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Marina Grande

A cluster of colorful houses, home to Capri's fishermen, and the island's biggest beach.
Marina Grande
Marina Grande
Marina Grande
Marina Grande
Marina Grande

Marina Grande was once a quiet fishing village, with colorful houses and nets hung up to dry. Today, it is the busy port where virtually all visitors to Capri land upon arrival, a crossroads for tourists, commuters, locals, and others passing through or coming to stay. It is the sole port on Capri, where both ferries and private boats dock.

In the hamlet of Marina Grande (which is part of the larger municipality of Capri town, one of two municipalities that make up the island), you can find all the essential services like a minimarket, pharmacy, news stand, etc. There are also a number of cafés, restaurants, shops, and souvenir stands. You can also find hotels and B&Bs, though most tourists prefer to stay in accommodations located closer to the center of Capri and its most famous sights or in the quieter town of Anacapri. That said, staying in Marina Grande can be a convenient option for those with little time to spend on the island.

At the far end of the Marina Grande docks is the port office and offices of the island's Travel and Tourism Agency, where you can get information about the visiting the island and its sights. Behind this building, you'll find the ticket offices for all the ferry companies, plus buses and the funicular.

How to Get to Marina Grande

Marina Grande is the easiest spot on Capri to reach from the mainland. It's the only port on Capri and all ferries from Naples, Sorrento, Ischia, and other locations in Campania dock here. Adjacent, on Via Cristoforo Colombo, there is Capri marina where private boats and most boats used for private or group day tours and cruises dock.

This port area is also well-connected to other locations on the island. From Marina Grande you can take the funicolare to the Piazzetta in Capri town, just a five-minute ride uphill. Buses for the towns of Capri and Anacapri also depart near the port, and the stand for the island's traditional open-air taxis is located here.

Marina Grande is the point of departure for boats to the Blue Grotto, where small rowboats await to take passengers inside.

Sights in Marina Grande

One of the oldest and most important churches on the island is located in Marina Grande, dedicated to Capri's patron saint, San Costanzo. The church, which probably dates from the 5th century, is officially named Maria Santissima della Libera but locals often call in the Church of San Costanzo. The whitewashed church is built in traditional island style with a simple, harmonious facade and a small Arab-style belltower.

The bottom of the famed Scala Fenicia (Phoenician Steps) is located near the church. This massive staircase was the only link between the port on Capri and its hill town of Anacapri for centuries. Despite its name, the stairs were actually built by the Greeks between 7th and 6th century BC and is made of 921 stone steps that are still open to the public. The Scala Fenicia offers beautiful views, though the climb up can be a challenge and is only recommended for those in good physical condition. Taking the stairs down is less challenging but can be hard on your knees!

In addition to sightseeing, Marina Grade is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll through the streets lined with historic homes and past the rows of fishing boats along the dock. The area is particularly pleasant in the late afternoon and evening when most day trippers have left the island and the port and seaside is quieter and less crowded.

A Boat Tour

The Marina Grande port is where most 'boat tours around the island depart, as well as private minicruises and trips to the Blue Grotto. Whether you opt for a classic group tour around the island or a private tour that includes stops to swim, make sure you take in the beauty of Capri from the sea while visiting the island.

Book a boat tour on Capri

Beaches in Marina Grande

Marina Grande is popular for its beaches, which are among the few and the largest on the island of Capri.

The Marina Grande beach is covered in pebbles and is the largest on the island (though it is still relatively small!). In addition to the free public area, there are two beach clubs: Le Ondine and Lo Smeraldo. Despite its proximity to the port, the water here is almost always clean and limpid, with the water becoming gradually deeper. There are a wide variety of services available, making it a great spot for families with kids. Another family-friendly beach area is Marina Piccola.

If you want to bring a snack with you to the beach on Capri, be sure to pick up a panino caprese at Aldo, a landmark sandwich shop on the island! It is filled with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, basil, and olive oil and is the best street food the island has to offer.

If you're looking for a quieter beach, hop on the gozzo boat shuttle to the Bagni di Tiberio beach club in Palazzo a Mare, a pebble beach with crystalline water that is located near the ancient ruins of the emperor Augustus' villa.

Beaches in Marina Grande

  • Marina Grande free public beach

  • Le Ondine (beach club)

  • Lo Smeraldo (beach club)

  • Bagni di Tiberio (connected via boat shuttle from Marina Grande)

Dining in Marina Grande

Marina Grande has several bars that also offer a restaurant menu. However, we recommend you limit yourself to coffee, granitas and aperitifs at the bars and for dining, try one of these restaurants specialized in local seafood. Marina Grande is very quiet in the evening, which makes it the perfect place for a peaceful seaside dinner.

The best fish restaurants in Marina Grande:

Where to Stay in Marina Grande

Though most visitors prefer to stay in more central locations on the island, Marina Grande is ideal for those who have little time on Capri, perhaps just one night, and want to be able to get around the island quickly and easily from the main port and transport hub.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

How do you get from Marina Grande to Capri's Piazzetta and Anacapri?

