Things to do in Capri? Ride the funicular up to the Piazzetta, walk to the Arco Naturale and the Faraglioni viewpoint, look out to sea from the Gardens of Augustus, head to Anacapri and take the chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro, enter the Blue Grotto by rowing boat when the sea allows, then sail around the island. Capri lies in the Bay of Naples, less than an hour from the city by fast boat.
Most travellers visit Capri as a day trip. This guide answers the question other guides leave out: how much time will you really have on the island depending on the month? We calculated it from the sunset time and the crossing times published by the ferry company Caremar. You will also find the must-sees, a one-day programme, the budget and the climate based on official normals.
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Capri at a glance
- Location island in the Bay of Naples (Campania), two municipalitiesCapri and Anacapri
- Currency euro (€); time zone: UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer (Europe/Rome) · currencies
- Access by boat only, from Naples(about 1 h by fast boat, 1 h 15 to 1 h 25 by ferry), Sorrento (about 25 to 30 min) and, in season, the Amalfi Coast
- Airports fly into NaplesThen a boat from the port of Naples
- Entry Schengen area: no visa for up to 90 days for US citizens (tourism or business) and UK citizens (in any 180-day period) · travel.state.gov · GOV.UKPassport valid at least 3 months beyond your stay (US) or after leaving the Schengen area (UK)
- On the island funicular, buses, taxisNon-resident car traffic restricted
- Electricity 220-volt system, according to the U.S. Department of State · plugsCheck that your devices accept it; you may need a plug adapter
- Budget see our budget section
Things to do in Capri: the must-sees
The Piazzetta and Capri town
The funicular links the port of Marina Grande with Piazza Umberto I, the « Piazzetta », in a few minutes; it is the heart of the town, with its café terraces and bell tower. Around it, Via Camerelle and the white lanes are lined with shops and hotels. The cafés on the square are among the most expensive on the island: have your coffee in a nearby lane instead.
The Gardens of Augustus and Via Krupp
A few minutes’ walk from the Piazzetta, the Gardens of Augustus spread their flowered terraces above the sea, with a direct view of the Faraglioni and the hairpin bends of Via Krupp. This zigzag path, built in the early 20th century on the initiative of the industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp, leads down to Marina Piccola. Access has often been restricted for safety reasons: ask locally before planning to use it.
The Arco Naturale and the Tragara viewpoint
From the town, a path leads to the Arco Naturale, a limestone arch about 20 m (66 ft) high on the east coast. Coming back along the Pizzolungo path, you walk above the sea to the Tragara viewpoint, one of the best spots for viewing the Faraglioni. Allow two hours for the loop, with many steps.
The Faraglioni
These three rock stacks off the south-east coast are the symbol of the island. You see them from above at Tragara or the Gardens of Augustus, and up close by boat: island tours often pass under the arch of the Faraglione di Mezzo.
Villa Jovis
On Monte Tiberio, in the east of the island, the ruins of Emperor Tiberius’s villa overlook the bay. You walk up from the Piazzetta on a long climb, about 45 minutes to an hour depending on your pace. The site is less crowded than the rest of the island.
Anacapri and Monte Solaro
Higher and quieter, Anacapri is reached by bus from Capri or Marina Grande. Visit Villa San Michele and the church of San Michele with its majolica floor, then take the chairlift to the summit of Monte Solaro (589 m, or 1,932 ft), the island’s highest point, for views of the Faraglioni and the Sorrento peninsula. The sporty walk up in about 1 h 30.
The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)
On the north-west coast, the Blue Grotto owes its colour to light passing under the water. You enter lying in the bottom of a small rowing boat, through a very low opening. Access depends on the state of the sea: it is closed in heavy swell or strong wind, which are more frequent outside summer. The wait can be long in high season; come early in the morning, by boat from Marina Grande or by bus from Anacapri.
