One Day in Paradise: What to Do, See & Eat on Capri Island
Capri Island is not only one of the most picturesque destinations on the Amalfi Coast area, but it has also been a favorite of the rich and famous throughout history.
One cannot visit Capri without falling in love with the landscape, luxurious restaurants and hotels, and the vibe of this island. It’s no wonder celebrities choose to spend their vacations there and even have their favorite restaurants.
That’s why a day trip to Capri from Positano or anywhere else on the Amalfi Coast should be on everyone’s bucket list.
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Table of Contents
- Everything you must know for your day trip to Capri
- Is a day trip to Capri worth it?
- How to get to Capri?
- How to get around Capri Island?
- How much time should I spend on the island?
- Where would be the best place to stay in Capri?
- Where to go and what to do in one day in Capri?
- Where to eat in Capri?
- When is the best time to go on a day trip to Capri?
- Extra tips for planning the perfect day trip to Capri
- Other Amalfi Coast travel resources
Everything you must know for your day trip to Capri
Is a day trip to Capri worth it?
Emperor Tiberius fell so deeply in love with Capri that he moved in for good, allowing his proxies to handle matters in Rome. Fast-forward to some thousands of years later, and nowadays, celebrities from all over the world anchor their yachts in the Marina Grande.
If you’re not passionate about shopping, Capri is worth visiting only for its delicious cuisine and breathtaking natural beauty.
To answer your question, yes, when you have 7 days to spend on the Amalfi Coast, you should definitely squeeze in at least one day in Capri.
How to get to Capri?
There are several options depending on the starting point you leave from, your budget, and the privacy you want to have during your trip.
Getting to Capri by boat
If you are visiting the Amalfi Coast for a special occasion (your honeymoon, for example), you might want to hire a private boat that will get you to Capri Island.
This is by far the most memorable way to do a one-day Capri trip. Since you will have the whole day organized based on your preferences and will be the only one on the boat, you should expect a high price.
However, this can also be maximized when you travel with your family or friends in a small group and split the cost.
When you choose to see Capri like this, on a private tour, you know this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The tour takes up to 8 hours, and you will have 4 hours to explore the island and another 4 hours on the sea, making the most of your luxury boat and the Italian coast.
Another great thing is that you can discuss the starting point on the Amalfi Coast.
Book your private Capri boat trip here!
Book your small group private tour here!
Getting to Capri by an organized tour
If you are looking for a more affordable, organized day trip option, there are plenty of tours to choose from.
My go-to site for organized tours is always GetYourGuide. Tens of thousands of travelers trust them, and they have a pretty cool cancellation policy.
This day trip leaves from Naples and includes all the transfers, the boat ride to and from Capri, free time on the island so that you can visit the most important attractions, and a tour around the island by boat. See more here!
If you prefer to leave from Sorrento instead, this exclusive tour will take you to the island, around it, to the Blue Grotto, and you will also have free time to go snorkeling. See more here!
Of course, there is also the option of going to Capri from Positano on a day trip.
All three options are more affordable than the private tour, and you will have a chance to make friends with other tourists.
Getting to Capri by ferry
This is the cheapest transportation option, but it only includes the boat transfer; you will have to organize the rest.
That’s how we chose to travel from Sorrento to Capri. The ride took 30 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs around 25 EUR.
I suggest you book your ticket in advance, especially when you travel during the peak season – you don’t want to risk getting to the port and not finding a ticket. We traveled in April and still had to wait for the second boat.
Other ferries linking the coast to Capri island are leaving from Positano, Sorrento, or Amalfi.
Check out ferry schedules and prices here!
How to get around Capri Island?
The ferry or boat will leave you in Marina Grande, one of the island’s most important tourist attractions.
From there, you can travel around the island by taxi or by public transportation (bus).
Distances are not extremely big, and you will find it easy and cost-efficient to get around by bus.
The ticket price is around 2 EUR, while a taxi ride can be anywhere between 15 and 20 EUR, depending on the distance and your negotiating skills.
The bus links all of the most important attractions on the island, but you will also walk a lot between some of them.
Discover Cars It is a great aggregator that will help you find and book the best option for renting a car during your trip, helping you save up to 70% on your car rental. They have a pretty good Cancellation policy that would give you options in case your flight or travel plans change. You will most probably need a car to get to most of these places, especially if you want to keep a schedule. Get your best offers here!
