The beautiful island of Capri is often associated with ‘la dolce vita’ (even though the original film was set in Rome), and a visit to Capri makes the perfect day trip from the Amalfi coast (with ferries and hydrofoils from Naples, Ischia, Procida, Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi).
My initial experience on arrival, however, did not quite live up to this ‘dolce vita’ reputation, as instead of taking the funicular (railway) from the port I decided to walk up to the town of Capri from Marina Grande, which is all uphill and takes about 20 to 25 minutes! I could be heard grumbling all the way up, as even though it was only about 10 am it was already incredibly hot (and a funicular ticket is only 1€80!).
Given, this active start to the day, I was extremely glad that I had opted to wear my comfy and stylish sandals from Franchetti Bond, and Franchetti Bond are offering all my readers a discount of 10% on anything on their site with the code ‘velvet10’.
Despite my initial grumblings, Capri is a beautiful island and the views were well worth the effort! Read on for some ideas of what to do on Capri.
What to do in Capri in a day
Visit the Piazzetta in Capri Town
At the end of this exertion, I arrived at Capri’s famous Piazzetta where a marmalade croissant and a coffee, basking in the sun, restored my good humour and my impression of Capri! There are four café bars in the Piazzetta and all are similarly priced and offer similar refreshment. (I tried two of the four and the service was very friendly in both!).
Take a boat trip/ visit the Blue Grotto
An alternative option on arriving at Marina Grande is to take a boat tour to the Blue Grotto, which avoids the need for the uphill climb. The ticket offices for the Motoscafisti di Capri and Laser boat tour companies, which offer Capri island boat tours with a stop at the Blue Grotto, are situated here.
Alternatively, you can take a private boat trip from one of the people who greet the ferries. I didn’t visit the Blue grotto this time, as I already had done so on a previous visit to Capri, but I definitely recommend it. However, the boat ticket price (18€ or 16/17€ if pre-booked on-line) doesn’t include entrance to the Blue Grotto, which is an additional 14€ by a small rowing boat.
Visit the luxury shops and the Belvedere
After breakfast in the Piazzetta, you can walk down Via Vittorio Emanuele towards the Hotel Quisisana, and then continue along Via Camerelle, making sure to have a look at the luxury boutiques along the way.
At the end of the road, you will then reach the Via Tragara, which will take you past some of the most beautiful villas and hotels on Capri, to the Belvedere, from where you can see the shimmering sea and the Faraglioni rock formations.
Visit the Gardens of Augustus
Another must is a visit to the Gardens of Augustus. These are very small gardens, but the entrance is only 1€, and the views are spectacular.
The terraces and gardens were constructed in the 1930s and don’t miss the Capri Sundial, where the position of the sun on the dial shows the time (and it works! I checked!).
Visit the Carthusian Monastery
We also visited the Carthusian Monastery, which was built in 1371 by Giacomo Arcucci, on land donated by Queen Giovanna 1st of Angiò, and is the oldest historic building on the Island of Capri. It is very close to the Gardens of Augustus and you can buy a combined ticket for the two.
The Monastery itself is sometimes home to exhibitions (there was an art exhibition while we were there) but my favourite part of the visit was the gardens , which wind down through olive groves to terraces overlooking the sea and the Faraglioni, and were the best views I saw all day! Also, there are relatively few visitors so it’s much quieter to take photos!
Take a bus to Anacapri
After a leisurely lunch in Capri, we took the bus to Anacapri, which was quite an experience! The cost of a one-way ticket is €1.80, but the small (eight seater) bus will take as many people as it can possibly squeeze in during busy periods, and the roads are not for the faint-hearted! The hairpin bends explain why the bus is small!
The historic town centre is much quieter than Capri and you are much more likely to find artisan craft shops than designer boutiques. One thing I had forgotten in my planning, however, is that all the shops are closed between 1pm and 5pm for the siesta!, so my shopping opportunities were very few!
The bus to Anacapri will drop you off at Piazza Vittoria and from here you can take a chair-lift to Monte Solaro, the island’s highest point. This costs €10 for a round-trip, and is apparently well worth it! Unfortunately, there wasn’t really enough time to fit this in in a day trip. So, if you have visited it I would love to know what you thought of it!
At the end of the afternoon, we took the bus back to Capri. If there is a long queue at Piazza Vittoria, walk down Viale Tommaso de Tommaso a few blocks in the direction from which the bus arrives, and board at one of the much less crowded stops before the Piazza.
On arrival back at Capri, we just had time for an aperitif back in the Piazzetta , before heading off to the ferry.
For some reason, I mistakenly thought that the ferry left from Marina Piccola (even though all the ferries come and go from Marina Grande) so I headed off from Capri town towards Marina Piccola and my day ended in a similar way to the way it began. Once I realised my mistake I had to run (not even walk) all the way back up to Capri town and back down the other side (which was made even more stressful by the fact that I had booked the last ferry, and probably provided some entertainment for all the people in the cafés in the Piazzetta!)
