Capri
A 4-square-mile limestone island in the Bay of Naples — the Faraglioni sea stacks rising 100m straight from the Mediterranean, the eerie blue glow of the Blue Grotto where Tiberius bathed, the open chairlift to Mt Solaro’s 589m summit, the Piazzetta’s aperitivo theatre, and Villa San Michele’s cliff-edge Roman columns. Where Tiberius ruled the Roman Empire from AD 27–37, where Capri Pants were invented, and where 10,000 day-trippers pour off Naples ferries by 11 AM — overnight to see the island after they leave.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Capri
📍 Points of Interest
At a Glance
- Pop.
- 13K
- Timezone
- Rome
- Dial
- +39
- Emergency
- 112 / 113
Capri is a 4-square-mile (10 km²) limestone island off the Sorrento Peninsula in the Bay of Naples — small enough to walk across in a long afternoon, but stratified into a wealthy enclave (Capri town and the Piazzetta), a quieter mountain village (Anacapri), and a craggy cliff coastline carved by the Faraglioni rocks rising 100 metres straight from the sea
The Roman Emperor Tiberius ruled the Roman Empire from Capri for the last decade of his life (AD 27–37), governing from Villa Jovis on the island's eastern cliff — 1,200 vertical feet above the sea. Twelve imperial villas were built across the island, the ruins of which can still be visited today
The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) was rediscovered in 1826 by German poet August Kopisch — locals had avoided it for centuries believing it was inhabited by demons. The grotto's eerie cobalt blue glow comes from sunlight filtering through an underwater opening, lighting the cave from below
Capri's permanent population is just 13,000 — split between Capri town (7,000) and Anacapri (6,000) — but in summer the island receives 10,000 day-trippers per day from Naples, Sorrento, and Amalfi Coast cruises, swelling the Piazzetta to standing-room only by 11 AM
There are no traffic lights on Capri and large vehicles are banned — only mini-electric buses, scooters, and tiny three-wheel Apes (Italian micro-trucks) navigate the narrow lanes. The funicular from Marina Grande to Capri town has been the main mode of arrival since 1907
Capri pants — the cropped, slim-fit women's trousers — were invented here in 1948 by German fashion designer Sonja de Lennart, then made world-famous by Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Jackie Kennedy who summered on the island in the 1950s and 60s. The original Capri Pants boutique still operates on Via Camerelle
Top Sights
The Faraglioni — Capri's Iconic Sea Stacks
📌Three limestone sea stacks rise 100 metres straight from the Mediterranean off Capri's southeast coast — Stella (attached to the cliff), Faraglione di Mezzo (the famous one with the boat-passable arch tunnel), and Scopolo (the outermost, home to a unique blue lizard species found nowhere else on Earth). Best viewed from the Punta Tragara overlook (free, 20-min walk from Capri town) or by boat tour (€20–35) that passes through the natural arch.
The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)
📌Sunlight filtering through an underwater rock opening transforms this small sea cave into an eerie, glowing cobalt-blue chamber that has astonished visitors since Roman times (Tiberius reputedly used it as a private bath). Access only by small rowboat from Marina Grande (€18 boat trip + €14 grotto entry); the cave entrance is so low that visitors lie flat as the boatman pulls through. Best at midday when sunlight is strongest. Often closed in choppy seas — check forecasts.
Mount Solaro & the Anacapri Chairlift
📌Capri's highest point at 589 metres — accessed by a single-person open chairlift that climbs 12 minutes from Anacapri's Piazza Vittoria, dangling above terraced gardens and stone walls. The 360° summit panorama covers the Bay of Naples (Vesuvius, Ischia, Procida), the entire island, and on clear days the Calabrian coast. €13 round trip; 09:30–17:00 March–November. The descent on foot via the Stations of the Cross trail (45 min) is the alternative.
