Of all the places we visited in Italy during our summer abroad, Capri was one of my favorites. Even though we only made a day trip out to the island I would return in a heartbeat, and stay overnight if I could!
Wherever you’re coming from, you’ll arrive to Capri by boat with incredible views along the way. After watching the colorful vintage cars scooting around the harbor, make your way up to the main town, Capri. Spare your feet the steep climb – there’s plenty of walking ahead of you! – and ride the funicular. At the top, take in the open views over Anacapri to your right and the charming town square to your left. Promptly buy a lemon granita from the stand in the square (you won’t regret it).
Spend some time exploring Capri town, walking out to the Gardens of Augustus or window shopping along ultra-chic Via Camerelle. For a bite to eat, dine under a canopy of wisteria at Ristorante ai Faraglioni. Make your way to the zig-zagging Via Krupp to see one of the best views of Capri’s famous Faraglioni rocks rising dramatically out of the water.
To visit Anacapri, catch an open-air taxi or a local minibus just off the town square. Along the way you’ll pass Hotel Caesar Augustus, one of my hotel crushes – wave hello for me! From the piazza in Anacapri, find the Monte Solaro chairlift. After a scenic 13-minute ride up the mountain, enjoy the fantastic views over the island and the Sorrento peninsula.
In the afternoon, when things are getting almost too sunny and definitely too crowded, make your way to the water. A private ‘gozzo’ boat tour around the island is truly the best way to see Capri, and came so highly recommended that we couldn’t not book one for ourselves. We took a wonderful three-hour tour with Gianni’s Boats, and also heard great things about Sea Living. Starting in the harbor, your skipper will take you to the famous Blue Grotto and several others around the island between stops for swimming and sunning in secluded coves. When you pass under the archway in the Faraglioni Mezzo, don’t forget to share a kiss for good luck.
If you’d rather spend the afternoon (mostly) on land, head to Marina Piccola. Find a spot at the small free beach, or dine at Da Goia to use their beach facilities. If you’re looking to live in a Slim Aarons photograph for a few hours, make a reservation in advance at La Fontelina Beach Club – just catch the boat at Marina Piccola that will take you to a delicious lunch and your chair under those iconic striped umbrellas.
Most visitors leave Capri before the sun starts sinking in the sky, but if you can stay for sunset the views from Punta Carena Lighthouse are meant to be magical.
this post contains affiliate links that contribute towards my oat-milk cappuccino fund at no extra cost to you. thank you!
My printable five-step
guide to packing light &
traveling in style.