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Marina Piccola

The bay where, they say, Ulysses was seduced by the sirens.
Marina Piccola
Marina Piccola
Marina Piccola
Marina Piccola
Marina Piccola

If you like the idea of spending a day on a beach with view of the Faraglioni, you'll love the pretty little bay of Marina Piccola: which lies directly opposite Capri's giant sea stacks.
During the summer, the bay fills with elegant yachts anchored near the Faraglioni, offering a unique spectacle, especially at night, with the enchanting glow of their lights.
On the sunny south side of the island, sheltered from the wind by a steep wall of rock, the bay is almost always warm. Overlooking the bay of Marina Piccola are some of the island’s most beautiful villas, adding to its charm. In fact, even in mid-winter, you might easily spot the locals bathing in the sun (if not in the water!) here.

How to get to Marina Piccola

From the center of Capri you can reach Marina Piccola quickly and easily on foot, via the panoramic Via Krupp which starts just beneath the Gardens of Augustus, or via the old Via Mulo. If you don't want to walk, you can always catch a bus from the center of Capri instead.

In Marina Piccola, buses stop in the square close to the small Church of Sant'Andrea. A short flight of steps leads down to the beach and the Siren's rock where, legend has it, the Sirens seduced Ulysses.
In Marina Piccola, it is also possible to rent a kayak or a boat with or without a skipper.

Book a kayak

Free beaches in Marina Piccola

There are two stretches of 'free' beach in Marina Piccola,both in the vicinity of the church: Marina di Mulo and Marina di Pennauro. To get the most of the sun, you'll need to arrive early in the day: the sun leaves the bay at around 4pm.

There are a number of private beach clubs in Marina Piccola:

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Where is Marina Piccola located, and what kind of beach is it?
Marina Piccola sits on the southern side of Capri, at the base of steep cliffs that shield it from the wind and create a warm, sheltered microclimate with direct views of the Faraglioni rocks. The bay is compact and intimate, surrounded by houses and Mediterranean vegetation rather than a long open shoreline. The beach itself is a mix of coarse sand and small pebbles, with clear shallow water that deepens gradually, making it comfortable even for less confident swimmers. It is a favorite spot among locals outside peak season, too.
How can I get to Marina Piccola from Capri town center?
From Capri town, you can reach Marina Piccola either on foot or by local bus departing near the Piazzetta. On foot, you follow the scenic Via Krupp from the Gardens of Augustus when open, or descend the steps along Via Mulo, which starts near the area known as Due Golfi and includes downhill stretches and stairways. Buses run down to Marina Piccola's small square, where you find the bus terminal, the church of Sant'Andrea, and access paths to the beaches. Walking takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes, while the bus ride is shorter but often crowded in high season.
How do I get to Marina Piccola from the port of Marina Grande?
There is no regular ferry or shuttle boat from Marina Grande to Marina Piccola, so you first go up to Capri town and then down to the bay. The most common combination is funicular plus local bus: the funicular links the port to the Piazzetta in a few minutes, and buses to Marina Piccola depart nearby. Another option is an open-top taxi, which drives you directly to the seafront square and avoids changes, though it costs more than public transport. If you are carrying luggage or traveling with young children, a taxi is usually the least stressful solution.
Can I reach Marina Piccola by scooter or rental car?
The narrow coastal road down to Marina Piccola is heavily regulated because it is small, busy, and shared with pedestrians. Visitors are generally not allowed to bring private cars onto Capri in summer, and from April to October the Marina Piccola area is subject to traffic restrictions for non-residents, which also apply to scooters. During these months, the bay can only be reached on foot, by local bus, or by taxi. From early November to late March, restrictions are usually lifted, but municipal ordinances can change, so it is worth checking the latest rules before renting a vehicle.
What are the free beaches at Marina Piccola, and how long does the sun reach them?
Just below the small church of Sant'Andrea you find Marina Piccola's two free beaches, Marina di Mulo and Marina di Pennauro, separated by the Sirens' Rock. These compact pebble coves are very popular in summer, with clear water and a gently sloping seabed. Because the bay sits beneath high cliffs, direct sun disappears in the afternoon, around 4:00 PM, and shade comes quickly afterward. If you want several hours of swimming and sunbathing, it is best to arrive in the morning and bring your own towel, water, and snacks.
Which beach clubs are at Marina Piccola, and what services do they provide?
Several private beach clubs line Marina Piccola's waterfront, including La Canzone del Mare, Torre Saracena, and Da Gioia by La Palma, all facing the sea with Faraglioni views. They typically provide sunbeds and umbrellas, showers, changing cabins, bar and restaurant service, plus easy sea access via ladders or platforms. Spaces are fairly small, so capacity is limited and queues can form during peak months, making advance booking a good idea, especially in high season.
Is Marina Piccola suitable for families with children?
Marina Piccola is generally seen as family friendly because the seabed slopes gently, the bay is sheltered from prevailing winds, and the water is usually calm. However, the beaches are quite small and can become very crowded in summer, which makes moving around with strollers or bulky beach gear more challenging. Beach clubs provide amenities such as restrooms, bars, and sometimes hot showers, while the free sections are more basic. Rocks at the edges of the cove require extra supervision with younger kids. Bring reef shoes, plenty of water, and consider arriving early to secure a convenient spot near the shoreline.
Is Marina Piccola accessible for visitors with limited mobility or wheelchairs?
Reaching the water at Marina Piccola usually involves downhill stretches and stairways, so it is not easily accessible for wheelchair users or people with severe mobility limitations. The road and small square above the beach are relatively level, but the final approaches to the shoreline require negotiating steps and narrow passages. Some beach clubs have staff willing to assist, yet there are no fully step-free routes all the way to the sea. As an alternative, visitors with mobility issues might prefer the viewpoints in the square or nearby hotels, while the Marina Grande beach is better equipped with ramps and facilities for reduced mobility.
What is the best time of year and day to visit Marina Piccola?
Marina Piccola benefits from a mild, sunny microclimate year-round, but in July and August the small beaches become extremely crowded. Many travelers find May-June and September-October more comfortable, with warm sea temperatures and fewer people, and locals often swim here even in winter on calm days. During the day, the bay enjoys full sun around midday, while shade gradually takes over from about 4:00 PM, especially on the free sections beneath the cliffs. To balance sunshine, swimming, and quieter moments, it is wise to arrive by late morning and leave in the late afternoon.
Is it possible to swim at Marina Piccola in winter?
Because of its south-facing position and the protection offered by the cliffs, Marina Piccola is one of Capri's warmest spots, even during winter. Many locals swim here year-round, taking advantage of sunny days and relatively sheltered waters. That said, sea temperatures are still cold in midwinter, so this is best for visitors used to off-season dips rather than casual bathers. Beach services may be limited or closed outside summer, so you should bring everything you need and pay close attention to weather and sea conditions before deciding to swim.
Can I rent kayaks or small boats directly at Marina Piccola?

