If you are heading to the Amalfi Coast and wondering what to do in Capri, then keep reading! Capri is a stunning island located along the Bay of Naples and is part of the legendary Amalfi Coast. It is best known for its natural beauty, adventurous activities, and luxurious culture. All this combined has made it one of the top travel destinations along the Amalfi Coast.
More so, Capri just so happens to be one of the top vacation destinations in Italy for the rich and famous. As a result, you will find breathtaking mansions sitting on the mountainsides, huge yachts cruising around the island and high-end stores and restaurants. However, don’t let this dissuade you from heading to Capri! There are a ton of budget-friendly and more ‘mundane’ things to do in Capri that are just as amazing as the expensive options.
Capri is a magical island that offers a paradise feel to all visitors. You will be in awe of the towering mountains and stunning views and will have no shortage of things to do. To help guide your visit I have listed what to do in Capri that will make your journey incredible.
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What to do in Capri
In This Post
Embark on a Boat Tour
Heading on a boat and exploring the beautiful natural wonders surrounding the Island of Capri is one of the best things to do. You can either rent a boat yourself or head out with one of the many boat tours that set off all day. I think the best way to see everything the island has to offer is with a tour company because they know all the secret spots and can also give you some interesting facts while exploring.
Some of the top places to go to on a boat tour are:
- La Grotta Verde (in Egnlish the Green Cave) – This is a cave famous for its green-tinted waters and rugged mountains. Swimming is permitted inside the cave.
- La Grotta Bianca (in English the White Cave) – This cave is known for its towering white cliffs that will awe you.
- La Grotta Azzurra (in English The Blue Cave) – This cave has vibrant blue waters that are almost unreal looking
- I Faraglioni – The most famous rock formation in Capri. These massive rocks stick straight up from the Sea at staggering heights.
- Arco Naturale (The Natural Arch) – Unique limestone rock formation that is stunning to see.
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See the Stunning Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is an extremely famous and stunning attraction in Capri. There are always lines of boats outside the cave just waiting to showcase its beauty. The cave is well known for its almost fluorescent blue waters hidden inside a large cave. There is a tiny line of sunlight that gets in through the top of the cave which makes the water glow in the stunning blue hue.
You can either take a boat to the Blue Grotto or enter on foot. However you decide to enter, this natural wonder should not be missed. The natural beauty and phenomenon will leave you stunned.
Explore Capri Town
Capri Town is one of the two main towns in Capri that is full of beautiful sights to see. This town is quite a high end and luxurious, unlike most locations along the Amalfi Coast. It is packed with designer shops, expensive restaurants, and glamorous people. Capri Town is located high in the mountains and the views are exquisite from the city. Although it is a more high-end attraction, walking around the streets and taking in the beauty is a great thing to do when wondering what to do in Capri.
You can get here by taking a bus, walking, or taking a Capri Taxi. All great options, but the walk up is quite intense, and in the summer heat can be pretty difficult.
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Check Out Marina Grande
Marina Grande is the most well-known and frequented port in Capri. The shore is lined with colorful houses and the waters are full of boats. There is a beach here that you can relax on and soak in the environment, as well as, a ton of shops and restaurants. As the largest port in the city, Marina Grande is great to explore and see on your visit to Capri. If you are visiting in the summer months and sweating from the blasting heat of Italy and wondering what to do in Capri to cool off, be sure to head here!
Check out Marina Piccalo
Marina Piccalo is a much smaller port than Marina Grande but it is still beautiful and exciting. This area provides a more local and authentic Capri experience with its local restaurants and quaint beaches. From Marina Piccalo you can also see the famous I Faraglioni rock formations!
This is a great place to head to, to enjoy the beauty of nature in a ‘secret’ location. You can get here by boat, bus or walking.
Read More: Positano Beaches
Wine & Dine in Piazzetta
The Piazzetta is a buzzing square located in the heart of Capri Town. It is full of delicious eateries and places to get refreshing drinks. This square is located high in the Capri mountains and some restaurants offer stunning views of the water and yachts below.
Despite being a more expensive and high-end town, the restaurants found in the Piazzetta are not outrageously expensive if you choose your options right. However, if you are on a budget you can save by just getting a glass of wine while soaking in the lovely square and views. This is also a great place to head to during sunset for some evening drinks in an amazing atmosphere. If you are wondering what to do in Capri for dinner or lunch, this is the place to head to!