How much time should I spend on the island?
Capri is a vibe, and no matter how much time you spend on the island, you cannot get enough.
On top of that, some of the activities worth having on the island are influenced by the weather conditions and wind. Thus, you might not get to do everything you plan to in only one day.
We regretted not staying at least one night on Capri Island.
That said, a day trip to Capri can allow you to scratch the surface and fall in love with the island.
Where would be the best place to stay in Capri?
When you choose to stay more than one day in Capri, the best area to stay in is Anacapri.
From here, it will be easy to reach all of the island’s important attractions, and you will be close to the main restaurants and bars.
Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy being just steps away from some of the most authentic and unique local shops. Perfect for finding souvenirs or treating yourself to something special.
One of my friends stayed in 2 hotels in Anacapri, and she would highly recommend both of them:
Hotel San Michele – offers one of the most breathtaking views from its terrace, but also from some of the rooms. Here you will have access to a great pool, and delicious breakfast. On top of that, they offer transfer from the port to the hotel. See more here!
Villa Ceselle – located in a traditional Italian villa, with a stunning garden and a jacuzzi on the terrace. You will be 10 minutes away from the main shopping area. See more here!
Read also: Stunning and affordable hotels on the Amalfi Coast!
Where to go and what to do in one day in Capri?
If you only have one day in Capri, and you are coming on an organized tour, you will have the chance to split the day into two:
4 hours on the island for free exploration,
and another 4 hours on the sea, sailing around the island.
As soon as you set foot in Marina Grande, head directly to the chairlift that leaves from Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri, which will take you to the top of the Solaro Mount.
You will be welcomed by a breathtaking view on the 12-minute ride!
Head back to the center of Anacapri and explore every corner of this stunning small and vibrant island city.
It is always a pleasure to wander around on the narrow streets and let your feet guide you without a purpose.
Stop for a drink at a bar or restaurant in the Piazzetta, or head to Villa San Michele for a drink with a view.
Alternatively, if you want a bit of a hike, from Marina Grande hike take the stairs to Capri Town.
Breathtaking views will welcome you around every corner. Just come prepared with the appropriate shoes and a bottle of water.
Do some window shopping on the Via Federico Serena, and head to the Giardini di Augusto.
From the small yet famous gardens you get the best view over the famous Faraglioni rocks.
With beautifully landscaped terraces overlooking the iconic Faraglioni rocks and the winding Via Krupp below, this peaceful spot offers one of the island’s most breathtaking panoramic views.
Head back to the tourist harbor and enjoy a meal by the sea.
Where to eat in Capri?
While there are small chances you will go wrong with any restaurant or taverna in Capri, here are 3 of our recommendations worth trying:
Cuccurullo Aldo – the best sandwich in Italy! You can choose anything that you find appealing from the restaurant’s shop, and the owner prepares the sandwich in front of you.
Lo Sfizio – some of the most delicious Italian food. Make sure to book a table in advance if you want to have dinner here!
Tereazza Brunella – a stunning place with an unforgettable view. Come here for a special occasion, since the prices are relatively high, but it is totally worth it!
When is the best time to go on a day trip to Capri?
During peak season, especially in July and August, tourist crowds surge, prices rise significantly, and it becomes difficult to find availability for tours and activities.
The best months to visit the Amalfi Coast and take a day trip to Capri are April, May and September.
Locals recommend these months because they have the best temperatures for wandering around.
This being said, we visited at the end of April and the island was already crowded. Thus, plan ahead of time and book your ferry beforehand.
Extra tips for planning the perfect day trip to Capri
If you’re thinking about renting a scooter to explore the island, be sure to honestly assess your riding skills beforehand. Traffic in Italy can get intense, especially on the narrow and steep streets in Capri.
When looking for a hotel to book in Italy, it is worth knowing that 3* hotels could be below your expectations. It is better to look for villas or B&Bs hosted by locals because these will always offer much better quality services.
If you are planning to go on a boat trip from Capri to the Blue Grotto, always ask about the weather conditions and if the wind is not too strong. The trip is a must-do when in Capri, but the weather and wind situation are important factors that might stop you from ticking it off your bucket list.
If you’re staying on the island and plan to enjoy some time at the beach, head out early in the morning to grab a good spot before the crowds arrive.
Other Amalfi Coast travel resources
Where to stay in Positano – the ultimate guide
Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast: which one is better?
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