Villa San Michele (Anacapri)
📌Built around 1900 by Swedish doctor and writer Axel Munthe atop the ruins of a Roman imperial villa, this is one of the most beautiful private homes in Italy — a fusion of antique Roman columns, Egyptian sphinxes, white-walled cloisters, and a cliff-edge pergola overlooking the Bay of Naples. Munthe's 1929 memoir "The Story of San Michele" is one of the great memoirs of the 20th century. €10 entry; 09:00–17:30 in summer.
La Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto I)
📌The 30 x 20 metre square at the heart of Capri town — known simply as "the Piazzetta" — is one of Italy's most famous public spaces despite its tiny size. Four cafes (Bar Tiberio, Caffè Caso, Bar Piccolo, and Gran Caffè) ring the square; the clock tower above marks every hour with a peal. Aperitivo here from 18:00 onwards is the social ritual that defines Capri — a Negroni costs €18, but you're paying for the theatre.
Villa Jovis — Tiberius' Imperial Palace
📌The ruins of Emperor Tiberius' main residence, where he ruled the Roman Empire from AD 27 until his death in AD 37. The cliff-edge complex spread over 7,000 square metres at 334 metres elevation — multiple levels of imperial baths, cisterns, observation terraces, and the infamous "Salto di Tiberio" (Tiberius' Leap) where, according to Suetonius, the emperor had enemies hurled into the sea. A 45-minute walk from Capri town past hibiscus-covered villa walls. €6 entry; the cliff views alone justify the climb.
Via Krupp & the Gardens of Augustus
📌Via Krupp is a switchbacked pedestrian path carved into the cliff face by German industrialist Friedrich Krupp in 1902, descending in dramatic hairpin turns from the Gardens of Augustus down to the Marina Piccola beach. The Gardens themselves are a small, well-kept public park (€1 entry) with the most photographed view of the Faraglioni. Via Krupp has been intermittently closed for rockfall safety; check the current status before relying on it as a route down.
Marina Piccola Beaches
🏖️Capri has very few sand beaches — most "beaches" are pebbled or rocky platforms. Marina Piccola, on the south coast directly below the Gardens of Augustus, is the most accessible swimming spot: small pebble beaches (some free, some private bagni at €25–40 for a sun lounger), with the Faraglioni visible in the distance. Bus from Capri town in 15 min, or descend Via Krupp on foot.
Off the Beaten Path
Da Paolino — The Lemon Grove Restaurant
A family-run restaurant in Marina Grande set entirely under a canopy of mature lemon trees — the lemons literally hang above the tables, occasionally dropping into pasta. The cuisine is straightforward Caprese (ravioli capresi, scialatielli with seafood, fresh fish), prices are eye-watering by mainland standards (€80–120 per person), but the setting is unique on Earth. Reservations essential 2+ weeks ahead in summer; closes November–March.
Most Capri restaurants charge €100+ for the view alone. Da Paolino charges for the same price but provides a genuinely magical setting that justifies it — eating under a lemon canopy at sunset is one of the few Capri experiences that lives up to the hype.
Sentiero dei Fortini (Path of the Forts)
A 5.2 km coastal hiking trail along Capri's rugged west coast, linking three Napoleonic-era stone forts (Pino, Mesola, Orrico) built in the early 1800s to defend against the British. The path runs above sheer cliffs through wild Mediterranean scrub with constant views toward Ischia and the Bay of Naples — and almost no other walkers. Start at the Blue Grotto bus stop, end at Punta Carena lighthouse. Allow 3 hours; bring water.
Capri has a reputation for being overrun, but this trail proves the cliché wrong — you'll see fewer than 20 people on a summer day. The west coast wildness is the antidote to the Piazzetta's crowds.
Bar Grottelle — A Cliff-Carved Snack Bar
A tiny, family-run trattoria built into a natural rock cliff on the path to Arco Naturale. Tables are set on a precarious terrace 200 metres above the sea, the menu is short (caprese salad, ravioli, lemon delight), and the setting is one of the most spectacular in Italy. Cash only, often closed on Mondays, no reservations — first-come basis. €40–60 per person.