Take the chairlift to Monte Solaro
If you are a lover of breathtaking, panoramic views then heading up Monte Solaro is a must. This mountain is the highest point in Capri and offers stunning views of Capri and the surrounds waters. To get to the top you can either walk or take the chairlift from Anacapri. Walking takes around one hour, and the lift takes a few minutes but it costs 10 euros.
I think the chairlift is the best way to ascend up the mountain. It is fun and exciting and riding in a chairlift in the summer is a really unique experience. The views from the top are stunning and offer a unique perspective of Capri and the Bay of Naples. For those wondering what to do in Capri for an adrenalin rush, this is it!
Read More: Montenegro Beaches
Relax at a beach
While visiting Capri it is essential to head to one of the many beaches for a calm, relaxing beach day. In the summer months Capri is boiling, therefore, heading to a beach is essential to cool off. More so, since Capri is an island there are beaches around every corner that are all stunning. The best answer when asking what to do in Capri is to go swimming! Capri is home to both public and private beaches and some of the top options are as follows.
The most popular Capri public beach is Spiaggia Libera Marina Grande. This beach is located at Marina Grande and is surrounded by colorful buildings and shops. The beach is family-friendly and is surrounded by clear blue waters that are perfect for swimming in.
There is also Marina Piccola which has two public beaches to relax on. From the water you can view the I Faraglioni rocks which is stunning. However, these beaches are tiny! You must arrive early to get a spot, and even then you will be side by side with everyone on the beach.
Moreover, there is a public beach near the Blue Grotto called Gradola. Since this beach is free it can also get pretty crowded during the summer months. Despite the crowds, it is a great beach for sunbathing and swimming in the stunning waters.
For travelers who prefer a more private and less crowded beach heading to a private beach is ideal. One private beach in Capri is Le Ondine which is located beside a beach club enabling visitors to be able to grab a bite to eat or drink while enjoying a beach day. At this beach guests also receive chairs, umbrellas and other amenities.
A second private beach is Lo Smeraldo, which is located beside a hotel and fancy restaurant. This beach allows guests to wine and dine while enjoying a relaxing beach day. From this beach, guests can view the stunning blue waters as well as the buildings along the mountainside of Capri.
A third private beach is Bagni di Tiberio which is located in a secluded area of Capri. It is home to a fancy and exclusive restaurant on top of a rock which offers stunning views of the sea and the Capri mountains. The water here is stunning and the exclusivity makes the beach much less crowded and enjoyable.
Explore the Gardens of Augustus
The Gardens of Augustus are a lovely botanical garden just a short distance from the center of Capri. They are absolutely stunning and very well manicured. They almost feel as though you are walking through the gardens in a Shakespearean play! The breathtaking floral arrangements and other botanical designs are mesmerizing. This is what to do in Capri for beauty beyond compare!
From the gardens, you can also walk to the edge of the mountains which provides a panoramic view of the Sea below and the famous I Faraglioni rock formations! Walking around these gardens are one of the most underrated yet beautiful things to do in Capri.
Just note: although it may look like the perfect place for a picnic, it is strictly forbidden to sit on the grasses for a picnic.
Explore Anacapri
Anacapri located at the highest point on the island of Capri and is considered to be a whole different section of Capri. Therefore, it is much quieter and less crowded than the other areas on the island. Anacapri provides stunning panoramic views of the whole island as well as picturesque buildings and historic structures.
The best way to get all the way up to Anacapri is by bus. The bus will take you all the way to the top! Or you can walk via the special walkway made between Capri Town and Anacapri. Just note that this is a long walk uphill and can be difficult in the beating sun.
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Hike Via Krupp
Via Krupp is a winding hiking trail that connects the Gardens of Agustus to Marina Piccalo. The hike follows a paved path that covers a 100m elevator difference. If you would like to see some amazing views of Capri while getting some exercise this is a great option! This is not for the fainted hearted, if you are looking for what to do in Capri for a workout, this will surely give you one!
Also, if you are looking to make the most of your Capri adventures this is a great way to start and end at two main Capri attractions while having some beautiful scenery along the way.
Go shopping in Capri
Shopping in Capri presents a wide range of options, from high-end luxury shopping to local shopping. In Capri, you will find world-famous designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada all beautifully lining the streets. As well as, local shops selling homemade shoes, soaps, limoncello and more!
Even if you cannot afford the high-end stores, walking down the streets of Capri that they occupy and looking in the windows at their offerings is exciting and interesting! There is a shopping experience for all types of travelers and shopping in Capri that will leave you satisfied. If you are wondering what to do in Capri on a rainy or unfavorable day, this is the ultimate choice!