A boat trip around the island
A trip of about an hour to an hour and a half from Marina Grande circles Capri: the White and Green Grottoes, the Faraglioni, the cliffs of the south coast. It is the simplest way to see the island at its best, with a stop at the Blue Grotto if the sea allows.
Capri as a day trip: how much time on the island?
This is the real question for a day out from Naples. For the 15th of each month, we calculated the sightseeing time available before dark, assuming a fast boat from Naples at about 8 am (arriving about 9 am), a return trip of about an hour and a 30-minute margin for the boarding queue, with the aim of being back in Naples by sunset.
| 15th of the month | Sunrise | Sunset | Day length | Last « daylight » departure from Capri | Usable time on the island |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7:25 am | 5:00 pm | 9 h 36 | 3:30 pm | 6 h 30 |
| February | 6:57 am | 5:37 pm | 10 h 40 | 4:07 pm | 7 h 07 |
| March | 6:15 am | 6:09 pm | 11 h 54 | 4:39 pm | 7 h 39 |
| April | 6:25 am | 7:41 pm | 13 h 17 | 6:11 pm | 9 h 11 |
| May | 5:47 am | 8:12 pm | 14 h 26 | 6:42 pm | 9 h 42 |
| June | 5:32 am | 8:35 pm | 15 h 03 | 7:05 pm | 10 h 05 |
| July | 5:45 am | 8:33 pm | 14 h 48 | 7:03 pm | 10 h 03 |
| August | 6:13 am | 8:02 pm | 13 h 48 | 6:32 pm | 9 h 32 |
| September | 6:44 am | 7:13 pm | 12 h 30 | 5:43 pm | 8 h 43 |
| October | 7:14 am | 6:24 pm | 11 h 10 | 4:54 pm | 7 h 54 |
| November | 6:49 am | 4:46 pm | 9 h 57 | 3:16 pm | 6 h 16 |
| December | 7:19 am | 4:37 pm | 9 h 18 | 3:07 pm | 6 h 07 |
What the calculation shows
- In December, you have about 6 h 07 of sightseeing in daylight: choose two or three sights, no more
- In June, the day gives you about 10 h 05, enough to fit in the Blue Grotto, Anacapri, Monte Solaro and the Gardens of Augustus
- From Sorrento, the crossing of about 25 to 30 minutes saves you nearly an hour compared with Naples
- In October, the switch to winter time (late October) brings sunset forward by an hour: the day shortens abruptly
- Our advice: from April to September, one day is enough for the essentials; from November to February, stay overnight or leave from Sorrento
Itinerary: Capri in one day
- 8 am: fast boat from Naples (Molo Beverello or Porta di Massa depending on the company) or from Sorrento
- 9 am: on arrival at Marina Grande, a boat to the Blue Grotto and around the island, ahead of the crowds
- 11:30 am: funicular up to the Piazzetta, the Gardens of Augustus and the view of Via Krupp
- 1 pm: lunch away from the Piazzetta
- 2:30 pm: bus to Anacapri, the Monte Solaro chairlift, Villa San Michele
- Late afternoon: back down to Marina Grande and the return boat, leaving a margin (see the table)
With two days: add the Arco Naturale – Pizzolungo – Tragara loop, Villa Jovis and Marina Piccola, and enjoy the island in the evening, once the day-trippers have left.
Capri combines with Naples and with the Amalfi Coast, linked to the island by boats in season.
When to go to Capri
The best months are May, June and September. According to the normals for the Capri station, the average high reaches 24 to 29 °C (75 to 84 °F) in those months, with little rain. July and August are the hottest (32 °C, or 90 °F) and by far the busiest. From November to February, the island is quiet, some hotels and restaurants close and rough seas cancel Blue Grotto trips more often.