So, my advice is to make sure you book your return ticket at the start of the day, if not before! I would never have made the last ferry if I hadn’t pre-booked my ticket, and especially in the Summer months, you run the risk that your chosen ferry will be full!
I hope you enjoyed this feature about Capri and La Dolce Vita, and have a look here for more of our travel guides.
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With love,
PS If you enjoyed this article, please check out some more of our travel guides, such as what to do in Barcelona, Los Angeles, Lisbon and more travel posts!
Capri sounds like a dream ! Definitely is on my bucket list.
Great post.
Kenza
Thank you Kenza! Glad you enjoyed the post xo
So beautiful pictures. I would love to go to Capri.
Have a beautiful Sunday.
Love, Esther
Thank you Esther! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend xo
You’ve convinced me! I definitely have to go!!
♥ Paula Shoe Fiend.
http://shoe-fiend.blogspot.co.nz/
You will love it Paula! 🙂
Those are some beautiful places and such gorgeous views to see. Love your cute white dress. x
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com/
Thank you so much Ann-Marie x
Such amazing photos! Wow!
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
I’m so glad you like them, Cielo x
Oh I have high hopes for Italy travels in the future. I got a taste this past year and fell in love. Especially with the Amalfi Coast. I hope to go back to Cinque Terra too! I’ve been to Positano and I just love it. Capri looks so beautiful too! I love the dress you wore during your travels.
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
Thank you Rina. Positano and Cinque Terra are so beautiful too xoxo
Oh how I would love to go here
Filipa xxx
PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram
You would love it Filipa!
These pictures are beautiful!!
xo, Allie
Thank you Allie xo
Capri looks beautiful! I would love to take a boat ride there someday. What a bucket list item! Thanks for sharing!
Kim
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Kim. Capri is very beautiful xo
So wonderful pics!
http://www.atrendylifestyle.com/2017/08/eligiendo-mis-gafas-verano-loco-de.html
Thank you xo
Such a marvellous and relaxing vacation1
Great!
Yes it was a great trip xo
I need to travel to Capri.. looks so beautiful
Gros bisous
http://gallech.blogspot.com
It really is, Rita! I’m sure you would love it xo
This is such a gorgeous corner of the world! I need to see Capri in person one day!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
You would love it Ashley xo
You always visit the most beautiful places, wow! Such a fabulous travelista! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
Thank you Susanne! I love to travel xx
Looks like my kind of place, I have not been to Capri yet but I really want to visit. The Marina Grande and Belvedere seems so lovely. /Madison
I think you would love it Madison xo
Capri seems so beautiful! I’m so jealous, I’ve always wanted to go there! Maybe someday!
It really is beautiful, Sharon! I hope you get there!
Omg this looks like such an amazing trip — all of your photos are stunning!
xo,
H
Thank you! The scenery was spectacular xo
Capri is at the very top of my bucket list. Your pictures have got me itching to go!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
You would love it Siffat xo
Your photos and vacation looked amazing! I loved Italy when I was there, and this makes me want to go back stat! Such a charming place! I’ll bookmark this for when I head back!
Happy Sunday babe!
xx,
Cynthia
Thank you Cynthia! xx
Capri sure is a beautiful place. Cute dress and lovely pictures.
http://www.fashionablyidu.com/
Thank you Idu! I’m so glad you like them xo
Absolutely loved this guide to Capri! It looks absolutely breathtaking!! I love all of your photos and those sandals look so perfect for exploring!
xo
Kathryn
http://fashionwithoutthefortune.com/
Thank you Kathryn! xo
this looks awesome. I want to visit here someday! thanks for sharing 🙂
http://www.pinkoolaid.com/
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Such breathtaking pictures! I love this place and I hope you enjoyed it! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend!
xoxo,
Vanessa
http://www.whatwouldvwear.com
Thank you Vanessa! Hope you’re having a lovely week so far xoxo
What a gorgeous photos! Thanks for sharing <3
X Merel
http://www.andathousandwords.com
Thank you! I’m glad you like the photos xo
Oh wow – what an amazing post! I love exploring places like this, discovering hidden gems around every corner.. those sandals are also fab! Perfect for walking around cobbled streets <3
//teandtwosugars.blogspot.com xx
Thank you so much Georgia xo
That’s cool. I like your blog. Go to my blog http://alamodenatine.blogspot.com
Thank you for stopping by xo
Nice photos.
It looks Capri is a beautiful place.
I think it is very suit for holidays <3
Thank you It is a perfect place for holidays xo
I love this post.
xo
Glad you enjoyed it xo
Your photos of Capri are stunning and the monastery looks amazing! That white dress is so pretty on you!