On the trail to Arco Naturale (an underrated stone arch in itself), Grottelle is a "found" experience — you're hiking the trail, you turn a corner, and suddenly there's a restaurant carved into the cliff. Perfect lunch after Villa Jovis.
Punta Carena Lighthouse at Sunset
Italy's second-most-powerful lighthouse, on Capri's southwestern tip — accessible by bus from Anacapri to the end of the line, then a 5-minute walk. Sunset here is exceptional because the sun sinks directly into the open Mediterranean (Capri faces west on this side). The Lido del Faro restaurant has rocky swimming platforms and aperitivo with the sunset view; it's a fraction of the price of equivalent spots on the Faraglioni side.
Most visitors never make it to Anacapri's far western tip. Locals from Capri specifically come here at sunset because it's genuinely better than Marina Piccola or the Gardens of Augustus and 60% cheaper.
Limoncello Tasting at I Giardini di Cataldo
A working family-run lemon grove on Anacapri that produces small-batch limoncello from Capri's indigenous "Sfusato Amalfitano" lemons (the elongated, intensely aromatic variety). The free 30-minute tour walks you through the grove, the production process, and ends with a tasting of three liqueurs — limoncello, basilicello, and crema di limone. Buy a bottle directly (€15–25) at production prices.
Limoncello sold in tourist shops is often industrially produced and shipped from anywhere. This is the actual local product, made from lemons grown on the property — and you taste the difference immediately.
Climate & Best Time to Go
Capri has a classic Mediterranean climate — hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Sea temperatures range from 14°C in February to 26°C in August, with comfortable swimming from May through October. The island's exposed cliffs make it slightly windier than mainland Naples, which keeps summer afternoons bearable. Winter brings dramatic storms and many businesses close from November to Easter.
Spring
April - May55 to 72°F
13 to 22°C
The optimal window — wildflowers cover the cliffs, the lemons are in blossom (and fragrant from a distance), temperatures are warm enough for hiking but not for the worst crowds. Sea is still cool (16–19°C) so swimming is bracing.
Summer
June - August72 to 86°F
22 to 30°C
Peak season — the Piazzetta is mobbed by 10 AM, accommodation prices triple, and the Blue Grotto has 90-minute queues. But sea temperatures are perfect (23–26°C), the long evenings are magical, and aperitivo culture is at its full theatrical peak.
Autumn
September - October63 to 81°F
17 to 27°C
September is arguably the best month — the day-tripper crowds thin after the first week, sea temperatures are warmest of the year (24–26°C), and prices begin to ease. October is mild and quiet but autumn rains arrive late in the month.
Winter
November - March46 to 61°F
8 to 16°C
Most hotels and ferries reduce service or close entirely; many restaurants shutter from November to Easter. The island feels almost entirely Italian at this time — the few visitors are the most rewarding experiences but you'll have minimal services. Storms can cancel ferries for days.
Best Time to Visit
May, early June, and September are the optimal months — warm enough for swimming, mild enough for hiking, smaller crowds than peak summer, and shoulder-season hotel prices. July–August is overrun and very expensive but has the best sea temperatures. November–March is largely closed.
Spring (April–May)
Crowds: ModerateWildflowers cover the cliffs, lemon blossoms scent the air, hiking is at its best. April still has rain risk; May is the sweet spot. Sea is too cold for most swimmers (16–19°C) but boat tours run.
Pros
- + Wildflowers and lemon blossoms
- + Best hiking weather
- + Pre-peak prices
- + All sites open
Cons
- − Sea too cold for comfortable swimming
- − April rain risk
- − Limited evening atmosphere
Summer (June–August)
Crowds: Very highPeak season with peak everything — peak crowds, peak prices, peak heat, peak atmosphere. The Piazzetta theatre is at full performance, the boat tours are constant, the sea is warmest (23–26°C). Day-trippers from Naples cruise ships overwhelm Marina Grande from 10 AM to 4 PM daily.
