Things to Do in Capri, Italy

Our top picks for what to do in Capri

Things to Do in Capri, Italy

Looking for things to do in Capri town or what to do on the island of Capri? It’s truly remarkable how many wonderful sights there are on this Mediterranean island—from natural beauty such as the Grotta Azzurra and the Arco Naturale, to scenic viewpoints such as the Punta Carena lighthouse or a breathtaking view of the Faraglioni rocks, plus intriguing sea caves, crystalline blue water, boat trips, people-watching in the Piazzetta... the list is endless! This article is our complete list of what to see and do in Capri, whether you have just one day or more, including our top tips for planning your visit to Capri island.

The island of Capri is divided into two municipalities: Capri and Anacapri. To get to the center of Capri from the port of Marina Grande, take the funicular up to the historic center of Capri town. To get to Anacapri there are buses that leave from both Marina Grande and Capri town.

The port of Marina Grande

Every trip to Capri starts at Marina Grande, the tourist and commercial port of the island.

Vibrant and lively, Marina Grande offers amazing views of the Bay of Naples and picturesque colored houses.

Ferries and hydrofoils arrive at Marina Grande from Naples and Sorrento. In summer there are also arrivals from Positano, Amalfi, Salerno and Ischia.

Capri boat tours and boats that take you to the Blue Grotto (which you’ll enter by rowboat) also depart from here.

At the port of Marina Grande you can relax and enjoy a coffee or limoncello as you browse your travel guide in one of the many bars and cafes. You can also get some souvenirs to take back home with you or head to largest beach on the island for stunning views and leisurely sunbathing.

The Piazzetta of Capri

Capri’s Piazzetta is the true heart of the island and you can’t visit Capri without passing through its main square (officially called "Piazza Umberto I"). The Piazzetta is a common meeting point for tourists and Capri residents, and where everyone stops for a coffee or an aperitif. The square’s prominent clock tower dominates the view, and its bells mark the rhythm of life on the island every quarter of an hour.

Via Camerelle and Via Tragara

From the Piazzetta continue along via Vittorio Emanuele until you reach the majestic Grand Hotel Quisisana. From there you can stroll via Camerelle, the street that brings together all the most well-known boutiques carrying Italian and European luxury brands. A visit to via Camerelle is on every traveler's list of the top things to do in Capri—even just window-shopping here is a treat. Via Camerelle continues along the panoramic Via Tragara, a beautiful little street where you’ll find spectacular villas and luxury hotels. The road ends with a majestic view of the Faraglioni rock formations.

The Gardens of Augustus and the Charterhouse of St. Giacomo

The Gardens of Augustus are located just a short walk from the Piazzetta. Here you’ll find a small oasis of colorful flowers and exotic plants overlooking the bay of Marina Piccola and the Faraglioni. From up here you can admire one of the most famous roads on Capri, Via Krupp, with all of its hairpin turns. Built by the German industrialist of the same name, Via Krupp runs all the way to Marina Piccola.

Useful tip: If your list of things to do in Capri includes taking in scenic views without a lot of spending, while you're at the Gardens of Augustus make sure you look for the "belvedere dei leoni.” This is the highest point of the Gardens of Augustus, and few tourists visit.

Next to the Gardens of Augustus is the Charterhouse of St. Giacomo (Certosa di San Giacomo), formerly a convent and then a prison. Nowadays it hosts a permanent art exhibition dedicated to the painter Diefenbach, as well as temporary exhibitions.

Villa Jovis and Villa Lysis

Two villas that always make the list of top things to do in Capri are Villa Jovis and Villa Lysis. As you continue walking from the center of Capri along the slopes of Mount Tiberius, after about an hour's uphill climb you'll arrive at the remains of Villa Jovis, the Capri residence of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. From here Tiberius commanded the Roman Empire, communicating with the mainland by a system of signals using mirrors reflecting the sun. A little further down is Villa Lysis, a jewel of Art Nouveau architecture built by Count Fersen. It was recently restored and reopened to the public. You can then continue your walk along the Pizzolungo path up to the Natural Arch.

Anacapri

The municipality of Anacapri is in a higher position than the municipality of Capri. It offers a quieter and less worldly atmosphere than Capri while still providing plenty of places for visitors to enjoy.

Villa San Michele - Axel Munthe

The promontory of Anacapri is where the Swedish doctor Axel Munthe decided to build his Capri house, Villa San Michele. His house is now open to the public as a museum and is one of the best things to do in Capri. Enter inside and you can view the original furnishings and his collection of one-of-a-kind archaeological finds from island. You can also stroll through the gardens and look out over the scenic panorama of the entire Bay of Naples.

Monte Solaro and the Cetrella Hermitage

Take the chairlift from the main square of Anacapri (Piazza Vittoria), and in ten minutes you’ll reach the summit of Monte Solaro, the highest peak on the island. Here you can take in the dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea, with sweeping views of the Sorrento peninsula and the Amalfi Coast. On the clearest days, the view from up here includes the entire coast of Campania. From the top of Monte Solaro you can walk back to the valley, stopping to visit the Cetrella Hermitage.

The center of Anacapri

If you take the time to explore the center of Anacapri you’ll be in for a pleasant discovery with the many interesting sights to see here. Walking along the pedestrian-only via Giuseppe Orlandi you can stop to visit Casa Rossa, which houses ancient Roman statues found in the Blue Grotto. Don’t miss the church of San Michele with its majolica floor depicting earthly paradise and the cathedral of Santa Sofia with its characteristic double-clock bell tower. One of the clocks is a modern 12-hour clock, while the other is from 1600 and retains its six-hour setting.

The Punta Carena lighthouse

If you’re on the island of Capri when the sun goes down, we suggest you take a bus to enjoy the sunset from the Punta Carena lighthouse. This is the only point on the island where you can watch the sun sink below the sea. It’s an enchanting location even on stormy winter days, when the waves crash on the rocks below.

Tour of the island by boat

One of the best ways to discover the top things to do in Capri is to take a boat tour around the island. During this tour you'll see the coast of Capri from a unique perspective and visit iconic locations such as the Faraglioni, the Blue Grotto sea cave, and the numerous other caves that dot the coast. You can choose whether to take a private tour (with the boat just for you and those with you) or join a lower-cost group tour with others.

Useful tip: Book your boat tour in advance, as they can sell out quickly during peak season. Allow a minimum of two hours for a complete boat trip around the island.

The Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is one of Capri's most famous attractions. This sea cave is known for its bright blue color, created by sunlight reflecting off the underwater walls. To reach the Blue Grotto, you can take a boat tour from Marina Grande or a bus from Anacapri.

Useful tip: The Blue Grotto can only be visited when the sea is calm and the tide is low. You have to have a bit of luck to find it open. If you have a choice between several days to visit Capri, check the weather and sea forecasts in advance. The line to enter the Grotto in high season can be very long, so try to arrive early in the morning.

The beaches of Capri

Capri isn't famous for its beaches, yet there are some lovely places on the island where you can relax and enjoy the sun. The beaches of Marina Piccola and Marina Grande offer crystal-clear water and spectacular views of the coast. If you want to swim under one of the symbols of Capri, then book a spot at either the Fontelina beach club or Da Luigi beach club. Here you can treat yourself to a swim under Stella and Scopolo, better known as the Faraglioni rock formations of Capri.