Guide to all the free public beaches on Capri: where to find the most beautiful on the island!
On Capri, the beaches are few and tiny! The rocky cliffs which line the coast are one of the island's beauties, but leave little space for beaches...and those that are on the island are often stone ledges from which you can dive directly into the deep water.
Once you exclude the stretches of shore occupied by private beach clubs, there is very little space left where you can simply spread a towel. Here is our complete guide to the free public beaches on Capri, complete with some tips to enjoy your day on the water's edge to the max!
The Best Places to Pick Up Picnic Supplies:
- Da Aldo: deli in Marina Grande. Aldo prepares the most famous traditional "panini capresi" on the island. There is always a bit of a line in the morning, but it's worth the wait! Cost: EUR 5 per panino (they are often big enough for two people!)
- Capri Pasta: take away in Capri town. If you are in the center of Capri, this take away deli on Via Parrocco Canale near the Piazzetta has hot and cold prepared dishes.
- El Merendero: kiosk on the Marina Piccola beach with excellent panini and sangria.
- Snack bar da Antonio: landmark café at the Punta Carena lighthouse, famous for its caponata salad (croutons tossed with mozzarella, tomatoes, and other seasonal ingredients).
Free Public Beaches in Marina Grande
The free beach in Marina Grande is the easiest to reach by foot from the port, as it is located right behind the ferry ticket office. Though it is quite near the commercial port, the water is always clean. This beach is suitable for kids and you'll find it crowded with local families. It gets sun all day long.
- kid-friendly
- easy to reach by foot
- morning to evening
Otherwise, there is the small Palazzo a Mare beach, which can be reached by following the path which begins near the "Da Paolino" restaurant, in the upper part of Marina Grande. There is a small, protected cove and is again perfect for kids.
- kid-friendly
- accessible by foot path
- morning to evening
Free Public Beaches in Marina Piccola
In Marina Piccola , there are two small beaches near the Scoglio delle Sirene. They are always very crowded, as the water is particularly clear and there is a gorgeous view over the Faraglioni. These are also suitable for children. The only drawback: they are in shadow from mid-afternoon on. You can get to Marina Piccola using the Via Mulo stairs or by bus from the center of Capri.
- kid-friendly
- good for early risers
- accessible by stairs or bus
Gradola (near the Blue Grotto, Anacapri)
Gradola isn't a true beach, but rather a rocky stretch of coast where you can dive directly into the water (there are also ladders to get up and down). It is located near the Blue Grotto and the water is always very clean. You can get there using the Grotta Azzurra bus route which leaves from the center of Anacapri.
- best for adults
- near the Blue Grotto
- accessible by bus
The Punta Carena Lighthouse
If an islander wants to spend a day at the beach, they head to the Punta Carena lighthouse. Located at the far western edge of the island, this beach is at the foot of the largest lighthouse in Italy and is the only beach on Capri which gets sunlight until dusk. Here there are only rocky ledges and space is limited. If you don't want to lay your towel on hard rock, you can rent a sun chair inexpensively from da Antonio (the same which makes the famous caponata listed above!).
- best for adults
- good for late risers
- waterfront restaurant
