Best Day Trip to Capri + 7 Best Things to Do in Capri (2024)
It is hard to point to one place in Italy and say “This is the best place in Italy”.
Italy is a must on everyone’s European Bucket list.
However, Capri is one of the best small coastal towns in Italy, if not, one of the best places in Italy in general.
Located on the Amalfi Coast, this rugged, yet idyllic coastal town, is close to heaven on earth.
Many travellers visit Capri on day trips from other Italian towns such as Naples, Positano and Sorrento.
Whilst this gorgeous town deserves more than 24 hours, it is possible to see the best of Capri and the top things to do in Capri in one day.
So, lets dive into the perfect day trip to Capri, from getting to Capri, where to stay in Capri to what to do in Capri for a day.
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How to get to Capri Italy
Fly
One of the best ways to get to Capri is to fly. Capodichino/Naples International Airport in Naples, Italy (NAP) is the closest airport to Capri.
If you are arriving in Capri from Naples head to head to the port called, Molo Beverallo and take the ferry from there.
It is worth noting that there is a small airport in Capri, however, this airport only allows helicopters and chartered flights.
If your budget allows for this then definitely fly direct to Capri.
Boat
If the chartered flight/helicopter is out of your budget, you will want to take the ferry to Capri.
Hiring a private boat to Capri is possible, however, some of these boats are quite small so if you are prone to motion sickness you will want to find out the size of the boat before you begin your journey.
Purchasing a ticket on one of the heavier/mainstream ferries is the smoothest and most budget-friendly day trip to Capri.
Depending on the town you are arriving from will depend on the ferry you take.
- The high-speed ferry from Sorrento to Capri takes roughly 20 minutes and costs €19.30 – €20.50 per person and the slower ferry takes 30 minutes costing €16.90 per person.
- The ferry from Naples to Capri leaves from the Port of Naples at Molo Beverello. The high-speed ferry takes 50 minutes and costs €21.50 – €22.80 per person. The price depends on the time of day and discounts are available for children under 12, and children under 3 are free. The slower fairy takes 80 minutes and costs €14.80 per person. Again, there is a discount for children under 12 and all children under 3 are free.
- The final option is to take the ferry from Positano to Capri and takes around 50 minutes. The cost of the ferry is around €20 per person.
Book your day trip to Capri now
If you would rather take a tour so someone else can worry about all of the details, plenty of tours depart from several locations. Some of the Capri Italy day tours are listed below.
From the Amalfi Coast | From Sorrento | From Naples | From Positano | From Rome
Where to stay in Capri
If you decide to stretch your day trip to Capri to a night, or you want to make sure you can make the most of your 24 hours in Capri you may decide to stay the night.
One of the best reasons to spend at least one night in Capri is to explore the streets and the beaches in peace after all the tourists have gone.
Lucky for you, there are plenty of amazing hotels for you to choose from in Capri, Italy. From boutique hotels to luxury resorts there is an option for everyone.
Check out the Capri places to stay:
J.K. Place Capri
J.K Place Capri’s beautiful outdoor pool offers panoramic views over the Bay or Naples. The elegant accommodation features marble bathrooms and shows off either the Tyrrhenian Sea or garden views.
The luxury hotel features a restaurant serving Mediterranean and local cuisine and specializing in seasonal and organic dishes.
The port is located 5 minutes from the hotel and offers a free car service into town.
Hotel Mamela
One of the top picks for Hotels in Capri, Hotel Mamela, features the unique architecture of Capri. The hotel is filled with arches, vaults and marble. The sun terrace is beautiful, featuring sun beds, parasols, and swimming towels.
The hotel is 150m from the shops of Capri’s Via Camarelle and just a ten minute drive from Marina Piccola beach.
Some of the rooms feature gorgeous Capri views of the Mediterranean sea, so when you are booking, ask for a room with a view of the sea.
Guests are able to enjoy a buffet of cakes, croissants, pastries, tea, coffee and fresh juices. During the summer guests are able to indulge in drinks and snacks on the terrace.
Hotel Quisisana
Located just off the Piazzetta, Hotel Quisisana has a beautiful entrance and terrace, always buzzing with people relaxing well into the evening.
Guests can enjoy a breakfast of croissants, cold meats and drinks, in the morning and access the local restaurant.
The hotel is just 2.5 km from the island’s main port, Marina Grande. La Piazzetta, the most famous square, is a 5-minute walk away.
Lulù Capri
If you would rather have a self-catering apartment, then Lulù Capri may be your ideal accommodation.
The apartment is located in Anacapri just 1.4km from Marina Piccola Bay and 1.2km from Villa San Michele. The one-bedroom apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and washing machine.
Guests are welcome to relax on the terrace with a drink and some food and enjoy the warm Italian weather.
Getting around Capri
There are several affordable and easy ways to travel around Capri. The mode of transport you choose will depend on your budget and the time that you have.