Pros
- + Best sea temperatures
- + Maximum atmosphere and nightlife
- + Long daylight (sunset 20:30+)
- + All sites operating
Cons
- − Hotel prices triple
- − Day-tripper masses 10:00–16:00
- − Blue Grotto queues 90+ minutes
- − Heat and crowds combined
Autumn (September–October)
Crowds: Low to moderate after Sept 10Arguably the best month overall — September retains summer warmth and warm sea (24–26°C, the year's warmest), but the cruise-ship traffic falls 70% after September 10. October is mild, quiet, and atmospheric; the season's last gasp before winter closures.
Pros
- + Warmest sea of the year
- + Manageable crowds
- + Lower hotel prices
- + Long warm evenings
Cons
- − First storms can disrupt ferries late October
- − Some restaurants begin closing late October
- − October light shorter
Winter (November–March)
Crowds: MinimalMost hotels and restaurants close for the season; the few remaining are local-oriented. Ferries reduce frequency and cancel in storms. The island is quiet and authentically Italian, but visitor experience is limited — most attractions (Blue Grotto, chairlift, Villa Jovis) close or run reduced hours.
Pros
- + Authentic local Capri
- + Very low prices
- + No crowds at all
- + Atmospheric storms
Cons
- − Most hotels closed
- − Most restaurants closed
- − Blue Grotto often closed
- − Ferry disruptions common
🎉 Festivals & Events
Settembrata Anacaprese
SeptemberAnacapri's week-long late-September festival — folk music, traditional dancing, food stalls, and the Costa Anacaprese procession. The most authentic local cultural moment of the Capri calendar.
Procession of San Costanzo
May 14Capri's patron saint feast day — a procession carrying the silver bust of San Costanzo from the cathedral down to Marina Grande, with music, fireworks, and a community dinner. Authentically local, not tourist-oriented.
Capri Hollywood International Film Festival
December–JanuaryA boutique winter film festival held over Christmas–New Year that brings Hollywood names to the island during the otherwise quiet season. Mixed local opinions (it's commercial) but provides off-season life.
Safety Breakdown
Very Safe
out of 100
Capri is one of the safest destinations in Italy. Violent crime is essentially non-existent on the island — the small permanent population and physical isolation mean everyone knows everyone, and the wealthy tourist clientele is well-protected by a substantial Carabinieri presence. The main risks are natural (cliff falls, slippery trails, sun exposure) and financial (overcharging by predatory taxi and boat operators in Marina Grande).
Things to Know
- •Cliff trails (Sentiero dei Fortini, Pizzolungo, the Phoenician Steps to Anacapri) have unprotected drops in places — wear proper shoes, not sandals, and stay on marked paths
- •Always confirm boat tour prices in writing before boarding at Marina Grande — verbal quotes can mysteriously double when you return to shore. Reputable operators (Capri Boats, Sercomar) post fixed prices
- •Taxis are open-top convertibles with fixed routes and fares — confirm the price before getting in. Capri to Anacapri is €25, Marina Grande to Capri town €20
- •The Piazzetta and Via Camerelle (the high-fashion shopping street) have pickpockets working the summer crowds — same precautions as anywhere in Italy
- •Sun and dehydration are real risks on Mt Solaro and the Faraglioni viewpoints in July–August — bring water, hat, sunscreen
- •Ferry cancellations due to rough seas (mare grosso) are common in autumn and winter — never plan to leave Capri on the same day as a flight from Naples; build in a buffer night
- •The funicular and chairlift queue jumpers attempt the same trick of sliding past with luggage carts — politely but firmly hold your place
