Like a dream come to life from the imagination of the gods, a trip to the island of Capri will reveal an incredible destination before your feet. Famous for its unique and surprising splendor, the island of Capri continues to conquer the souls and eyes of travelers who arrive here in search of the essence of beauty. Once you approach the charming port of Marina Grande, the green slopes of Capri appear in the rays of the sun, dotted with white villas surrounded by lemon and orange groves, while the narrow alleys are filled with multicolored flowers.
This is the dream destination for poets and painters, an island that seems to have received all the blessings of nature. For those who arrive on a trip to Capri, there are two sides to the island. The first is the luxurious and opulent one, with elegant hotels and pretentious restaurants, with brand shops and elite tourists looking for the most stylish destinations in the world to show off their impeccable tastes. But for those who have the patience to get out of the crowd and explore deeper, there is also a more authentic Capri island, drawn in shades of sapphire and turquoise, a wilder and more fascinating destination.
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Thousands and thousands of travelers arrive on the island of Capri every day of the year, all in search of their own dreams and desires. Many arrive with shiny suitcases ready to relax in one of Capri’s famous villas, while others arrive with just a backpack ready to discover the island on foot. One day is not enough to see and do everything here, although the island is quite small and many of the attractions can only be visited on foot or by sea. I set out to experience as much as I could on this one-day trip to Capri, catching the first ferry from Naples at 8 am. In less than an hour, the small harbor of Marina Grande and the villas of Capri Town above were already shining in the morning sun. It was an unusually warm day for the end of March, full of incredible places and emotions, many impossible to transcribe into words. I walked almost 25 kilometers in the 7 hours on the island, exploring it from one end to the other, enough to get to know and remember this destination forever.
It was truly a day full of exceptional experiences and unforgettable moments. I often found myself alone in the forests and orchards of Capri, surrounded by the unique colors and views. I photographed as much as I could and as well as I knew how, but I still have the feeling that all these memories are not enough to express the true soul of the island of Capri. There are still many places to see and things to do, but they will always be there for those who want to discover more on a trip to Capri. Leaving the island behind against the backdrop of a magical sunset I had a unique image, with the last rays caressing the wooden boats in the harbor and the tallest villas high on the cliffs. Being so busy getting from one amazing place to another, I only had a few moments to search for the special essence of this destination, but the trip back to Naples was perfect to realize how beautiful and unique the island of Capri really is.
Capri Island Boat Tour from Sorrento – 9 hours / small group
It is quite easy to get to the paradise island of Capri. There are frequent ferry services from Naples or Sorrento that arrive at the port of Marina Grande, more and more frequent during the tourist season. A ticket for the Naples ferry is around 20 euros each way, and a trip to Capri takes around an hour. If you are only visiting the island for one day, I recommend buying your return ticket upon arrival, as they sell out very quickly and places are limited. Although I ran out of energy from exploring around 4 pm and was ready to go back, the first two trips were already sold out, so I had to wait for the last trip at 6 pm. Once on the island, you should know what route you want to do and what you want to visit, because there are a lot of interesting things and impressive places. Right in Marina Grande, there are boat tours of the island, which last 2 hours and stop at the famous Blue Grotto. A tour costs around 20 euros, while entrance to the cave costs an additional 15 euros.
But if you want to explore the island on your own, you first need to get to Capri Town, and for that you can take the bus, the funicular or walk up a path between the villas for about 15-20 minutes. Small buses on the island are the only way to reach more distant destinations, apart from luxurious private taxis. Buses run between Marina Grande and Capri or Anacapri, between Capri and Anacapri or Marina Piccola, between Anacapri and Marina Piccola or the Punta Carena lighthouse. Each ticket costs 2 euros, but during the summer they are very crowded. Most destinations can also be reached on foot if you have the time and energy, the most difficult route being the almost 1000 steps of the Phoenician Stairs between Marina Grande and Anacapri. Capri Town and Anacapri are the main settlements on the island, with the latter located on the higher eastern side. There are several hiking trails to explore the island, featuring stunning sights and views. Most take about 1-3 hours to complete, but it is well worth exploring at least 2-3 of them.
In Capri Town there are several interesting sights worth visiting, starting with the idyllic Gardens of Augustus, with statues, fountains and multi-coloured flowers set against the sea. Nearby, the Carthusian Monastery of San Giacomo dates back to the 14th century, housing the Diefenbach Museum with superb paintings by the German symbolist artist, many inspired by the unique beauty of the island of Capri. The heart of the town is in the small and elegant Piazzetta, where the town hall, the charming church and the elegant cafes create a dreamy atmosphere. From here, those who want to explore the rest of the island can start several hiking trails. One of them goes to Villa Jovis and Villa Lysis (2-3 hours), the former dating back to Roman times and the latter from the early 20th century, both located on the eastern peaks of the island. Another route leads along the southeastern coast of the island, reaching the impressive Natural Arch and other fascinating places like Villa Malaparte, Grotta di Tragara, or the superb panoramas of the famous Faraglioni rock formations.
Anacapri has its own treasures, starting with one of the most interesting little churches we have visited. The monumental Church of St. Michael was founded in 1719 and is a splendid example of the Neapolitan school of the 18th century, with its floor completely covered with a unique mosaic depicting the Earthly Paradise. Other interesting attractions include Villa San Michele with the Axel Munthe Museum, the Church of St. Sophia, the Cassa Rossa and others. There are several routes starting from here and exploring the western part of the island. One of them reaches the top of Mount Solaro, the highest on the island. Alternatively, you can also get there by a small funicular that leaves from the city center.
One of the most memorable places on the island is the Punta Carena lighthouse, which can be visited by bus or even on foot (1-2 hours). There is another route that connects the old towers and fortifications on the west coast (2-3 hours), from the lighthouse to the Blue Grotto. A wilder hiking route is called Migliera and offers incredible views. Touring the island by boat offers its own points of interest, discovering new attractions visible only from the sea. There are many sea caves along the coast, the most famous being the Blue Grotto, a natural cave that can be visited in small wooden boats. It is unique due to the incredible shades of blue that the water reflects on sunny days. All this and much more can be admired with the eyes and heart during a visit to the splendid island of Capri.
Accommodation Recommendations in Capri
Rating 8.9 from 225 reviews!
Situated on the 3rd floor of an 18th century building, this guesthouse stands out for its luxury and elegance. It is located in the center of Capri Town, benefiting from exceptional views.
Rating 9.5 from 153 reviews!
Located just 200 metres from the Piazzetta in Capri Town, this B&B offers bed and breakfast accommodation in comfortable rooms, with excellent reviews from guests.
Rating 9.6 from 246 reviews!
Located 500 metres from Marina Grande, this guesthouse offers quality accommodation, a traditional restaurant and superb views of the sea and mountains.