Walk
Walking around Capri is the most economical and sustainable mode of transport. However, walking will require some time, and you are reasonably fit. Many areas in Capri are steep and can be a struggle in the Italian heat.
If you are arriving at the Marina Grande it is an uphill walk into Capri Town and can take up to thirty minutes without your luggage.
However, there is one walk I highly recommend you do during your day trip to Capri: the walk from Capri Town to Arco Naturale along the coastal path.
Bus
If you would rather not walk but are still visiting Capri on a budget, the next best way to get around the Island is on the local bus.
As with many Italian places, the buses do not run on a fixed schedule so you may arrive at the bus stop and be greeted with a line. However, despite the lack of schedule you won’t be left waiting too long for the next bus.
Generally speaking, the buses leave when they are full – the maximum capacity for the bus is 30 people.
You can purchase your ticket on the bus for €2.50 but be aware, if you have a large piece of luggage you will be charged €2 per item.
Taxi
For tourists, driving is prohibited on the island. If you have rented a car, it is best to return it to the mainland and hire another car when you return from Capri.
If you prefer to avoid walking or public transport you can take a taxi. The taxis are usually around the bus stops and can seat six passengers. Most fairs quoted to you are for up to four people and there is a €5 charge for two extra passengers.
The prices for the taxi are reasonable, a trip from the Marina to Anacapri will be around €25.
If you choose to take a taxi, I suggest asking the driver as many questions as possible about the area.
I have found them to be incredibly helpful and to provide lots of information about the Island and the sites to see.
Ask your taxi driver if you are looking for local recommendations for places to eat!
Marina Grande Funicular
As mentioned, most people on a day trip to Capri arrive via the Marina Grande.
The walk into Capri Town is very steep and can be quite difficult with your luggage.
The easiest, quickest and cheapest to get to Capri Town is on the Funicular.
Once you arrive at the Marina, the signs to the entrance of the Funicular are marked….if in doubt, follow the crowd!
The funicular runs daily from 6:30 am until 11:00 pm and departs every few minutes.
Once you arrive at the entrance of the Funicular you can purchase your tickets which costs €2 per person each way.
The ride itself takes about 5 minutes!
Things to do on your day trip to Capri
There are so many things to do in Capri for a day, from “tourist” attractions to hidden gems and everything in between!
After a day trip to Capri you will be hanging out to go back again.
Below, you will find a list of things you should be able to fit into your day trip, but depending on the pace you want to go at you might want to choose just a couple of things to do.
1. Soak in the Views at the Marina Grande
Most visitors will arrive at the Marina Grande unless you have chosen to take a private plane … this is not me!
Arriving at the Marina can feel overwhelming initially and may feel like it is not the best time to view the gorgeous Marina.
When you step off the ferry, plenty of people ask you if you would like a private boat, a taxi, or to eat at their restaurant.
If you are staying the night, you might prefer to drop off your luggage before you enjoy the Marina.
If you are on a day trip to Capri you can relax a little more.
When you’re at the Marina try to find a quiet spot to take in the views of the beautiful coloured buildings, the boats, and of course the stunning water.
The Marina is quite big so try to take note of where you have come from so you don’t miss your boat back to the mainland.
2. Take a ride on the Funicular
This one is easy to tick off your list of things to do in Capri! When you have finished taking in the Marina Grande, hop onto the Funicular and enjoy the five minute ride to Carpi Town.
Your five minute ride will take you through the lemon groves and the views from the Funicular are simply stunning.
3. Take a boat trip around Capri
You cannot leave Capri without taking a boat tour of the Island. You may book your tour as soon as you get off the ferry at Marina Grande.
Seeing Capri from the water gives you a complete difference experience to seeing it on foot or on a bus.
You have two options when choosing a boat tour, you can take a shared boat (other people from other groups will be on your tour) and these tours start at €18 per person or you can take a private boat with only your group which costs a lot more.
A few highlights on the boat trip are going through the Faraglioni Rocks, the Statue of the Scugnizzo, passing the Tiberius’ Leap, visiting the entry points of various grottos, passing the Punta Carena Lighthouse and the sirens rocks.
4. Enter the Blue Grotto
Separate from your island tour you can take a boat to enter the Blue Grotto.
This is not to be missed.
It is hard to explain the magical experience of seeing the glowing blue waters within the Grotto.
Be mindful, that the only way to enter the Grotto is to lay flat on the boat, the entrance is so small that you cannot access the Grotto at high tide.
Some boat companies may not highlight this to you so it is worth checking with the companies before you go.
The cost to see the Blue Grotto is €14 per person and you will be asked for tips at the end.
It is a popular attraction and can be very busy so expect a line.
If you have chosen not to see the Blue Grotto but are on a boat with people who have, you will need to wait until everyone who has paid has seen the Grotto before moving on.
5. Take in the views of Capri
Capri has many beautiful places where you can take in the views of the Island. I recommend reaching at least one viewpoint during your day on Capri Island.
