What To Do In Capri – The 5 Best Activities For A Day Trip

 

Wondering what to do on Capri? Have you read my post Travel Tales: Capri and thought “hey, that looks and sounds like an island I want to visit!”? Or have you always harboured an urge to go there, tempted by the sun, sea, and sexy glamour? I encourage you to act on these urges! And to make it even easier, I’m going to tell you what the 5 best activities to do in Capri are, as well as tell you how to get there if you’re taking a day trip from Naples or Sorrento.

Want a REALLY in-depth look into what’s on Capri? Check out this ultimate guide to things to do in Capri!

1. The Blue Grotto

Capri’s most famous sight – not only do you get a boat trip (who doesn’t love sailing over pure blue seas?), but when that boat trips takes you into a cave illuminated with an almost-magical blue light, it becomes a must-see. On arrival at Capri, walk along the harbour until you reach the moorings for the private craft; here you’ll find tour companies offering trips to the Blue Grotto. Even better, a lot of tours will provide a ‘circle’ tour, taking you on a trip around the coastline of the whole island, and allowing you to take in the Faraglioni from close range (and in the case of the Mezzo rock, underneath it!). Or if you’re on a budget, get a bus to the town of Anacapri, and walk to the Blue Grotto from there – you’ll still have to pay around 14 euros to enter the grotto, but you’ll be saving on the boat fare. It’s well worth it for something that will live long in your memory.

 

2. Monte Solaro

If you’re in Anacapri to descend to the Blue Grotto, how about taking the opposite direction on the way back, and going to the highest point in Capri? Sounds exhausting? Don’t worry; for the price of about 11 euros, you can catch a chairlift! The journey takes roughly 12 minutes, and you can enjoy some spectacular views of the island and surrounding bays once you reach there. You can catch a chairlift back down, or take a walk downhill – much easier than going in the other direction!

The chairlift runs all year, but times vary depending on the season – check when you travel.

 

3. I Faraglioni

Even if you’ve already seen these gorgeously-craggy rocks from the sea, do yourself a favour and take a walk along Via Tragara to the viewpoint overlooking I Faraglioni – you won’t regret it. Half of the fun is the walk itself; Via Tragara is a ridiculously scenic stretch of pathway, and you’ll find yourself gawping at the views of the sea, as well as the views of the immaculate gardens of the rich and famous. Take in the glorious sights when you reach the Hotel Punta Tragara! Alternatively, if you head towards the Arco Naturale when you leave Capri Town, and head down the steps when you reach the La Grottelle restaurant, you can hike along the Via Pizzolungo and approach the Faraglioni from the opposite direction. It’s a wonderful hike, and very easy if you’re coming from the Arco Naturale. Don’t miss the Grotta di Matermania on the way!

 

4. Giardini Augusto

These small gardens are best viewed in spring when the flowers are in full bloom, but in a way, the gardens themselves aren’t the main focus for your visit – the real scene-stealer here is the views, well worth the 1 euro entry fee. Look along the coast towards the Marina Piccola, with impossibly azure waters splashing on to the rocks below you, pleasure craft and fishing boats plying their trade in the clear seas. There’s barely a finer view in the whole of Capri.

 

5. Shopping (or window shopping) on Via Camerelle

Let’s be honest, most of us mere mortals can’t afford to shop regularly at Gucci, or Louis Vuitton. However, if you’re in the market to treat yourself to that special item, or you just want to shop with your eyes (one day that lottery result will come through; one day!), then Via Camerelle is the place to do it. Most designer brands that you care to mention are here, as well as some more reasonably-priced options. Remember to check out local companies Carthusia (makers of perfume, specially concocted using flowers found on Capri and so an ideal souvenir), and Capri Watch.

 

How to Get to Capri

There’s no way around it – unless you’re jetting in by private helicopter (you lucky bunny!), you’re going to have to get a boat.

You can reach Capri from either of the two ports in Naples – Molo Beverello, and Porta di Massa – but you’re almost certainly want to go from Molo Beverello (check out my post Travel: London to Naples – The Essentials for tips on the easiest and cheapest ways to reach the port from Naples airport), as the faster ferries leave from here.

There’s generally about two ferries per hour to Capri from Molo Beverello between 7am and 5pm, and the journey takes about fifty minutes, for a cost of around 22 euros. After 5pm, the frequency of services slows down a bit, generally to one per hour.

Once you reach Capri, bear in mind that there’s very little in the way of transportation here. If you don’t fancy dragging your bags on the crowded funicular, you can catch a bus – or if you’re feeling a bit flash, how about one of those convertible taxis?? Either way, you’re guaranteed some spectacular views, and amazing experiences!

Nothing booked yet, but you’re falling in love a little bit? Head over to Booking.com and have a look at the options!