The Isle of Capri, Italy, has certainly earned its popularity. With its sapphire waters, sandy beaches, and unique cave network, it’s no wonder that Capri has become a destination for celebrities and business tycoons.
If you’re traveling to southern Italy, then a day trip out to Capri is a must!
Below are my top 10 recommendations for things to do on the Isle of Capri!
Quick guide for visiting the Isle of Capri, Italy
What is the best time of year to visit Capri?
When you are planning a trip to Capri, I recommend booking fall or spring. During these seasons, you are more likely to experience good weather, and it will not be overbearingly hot. I recommend checking out Capri between late March and early June, or between September and October.
How many days should you spend on the Isle of Capri, Italy?
1-3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Capri. The island is not overwhelmingly large, so you can see a whole lot in a short amount of time. I recommend spending at least one day seeing the sites, and the rest relaxing on the gorgeous beaches.
Is the Isle of Capri expensive?
Short answer – yes, Capri is expensive. That being said, it is still very possible to visit Capri without breaking the bank.
The biggest sunk cost you will encounter is accommodation. When I went to Capri, my friends and I saved a lot of money by opting to visit the island as a day trip from Naples. We took the first ferry out, and returned to Naples on the final departing ferry – which gave us an entire day to explore the island. Keep that in mind when you are planning.
10 Things to do on the Isle of Capri, Italy
1. Grab dinner in the Marina Grande
When you arrive at the Isle of Capri, chances are you will kick off your trip in Marina Grande – the largest marina on the island. Ferries to and from the mainland arrive in Marina Grande, and boat tours around Capri kick off from this meeting point.
The views from Marina Grande are quite astounding. Even though it is a bit of a tourist trap, I recommend grabbing a sunset dinner in the Marina. Nothing beats eating fresh Frutti di Mare and sipping wine as the sun dips below the horizon of Capri’s sapphire waters. A sunset dinner is the perfect way to wind down your Capri trip before catching the ferry back to the mainland.
Admittedly, you can find better food on the island for a cheaper price. If you don’t want to commit to dinner, I recommend grabbing a drink or a coffee and enjoying the sunset views before departing.
If you are looking for a more remote beach, check out Marina Piccola – only a 15 minute bus away from Marina Grande.
Cost: A meal will run an average of $30 Euros a person, depending on what is ordered.
2. Take a boat tour around the isle of Capri
Capri offers a slew of boat tours that circle the Island, each offering its own experience. Many tour companies carry 15-30 guests at a time, and hit all of the major sight-seeing destinations in one go. Other companies offer much smaller and more private tours for 1-8 guests. Smaller tours often allow you to tailor your experience toward activities you are most interested in.
You can find more information about boat tours here.
My friends and I opted to tour around on a small, private boat for the day for $150 Euros (30 Euros per person). In addition to touring the Blue Grotto, we were able to drink wine and soak in the views on the boat deck, swim in the Green Grotto, and snorkel around in the various coves around the island. Overall, it made for one of the most memorable day trips I have ever had the pleasure of participating in. I highly recommend booking a boat ride for your trip!
Cost: $20-$400 USD depending on the tour you book. Note that a $400 boat tour can be split by however many people you are traveling with. Be sure to factor that in when you are planning out costs!
3. Visit the Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a famous cave known for the dazzling, electric blue light that cascades around the cavern.
The Blue Grotto is one of the most well-visited sites on the Isle of Capri, attracting hundreds of visitors per day. If you are spending a day or two on the island, then the Blue Grotto is a must-see.
Check out my ‘Guide to Visiting the Blue Grotto’ for more information!
Cost: 14 Euros (10 Euros for the rowboat, and 4 Euros for the entrance fee). I recommend adding a few extra Euros to tip your rowboat guide as well.
4. Swim in the Green Grotto
One of the most epic sites on the Isle of Capri is the Green Grotto. The Green Grotto is a sea cave. Unlike the Blue Grotto, the green grotto is completely swimmable.
When I was in Capri, my friends and I spent easily an hour paddling through the emerald green waters of the cave. The Green Grotto is a typical stop on most boat trips around the island. If you are planning to sail around the island, I recommend asking if your boat driver can stop by the Green Grotto for a visit and a quick dip.
