13 Best Things to Do in Capri (Honest Guide + Map)

Capri is beautiful and busy at the same time. I won’t pretend it’s a secret spot. In summer, the main areas get crowded, especially around the Piazzetta, the Blue Grotto, and the funicular. Still, with a bit of planning, Capri can be wonderful.

I’m Italian, born and raised in Bologna, and I visited Capri a few times, it’s such an easy trip from Naples or the Amalfi Coast.

What I enjoy most are the simple moments: a boat around the island, a quiet swim at Marina Piccola in the morning, and an easy walk to a Faraglioni viewpoint near sunset. If you time your day well, you’ll see why people fall for it.

This guide focuses on what’s truly worth your time: the best viewpoints, boat options, a couple of good food stops, and practical tips to avoid the worst lines and get around the island efficiently.

Use it to pick a few highlights instead of trying to do everything (or do it all if you have a few days on the island!)

Top 5 Things to Do in Capri at a Glance

• Visit the Blue Grotto, Capri’s most famous cave, glowing with surreal electric-blue light.
• Take a boat tour around Capri, it’s the best way to see the Faraglioni and hidden coves.
• Ride the Monte Solaro chairlift, because the views from the top are the best on the island.
• Visit Giardini di Augusto and Via Krupp, a small garden with postcard views over cliffs and the famous winding road.
• Walk Via Tragara to Belvedere Tragara, an easy scenic stroll ending at a classic Faraglioni viewpoint.

Best Things to Do in Capri

Take a Boat Tour Around the Island

If you only do one thing in Capri, make it a boat tour. Circling the island is the easiest way to see everything: the Faraglioni rocks, hidden coves, and sea caves like the Grotta Verde and Grotta Bianca. Some tours stop for a swim, and diving into that turquoise water feels incredible.

Below you will find a quick comparison of the best boat tours in Capri to help you choose.

*Prices are approximate and based on small group and private tours in 2025. Always check current rates when you book.

Capri has a few different types of boat tours, and the experience changes a lot depending on which one you book.

→ Shared tours are the most basic option. You sit on a larger boat with other travelers, cruise around the island, and get close to the caves and grottos. These tours are simple and affordable, and they still give you those classic Faraglioni views. Check availability here

→ Small group tours are a nice middle ground if you want something more personal. Boats are smaller, you often get a swim stop, and the atmosphere is much more relaxed. Some include limoncello or snacks on board, and the groups stay small enough to move around and enjoy the views. Check availability here

→ Private tours are the luxury version. You have your own skipper, full flexibility with the route, and time to swim, snorkel, and stop wherever you want.

On my last trip, I splurged on a private boat and actually found an option that wasn’t as expensive as I expected. It ended up being the best part of the day. Capri gets packed in summer, but once you’re on the water, it feels like a different world. Check availability here

If you want to keep things affordable, shared or small group tours still cover all the main sights. They circle the island, stop for photos, and show you the coastline from its best angle.

Insider tip: Morning tours usually have calmer seas. Afternoon light is perfect for photos of the Faraglioni.

Stroll Through the Giardini di Augusto & See Via Krupp

Just a few minutes’ walk from Capri Town, the Giardini di Augusto (Gardens of Augustus) are small but beautifully kept, with flower beds, shady terraces, and sweeping views.

From here you can see the Faraglioni on one side and the dramatic curves of Via Krupp on the other, one of the most photographed roads in Capri.

The gardens are compact, so you don’t need more than 15–20 minutes to visit, but they’re a lovely stop before or after lunch in town.

As for Via Krupp, the path sometimes closes because of rockfalls. If you’re lucky and it’s open (it was during my last visit in May), you can actually walk all the way down to Marina Piccola. It’s one of the most scenic walks on the island.

Insider tip: Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s cooler and less crowded — the light is softer and the gardens feel much calmer.

Visit the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)

The Blue Grotto is Capri’s most famous attraction, and honestly, it really does live up to the hype. Inside this small sea cave, sunlight filters through an underwater opening, making the water glow in the most surreal shade of electric blue. It’s crowded, it’s touristy… and it’s still magical.

Getting in, though, takes some patience. You first reach the grotto by boat or bus, then switch to a tiny rowboat (with a boatman who usually sings as he rows) to enter the cave. In high season, the wait for these rowboats can stretch to 1–2 hours, so be prepared.

→ The easiest way to visit is to join a boat tour that includes the Blue Grotto. You won’t skip the rowboat queue, but at least you’ll spend your time circling the island and seeing other sights like the Faraglioni rather than standing around. Check availability here

There’s an extra fee paid in cash at the cave for the small rowboat, and it’s separate from any boat tour you book.