Emergency Numbers
Emergency (all services)
112
Police (Carabinieri)
112
Ambulance
118
Fire
115
Coast Guard
1530
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayBackpacker = hostel dorm + street food + public transit. Mid-range = 3-star hotel + neighbourhood restaurants + transit cards. Luxury = 4/5-star + fine dining + taxis. How we calibrate these numbers →
Quick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$140-200
Day trip from Naples or Sorrento (no overnight), pack lunch, walk between sites, skip the Blue Grotto boat — Capri can be done as an inexpensive day if you avoid the overnight premium
mid-range
$280-400
Anacapri 3-star hotel or affordable Capri town pensione, sit-down lunch and dinner at non-waterfront restaurants, Blue Grotto + chairlift + main attractions, occasional taxi
luxury
$600-2000
Capri Tiberio Palace or Grand Hotel Quisisana, fine dining at Le Grottelle or L'Olivo, boat tour with private skipper, all premium experiences — Capri is genuinely a top-end-of-the-market luxury destination
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationAnacapri B&B / pensione double | €120–200/night | $130–220 |
| AccommodationCapri town 3-4 star hotel double (high season) | €350–600/night | $380–650 |
| AccommodationGrand Hotel Quisisana (Capri's grand dame) | €800–2000/night | $870–2180 |
| FoodCaprese salad at a sit-down restaurant | €14–22 | $15–24 |
| FoodRavioli capresi (the local pasta) | €18–28 | $20–30 |
| FoodPizza Margherita at non-waterfront pizzeria | €10–16 | $11–17 |
| FoodNegroni at the Piazzetta | €16–22 | $17–24 |
| FoodEspresso at a counter | €1.50–2.50 | $1.60–2.70 |
| TransportFunicular single (Marina Grande → Capri town) | €2.40 | $2.60 |
| TransportMini-bus single | €2.40 | $2.60 |
| TransportConvertible taxi Capri → Anacapri | €25 | $27 |
| TransportHydrofoil Naples ↔ Capri one-way | €25–45 | $27–49 |
| AttractionBlue Grotto (boat + entry) | €18 boat + €14 entry | $35 total |
| AttractionMt Solaro chairlift round trip | €13 | $14 |
| AttractionBoat tour around the island (2 hr) | €25–40 group | $27–43 |
| AttractionVilla San Michele entry | €10 | $11 |
| AttractionVilla Jovis entry | €6 | $7 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Stay in Anacapri instead of Capri town — accommodation is 30–40% cheaper, restaurants are similar quality, and the bus connection is frequent
- •Day-trip from Naples or Sorrento and skip the overnight premium entirely; the last ferry leaves around 19:30–20:00 in summer
- •Eat lunch away from the Piazzetta — even one street back, prices drop 30%. La Capannina, Le Grottelle, and Da Tonino in Anacapri are excellent value
- •Walk to the Faraglioni viewpoint at Punta Tragara (free) instead of the boat tour if you only want the famous view
- •Bring a reusable water bottle — €4 bottles at every cafe add up; public fountains exist near the Gardens of Augustus
- •The Phoenician Steps (free) connect Marina Grande to Anacapri directly — a more rewarding alternative to bus + chairlift if you have leg strength
- •Aperitivo at a non-Piazzetta bar (try Bar Funicolare or Bar 2000) gets you the same Negroni for €10 instead of €18
- •Visit shoulder-season (May, late September, October) when accommodation prices drop 30–50% but weather and crowds are still favorable
Euro
Code: EUR
1 USD ≈ €0.92 (varies). Capri is one of the most expensive destinations in Italy — expect mainland prices doubled in tourist-facing restaurants, tripled in waterfront bars. ATMs are concentrated in Capri town centre and Anacapri (Banca Mediolanum, Intesa Sanpaolo). Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) accepted everywhere except some artisan workshops and small trattorias. Have €100–200 cash for taxis, boats, and small bars.
