My top 20 places to visit in Capri
Here are my personally tested top 20 tips for excursions and highlights of the dream island!
20. Via Camerelle
This luxury street is modern, chic and perfect for window shopping. Hermès, Gucci, Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, etc. have all opened their high-end boutiques in this street and offer their goods for vacationers for whom money is not a big issue.
Good to know: besides exclusive fashion stores, in this street you can find the perfumery that produces the famous Carthusia perfumes. This perfume is supposed to reproduce the scent of Capri. The scent is a matter of taste, a bottle is from about €70, – to have.
My tip: if you don’t want to leave the island without a pair of the famous Capri sandals, I recommend buying them in Anacapri. There you will find along the streets some shoemakers who produce the original sandals themselves. Even there they are not exactly cheap but cheaper than in a luxury boutique in Via Camerelle.
19. Villa Malaparte
The Caprese call this structure “Ferro da stiro” because it has the shape of an iron, making it the most original villa on Capri. In this spectacular property once lived the writer Curzio Malaparte who wrote there the famous book “The Skin”. The structure towers 30 meters above the sea on the rocky coast in the east of the island, directly facing the majestic Faraglioni rocks.
Good to know: Unfortunately, the villa can no longer be visited these days.
My tip: a great view of Villa Malaparte from above, you have during a hike over the Pizzolungo (see point 5).
18. Marina Piccola
This picturesque bay is located on the south coast of the island, at the foot of the steep rock face of Monte Solaro and at the end of the Via Krupp (see point 9). Marina Piccola is the most popular beach on the island and, with its chic cafes, a hotspot for high society and a mini-port for celebrities and millionaires.
Good to know: Marina Piccola is located in a small bay and is framed by rocks, so it’s very windless here. It is a pebble beach, the water is (partly because of this) very clear. You can fortify yourself in various quite good restaurants on the beach.
My tip: if you want to sunbathe on the stone terrace on the private beach of the Marina Piccola, you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket. In the high season, prices of up to €38, – for an umbrella and 2 sunbeds are common. There is also a free beach next door, but there you should look for a place early enough, especially in high season.
17. Villa Jovis
Villa Jovis was one of the twelve villas of the Roman Emperor Tiberius on Capri, from where he supposedly ruled the Roman world. The architectural style was the typical style of Roman villas and at the same time it was built like a fortress. The ruins of the villa are located on the eastern tip of Capri. Legend has it that the emperor had his enemies thrown from a rocky ledge, the “Salto di Tiberio”. On an area of 7,000 square meters you can enjoy a view over the Gulf of Naples to the island of Ischia.
Good to know: from the center of the village the ruins can be reached in a comfortable 40 minutes and over 150 meters of altitude. Exhausting, but it’s worth it just for the view!
My tip: unfortunately, there are hardly any panels with explanations and other information signs, so I recommend you to either inform yourself in advance, take a guidebook with you or look up the most important info on your smartphone.
What does it cost: the entrance to the ruins of the villa costs €6,-/person
16. Marina Grande
The Marina Grande is the spot on the island that most visitors to Capri see first. This port is THE arrival point of all speedboats, ferries and excursion boats and therefore always well attended. Yachts are moored here for which a normal mortal would have to work a whole life. But also traditional fishermen’s houses can be seen and the view to the Piazzetta and up to Anacapri is breathtaking.
From Marina Grande you can take the “Funicolare”, funicular railroad, up to the main square of the island.
Good to know: most day tourists want to go from Marina Grande first up to the center to the Piazzetta. For this you either take the bus, the funicular, a cab or walk (about 30 minutes).
My tip: if you are on the island for a day trip and still have some time before the boat leaves, you can sunbathe a bit on the beach of Marina Grande. This beach is the largest on the island.
What does it cost: the funicolare and buses leave about every 15 minutes, a ticket costs about €2.00. Taxis are quite expensive. From Marina Grande to Piazzetta you pay about €20,- depending on the season, number of passengers and luggage.
15. Piazza Umberto (La Piazzetta)
The heart of the island and probably the most expensive corner of all Capri. Here fashion boutiques and luxury stores cluster in a small space. During the day, the square fills with tourists, most of whom arrive by speedboat from Naples, the Amalfi Coast or Ischia. As soon as the last excursion boat has left, most of the hotel guests leave their accommodations and stroll across the Piazzetta in their finest clothes. In the alleys around the Piazzetta you can find great restaurants, cafes and clubs.
Good to know: the square is the perfect starting point to explore the island. Almost all hiking trails start at the Piazzetta. In addition, just around the corner is the bus stop with the buses that go up to Anacapri. The piazza is the terminus of the “Funicolare”.
My tip: Admittedly, the enjoyment of a cappuccino and a “Cornetto con Crema” on the square already has a very special flair. For lunch and dinner, I recommend looking for a nice tavern off the Piazzetta, so that after paying the bill, what remains of the vacation budget.
14. Punta Carena
The Faro (lighthouse) is one of the oldest and strongest signal towers in Italy and illuminates the bay of Carena in southwest Capri. The view of the rugged rocky coast is the backdrop for great photo opportunities. Below the lighthouse is a great beach, restaurant and various snack bars.