Insider tip: Go around midday on a sunny day if you can, that’s when the cave glows at its brightest.

See the Faraglioni Rocks & Viewpoints

The Faraglioni are Capri’s most iconic sight – three dramatic rock stacks rising from the sea, each with its own name (Stella, Mezzo, and Scopolo). You’ll see them on postcards and Instagram feeds, but nothing beats admiring them in person from one of the island’s viewpoints.

Walk Via Tragara to Belvedere Tragara

This is the easiest and most classic way to see the Faraglioni. The Via Tragara walk is about 1 km (0.6 miles) one way from Capri Town, flat and shaded, so it only takes around 15–20 minutes.

Along the way, you pass elegant villas and lanes overflowing with bougainvillea before reaching Belvedere Tragara, where the view of the Faraglioni is straight out of a postcard.

I’ve done this walk multiple times and it never gets old; it’s short, easy, and perfect if you don’t want to hike.

Hike the Pizzolungo Path

For something more adventurous, the Pizzolungo trail is about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) and takes roughly 1–1.5 hours depending on stops. It’s not a hard hike, but expect a mix of stone steps, narrow paths, and a few steeper sections.

The trail winds past the Arco Naturale (a natural rock arch) and along dramatic cliffs before looping back towards the Faraglioni from a quieter angle. It’s a beautiful escape from Capri’s crowds. I loved how peaceful it felt compared to the Piazzetta chaos.

Belvedere Cannone

For another angle, head to Belvedere Cannone, just a 10–15 minute walk uphill from Capri Town. This small terrace overlooks both the Faraglioni and Marina Piccola, and it’s often much less busy than the other viewpoints.

Insider tip: For the best photos, head to Belvedere Tragara or walk the Pizzolungo trail in the late afternoon – that’s when the sun lights up the Faraglioni from the west and gives them a golden glow.

Ride the Chairlift to Monte Solaro

At 589 meters (1,932 feet), Monte Solaro is the highest point in Capri and the best place for panoramic views of the whole island. From the top you can see the Faraglioni, the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and even Mount Vesuvius on a clear day.

You get there by taking the chairlift from Anacapri, which takes about 13 minutes each way. It’s a single chairlift, so each person sits separately, legs dangling above lemon groves and tiled rooftops. Once at the top, there’s a café and several terraces where you can just sit and take it all in.

Now, a personal note: both my husband and I are usually afraid of heights, and I’m mildly terrified every time I get on a chairlift. But this one never felt scary at all – it’s not too high off the ground, and you’re always close enough to feel safe.

The only downside? In high season the line for the chairlift can get very long, sometimes up to an hour. However, even if the line looks endless, don’t give up. Go back after lunch – I once went around 3 pm and there was hardly anyone waiting, plus the afternoon light was gorgeous.

Explore Anacapri Center & the Church of San Michele

Anacapri has a very different vibe from Capri Town – it’s quieter, less glamorous, and feels more like a real village.

I always enjoy wandering through the narrow streets here, lined with little shops selling limoncello, ceramics, and handmade sandals. It’s a nice break from the crowds of Capri Town, and you can slow down and enjoy the local feel.

While you’re here, don’t miss the Church of San Michele. From the outside it looks quite simple, but inside you’ll find a spectacular 18th-century majolica floor that covers the entire nave, depicting the story of Adam and Eve.

The colors and detail are incredible, but it’s one of those places you might walk straight past if you didn’t know it was there.

Insider tip: Climb up to the small wooden gallery inside the church — from above, you get the best view of the floor and can really appreciate the full design.

From here, it’s just a short walk to Villa San Michele, one of the most famous villas on the island.

Visit the Villas of Capri

Capri isn’t just about sea views. The island also has some fascinating villas worth visiting, each with its own story.

Villa San Michele

Located in Anacapri, this villa was built by Swedish doctor and writer Axel Munthe in the early 1900s. The house is charming, but the real highlight is the terrace, with sweeping views over the Bay of Naples.

I remember standing there and feeling like I could see half the world at once. The gardens are peaceful too, dotted with Roman statues and shady corners.

Villa Jovis & Villa Lysis

On the other side of the island, above Capri Town, you’ll find two more villas that you can combine in the same outing. The only way to reach both is on foot — there are no buses, taxis, or other transport that go up there.

Villa Jovis was once the home of Emperor Tiberius, who ruled the Roman Empire from here. It’s about a 45-minute uphill walk from Capri Town, and yes, it’s quite a climb in the sun. The ruins themselves are fairly bare, but the size and the views are impressive if you enjoy history.

Villa Lysis is a bit closer, around a 30–35 minute uphill walk. Built in the early 20th century by a French count, it feels very different – romantic gardens, neoclassical details, and terraces with sea views.

