Capri is an amazing island to visit in Italy… but it can get overcrowded! Though, don’t fret, there are ways you can visit without the big crowds and still see all the best things to do in Capri whilst you’re there.
It’s no secret that Capri is a popular spot, especially with day trippers from nearby Naples and the Amalfi Coast. This makes the island pretty crowded and even more so when the cruise ships arrive in Naples. This isn’t a bad thing on its own merit. It means people visiting Capri are spending their money within the local community, but it does mean that the island can get quite busy, especially in the summer.
How to visit Capri without the crowds
Now, if you want to avoid the majority of the crowds in Capri, make sure to either visit in the shoulder seasons. For instance, trips in April and May or September and October can be markedly calmer than in the height of August. There are only a handful of cruise ships that continue into the Autumn and winter period, and this can make a marked difference in visitor numbers to Capri.
However, don’t if you’re not visiting in the more popular summer months. If you are visiting on a cruise or have specific travel dates in mind, you can still make the most out of a trip to Capri and avoid as many of the crowds as possible.
Now, most of the cruise ships offer day trip excursions that arrive in Capri around 10:00 -11:00 am, with most departing the island at around 4:00-5:00 pm. This means the island quietens down quite considerably once the day trippers have gone. If you’re planning your trip to Capri (without being on a cruise), book a much earlier ferry from Naples and enjoy a much quieter morning on the island. This way, you can have a fair few hours without the crowds.
If you’re visiting the wider region on a cruise, then you will likely be part of the crowds. Though you can still minimise being around big groups by steering clear of the specific excursions and drop-off points that are organised by the cruise ship’s shore excursions. Book these independent tours (which are much quieter and usually significantly cheaper than Cruise shore excursion prices) before you arrive. This way, you can book small group tours or private tours that’ll give you that amazing Capri experience without the hustle and bustle that usually comes with summer on the island. We’ve found that so helpful.
Now, everyone who comes to the island wants to experience all the best things to do in Capri. So, plan in advance and book some of the top places in Capri to visit before you arrive. You will have a great time on the island – it really is a special place in Italy.
1.) Capri
Capri is the main town on the island and one that I guarantee you’ll visit after setting foot on the hilly terrain. Now, the great thing about Capri Town is that most of the island’s restaurants, shops and cafes are located here. This means it’s a great part of Capri to visit around lunchtime or for a sunset dinner.
Now, to get here from Marina Grande (the point most people arrive on the island of Capri), you’ll either need to take a shuttle bus, the funicular (Google Maps pin) or a private taxi to the town itself. Now, bear in mind that prices can be steep once you arrive in Capri. Cars are limited on the island, and you really are at the whim of taxi drivers and what they want to charge.
If you opt for the funicular, the journey time is about 6 minutes and costs a few euros each way. They tend to run every 15 minutes or so, and it’s really helpful in the heat of summer.
Once here, be sure to check out the church of Santo Stefano (Google Maps pin), explore the main square of Piazzetta di Capri (Google Maps pin) and explore the winding streets with all their designer stores. Here, you’ll find heaps of Italian designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and international brands like Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Fendi. You can honestly sink a heap of money here! Though if you’re not from the EU, they do offer tax-free shopping, so make sure you have your passport with you if you’re planning on doing some damage.
Getting peckish? There are heaps of restaurants to choose from in Capri Town. We loved the freshly-made pizza and pasta from Buca di Bacco (Google Maps pin). Plus, their prices are very reasonable. Alternatively, head over to Al Grottino (Google Maps pin). Another gem in Capri Town that’s not overly expensive and serves up wholesome fresh seafood that’s so good. Their calamari was amazing! For a higher-end type of dining, head to Godò Capri, which focuses on Japanese cuisine. They have an amazing cocktail menu and tasty sushi boxes.
For a wine, head over to Salotto Bohèmien. They have heaps of Italian wines to choose from, and it’s right next to Piazzetta di Capri, making it really easy to stop off for a tipple.
Read more: Best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast
2.) Anacapri
The other ‘big’ town on Capri, Anacapri, is much higher in altitude on the island and requires either a bus journey or a private taxi to get there.
Now, one word on the roads, they are windy, tiny and very tight! If you’re not used to small European roads, you may find this trip daunting, especially as the drivers weave in and out at what can only be described as the speed of light!
Once here, make sure to explore the area around Piazza della Vittoria (Google Maps pin) and visit some of the little stores and shops along the way. This is the area where most transportation methods will stop and drop you off, and makes for the perfect spot to stroll around the town.
We loved the pizza at Casa Orlandi (which is always made fresh-to-order). Also, you’ve got Sciue’ Sciue’, another gem of a restaurant to visit for lunch.
Then, after filling your tummy, head over to explore some of Anacapri’s gorgeous churches. Now, don’t expect them to be on the same scale as the Duomo in Florence, but they are worth a gander if you’re strolling around the town. Make sure to stop off at the Church of Saint Sophia (Google Maps pin) and the Church of San Michele (Google Maps pin), which dates back almost 300 years.
Afterwards, you can head up on the Capri Cable Car and visit Villa San Michele, that are in Anacapri itself. I’ll go into the specifics of these spots next.