Yes, Marina Piccola has several operators renting kayaks and small motorboats, with or without a skipper, allowing you to approach the Faraglioni or cruise along Capri's southern coastline. Larger traditional boats are also available for a full island tour. For travelers staying on Capri, starting a boat trip from Marina Piccola is convenient, as it avoids the crowds and traffic of Marina Grande's port. For day-trippers, however, it is usually less practical, since it involves extra transfers and can make timing more difficult to manage.

Can you see the Faraglioni well from Marina Piccola, and is it a good photo spot?
Marina Piccola is one of Capri's best vantage points for viewing the Faraglioni up close, as the rock stacks rise almost directly opposite the bay. From the shoreline, the piers of the beach clubs, and the small square above, you can capture a variety of angles, from wide panoramas to tighter compositions with turquoise water in the foreground. Morning and late-afternoon light are especially flattering, giving the cliffs warmer tones. For cleaner shots with fewer people, walk a short distance up toward the panoramic road above the bay.
What is the legend behind Marina Piccola's Sirens' Rock?
The Sirens' Rock separating Marina Piccola's two small beaches is linked to the myth of the Odyssey. Local tradition associates it with the place where the Sirens tried to lure Ulysses and his crew toward the cliffs with their enchanting song. The connection was reinforced after human and animal bones were found in the nearby Grotta delle Felci, feeding the island's imagination. Today, the rock mainly serves as a landmark for swimmers and boats, yet the story remains a charming detail to share while you look out over the bay.
Where can I eat near Marina Piccola?
Around Marina Piccola you will find several waterfront restaurants, some located directly inside the beach clubs, serving seafood and local dishes with tables overlooking the bay and often the Faraglioni. If you are on the free beach and just want a quick bite, you can grab a sandwich and a drink at the El Merendero bar, only a short walk from the shoreline. During high season, it is wise to reserve a table for dinner, especially if you are hoping to eat with a sea view.