Payment Methods
Cards accepted in restaurants, hotels, and most shops; cash needed for small artisan workshops, public transport (you can pay on board with cash), and tips. ATMs at the Piazzetta and Anacapri Piazza Vittoria. Avoid airport currency exchange — better rates from any Naples ATM.
Tipping Guide
A "coperto" (cover charge, €2–5/person) and sometimes "servizio" (10–15%) are added to the bill — read carefully. If servizio is included, no further tip is needed; if not, 5–10% rounded up. Capri restaurants increasingly add servizio automatically — Italians do not tip on top.
No tipping for coffee or drinks at the counter. For table service (especially at the Piazzetta), the price already includes a substantial table-service surcharge — leave a euro or two extra at most.
Round up to the nearest €5 on fixed-route convertible taxis. €1–2 for short rides.
€5–10 per person for the boatman/guide on a 2-hour Faraglioni-and-grotto tour is appreciated.
€2–5 for porter handling luggage; €5–10/day in envelope for housekeeping at upscale hotels.
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Naples International Airport (Capodichino)(NAP)
50 km north (mainland — Naples)Capri has no airport — fly into Naples then transit to the port. Alibus shuttle from NAP airport to Naples' Molo Beverello / Calata Porta di Massa cruise port (~15 min, €5). From there: hydrofoil (aliscafo) to Capri Marina Grande, 50 minutes, €25–45 one-way. Operators: SNAV, Caremar, NLG. Last ferry typically 19:00–20:00 in summer, 17:00 in winter.
✈️ Search flights to NAP🚌 Bus Terminals
Naples — Molo Beverello (Hydrofoil port) / Calata Porta di Massa (Car ferry port)
Frequent hydrofoils from Naples to Capri Marina Grande — every 30–60 minutes in summer, less frequent in winter. SNAV, Caremar, and NLG operate the route at slightly different price points (€25–45). Slower car ferries (1.5 hr, no cars allowed for non-residents to disembark) are cheaper. From Sorrento — frequent 20-min hydrofoils, €20.
Sorrento — Marina Piccola
The shortest crossing to Capri — 20 minutes by hydrofoil, €20 one-way. SNAV and Caremar run frequent service. Sorrento is a more pleasant overnight base than Naples for many visitors.
Amalfi Coast — Positano, Amalfi (seasonal)
Direct seasonal hydrofoils from Positano (35 min, €20) and Amalfi (1 hr, €25) operate April–October. Only daytime sailings; back to mainland by 18:30. Cancel in rough seas.
Getting Around
Capri is small enough to walk much of, but the elevation changes (Marina Grande at sea level → Capri town at 142 m → Anacapri at 282 m) make the funicular, buses, and chairlift essential. No private cars are allowed for non-residents; visitors move by funicular, mini-buses, taxi convertibles, scooter, or on foot. Boat tours circle the island in 2 hours.
Marina Grande → Capri Town Funicular
€2.40 singleThe 1907-built funicular climbs 138 metres in 4 minutes from the port to Capri town's Piazzetta — the standard arrival method for almost everyone. Departures every 15 minutes from 06:30 to 21:30 in summer, less frequent in winter. €2.40 single, €2.70 with luggage.
Best for: Arrival from Marina Grande, the standard route into Capri town
Local Mini-Buses
€2.40 single, €9 day passTiny orange ATC mini-buses (capacity ~20) run the Capri-Anacapri-Marina Grande triangle plus connections to Marina Piccola, the Blue Grotto, and Punta Carena lighthouse. Scenic but cramped; queues for the Anacapri bus from Capri are long in summer (30+ min). Single €2.40, day pass €9.
Best for: Capri ↔ Anacapri, Blue Grotto, Marina Piccola, Punta Carena
Convertible Taxis
€20–35 fixed routesCapri's open-top extended convertible taxis are an institution — fixed-price for set routes (Capri ↔ Anacapri €25, Marina Grande ↔ Capri €20, etc.). They skip bus queues and are atmospheric. Always confirm the price before boarding. From taxi rank in Piazza Martiri d'Ungheria or by phone.