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain mm (in) | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13.7 (57) | 8.7 (48) | 71.4 (2.8) | Very low | Low | ⚠️ Quiet, many closures, often rough seas |
| February | 14.3 (58) | 8.2 (47) | 58.1 (2.3) | Very low | Low | ⚠️ Cool, Blue Grotto often closed |
| March | 16.8 (62) | 9.8 (50) | 52.7 (2.1) | Low | Medium | ⚠️ Spring getting started, days still short |
| April | 19.8 (68) | 12.1 (54) | 40.4 (1.6) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Mild, island in bloom, busy at Easter |
| May | 24.4 (76) | 15.8 (60) | 25.8 (1.0) | High | High | ✅ Very good month, little rain |
| June | 28.7 (84) | 19.9 (68) | 16.2 (0.6) | High | High | ✅ Longest days, pleasant sea |
| July | 31.7 (89) | 22.3 (72) | 10.9 (0.4) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Very hot and very busy |
| August | 32.4 (90) | 23.0 (73) | 23.9 (0.9) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ The hottest, crowds and prices at their peak |
| September | 28.3 (83) | 19.9 (68) | 58.4 (2.3) | High | High | ✅ Warm sea, fewer crowds |
| October | 23.5 (74) | 16.6 (62) | 87.6 (3.4) | Medium | Medium | ⚠️ Mild, but rain and closures at the end of the month |
| November | 18.3 (65) | 12.9 (55) | 95.6 (3.8) | Very low | Low | ⚠️ The wettest month |
| December | 14.6 (58) | 9.9 (50) | 84.9 (3.3) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Quiet, shortest days |
- Spring (March to May): 17 to 24 °C (62 to 76 °F) in the afternoon, less rain (25.8 mm, or 1.0 in, in May). The best season for walking.
- Summer (June to August): 29 to 32 °C (84 to 90 °F), 1.3 rainy days in July. Warm sea, but queues for the funicular and the Blue Grotto.
- Autumn (September-October): September stays summery (28 °C, or 83 °F); October is mild but wetter (87.6 mm, or 3.4 in).
- Winter (November to February): 14 to 18 °C (57 to 65 °F), 9.4 rainy days in November; a peaceful island with fewer services.
To compare with the rest of the region, see when to go to the Amalfi Coast, our page when to go to Italy or our ideas for travelling in May.
Decision tree: day trip or overnight stay?
- If you are going between April and September and staying in Naples or Sorrento, one day is enough for the essentials; take one of the first boats.
- If you want to be sure of seeing the Blue Grotto, aim for June to August and keep a second day in reserve: access depends on the sea.
- If you are coming between November and February, leave from Sorrento or spend a night on the island: it is dark before 5 pm.
- If you want the island without the crowds, stay overnight: early in the morning and in the evening, Capri is peaceful again.
- If your budget is tight, visit for the day, have a picnic and stay in Anacapri rather than Capri if you spend the night.
Budget for visiting Capri
| Item (per person) | Day trip | Comfortable stay (per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Return boat from Naples | roughly €45 to €55 | roughly €45 to €55 (once) |
| Accommodation (sharing a double room) | — | roughly €150 to €300 |
| Meals | roughly €20 to €40 | roughly €60 to €100 |
| Funicular and buses | roughly €5 to €10 | roughly €5 to €10 |
| Activities (boat tour, Blue Grotto, chairlift) | roughly €30 to €60 | roughly €40 to €80 |
| Total | roughly €100 to €160 per person | roughly €250 to €450 per person per day |
Getting to Capri and getting around
- From Naples: fast boats and ferries from the port (Molo Beverello and Porta di Massa). According to Caremar timetables (checked 14 October 2026), allow 57 minutes by fast craft and 1 h 15 to 1 h 25 by ferry. Other companies also serve the island.
- From Sorrento: about 25 to 30 minutes; handy if you are staying on the peninsula.
- From the Amalfi Coast: seasonal services from Positano, Amalfi and Salerno.
- Booking: from June to September, morning boats can be full; buy your tickets the day before or online.