Good to know: a less known place on Capri to swim but a highly recommended one, as the sea there is very calm and you can sunbathe cheaply from morning to night. Unfortunately, the lighthouse itself can not be visited.
My tip: one of the best places to enjoy the sunset on Capri! Even after the sun is gone, an incredibly romantic place where couples in love especially like to meet for a little time together.
13. Anacapri
Also called little Capri, Anacapri is a small picturesque town that, away from the main attractions there (Monte Solaro + Villa San Michele), best reflects the original and typical Capri. In the historic center you can stroll through narrow streets with snow-white houses, romantic gardens, churches and chapels.
Good to know: The easiest way to reach Anacapri is to take one of the minibuses that run regularly between Capri and Anacapri.
My tip: although I’m more of a fan of inexpensive options when it comes to transportation between sights, a ride in a Capri cab, which always run with the top down in good weather, is a very special experience!
12. Via Tragara
One of the easiest and at the same time most beautiful walks on the island. Starting from the Piazzetta, this path takes you past the Faraglioni rocks, magnificent luxury hotels and fantastic views of sparkling azure sea. The walk ends at the viewpoint Punta di Tragara/Hotel Punta Tragara, from where you have a fantastic view of the sea and the rough rocks.
Good to know: the walk takes about 25 minutes there and back and is therefore well suited for older people and children.
11. Cable car to Monte Solaro
This cable car takes you up to the highest point of the island within 10 minutes (589 meters) and offers the very best views of the island and a 360 degree view of Capri. Here you can see the Gulf of Naples to Sorrento, the Faraglioni rocks and Mount Vesuvius.
Good to know: The chairlift starts from the center of Anacapri, the ride takes about 13 minutes.
My tip: if you want to save the price of the cable car or if you want to exercise, you can also conquer Capri’s highest mountain on foot. The ascent takes about 1 ½ hours.
What does it cost: an ascent and descent costs €12,-/person.
10. Die Blaue Grotte
Probably the most famous landmark of the island and a must for many visitors to Capri. The Blue Grotto is the subject of many romantic stories and songs. Daylight reflects below sea level, thus the water inside the cave shimmers in a beautiful royal blue.
Since the entrance to the cave is only 1.5 meters high, you have to lie down almost flat in the boat to avoid hitting your head. The cave is 54 meters long, 30 meters wide and up to 22 meters high. During the high season, there are often up to 30 boats in front of the cave, waiting until you are allowed to enter. Patience is the order of the day!
Good to know: to visit the cave, you must first take a larger boat from Marina Grande (about 15 minutes) to the front of the cave and then change to a small boat. This costs again extra. Often there are long waiting times before the entrance. During heavy swells the grotto is closed. A good time to visit the Blue Grotto is first thing in the morning, when it is not so busy, or around noon, when the light conditions are best. You can also take the bus from Anacapri to the last stop and then walk down a few steps to a jetty where there are small boats that regularly go to the cave.
My tip: I know that the Blue Grotto is mandatory for many tourists and I admit that the blue light in the grotto is really stunning. If you want to avoid the high prices, long waiting times and the feeling of being ripped off on vacation, I recommend taking a private tour by boat around the island where you can visit many other great caves.
What does it cost: depending on the provider, about €15 for the ride to the grotto from Marina Grande and then another €13 for the small boat into the cave. The price changes depending on the season and negotiating skills.
9. Via Krupp
A historic serpentine path, accessible only on foot, connecting the Augustus Gardens with the coast of the Mediterranean Sea or with the Marina Piccola. Financed by the German industrialist Alfred Krupp and completed in 1902, this spectacular path is 1350 meters long, about 3 meters wide and climbs 100 meters in altitude over 8 serpentine curves. Via Krupp is considered one of the most beautiful serpentine roads in the world.
Good to know: the Villa Krupp is unfortunately often closed due to the danger of falling rocks.
My tip: I recommend walking the way down from the Augustus Gardens and then taking the bus back up to the Piazzetta. The other way around can be very tedious in high summer.
8. Giardini di Augusto
This terraced park was created like the Via Krupp by the German industrialist Alfred Friedrich Krupp. From the well-kept garden you have an incredible view of the sea and the Via Krupp. Here grows the flora and fauna typical of Capri and the artistic sculptures give the place a very special atmosphere.
Good to know: from the Piazzetta you can reach the gardens in just a few minutes walk.
My tip: it is best to visit the gardens first thing in the morning, when it is not yet so busy, or in the evening at sunset, when most of the excursion boats have already left.
What does it cost: the entrance fee is only €1,-/person.
7. Villa San Michele
This beautiful villa was built at the end of the 19th century by the Swedish doctor and writer Axel Munthe. Munthe became famous for his work “Book of San Michele” translated into 50 languages.
The villa is located in the middle of a beautiful garden with a view over Capri and invites you to take a walk through the well-tended flowerbeds. Impressive art treasures, such as: the head of Medusa and the marble bust of Emperor Tiberius make for great photo opportunities.