Visiting both villas together makes for a good half-day walk, but it’s definitely some effort. I’d recommend them if you enjoy long walks and have extra time, but if not, you won’t be missing Capri’s absolute highlights.

Insider tip: If you want the views without the climb, Villa San Michele in Anacapri is by far the easiest and most rewarding villa to visit.

If you still have energy, you can keep exploring Anacapri or head back down to the coast for a swim at Marina Piccola.

Relax at Marina Piccola

If Capri had a “classic beach” vibe, Marina Piccola is it – though don’t expect sand. It’s a small pebbly cove with crystal-clear water and the Faraglioni rocks right in front of you. The view is postcard-perfect.

• It’s a free public beach, no entrance fee.
• You can reach it on foot via the Via Mulo steps from Capri Town, or take the orange Capri–Marina Piccola bus from Piazza Martiri d’Ungheria.
• It’s best for early risers, as the sun sets behind a headland mid-afternoon.

I always recommend going early in summer. By late morning it’s packed, and you’ll struggle to find a spot. But if you make it down in the morning, you can enjoy a quiet swim with one of the best views in Capri.

Insider tip: Spend the morning at Marina Piccola, then walk up Via Krupp (if it’s open) to reach the Gardens of Augustus. It’s a steep but scenic climb, and it saves you from heading back through town.

If you’d rather spend the day in comfort, Marina Piccola also has private beach clubs where you can rent a lounger, have lunch, and enjoy full facilities. And beyond Marina Piccola, Capri has some of the island’s most famous (and glamorous) beach clubs set right in front of the Faraglioni…

Spend the Day at a Beach Club in Capri

Capri is famous for its glamorous beach clubs. This is where you come to swim, lie on a lounger built into the rocks, sip spritzes, and have long seafood lunches right by the sea. It is not cheap, but it is one of those “only in Capri” experiences that people remember for years.

Most beach clubs here are built on rocky platforms rather than sandy beaches. You climb down steps carved into the cliffs, then spend the day between the sun, the sea, and the restaurant. If that sounds like your idea of Capri, the beach clubs below are the classics.

Below you have a quick comparison to help you decide which Capri beach club fits your style and budget.

La Fontelina

La Fontelina is legendary, sitting right in front of the Faraglioni rocks. It is every bit as beautiful as it looks in photos. In high season, they now require a minimum spend of about €200 per person from late May to mid September, which you reach through a mix of sunbed, drinks, and food.

You reach it via a 20–30 minute walk from Capri town and a steep set of steps, or by boat from Marina Piccola. This is a very “see and be seen” spot, not ideal if you have mobility issues or very young kids.

Da Luigi ai Faraglioni

Just around the corner from La Fontelina, Da Luigi sits in a tiny cove right under the cliffs, also facing the Faraglioni. The atmosphere is a bit more relaxed but still very chic.

Expect to pay for entrance plus a sunbed, with prices that can easily reach several dozen euros per person and more for premium rows or packages that include towels and umbrellas.

You can walk there in about 30 minutes from the Piazzetta, then take their boat shuttle back to Marina Piccola if you do not feel like walking uphill. There is a restaurant on site and a lively, fun vibe.

La Canzone del Mare

Set in Marina Piccola, La Canzone del Mare is old school glamorous. Think two saltwater pools, a private pebble beach, and view straight towards the Faraglioni.

Entrance is usually a package that includes sunbed, pool access, changing room, and a credit to spend at the bar or restaurant. For adults, expect roughly €70 in low season and up to about €100 in high season per day, with extras like umbrellas and towels charged separately.

Bagni Tiberio

Bagni Tiberio is the most relaxed beach club on the island and a great choice if you want a Capri day without the Faraglioni-level prices.

It sits on a pebbly beach on the north side of the island, in a small, sheltered bay that was once the site of Emperor Tiberius’ ancient seaside villa. The water here is usually very clear and calm, which makes it perfect for kids and anyone who likes easy swimming.

You can reach it by a quick boat shuttle from Marina Grande or by a short walk and a set of steps. Sunbeds are more affordable than the clubs near the Faraglioni, and there’s a simple but good restaurant that serves fresh fish and classic pasta dishes.

It’s family-friendly, low-key, and has a small public area right next door if you prefer to skip the beach club altogether.

Insider tip: These clubs often sell out weeks in advance in summer. If you cannot get a spot, go to Marina Piccola beach instead. it is free, and you still swim with the Faraglioni in view.

Watch the Sunset at Punta Carena Lighthouse

On the western side of the island, near Anacapri, you’ll find Punta Carena Lighthouse (Il Faro), one of Capri’s best sunset spots.

