Capri is reached from Naples in 50 minutes (hydrofoil €25 return from Molo Beverello) or from Sorrento in 20 minutes (€24 return) — the quickest way to go from the chaotic city to the Mediterranean's most glamorous island. In July and August Capri is overcrowded and very expensive: May, June and September are the best months for halved prices and fewer crowds. The island (10 km²) is divided into two municipalities: Capri (lower, with the Piazzetta) and Anacapri (upper, more authentic and less expensive). Caprese taxis (open-top white and blue) connect Marina Grande harbour with the Piazzetta (€20 fixed) — but the funicular (€2.20, 5 min) does the same route for much less. The island has no private cars: only taxis, buses and your own legs.
Blue Grotto and Boat Circuit
The Blue Grotto (€14 entry ticket + €13 transfer boat, opening only in calm morning sea) is the world's most famous sea cave — sunlight filtering through an underwater opening creates the intense cobalt blue effect on the water. The visit lasts 5-10 minutes in a rowing boat with a singing boatman — not always possible in rough sea. Check weather conditions before leaving: in case of choppy sea the refund is automatic. The island boat circuit (1h, €20-25 per seat on collective boat or €180-250 for private boat) is Capri's finest experience — it passes the Faraglioni (three iconic rocks up to 109m tall), Villa Malaparte (the red house designed by Adalberto Libera in 1938), the Grotte di Matromania and the Arco Naturale cliffs. Boats leave from Marina Grande.
Anacapri and Monte Solaro
Anacapri (bus from Capri €2, 15 min) is the island's upper part — more authentic, less touristy and with prices 20-30% lower than Capri's Piazzetta. Monte Solaro (589m, the island's highest peak) is reached by chairlift from Anacapri (€12 return, 12 min ascent) — the view encompasses the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrento Peninsula, Vesuvius, and the islands of Ischia and Procida. Villa San Michele by Axel Munthe (€10, open year-round) is the villa of the Swedish doctor who treated European royals in the late 1800s — gardens on the cliff edge overlooking Marina Grande. Munthe's book, The Story of San Michele, is one of the 20th century's most-read memoirs. Capri's Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto I) is the Mediterranean's most exclusive drawing room — a coffee costs €6-8, but sitting is free.
Villa Jovis and the Island Trails
Villa Jovis (€8, 50 min on foot from the Piazzetta along Via Tiberio) is Emperor Tiberius's main residence on the island — he governed the Roman Empire from here for 10 years (27-37 AD) without returning to Rome. The ruins climb a spur dropping sheer to the sea — the Rocca di Tiberio (the terrace from which, according to legend, enemies were thrown into the sea) offers Capri's most dramatic view. Island trails: the Sentiero dei Fortini (linked to medieval watchtowers, 5km, 2h), the Arco Naturale (30 min from the Piazzetta, natural rock arch 185m above the sea), the Grotta di Matromania (Roman sanctuary dedicated to Cybele, accessible on foot). For those wanting to escape the crowd: Punta Carena (the lighthouse to the south-west, reachable by bus from Anacapri) has the island's least frequented beach.
Practical tips
Capri in May or September: prices halved compared to August, sea already warm, fewer crowds
The Blue Grotto cannot be seen in rough sea — check the weather forecast the morning before departing
Anacapri is more authentic and 20-30% cheaper than Capri — better base for exploring the island
The island boat circuit (€20-25) is the finest experience — the Faraglioni seen from the sea are incomparable
Villa Jovis is worth the walk (50 min on foot) — Tiberius's ruins with sea view are almost always empty
Plan your Capri day trip
Blue Grotto, Monte Solaro and boat circuit — optimised itinerary in 5 minutes.
Plan now