Jill
Doused in Pink
Thank you so much Jill xo
MY husband spent his childhood summers on CAPRI in an apartment on the PIER above the Police station!!!!!!!!!His GarndFather was a BIG wig for the PORT of NAPLES so this was gratis………..
I have only been once in 1978 but we were allowed to swim in the Grotto which I hear is NO MORE?
It is time for me to GO BACK!!!!!!
Thank you so much for reading! It must have been a lovely place to spend childhood summers xo
Oh very amazing photos
Thank you xo
Capri looks like a dream, what a beautiful place! I loved every picture, glad you had a great time there 🙂
Thank you Marta! I’m glad you liked the pictures 🙂
Views! Omg! Stunning photos!
-Lena
.
Thank you Lena xo
Great post, I like it 🙂
Thank you! Glad you like it 🙂
Aw this post brings back such good memories from when I visited Capri with my boyfriend a few years ago. We also decided to walk up to the town which was a huge mistake as it was the middle of the day and sooooo hot and by the time we reached the top we were both tired out and had headaches! Next time I would definitely get the funicular haha. x
I agree – walking up was not the best idea! x
What a majestic place! I would love to go there someday! <3
Angelie
It’s very beautiful! xo
Hello my dear,
I am soooo in love with that white dress-it is to die for;)
Hugs from Germany
Isa
http://www.label-love.eu
Thank you so much Isa xo
Your photos are stunning! It looks absolutely incredible. I’ve never been to Capri but have always wanted to!
Thank you Lorna! I’m sure you would love Capri xo
Amazing photos!
http://iameleine.blogspot.com/
Thank you x
Wow, it looks absolutely gorgeous! The views are beautiful and the streets are so charming! Thanks so much for sharing, beauty, and I hope you’re having a great week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Thank you Jalisa! I’m glad you enjoyed the post xo
Amazing photos!
Hugs, http://nouw.com/bellss
Thank you xo
Julia this is such a stunning day, I hope you had a lot of fun!
Camila,
Thank you Camila! Apart from running the entire way across the island at the end of the day I hd lots of fun xo
I would love to visit! These pictures are amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Isn’t That Charming.
Thank you Emily! I’m sure you would love it xo
Wow, capri is on the top of my travel bucket list for too Long now.
this place is so extremly beautiful and must be paradise.
Thank you for These amazing impressions.
take a look at my BLOG and also INSTAGRAM
Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked the post and I’m sure you will love Capri! xo
I’ve been to Capri! It was everything I thought it would be and more. Your pictures are breath taking Julia. I love your posts, I check you site regularly to make sure I don’t miss your next adventure. Wow, you look stunning in that white dress. I walked so much around Europe it was crazy, but I ended up gaining 20 pounds on my 3-month adventure. I blame it on the cheese lol. I wish I would have visited the Carthusian Monastery. We ran out of time 🙁
Thank you Mary. I know what you mean about the food! Luckily I walked miles each day too as I ate so much pasta, pizza and ice-cream! 🙂
This place looks amazing and I especially like the idea of a boat trip to the Blue Grotto!
xo Yvonne
Thank you Yvonne xo
I am going to pin this post to my Italy pinboard. My DH and I went to Italy last summer, but want to go back to see the Amalfi coast. This island sounds amazing and I’d love to see the Blue Grotto!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thanks Carrie! I’m glad you liked the post and I’m sure you will love Capri too! xo
Its so pretty there. I would love to go one day. Great post!
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thank you Gemma! I’m sure you would love it x
LOVE Capri! I got to go there on my honeymoon and it is honestly one of my most favorite places in the world. Great photos!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
Thank you Samantha! It must have been the perfect place for a honeymoon xo
Wow, it is truly beautiful! Glad you took the walk and found this (and the yummy snack). You look lovely too!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thank you so much! It was a long walk but the views were worth it! xo
Capri is so beautiful! These views are a dream! I hope you had an amazing time there!
Thank you Violette! It was wonderful xo
Splendid photos! Love it!!!
xoxo, Hadasah
http://www.styletolove.com
Thank you Hadasah! I’m glad you like them xoxo
Such beautiful photos! And I love the dress you are wearing.
Thank you Darina xo
Capri looks so amazing! Definitely on my bucket list now. Thanks for sharing these amazing pics Julia!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Capri is so beautiful, Kathrine! I’m sure you will love it xoxo
Thanks Julia for these beautiful pictures ( a great place to go, one day maybe??) and your advice… You look also beautiful! I’m looking for a white dress but don’t find it unfortunately… Yours is very pretty!
kisses
Virginie
Thank you so much Virginie. I’m glad you liked the post and the pictures. I hope you’ve found a white dress. This one is from ‘Morgan’. xoxo
Great travelogue and photos. I love the way you take pleasure in so many different facets.
Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed it 🙂