxis and buses connect Capri and Anacapri. The island is small enough to walk between many points, though some roads are steep.

What to eat and drink

Capri’s signature flavors are lemon (the island’s Sfusato Caprese lemons are exceptional) and fresh seafood. Limoncello made on-island is significantly better than mainland versions. The insalata caprese — mozzarella, tomato, basil — originated here. Totanetti fritti (fried baby squid) and linguine alle vongole are the seafood classics. For a genuinely special meal, Da Paolino (dining under lemon trees) and Il Riccio (by the Blue Grotto) are the most memorable options.

Neighborhoods to explore

Capri Town and the Piazzetta – The island’s social center: the tiny Piazza Umberto I (the Piazzetta) is lined with cafes and luxury boutiques. Morning coffee and people-watching here is a Capri ritual.

Anacapri – Higher, quieter, and slightly less expensive than Capri town. The Villa San Michele (the home of Swedish physician Axel Munthe) is here, with gardens and panoramic views. The chairlift to Monte Solaro departs from Anacapri.

Marina Piccola – The smaller, southern beach area; access to the Faraglioni rocks is easiest from here.