Island · Gulf of Naples · No private cars
Capri
Limestone island with unsurpassed visual force: Blue Grotto, Faraglioni and the Piazzetta where the world meets.
Capri is probably Italy's most famous island. Roman emperors, 20th-century intellectuals, Hollywood stars - all have surrendered to its charm. It is not a cheap destination, it is not a quiet destination in summer - but it is an experience that stays with you.
The island is divided into two municipalities: Capri (below, more glamorous) and Anacapri (above, quieter). Marina Grande is the main port. From there, funicular or taxi whisk you to the centre in minutes. Without cars, you move on foot, by bus or open-air taxi - which contributes enormously to the charm of the place.
Did You Know?
27 BC
Augustus bought Capri from Naples
12
Roman imperial villas on the island
10,000+
visitors per day in August
The Blue Grotto was already known to the Romans as "Tiberius's bath". It was rediscovered by European artists in 1826 and has since become one of Italy's most visited attractions.
What to See in Capri
Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)
The most famous sea cave in the Mediterranean: sunlight filters through a submerged opening and illuminates the water in an unreal electric blue. You enter lying flat in tiny rowboats. Entry ~€14. Reachable by boat from Marina Grande or on foot (then by boat). Avoid in rough seas.
The Faraglioni
The three great rocks rising from the sea to the east of the island are the absolute symbol of Capri. Admire them from the Gardens of Augustus, the Punta Tragara belvedere, or up close on a boat tour. The boat passes through the natural arch of the middle Faraglione - an unforgettable moment.
The Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto I)
The drawing room of the world: four café terraces, the clock tower, the steps of Santo Stefano church. An aperitivo here is pricey (~€8–12) but sitting at the Piazzetta is a rite of passage. It comes alive even more in the evening.
Villa San Michele (Anacapri)
Built by Swedish physician Axel Munthe in the late 1800s on the ruins of a Tiberius villa, it is one of Italy's most romantic gardens. The view over the coast and the Gulf of Naples from the belvedere is extraordinary. Entry ~€8. Open all year.
Monte Solaro (Anacapri)
The island's highest peak (589 m) reachable by chairlift from Anacapri (~15 min, ~€12 return). 360° panorama over Capri, Ischia, Procida, the coast and Vesuvius. At the top: absolute silence, a café and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso. Not to be missed.
How to Get to Capri
Capri has no bridge or airport. The only way to arrive is by sea - ferry or hydrofoil from Naples, Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi (the latter two seasonal).
From Naples
Hydrofoil ~40 min (NLG, Alilauro) or ferry ~50 min (Caremar, SNAV) from Molo Beverello. Multiple departures daily, year-round.
From Sorrento
Hydrofoil only ~20–25 min. The fastest and most convenient option if you're already on the Sorrentine Peninsula.
Hydrofoil Schedules - Summer 2026
Services operate year-round from Naples; Sorrento routes are frequent in summer. Always verify on official company websites.
| Departs Naples | Arrives Capri | Company |
|---|---|---|
| 07:15 | 07:55 | NLG |
| 08:00 | 08:40 | Alilauro |
| 09:15 | 09:55 | NLG |
| 10:30 | 11:10 | SNAV |
| 12:00 | 12:40 | NLG |
| 14:30 | 15:10 | Alilauro |
| 16:00 | 16:40 | NLG |
| Departs Sorrento | Arrives Capri | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | 08:25 | ~25 min |
| 09:30 | 09:55 | ~25 min |
| 11:00 | 11:25 | ~25 min |
| 13:30 | 13:55 | ~25 min |
| 15:30 | 15:55 | ~25 min |
| 17:30 | 17:55 | ~25 min |
* Indicative schedules for summer 2026. Check nlg.it, alilauro.it, snav.it to confirm.
Hidden Corners of Capri
Beyond the postcards: four spots the passing tourist never finds.
Arco Naturale
A limestone arch 185 m above the sea, reachable on foot from central Capri in 40 minutes. Almost no queues, spectacular views over the eastern sea. The path passes by Villa Malaparte (photographable from outside).
Punta Cannone Belvedere
A little-known belvedere behind the Certosa di San Giacomo with a direct view of the Faraglioni. Free, no queues, reachable on foot in 10 minutes from the Piazzetta. The Faraglioni photo from here beats the Gardens of Augustus shot.
Grotta di Matromania
An ancient cave sacred to the nymphs, later converted into a Roman nymphaeum. Reachable on foot from Arco Naturale in 15 minutes. Almost no tourists. Nearby is Villa Malaparte, the iconic red house on the cliff.
Bagni di Tiberio
The remains of Tiberius's maritime villa on the north shore of Capri, reachable by boat from Marina Grande or on foot in 20 minutes. Free entry. In the nearby bay you can swim in exceptionally clear water.
Local Tip
How to beat the crowds on Capri
Take the very first hydrofoil (7:00–7:30 am). By 8:30 you are already at the Blue Grotto with no queue. By the time the day-trippers pour in at 10:00 am, you will have already seen the island's best before heading to Anacapri for lunch in total peace.