Your One-Stop Travel Guide to Capri

Capri is arguably the most famous of the islands in the Gulf of Naples. Its idyllic coast, expensive villas, and high-end shopping tend to attract the rich and famous, with names like Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor passing through. However, its legacy of luxury extends even further back in history to the 1st century B.C. when Roman Emperor Augustus transformed Capri into his private villa and personal oasis.

Capri is the middle child of the islands in terms of size, at a modest four square miles. However, about three-quarters of that area is undeveloped natural space, so much so that the island has earned the nickname "Emerald Island." Its lush, mountainous landscape is home to over 90 species of birds and over 800 unique species of vegetation.

Getting to Capri is a similar process to getting to the other islands in the Gulf. Ferries from Naples to Capri run year-round, and boats from Procida, Capri, and towns along the Amalfi Coast run on seasonal schedules. The fastest route to Capri departs from Sorrento and takes just seventeen minutes to reach the island.

Although the island is small, there are several ways to navigate from point A to point B.

Taking the Minibus

The best—and least stressful—way to move about the island is to take advantage of the excellent public transportation. These mini buses run on seven routes, are strategically small to handle the narrow island roads, and can hold up to ten passengers. Single-ride tickets are €2.40-€2.90 ($2.59-$3.13) and buses run roughly every 10 to 25 minutes depending on the route. Daily tickets are available for €7.20 ($7.77),

Bus schedules can be found on Capri’s website.

Take the Funicular Railway

The funicular is a cable car railway that runs from Marina Grande to the Piazzetta in the main town every fifteen minutes. Groups of up to four can ride for €17, while groups of up to seven ride for €20.

Funicular schedules can be found on Capri’s website.

Calling a Taxi

Driving is the least practical way to navigate Capri. The island only has one road, and non-resident vehicles are prohibited from April through October. However, there are taxis on the island should you prefer a private ride.

The variety of activities available on Capri may surprise you, from famous stops like the Blue Grotto and Via Camerelle to lesser-known hikes and beaches.

Ride The Monte Solaro Chair Lift

The Monte Solaro Chair Lift is a great sightseeing tour and a surprisingly efficient way to travel from one point on the island to the other. At 589 meters above sea level, Monte Solaro is the highest point on the island and the best spot for 360-degree views.

Explore the Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is a small water-filled cave just off the coast of Capri, accessible by boat. The inside of the cave is filled with sapphire blue waters that seem to be lit from below. Travelers can book a boat tour of this stunning natural feature at the docks, just be aware that you'll likely have to pay to board the speed boat and again once you transfer to a row boat to enter the cave.

Take a Boat Tour

One of the best ways to see the island is by boat. There are dozens of options for guided tours, so narrow down the elements that are most important to you. Your adventurous side may want to explore the Blue Grotto and surrounding caves, or you may be in the mood to pull out all the stops for a luxury private tour complete with an island tour, scuba diving, and onboard wifi. Shop around sites like Viator, GetYourGuide, and local providers to see all the options and find the best deal.

Do Some Shopping

As mentioned above, shopping is the thing to do when on Capri. Via Camerelle is the central shopping district on the island, a bustling 270-meter street lined with upscale shops.. Here, you'll also find a storefront of the Italian luxury brand Bottega Veneta, beloved by celebrities like Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, and Selma Hayek.

While the most famous souvenir from the island is undoubtedly a bottle of its famous limoncello, travelers wanting a longer lasting memento should seek out a pair of the famous Canfora Capri sandals, the likes of which have been worn by historical fashion icons like Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy.

Have a Beach Day

Although the coasts of Capri are rocky, you can still squeeze out a day of sun and sand. Beaches are concentrated on two areas of the island: in and around Marina Grande and nearby Marina Piccolo. The Punta Carena Lighthouse is also a popular spot for a day by the sea, although the shores are rocky and not as suited for sunbathing.

Go for a Hike

With its reputation for luxury, Capri is not the first place travelers think of when they want an escape into nature. However, with most of the island consisting of untouched green space, there are plenty of trails to explore. Trepidatious hikers can even forgo the chair lift and trek up Mount Solario on foot, a hike of just over 2 miles there and back.