Be sure to bring a snorkel and goggles for your swim!
Cost: Free (but you will need a boat to get here)
5. Wander through the Grotta di Matromonia
The Grotta di Matromonia is a large, natural cave on the Isle of Capri. Historians believe that the cave was a place of worship to the gods of ancient Roman times. Recent speculations suggest that Grotta di Matromonia may have been a meeting site for the Cult of Mithra – an ancient Roman religious cult that spread underground throughout the region.
Today, you can enter the cave and explore the remaining decorations and structures. The entrance to the Grotta di Matromonia is easily accessible by foot.
Cost: Free – and many tours on the Isle of Capri, Italy offer a visit to the cave as an option.
6. Explore Villa Jovis
Villa Jovis is one of the original villas and luxurious homes built on the Isle of Capri. Although it is a ruin today, you can still explore the area and soak in the views of the harbors below.
Villa Jovis was owned by Emperor Tiberius during the roman empire. As you explore the ruins, you can imagine the lavish parties of the site nearly 2,000 years ago. The villa is MASSIVE. There is so much to explore here.
Historians believe that Emperor Tiberius may have used his villa for unsavory acts. They estimate that ‘Tiberius’ Leap’, a ledge at the end of the villa, may have been used to hurl disobedient servants or guests into the harbor below. Not a great look.
Regardless, Villa Jovis is certainly a site to see if you are traveling to the island.
Cost: 6 Euros for adults.
7. Stroll through Via Camerelle
The Isle of Capri is known for its luxury – and Via Camerelle is no different. Via Camerelle is located near Capri Town and is packed full of designer brands and luxury shops. It is the Capri-equivalent of New York City’s 5th Avenue.
Here you will find a majority of Italy’s most famous luxury brands, including Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Prada.
I’ll be the first to say it – this street was WELL out of my price range. But all the same, the street is fun to stroll down. The storefronts are quaint and beautifully decorated, and the buildings are painted in bright, happy colors.
I recommend taking a quick stroll down the avenue to window shop and people watch!
Cost: Free! Well… unless you buy a Gucci bag.
8. Spend a day in Anacapri
If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and tourists in Capri Town, I recommend taking the bus to Anacapri. Anacapri is far more laid back than the hustle and bustle of Capri Town. You can spend the day here strolling through the piazzas, popping in and out of local artist shops, and snacking on some incredible food (at much lower prices!)
You can easily get from Capri Town to Anacapri in 15-25 minutes by bus. There are also hiking paths available, if you’re up for a challenge!
Anacapri was absolutely my favorite location on the Isle of Capri. It is well worth the short trip to get there.
Cost: A bus ride to Anacapri costs $2.25 for a bus ticket each way. A full roundtrip ticket will cost under $5 Euros – so it is well worth it!
9. Climb the Phoenician Steps
The Phoenecian Steps were built by none other than….. The Greeks. Go figure. Originally, these steps were created to connect Capri Town, at sea level, to Anacapri, another bustling part of the island high up in the sky.
There are 921 steep steps connecting Capri Town and Anacapri. If you’re up for a little walking, this adventure is a great way to spend the morning. The view from Anacapri over the sprawling harbors and sea is unmatched.
Cost: Free!
10. Catch the chairlift from Anacapri to Monte Solaro
Monte Solaro is the highest point on the Isle of Capri. Needless to say, the birds-eye view of the island from this point is unmatched. If you are visiting the Isle of Capri, this is an absolute must to add to your itinerary.
There is a hiking trail available from Anacapri up to Monte Solaro, but perhaps the most interesting way to reach the top is to take the funicular, or chair lift. The chair lift departs from Anacapri’s city center, and takes you up to Monte Solaro relatively quickly.
Monte Solaro is known for its plant life and flowers. When you make it to Monte Solaro, I recommend spending some time hiking around the area to explore.
Cost: 9 Euros for a one-way ticket, or 12 Euros for a roundtrip ticket
That’s all, folks!
Hopefully this guide gives you a good starting point when building out your itinerary for the Isle of Capri, Italy.
Have you traveled to Capri? Drop a comment with your favorite memories or bucket list items below!
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