The lighthouse itself is simple, but it’s also one of the most important in the Mediterranean and still active today. Together with the dramatic cliffs and wide-open sea around it, the setting is truly striking at golden hour.

There’s a rocky beach area where locals swim, and a couple of laid-back bars where you can grab an aperitivo while you wait for the sunset. Compared to Marina Piccola or the famous beach clubs, it feels more relaxed and authentic.

Insider tip: Come about an hour before sunset so you can swim first, then settle in with a drink as the sky turns orange. It’s one of the few places on Capri where the sun actually sets over the water.

Go Shopping in Capri

Capri is known for its high-end shopping, and even if you’re not planning to splurge, it’s worth a stroll just to soak in the atmosphere.

The main street for shopping is Via Camerelle, where you’ll find all the luxury brands – Gucci, Dior, Prada – lined up one after the other. It’s definitely more for window-shopping unless you’re ready to spend big, but it’s part of the Capri experience.

For something more unique, stop by one of the traditional workshops that make Capri sandals. These leather sandals are made to measure, and the artisans often craft them for you while you wait.

In many shops you can walk away with your own pair in less than an hour, or at least by the end of the day. It’s a beautiful (and practical) souvenir.

You’ll also see plenty of ceramics and local perfumes being sold around town. While many shops are touristy, browsing them is still a fun way to spend some time between sightseeing.

Insider tip: If you’re tempted by custom sandals, go earlier in the day so they have time to finish your pair before you leave Capri.

Eat & Drink in Capri

Here are a few things I always suggest trying on Capri:

• Torta caprese – a rich chocolate and almond cake that was invented right here on the island. You’ll find it in almost every café and pastry shop, and it’s perfect with an espresso.
• Ravioli capresi – fresh pasta filled with caciotta (and a bit of parmesan) and marjoram, usually with a light tomato–basil sauce.
• Seafood pasta – think spaghetti alle vongole or the catch of the day.
• Granita al limone – lemon slush, perfect on a hot day.
• Insalata caprese – simple and delicious: tomatoes, mozzarella, basil.
• You’ll also see limoncello everywhere; it’s originally from the Amalfi Coast/Sorrento, but many Capri shops offer a quick tasting if you want a bottle to take home.

A few easy restaurant picks:

• Da Paolino – dinner under a lemon grove; very Capri and very popular, book ahead.
• Ristorante Il Geranio – great food with Faraglioni views; a lovely treat.
• Verginiello – casual, good value, local feel; I like it for ravioli capresi or pizza.

Insider tip: For torta caprese, pick it up at a pastry shop in the morning when it’s freshly baked, it’s so much better than the slices you often get at the end of dinner.

Soak in the Atmosphere at the Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto I)

Locals call it la Piazzetta, but its real name is Piazza Umberto I: this is the tiny square at the top of the funicular and the true “living room” of Capri.

Look for the little clock tower and the steps up to Santo Stefano: once a humble market square (even a fish market), today it’s ringed with cafés and tiny tables packed shoulder-to-shoulder.

In the 1950s–60s, this is where Capri’s dolce vita played out – writers, movie stars, paparazzi. That vibe never fully left. It’s pricey, yes, but sitting here for a coffee or aperitivo is a classic Capri moment.

Insider tip: Come early morning (before the day-tripper ferries arrive) or late evening (after the last boats leave). If you want the vibe without the bill, grab a coffee on a nearby side street like Via Le Botteghe, then wander back to the Piazzetta just to people-watch.

Map of Capri Attractions

I’ve pinned all the places in this guide on a Google Map so you can see how everything fits together.

Insider tip: Download the map for offline use before you go. Reception can be spotty on some paths.

Reality Check (Plan-B Tips)

• Blue Grotto closed or 2-hour queue? Do a full island loop for Grotta Verde/Bianca + swim stops instead.
• Via Krupp closed? Use Belvedere Cannone or the Via Tragara walk for great views.
• Monte Solaro line crazy? Go back after lunch (~3 pm) – I’ve found it almost empty then.
• Crowds unbearable? Bus up to Anacapri first; it’s calmer and cooler.

Mini-Itineraries for Capri

Capri in 1 Day: Boat tour → Giardini di Augusto & Via Krupp → Via Tragara to Belvedere → Marina Piccola swim → sunset at Il Faro.

Capri in 2 Days: Day 1: Anacapri (chairlift to Monte Solaro, Villa San Michele) → sunset at Il Faro. Day 2: Gardens & Via Krupp → Faraglioni viewpoints → beach club.

Insider tip: Book the boat tour first. If the sea is rough, swap days so you don’t miss it.

Practical Tips for Capri

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