Read more: Unmissable things to do in Naples
3.) Monte Solaro Chair Lift
Now, the Monte Solaro Chair Lift, within Anacapri, might just be one of the island’s biggest draws. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it’s one of the best things to do in Capri for views, especially from the summit of Monte Solaro. To help you get straight to the station, I’ve popped a Google Maps pin to help you get there with ease. To be honest, you can’t miss it, but it’s always good to know in advance.
The Capri Chair Lift takes around 13-15 minutes to reach the summit and is well worth hopping on, as the height of the mountain is huge! Though if you’re a little scared of heights, the chair lift can be quite daunting, especially as you only have one small metal bar holding you in.
After reaching the top, you’ll get to a small paved area at the summit of Monte Solaro. From here, you’ll be able to see all across the island of Capri and see the rugged beauty of the south coast of the island. It’s also a totally gorgeous spot to see the Faraglioni rocks that jut off the south-east coast of Capri. It’s stunning.
A Visit will take around 90 minutes and is a must-do when visiting Capri.
Read more: Best things to do in Naples
4.) Villa San Michele
Another gem in Anacapri, Villa San Michele (Google Maps pin), is a short 6-7 minute walk from the station of the chairlift itself. This historic property is gorgeous to visit, and it’s been kept just as it was in the 1800s. The grounds are stunning, and you can get some incredible views over Marina Grande and the north coast of Capri.
Visits to Villa San Michele will take around 30 minutes and are well worth seeing to learn more about the residents of Capri, their histories and how the island found its popularity.
Read more: Best things to do in Naples
5.) Gardens of Augustus
One of the things that makes the Gardens of Augustus (Google Maps pin) so special is the views. Wow! They are stunning and you can see right down the south coast of Capri and its towering cliff edges. Now, you can easily walk here whilst in Capri Town.
Once here, after paying a small fee for entry, you’ll be able to stroll the small gardens and see the incredible views of Via Krupp. You’ll also get a stunning view from this Belvedere of the Faraglioni rocks.
6.) Capri Boat tour
What makes Capri so special is its stunning coastline and dramatic cliffs. The island itself is beautiful, but the coastline is just something else. I’d even go as far as saying that exploring the coastline by boat is one of the best things to do in Capri if you’ve got a spare few hours.
You see, you can book these amazing Capri boat tours around the island, without having to pay for the markup that some tour operators and cruise companies charge. Now, as you can see from our curated list of boat tours around Capri, you’ll get to stop off at some of the island’s most iconic spots.
If you’re unsure where you want to go, just ask to visit the Blue Grotto, Grotto Verde, Casa Malaparte and Faraglioni di Capri. These places are stunning and well worth visiting by boat.
Now, I would recommend you book these tours before arriving on Capri. There is a limited number of excursions, and they sell out so fast in the summer months.
7.) Marina Grande
Marina Grande will likely be your very first port of call when arriving in Capri. You see, it’s the main port where the ferry from Naples and the Amalfi Coast arrives.
Now, we always find Marina Grande a hive of activity – it never feels quiet, especially with all the arrivals and departures on the island of Capri. That being said, there are a few gems to visit when you arrive at Marina Grande.
For a chilled afternoon, you can stop off at Le Ondine Beach Club. It’s a pretty chilled spot where you can grab an aperitif or lunch and take a dip at the beach. Of course, like most places in Capri, it’s not a sandy beach (more of a rocky bay), but it’s lovely for a dip if you have time whilst waiting for your ferry back to the mainland.
Alternatively, you can head to Cala Grande Beach (Google Maps pin), which is a short 10-minute walk from the ferry docking port. Again, expect a stony beach, but it’s lovely for a dip in the heat of summer.
Read more: Best things to do in Naples
8.) Marina Piccola
On the south coast of Capri is the stunning shoreline of Marina Piccola (Google Maps pin). Now, what makes visiting Marina Piccolao one of the best things to do in Capri is its proximity to the shore. It’s a total paradise if you fancy a dip in the warm Mediterranean waters.
Now, the restaurants here don’t really hit the mark in terms of quality (or price). Just be aware you’ll be getting tourist pricing and not the best quality food. That being said, the location is worth it, even if you’re just getting pizza (which most places in Italy never get wrong). If you did decide to eat at Marina Piccolao, I’d head over to La Palma Beach Club. You can also rent sun loungers here (which typically are about 75-100 euros each. Their not cheap, but nothing is in Capri.
Still, the beach area is gorgeous. Stony, but gorgeous.
Read more: Best things to do in Naples
9.) Monte Solaro Hike (same as chairlift)
A hike to the highest point on Capri is a must if you want to exert yourself and burn off some of that delicious pasta and gelato you’ve been scoffing in Italy. That being said, it can be gruelling in the heat of summer and the Monte Solaro hike, via Anacapri, can be challenging. Again, this isn’t due to the length of the hike, but more so because of the heat. It can be unbearable in the midday sun, so only attempt this hike if you have adequate supplies and know the routes well in advance.
Now, to make things easy, follow this All Trails route that details the full route that you can download and follow. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the hike and know it’s okay to turn back if you’re not feeling it. After all, it’s the same route as the chair lift, and you’ll get the same view from the summit.
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