Hang Out in the Piazzetta

The Piazzetta, also known officially as PIazza Umberto I or a chiazz to those in the know, is the central square on Capri. A former market square in years gone by, it's now a hub of social life on the island, where tourists and locals convene to chat and enjoy an espresso at a corner cafe.

Visit a Historical Site

You'll be hard-pressed to find any destination in Italy devoid of historical ruins, and Capri is no exception. Archaeology enthusiasts can get their fix with a visit to Villa Jovis (a €6/$7 entry fee), where the ruins of an ancient Roman palace still stand. History lovers will want to explore Villa Lysis (a nominal €2.50/$3 entry fee) , a more modern but no less luxurious twentieth-century villa built by a French aristocrat fleeing Paris on the heels of a society scandal.

When thinking about dining in Capri, the first thing that comes to mind is that world-famous aperitif: limoncello. Although the true origin of limoncello is hotly contested within the Amalfi region, Capri is frequently cited as the birthplace of this sweet liquor and inarguably has a reputation for producing top-tier products. Limoncello falls under the ‘digestif’ category of liqueurs, meant to soothe the stomach’s digestive activities after a hearty Italian meal. Limoncello di Capri is the famous export of the island, preservative-free and crafted from a traditional century-old recipe.

At mealtime, try ravioli capresi, a pasta dish unique to the region. The pasta dough for these ravioli is made exclusively from flour and water, leaving out other traditionally key ingredients like egg, semolina, and oil. For dessert, don’t miss the torta caprese, named for Capri and popular throughout the Naples region. This flourless treat is made with almond flour, making it thick, dense, and extra chocolatey.

Capri is not a budget destination. For travelers looking to stretch their budgets, consider a hostel stay. Hostelworld offers detailed traveler reviews for different accommodations, assigning ratings on everything from security and cleanliness to atmosphere.

J.K. Place is high-end, even in the world of luxury hotels. With a roughly 140-year history, this hotel is a fixture on the island. The rooms range from classic two-person rooms with electric fireplaces and spacious soaking tubs to penthouse rooms and suites with marina views. Beyond the typical amenities like onsite spa, gym, and dining, J.K. Place offers guests exclusive island experiences, including boat tours of the nearby Amalfi Coast, guided hikes, and excursions to Pompeii.

The comparatively modestly priced Hotel Regina Cristina has a prime location, just a short walk to the Piazzetta. An onsite restaurant offers three meals a day, and a balcony bar provides guests with views of the Mediterranean ocean.

Just a quick jaunt from both the Piazzetta and Via Camerelle, the Gatto Bianco Hotel & Spa is another centrally located option. The property boasts an onsite spa, bright, airy rooms, and a star-studded list of occupants, including Sophia Loren and Bridgette Bordeaux. If you're lucky, you may spot Matisse, a fluffy cat companion that welcomes guests to the property and the latest in a long lineage of titular gatti bianchi.

Jumpstart your vacation inspiration with these sample itineraries for a dream Capri getaway.

Capri Day Trip Itinerary

All-Day: Book a private boat tour and spend the day eating, drinking, and swimming along the beautiful Capri coast.

Capri Weekend Itinerary

DAY 1

Morning: Do a little window shopping (or treat yourself to a splurge souvenir) on Via Camerelle.
Afternoon: Visit the ruins of Villa Jovis for a taste of island history.
Evening: Spend the evening sipping wine in the bustling Piazzetta.

DAY 2

All-Day: Relax on the water with a private boat tour around the island.

Capri 3-Day Itinerary

DAY 1

Morning: Explore the land of luxury souvenirs with a morning of shopping on Via Camerelle.
Afternoon: Visit the Villa Lysis to admire the art nouveau architecture and learn about the estate’s dramatic history.
Evening: Enjoy a lively evening in the Piazzetta.

DAY 2

Morning & Afternoon: See a different side of Capri with a hike up Mount Solaro for one-of-a-kind panoramic island views.
Evening: Take in the sunset seaside at the Punta Carena Lighthouse and cap off your day with a meal at nearby Lido del Faro.

DAY 3

All-Day: End your trip with some sun and swimming with a stress-free private boat tour around the island.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and Oyster may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.