This article was adapted from original ideas published by Visit Naples and Amalfi Coast Travel Tips.
Capri Travel Tips Every Visitor Should Know
Every summer I watch the same thing happen at the ferry terminal. Travellers arrive excited to spend the day on Capri, only to leave disappointed a few hours later after spending far more money than they expected, standing in long queues, and trying to squeeze too much into a single visit.
Capri is one of the most beautiful islands in Italy, but enjoying it properly is all about making the right choices. Before you board your ferry, here are my ten golden rules for getting the very best from your visit.
1. Is the Blue Grotto worth your time?
The Blue Grotto is one of Capri’s most famous attractions, but many visitors don’t realise how much of their day it can consume.
The usual experience starts with boarding a large tourist boat from the harbour. Once you arrive, you’ll often spend hours floating in a queue under the summer sun before finally transferring to a small rowing boat. After just a few minutes inside the grotto, the visit is over.
There’s no doubt it’s beautiful, but I don’t think it’s worth sacrificing several hours of your day.
If you really want to experience Capri from the sea, I recommend hiring a traditional private gozzo with a local skipper instead. You’ll enjoy the coastline, discover hidden coves, swim in crystal-clear water, and experience the island at a much more relaxed pace.
2. Start your visit in Anacapri
Most visitors follow exactly the same route. They leave the ferry, join the queue for the funicular, arrive in the Piazzetta, and sit down for a coffee.
The surprise usually comes when the bill arrives. An espresso here can easily cost between €10 and €12 because you’re paying for the location rather than the coffee itself.
Instead, head straight to Anacapri.
It has a quieter atmosphere, feels more authentic, and is generally much better value.
While you’re there, take the Monte Solaro Chairlift. It’s one of my favourite experiences on Capri, offering breathtaking views across the Gulf of Naples as you glide silently above gardens and vineyards.
3. Never arrive without a return ferry ticket
One of the biggest mistakes I see every season is travellers buying only a one-way ferry ticket.
From April through September, ferries regularly sell out, particularly during the afternoon when everyone wants to return to Naples or Sorrento. I’ve seen families stranded at the harbour because every sailing was fully booked.
I always recommend booking both your outbound and return journey before you travel.
You can reserve your ferry tickets here.
https://www.ferryhopper.com/?aff_uid=vsnpamf
4. Prepare for Capri’s steep streets
Capri is much steeper than many visitors expect.
Walking uphill from Marina Grande wearing flip-flops can quickly become exhausting, especially during the hottest part of the day.
If your budget allows, Capri’s famous open-top taxis are a memorable experience in themselves. Otherwise, buy a daily bus ticket as soon as you arrive. The buses are affordable, but they’re small and can become very crowded, so patience is essential.
5. Less really is more on Capri
Many visitors arrive with a list of ten attractions and only six hours to see them.
The result is that they spend the entire day rushing from place to place, constantly checking the time instead of enjoying the island.
I always recommend choosing just two main experiences.
A boat trip in the morning followed by a relaxed afternoon exploring Anacapri is more than enough for a memorable visit.
Capri is an island to enjoy slowly.
6. Walk a little further for lunch
Restaurants around the harbour and the Piazzetta are convenient, but they’re not always the best choice.
It’s easy to pay premium prices for meals that don’t reflect the quality of traditional Capri cooking.
Walk just fifteen minutes away from the busiest streets and you’ll discover family-run trattorias serving much more authentic food.
If you’re looking for something simple, buy a freshly prepared panino caprese from a local salumeria and enjoy it overlooking the Faraglioni. It’s one of my favourite ways to spend lunchtime on the island.
7. Enjoy the Faraglioni from two perspectives
A boat trip around the Faraglioni is one of Capri’s classic experiences, but some of the island’s most spectacular views are actually from land.
Take time to visit the Gardens of Augustus.
For a small entrance fee, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Faraglioni together with the famous curves of Via Krupp below. It’s one of the best viewpoints anywhere on the island.
8. Choose a souvenir with a story
Capri has a long tradition of craftsmanship, yet many visitors leave with mass-produced souvenirs that could have come from anywhere.
Instead, treat yourself to a pair of handmade Capri sandals.
Local craftsmen will measure your feet and create genuine leather sandals while you wait, continuing a tradition that has made Capri famous for generations.
9. Don’t leave too early
The busiest time on Capri is usually between late morning and late afternoon. That’s when the crowds are at their largest and queues seem to appear everywhere.
By early evening, everything changes.
The day-trippers leave, the Piazzetta becomes quieter, and Capri begins to feel elegant and relaxed once again.
If you can, stay for an aperitivo at sunset before returning to the mainland.
Just make sure you’ve booked one of the later ferries in advance.
You can reserve your return ferry here.
https://www.ferryhopper.com/?aff_uid=vsnpamf
10. Discover another side of Capri
Many visitors associate Capri with luxury boutiques and glamorous beach clubs, but the island has a fascinating history too.
One place I always recommend is Villa San Michele in Anacapri.
Built by the Swedish physician Axel Munthe on the site of ancient Roman ruins, the villa is surrounded by beautiful gardens and overlooks the Bay of Naples. You’ll also find its famous Egyptian sphinx, which local tradition says will grant a wish if you touch it.
My final advice
Whenever people ask me how to experience Capri, I always give the same answer.
Don’t spend your day chasing photographs or trying to tick every attraction off a list.
Slow down, enjoy the sea, take your time over lunch, wander through the quieter streets, and allow yourself to appreciate the atmosphere that has made Capri famous for generations.
Looking for a private boat tour
If you’d like to experience Capri from the sea, I also organise private boat tours around Capri, Ischia, and Procida.
Each tour includes a professional skipper, drinks and snacks on board, snorkelling equipment, and the flexibility to personalise the itinerary. They’re perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends looking for a more exclusive experience.
If you’d like to check availability, feel free to contact me directly.
My favourite tours and travel resources
If you’re planning your Italian holiday, here are the travel resources I personally recommend. These are the services I regularly suggest to visitors who want to make the most of their time in Southern Italy.
Fast ferry tickets
Travelling by ferry is one of the easiest ways to explore Naples, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Ischia, Procida, and other destinations around the Gulf of Naples. I always recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance, especially your return journey, as sailings often sell out during the busy season.
https://www.ferryhopper.com/?aff_uid=vsnpamf
Best tours and tickets for Capri and Ischia
If you’re looking for the best boat tours, guided experiences, attraction tickets, and local activities on Capri and Ischia, you’ll find my recommended options here.
https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com
Top Naples tours, Pompeii, Herculaneum and skip-the-line tickets
Planning to explore Naples as well? Here you’ll find my favourite tours, including Pompeii, Herculaneum, skip-the-line tickets, food experiences, and some of the city’s most memorable attractions.
https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com
Best Amalfi Coast and Sorrento tours
If the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento are part of your itinerary, these are the tours and experiences I recommend to visitors looking to discover the region with knowledgeable local guides.
https://visitnaplesandamalficoasttraveltips.blogspot.com
Stay in the heart of Naples
If you’re spending a few days in Naples before or after visiting Capri, I also host two top-rated Airbnb apartments in the historic centre, just a short walk from Toledo Metro Station. They’re an ideal base for exploring the city and the surrounding coastline.
Apartment 1
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4262320?guests=1&adults=1
Apartment 2
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/836397423820889981?guests=1
If you’d prefer to avoid Airbnb service fees, feel free to contact me directly.
Whether you need private airport transfers, guided tours, private drivers, boat tours, logistics, or help with ferry tickets and attraction reservations, my team and I are always happy to help make your trip to Southern Italy as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