Belvedere of Punta Cannone
The first viewpoint, Belvedere of Punta Cannone, is a little further from Capri town than the next viewpoint I will mention.
From this viewpoint, you can see beautiful views of the Faraglioni Rocks.
Because Belvedere of Punta Cannone rock is further from Capri town not many people visit, you virtually have the place to yourself!
Augustus Gardens
Augusts Gardens are botanic gardens in Capri Town. The gardens themselves are beautiful but the main drawcard is the views of the vivid blue waters and the rugged coast of Capri.
As you are closer to Capri Town you will be greeted by more tourists but it is still well worth it!
6. Hit the shops
Capri town is filled with beautiful shops and some of the best restaurants. Of course, you will find your high street and tourist-style shops and some high-end stores where you can purchase all your designer clothes.
If you would like to feel like the rich and famous during your trip to Capri head Via Camerelle and shop (or window shop!) the high-end stores.
Some of the storefronts are beautiful so are worth a visit even if high-end wear is not your thing.
7. Stroll along the coast
The most popular place to walk in Capri is from town to the Arco Naturale. The loop is just shy of 4km. Due to the popularity you find other people on the trail but it is not over touristed.
You can do the walk on your own or you can choose to take a guided walking tour if you want to make the most of your day trip.
If you are doing the walk alone, you might want to pick a few spots you would like to stop at so you don’t take your whole day on the walk.
No matter the route you take, you are in for a beautiful walk!
Ensure you bring some water and your camera, you will stop to take more photos than you originally planned on!!
If you are an on-the-go kind of person who likes a jam-packed itinerary or you are doing more than a Capri day trip, you might want to add in the chairlift in Anacapri that goes to Monte Solaro.
Where to eat in Capri
Capri has beautiful restaurants and eateries offering outstanding Italian food, so you will be spoiled for choice.
A few recommendations are:
Ristorante Il Geranio
Situated next to the Augusts Gardens you can enjoy a beautiful meal with views over the Faraglioni Rocks. The food is amazing although a little pricey, although, you are in Capri so this is to be expected.
Michelangelo Restaurant
Michelangelo comes highly recommended by locals and the food is outstanding. The restaurant is family owned and you will not regret your choice to grab a meal here.
If you have a little more time and are interested you can take a cooking class at Michelangelo and they are available for tastings and they cater for boat tours.
Lemon Gelato
Okay, so I know this is not a restaurant recommendation per se, but you cannot leave Capri without trying something – lemon?
There are lemons everywhere in Capri and you must try what’s local when traveling!
What better way to sample the lemons than trying Lemon Gelato?
It is also a perfect way to cool down on a hot summer’s afternoon, so in my humble opinion, it is a win-win!!
Bar Piccolo
Many will say you can’t go to Capri without visiting Bar Piccolo. It’s the place to be if you know what I mean. If you would like to get up close with the rich and famous grab and Aperol Spritzes and see who might run into.
Salumeria Da Aldo
In Marina Grande you will spot a yellow awning right on the waterfront, this will be Salumeria Da Aldo.
At Salumeria Da Aldo you will find some of the best Caprese sandwiches you will ever find.
The flavours are amazing and your sandwich life will forever change from your first bite!
You can’t visit Capri without getting a sandwich from Salumeria Da Aldo you may as well pop in while you wait for your boat to head back to the mainland.
When is the best time to take a day trip to Capri
Here comes the most annoying answer.
Any time of year is the best time to take a day trip to Capri.
Summer brings beautiful warm weather, Spring has stunning floral blooms and warmer days, Autumn still has some beautiful days but there are way fewer visitors and winter is a much slower pace and most of the tourists are heading to your more typical winter cities in Europe.
However, I do prefer the shoulder season of May or September as the weather is still warm but there are less tourists and there are more availabilities on tours, restaurants/cafes and hotels.
Things are often cheaper in the shoulder season due to the lack of tourists.
Some of the best Capri Italy day tours are:
From the Amalfi Coast | From Sorrento | From Naples | From Positano | From Rome
FAQs: Day Trip To Capri
How do you get to Capri?
There are two ways you can get to Capri, Italy:
1. Fly: The closest airport to Capri is Capodichino/Naples International Airport in Naples, Italy (NAP)
2. Boat/Ferry: It is possible to hire a private boat to get to Capri but the journey can be quite rough. The cheapest and smoothest option is to purchase a ticket on one of the mainstream ferries
Is a day trip to Capri worth it?
Short answer: Yes!
In a day trip to Capri you will be able to see many of the major sights including a boat tour around the Island.
Can you do a day trip to Capri from Sorrento?
Yes, day trips to Capri from Sorrento are quite popular. There are many ferries from Piano di Sorrento or you can do an organised day trip where you will be picked up from your hotel and taken by boat to the Island of Capri.
Have you done a day trip to Capri? Let me know your experience in the comments below
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