Best for: Bypassing bus queues, restaurants outside town centre, late-night returns
Anacapri → Mt Solaro Chairlift
€13 round tripA single-person open-air chairlift climbs 12 minutes from Anacapri's Piazza Vittoria to the 589-metre summit of Mt Solaro. €13 round trip, €10 one-way. 09:30–17:00 March–November (closed in winter and bad weather).
Best for: Mt Solaro panorama (the island's best view)
Walking
FreeCapri town centre, Anacapri centre, and the trails between them are walkable — the Phoenician Steps (921 stone steps connecting Marina Grande directly to Anacapri) are the historic route. Most viewpoints (Punta Tragara, Faraglioni overlook, Villa Jovis) require a 20–45 min walk from the Piazzetta.
Best for: Scenic trails, viewpoints, exploring villas
Walkability
Capri town and Anacapri town centres are highly walkable — narrow pedestrian-only lanes, no cars. The walks between attractions (Faraglioni viewpoint, Villa Jovis, Arco Naturale) are part of the Capri experience. Wear proper shoes; many "streets" are stepped lanes.
Travel Connections
Naples
Capri's urban counterweight: chaotic, layered, gloriously alive. Pizza was invented here, the National Archaeological Museum holds the best Roman bronzes from Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the historic centre is a UNESCO site. Most Capri visitors fly into Naples airport (NAP) anyway — building a 2–3 day Naples extension on either end is the smart move.
Sorrento
The cliff-top town on the Sorrento Peninsula directly across from Capri — limoncello's spiritual home, a base for visiting Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, and a pleasant overnight stop. The frequent ferry connection to Capri makes it the most convenient mainland base; many visitors do Capri as a Sorrento day trip.
Pompeii & Herculaneum
The two cities buried by Vesuvius in AD 79 and excavated from the 18th century onwards — Pompeii is the famous one (sprawling, 30,000+ visitors daily), Herculaneum the smaller and better-preserved (multi-storey buildings, intact wooden furniture, intimate scale). Both are essential and both are an easy day trip from Capri via Sorrento.
Amalfi Coast (Positano, Amalfi, Ravello)
The string of cliff-perched villages — Positano (vertical and photogenic), Amalfi (the historic former maritime republic), Ravello (high above with Wagner's Villa Cimbrone gardens) — is connected to Capri by direct seasonal ferry. Day-trip from Capri or vice-versa; many visitors combine both into a single Italian Riviera trip.
Ischia
Capri's larger, less famous neighbour in the Bay of Naples — a volcanic island with hot springs, less day-tripper traffic, and a more residential Italian feel. Aragonese Castle on its own islet, Negombo thermal park, and lower prices make Ischia the local Italian alternative to Capri.
Entry Requirements
Capri is part of Italy, which is in the European Union and the Schengen Area — visa rules are the standard Schengen rules. Most Western passport holders enter visa-free for 90 days within any 180-day period. From mid-2026 the EU's ETIAS authorisation (€7, online) will be required for visa-free visitors before arrival.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | No visa for short stays. Passport must be valid for 3 months beyond Schengen departure. ETIAS pre-authorisation required from mid-2026 (€7, valid 3 years). |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | No visa post-Brexit for short stays. Passport must be issued within last 10 years and valid 3+ months beyond return. ETIAS required from mid-2026. |
| EU Citizens | Visa-free | Unlimited | EU passport holders can enter, stay, work indefinitely. National ID card sufficient. |
| Australian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | Visa-free; ETIAS required from mid-2026. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •Italy is in Schengen — your 90 days here count against your overall Schengen total (combined with France, Germany, Greece, etc.)