- On the island: the Marina Grande – Piazzetta funicular, buses to Anacapri, Marina Piccola and the Blue Grotto, taxis. In summer, queues can exceed 30 minutes; some journeys are easy on foot.
Where to stay in Capri
- Capri (town): closest to the Piazzetta and the eastern trails; the most expensive.
- Anacapri: quieter and generally cheaper, well placed for Monte Solaro and the Blue Grotto.
- Marina Grande: handy for early-morning boats.
- Off the island: Sorrento or Naples for a tighter budget, with a day trip.
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: Italy is in the Schengen area. You may enter for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa; your passport must be valid at least 3 months beyond your stay, and you need proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket (U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025).
- UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you arrive and be valid at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is being implemented: fingerprints and a photo may be taken at your first entry, free of charge (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 21 October 2026).
- ID: under Italian law, police can stop you at any time for an identity check: carry photo ID at all times (GOV.UK).
- Health: UK travellers can use a GHIC or EHIC for medically necessary state healthcare (GOV.UK); travel.state.gov advises being up to date on CDC-recommended vaccinations and recommends insurance that covers medical evacuation.
- Theft: crime levels are generally low, but bag-snatching and pickpocketing are more common in city centres, at major tourist attractions and on public transport (GOV.UK); the State Department notes that break-ins of rented vehicles are common, so never leave luggage in a parked car.
- Heat: in July and August, the climbs (Villa Jovis, Arco Naturale) are hard going; set off early with water. The State Department lists heatwaves as common in the south in summer.
- Sea: boat trips and the Blue Grotto are suspended in rough seas; do not push it. GOV.UK advises following beach flag warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water).
- Emergencies: 112 (police), 118 (ambulance), 115 (fire), according to GOV.UK; the State Department gives 112 for all emergencies.
Practical tips
- Set off early: day-tripper arrivals peak in mid-morning.
- Luggage: travel light, as the lanes are narrow and steep; luggage transport services operate at the port.
- Shoes: comfortable ones, for the steps and trails.
- Return: note your boat time and leave a margin for the funicular.
- Money: cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry some cash for small purchases.
- Mobile data: check your home carrier’s roaming charges before you leave; an eSIM is a simple way to get local data.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Capri in one day?
The Blue Grotto and a boat trip around the island in the morning, the Piazzetta and the Gardens of Augustus in late morning, then Anacapri and the Monte Solaro chairlift in the afternoon, before heading back down to Marina Grande for the return boat.
How long do you need to visit Capri?
One day for the essentials from April to September, two days to add the trails and Villa Jovis. According to our calculation, a day trip from Naples leaves about 10 hours of sightseeing in daylight in mid-June, but only about 6 hours in mid-December.
How do you get to Capri from Naples?
By boat from the port of Naples: about 1 hour by fast boat and 1 h 15 to 1 h 25 by ferry according to Caremar timetables. From Sorrento, the crossing takes about 25 to 30 minutes.
What is the best month to go to Capri?
May, June and September: average highs of 24 to 29 °C (75 to 84 °F) and little rain (1991-2020 normals for the Capri station), with fewer people than in July and August.
Is the Blue Grotto always open?
No. You enter by rowing boat through a very low opening, and it closes as soon as the swell or wind is too strong, which happens more often outside summer. Have a fallback plan.
Should you stay in Capri or Anacapri?
Capri to be at the heart of the action and close to the eastern trails, Anacapri for more peace and generally lower prices.
Our sources
- World Meteorological Organization / NOAA-NCEI: 1991-2020 normals for the Capri station (WMO 16294), via the climate table published on Wikipedia (« Capri » article)
- Caremar (shop.caremar.it): Naples – Capri and Sorrento – Capri timetables and crossing times, checked 14 October 2026
- Destination de Voyage astronomical calculation: NOAA solar algorithm, IANA time zone Europe/Rome
- Wikipedia: « Capri » article (ports, funicular, buses)
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Italy country information (last updated August 11, 2025) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Italy (updated 21 October 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