The quickest way from Marina Grande to Capri Town is the funicular, which departs right in front of the arrival pier, supports Tap&Go, and provides a priority entrance for hotel guests. The ride takes only a few minutes and stops directly in the Piazzetta. Buses to Capri and Anacapri also leave nearby and are ideal if you need to reach areas not served by the funicular. Open-top taxis are the most convenient option when carrying luggage or traveling with children. At peak times expect some linesin line.

How much time should you spend in Marina Grande during a day trip?
Most day-trippers spend no more than an hour in Marina Grande, mainly to arrange transport or buy tickets. The area is convenient but also one of the island's most touristic and busy spots. If you want to relax, the port beach works for a short swim, but for food or drinks it's often better to head to Capri Town or Anacapri, where the environment is calmer. Returning to the harbor early before your ferry is a smart move.
Is Marina Grande suitable for families with young children?
Marina Grande works well for families because transport, beach, and services are all close by. The main beach has a gentle slope and both free and serviced areas, making it good for a quick break. Side streets offer cafés, ice-cream shops, and small convenience stores. The only real concern is ferry arrivals, when crowds can build up, so keep children close along the pier. For a quieter spot, consider a short boat ride to Bagni di Tiberio.
What's the difference between the public beach, the Ondine/Smeraldo clubs, and Bagni di Tiberio?
The public beach is the island's largest and ideal for a quick swim near the port. Ondine and Smeraldo beach clubs offer loungers, umbrellas, showers, and a restaurant, great for longer stays. For a quieter atmosphere, take a small boat to Bagni di Tiberio, a pebble beach with very clear water. Marina Grande suits short schedules, while Tiberio works best for a relaxed half-day.
How does the small-boat transfer to Bagni di Tiberio work?

Small boats leave Marina Grande frequently and reach Bagni di Tiberio in a few minutes. Boarding is near the main beach, and tickets typically cover round-trip transport. Beach-club services are paid separately. The short, sheltered ride suits even beginners. Bring water shoes, as you'll walk a few steps over pebbles to enter the sea.

Which practical services are available in Marina Grande?
Around the harbor you'll find a pharmacy, mini-markets, cafés, newsstand, ATMs, and small beach-supply shops. Behind the ticket offices there's the tourist information point and several luggage-storage services. These are especially handy for day-trippers who prefer not to take bags up to Capri Town.
What is Marina Grande like in the evening, and where is it best to eat?
In the evening the harbor becomes calmer, retaining a seaside-village feel. Many restaurants serve seafood, though the area remains quite tourist-heavy. For a quieter, more atmospheric dinner, Capri Town or Anacapri are usually better choices. If you're catching an evening ferry, dining in Marina Grande is still convenient.
Is it a good idea to stay in Marina Grande instead of Capri Town or Anacapri?
Staying in Marina Grande is convenient if you have just 1-2 nights and want easy access to ferries, the funicular, and boat tours. Evenings are quieter and more local, though you'll rely on public transport to reach the town center. It's ideal if your focus is the sea rather than nightlife.
When is the best time to arrive or depart to avoid crowds?
Crowding peaks when several ferries and hydrofoils dock at once, especially from late morning to early afternoon in summer. Early morning and late evening are the quietest times. Boat-tour piers also fill up between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Arriving early helps you secure your spot.
Is Marina Grande accessible for travelers with reduced mobility?
The harbor area is one of the island's most accessible zones, with level pathways and ramps. The funicular and some buses offer designated spaces. Beaches, however, have pebble access and may require assistance. Check accessibility features with your hotel beforehand.
What boat tours leave from Marina Grande, and how long do they last?

From Marina Grande you can join standard island loops, Blue Grotto tours, or private cruises. Tickets for shared tours are available online or at the harbor. The basic circuit lasts 1-2 hours, while private tours range from 2 hours to a full day and require advance booking. Morning departures usually mean shorter waits.

Book a boat tour

How do you visit the Blue Grotto from Marina Grande?
You can reach it by joining a sea tour that stops at the cave entrance or by combining a bus to Anacapri with local rowboats. Tours can be booked online or at the harbor, but cave access always requires transferring to separate rowing boats, and the entrance fee is paid independently. Visits are suspended if the sea is rough. Early morning or early afternoon helps shorten the wait.
What should you know about the Phoenician Steps from Marina Grande?
The Phoenician Steps link the harbor to Anacapri through 921 stone steps, many exposed to the sun. The climb requires basic fitness, and descending can be tough on the knees. Tackle it in cooler hours, wearing closed shoes and carrying water.
Is it safe to swim near the port?
The designated swimming area is separated from boat traffic by buoys and navigation limits. Water is usually clean thanks to open-sea circulation, though summer brings some noise and activity. Stay within the marked zone, especially with children.