- •No special permits needed for Capri itself — it's domestic Italian travel from any EU airport
- •Day-trippers from cruise ships enter Italy at Naples port — your cruise paperwork covers this; bring your passport ashore for ID checks
- •There are no border controls between Naples mainland and Capri — the ferry is treated as domestic Italian transport
Shopping
Capri shopping splits cleanly into two universes: the high-fashion Via Camerelle in Capri town (Prada, Gucci, Hermès, Loro Piana, plus Capri-born brands like Canfora handmade sandals) and the artisan workshops in Anacapri and the back lanes (limoncello producers, perfumeries, ceramics, custom-made sandals). Mainland visitors should focus on the artisan side — fashion brands are the same as everywhere else.
Via Camerelle
luxury fashionThe pedestrian luxury street running south from the Piazzetta — Hermès, Gucci, Prada, Bottega Veneta, plus the original Sonja de Lennart (Capri Pants), Canfora (handmade sandals worn by Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana), and Eco Capri (resort wear). Window-shopping is free entertainment; actual prices are 20% above mainland Italy.
Known for: Luxury brands, custom Capri sandals, original Capri Pants
Anacapri Artisan Workshops
craftsThe back lanes of Anacapri — Via Giuseppe Orlandi and Via Caprile — are lined with traditional artisan workshops: hand-painted ceramics with Capri lemon motifs, perfumeries (Carthusia, founded 1948 from Carthusian monks' original recipes), limoncello producers, and leather sandalmakers (L'Arte del Sandalo Caprese — measure your feet, sandals ready in 30 min, €120).
Known for: Custom sandals, Carthusia perfume, hand-painted ceramics, limoncello
Marina Grande Souvenir Stalls
touristThe harbour is lined with souvenir shops selling magnets, Capri t-shirts, mass-produced limoncello, and beach gear. Quality is mixed; better artisan goods are in Capri town and Anacapri. Convenient for last-minute purchases before your ferry.
Known for: Souvenirs, beach essentials, mass-produced limoncello
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Custom-fit Capri sandals from Canfora or Antonio Viva — measured to your foot, made in 30 minutes, €100–180; the same model worn by Jackie Kennedy is still in production
- •Carthusia perfume — produced from Capri herbs and citrus by an Anacapri perfumery using 14th-century Carthusian monk recipes; €60–120 for a 50ml bottle
- •Sfusato Amalfitano limoncello — the indigenous elongated lemon variety produces a more intense limoncello than the standard. Buy direct from Anacapri producers (I Giardini di Cataldo) at €15–25
- •Hand-painted ceramic Capri lemon — small ceramic dishes, tiles, or tea sets painted in the cheerful yellow-and-green Caprese style
- •Capri Pants by Sonja de Lennart — the original 1948 design is still made by the Capri boutique on Via Camerelle (€180–280)
- •Eco Capri or Maliparmi resort wear — Capri-born brands selling beach kaftans and printed cotton dresses with island motifs
Language & Phrases
Italian is the official language; the local Caprese dialect is a variant of Neapolitan that you may hear among older residents but won't need to use. English is widely spoken in tourism contexts (hotels, restaurants, taxis) — service workers in Capri are often more fluent in English than mainland equivalents because the clientele is so international. A few Italian words are warmly received.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Ciao / Salve (informal/formal) | CHOW / SAHL-veh |
| Good morning | Buongiorno | bwon-JOR-no |
| Good evening | Buonasera | bwo-na-SEH-ra |
| Please | Per favore | pehr fa-VOH-reh |
| Thank you | Grazie | GRAHT-syeh |
| You're welcome | Prego | PREH-go |
| Yes / No | Sì / No | see / no |
| How much? | Quanto costa? | KWAN-to KO-sta? |
| The bill, please | Il conto, per favore | eel KON-to pehr fa-VOH-reh |
| A coffee, please | Un caffè, per favore | oon kaf-FEH pehr fa-VOH-reh |
| Where is...? | Dov'è...? | doh-VEH? |
| Cheers! | Salute! / Cin cin! | sa-LOO-teh / cheen cheen |
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