Good to know: The villa is one of the main attractions of the island and is visited by most tourists who visit Capri by day trip. Accordingly, the crowd is naturally large.
My tip: During the summer months, classical concerts are held every week at sunset in the garden of Villa San Michele. On the official website of the villa you can get information about the program as well as the entrance fees.
What does it cost: the entrance to the villa costs €8,-/person
6. Villa Lysis
This well-preserved villa is located on the northeast coast of Capri. The villa was built by the French poet and aristocrat dandy Jacques d’Adelswaerd Fersen. Villa Lysis, also known as Villa Fersen, stands isolated, surrounded by climbing plants and cypress trees in a spacious garden. The history of the villa is as fascinating as it is sad, and also because of this it has a very special atmosphere.
Good to know: from the Piazzetta you walk a comfortable 40 minutes to Villa Lysis.
My tip: the visit to the villa can be combined with a visit to Villa Jovis (see number 17).
What does it cost: The entrance fee is a fair €2,- per person.
5. Hiking trail Arco Naturale – Pizzolungo
This oval natural stone arch in the middle of a wild forest landscape is formed by erosion and is located on the east coast of Capri. The Arco Naturale is 18 meters high and 12 meters wide and is located directly above the sea.
This natural beauty is a great starting point for a wonderful hike. The trail starts with a descent of 200 steps that first end at the “Cervola Matermania”, a cave where the Roman Emperor Tiberius is said to have celebrated wild parties.
The further descent is worth it! On the following “Pizzolungo” path, you can enjoy wonderful views of Villa Malaparte (number 19.) and the Faraglioni rocks. The hike ends at Punta Tragara (see number 12).
Good to know: The walking time is 1 ½ to 2 hours.
My tip: for this hike I recommend to take good shoes and enough water. If you have knee problems, I recommend knee pads due to the many stairs.
4. Church San Michele – Anacapri
Walking through the romantic streets of Anacapri, everyone at some point passes by this small, beautiful baroque church. The octagonal floor plan, has the shape of a Greek cross and the colorful majolica floor is one of the most beautiful works of 18th century Neapolitan architecture, depicting the expulsion of Adam and Eve from paradise.
Good to know: the floor of the church may not be walked on, so a wooden catwalk was built around it.
My tip: the best view of the painted ceramic floor is from the organ loft, which can be reached via a spiral staircase.
What does it cost: the entrance fee is €2,-/person
3. The Faraglioni Rocks
These impressive rocks they are the landmarks of Capri. The natural wonders of volcanic origin rise from the Gulf of Naples and are a fantastic photo motif during the day. At night, when they are illuminated by the moon, they conjure up an atmosphere of 1001 nights.
The largest rock is called “Faraglione di terra” or “Stella” and is 109 meters high. The middle one (Faraglione di Mezzo) has a 60 meters long natural tunnel at sea level, through which small boats can pass. The outermost rock is called Scopolo or “Faraglione di fuori”.
Good to know: On the rocks lives the special “Lucertola Azzura”, a very rare, blue-turquoise shimmering lizard.
My tip: the best views of the Faraglioni rocks are from “Punta Tragara”, (see number 12) from Punta Cannone or during the hike over the “Pizzolungo” (see number 5).
Capri
2. Phoenician stairs
This incredible staircase was carved into the rock about 2400 years ago and for centuries was the only way between Anacapri and the Marina Grande. Who dares to walk the stairs, overcomes 200 meters of altitude and 900 steps. The view of the marina and the sea is breathtaking!
Good to know: the path starts just near Villa San Michele in Anacapri and the descent takes about 1 hour. Also a good way to avoid the crowded buses and tourist crowds.
My tip: In high summer I recommend to walk the stairs only down, the ascent is very exhausting and hot. I also recommend good shoes, at least sneakers!
1. A boat trip around the island (Giro d‘Isola)
For me, an absolute must for anyone who spends more than a few hours on Capri.
Capri’s cave system includes a total of 65 grottoes. A “Giro d’Isola” gives you, among other things, the opportunity to see the lesser known grottoes, such as: the green and the white grotto. The jagged rocks, the hidden luxury villas and every possible blue and green shade of the sea, make such a tour a dreamlike experience.
Good to know: Most tours around the island last about 2 hours.
My tip: For this excursion, it is worth my opinion to take a little more money in hand and book a private tour. You can see Capri from the sea side, let the sun shine on your belly and enjoy the sea breeze and the wind in peace.
What does it cost: for tours with a large excursion boat from €15,-/person. Private tours from about €80,-.
During my nearly 8-month season on Ischia, I was allowed to go to Capri once a week. The 1-hour boat ride was a highlight for me every time and when the excursion boat docked in Capri and I took my first steps on the island, it felt very special every time. The island of Capri has a very special flair that is hard to put into words.
I can only recommend everyone to stay at least 1-2 nights on Capri to enjoy this flair also in the evening.
Those who come to Capri by day trip should not be frightened by the masses of people who flood the island every day. The beauty of Capri is that even during the day, although the island is so small, you only have to take a few steps off the beaten path to quietly experience the beauty and uniqueness of this island.