Take a Day Trip
Capri’s location in the South of Italy makes traveling and seeing more of the beautiful country very easy. If you are visiting Capri for a longer period of time and wondering what to do in Capri that offers something different a day trip is the best thing to do. Some of the best day trips are as follows.
Positano
Positano is the most popular city along the coast, made famous due to its stunning pastel color buildings that stretch up to the mountains. Taking a boat here for the day is a wonderful idea.
People from around the world crave to visit this stunning coastal gem to view the colorful buildings built vertically into the mountainside, the blue water beach, and to eat in a restaurant high in the mountains. There is so much to do and see in Positano and a day trip is well worth it. It is also worth noting that Positano is one of the prettiest cities in Italy!
Sorrento
Famous for its lemons and cliffside buildings, Sorrento is a hidden gem of the coast that is yearning to be explored. The location of Sorrento is very unique as it is built right on the edge of steep cliffs. This gives the town a unique and rugged feel that is difficult to find! With all the amazing things to do in Sorrento, a visit here is always a good idea.
Amalfi & Ravello
Amalfi is another town along the Amalfi Coast. It is stunningly beautiful and not as busy as Positano, which is great for exploring in a more authentic fashion. From Amalfi, you can also take a trip up the mountain to Ravello and view the coast from above! The Amalfi Coast is actually full of little towns and villages scatted along the stunning coastline and mountains. Check out this post for some details on the most beautiful Amalfi Coast towns!
When to Visit Capri
Capri is best visited in the summer months or the shoulder months or May and September. During these months Capri is in full action mode, meaning all the tours are running, the water is full of yachts and boats, and the towns are bustling with a vibrant energy. If you visit in the other months it may be more difficult to get to Capri as less tours run during the off season.
How to get to Capri
The only way to get to Capri is by hiring a private boat or taking the ferry. To find ferry times check out this website: https://www.ok-ferry.com/.
However, if you are not on a budget you can take a helicopter to Capri. This is very costly but offers some stunning views of the coast and Capri.
Where to stay in Capri
Capri is a pretty expensive place to stay in Italy. Finding budget accommodation can be challenging but its no impossible! What to do in Capri and where to stay in Capri can be made affordable by making the right choices.
- If you are on a budget you are going to want to look in Anacapri for accommodation.
- For the best nightlife stay in Capri Town.
- If you are looking for the most interesting place to stay consider staying near Marina Piccola.
Capri is the perfect travel destination for all types of travelers. Whether you are a budget or luxury traveler there is no shortage of activities to do and sites to see. I hope this list helps you when the question of what do do in Capri pops into your head!
Are you planning on visiting Capri? PIN “What to do in Capri” for later!
Love,
SSW
I done a lot of Italy but Capri I haven’t and this is a dream destination for me. I cant wait to get there and your photos and information as got my lips wet at getting there sooner.
I always loved the Capri sun. It’s such an old school, classic European town. That chairlift to Monte Solaro looks like it came straight out of a 1920’s travel movie.
Ooh the chairlift…I zeroed in on that immediately. I didn’t know there was one here and I love views from the top! I would definitely have to do that, go to Positano and eat all of the pizza, pasta, gelato and limoncello I could get my hands on!
Thanks for this detailed guide. Never knew that there so much to do in Capri. I think my favorites are the chairlift to Monte Solaro and to hike Via Krupp. Great suggestions for day trips too, Positano looks stunning!
I love the pastel colours of the town ! I hope it is not just your filters. Don’t wanna get disappointed when I’m there =p
The chair lift looks abit scary, don’t you think ? I tried ski lifts like this but at least if I fall, it is a bed of powder snow at the bottom ? Maybe I’m thinking too much =p
Oh my! What a gorgeous place to unwind and enjoy the beautiful views. So happy to hear there are budget-friendly options. I was afraid it was only for the rich and famous. Love the colors of the town and the food looks fantastic. I also recently heard of Sorrento and their famous lemons. Would love to go there too 🙂
So happy to learn all this info about Capri! I would love to take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro, take the bus up to Anacapri and of course relax on the beach!
Saving this for planning next year’s adventures. We intend to go sailing in the Mediterranean and other seas from the south of Europe 😀
Capri looks like a really stunning and dreamy place. I would love to do a boat tour and see the Blue Grotto. Also Capri town looks so chic with those pastel color buildings. I would love to relax while having some pizza and a glass of wine or maybe just relax on the beach. Sounds perfect!
This is such a fabulously comprehensive guide! Capri is very high on my list. I’d love visiting the Blue Grotto and town.