Capri is a beautiful island roughly 30-40 minutes off the coast of Naples, Italy. The island has gorgeous landscapes and is truly one-of-a-kind. A common misconception is that you have to spend a bunch of money to vacation on Capri. This is absolutely not the case. Capri is able to be enjoyed by any budget!
Getting There
Fly into Rome –> Train to Naples –> Ferry to Capri
Rome’s Fiumicino airport (FCO) is Southern Italy’s main international airport and serves most destinations in the United States. I’d recommend flying into Rome and taking a train to Naples from Termini Station. When you land, transfer to Termini Station via the Leonardo Express (from FCO).
Once at Termini Station, you have a couple of options for trains to Naples. The two main companies are Trenitalia and Italo. I’ve taken Italo twice and have had great experiences. Tickets are relatively inexpensive and run anywhere from 25 euros for basic economy to around 70 euros for top class. I recommend the Prima class as it feels upscale, has great legroom, but isn’t totally unfortunate looking.
If you opt for the Trenitalia option, be sure to choose the Frecciarossa train for expedited service (equivalent of the Acela on Amtrak). A business class Frecciarossa ticket can be as low as 29 euro!
Once you are in Naples, you’re going to want to get to the port to take the Naples-Capri ferry which takes about 30-40 minutes. A ticket for the ferry is roughly 20-30 euros.
Fly into Naples –> Ferry to Capri
Naples Airport (NAP) is not served directly by any United States cities or airlines. To fly to NAP you’re going to have to connect via a city like London, Paris, Rome, etc.
This option makes Capri an attractive option if you are already going to be in Europe and are looking to make a quick side trip to the island. Naples airport is served by easyJet and Ryanair from cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Milan, Paris, Zurich, Dublin, and London, to name a few.
Naples – Capri Ferry
There are three main ferry companies that operate the Naples – Capri ferry: Caremar, SNAV, and NLG. As I mentioned before, tickets cost about 20-30 euros. Be sure to check out the most up-to-date schedules here. You can even book online, which is probably the smartest option because the ticket agents at the dock don’t always have the best English and the lines can be hectic.
Another important point: Constantly monitor the departure board to see which dock your ferry is leaving from. The marina officials love to pull last minute switches!
Where to Stay
There are hotels and bed and breakfasts that come in all shapes and sizes on Capri that fit any budget. Probably the best hotel I’ve seen, but haven’t stayed at due to the astronomical price, is the Hotel Caesar Augustus. Nightly rates can cost well over 1,000 euros per night. If you’re booking a honeymoon and want to splurge, check this place out.
I’ll admit, Capri is a popular day trippers destination. Much of society’s elite stay on anchored yachts that you’ll be able to see if you hike down to Marina Piccola. I’ve personally stayed at this Airbnb — B&B Terminus. We paid about $100 per night and stayed three nights. Every morning, the friendly host brings a tray of breakfast for each guest that includes your choice of coffee (get the cappuccino) and assorted pastries and cold cuts. Great way to start the morning! The location of Terminus is also amazing, tucked down a small vico right off of the main piazza. I’m not affiliated with Terminus in any way and that link is a non-affiliate link. I just enjoyed my time there and think it’s a great value.
What to See
Take your time with Capri, especially if you are staying for more than a night. The island is so beautiful, but it’s beauty is best enjoyed in a slow and steady dose. Wake up late, eat breakfast outside, have a light lunch, take a hike down to Marina Piccola, enjoy a coffee or beer by the stone beach, enjoy aperitivo, eat a nice dinner and drink a lot of wine. This sounds stereotypical and perhaps it is, but it’s a great way to experience the island’s culture.
Marina Piccola
Marina Piccola is on the opposite side of where you’ll dock when you arrive at Capri on the ferry. It’s a gorgeous hike down from the main piazza of Capri that takes about an hour.
Once you arrive at the beach you’ll think you’re in a Jurassic Park movie. The cliffs stand tall and look amazing. There are a couple of beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy an espresso or beer. Take it in and enjoy.
Private Boat Tour — Blue Grotto
The most popular tourist attraction in Capri is undoubtedly the Blue Grotto. In order to see the Blue Grotto, you’ll have to take a boat that can cost around 100 euros or more plus an additional Blue Grotto Transfer Fee (to move you into tiny row boats needed to enter the cave) which can cost around 30-50 additional euros. Beware! Sometimes if the tide is too high, the Blue Grotto is closed to tourists.
Head to Capri.com to get the most up-to-date tour information.
Aperitivo
Aperitivo is not a tourist attraction, thankfully. It’s more a way of life. Around 5-7PM you can head to the piazza and get yourself a couple of drinks — I recommend an Aperol Spritz or Peroni — and assorted bar “snacks” which are typically olives and salty bites like crackers and/or pretzels.
If you want the best view to enjoy Aperitivo in Capri, head to Bar Funicolare, located just next to the funicular station.
Tips, Tricks, Other Items
- While tipping elsewhere in Italy usually isn’t a thing, it’s almost expected in Capri. Many of the workers don’t live on the island, but the attractiveness of Western wallets makes the daily journey worthwhile.
- Do your research when it comes to restaurants. Capri is truly a sliding scale when it comes to price/value. You can find excellent, traditional Italian restaurants that cost a fraction of the higher name, more centrally located spots.
- Eat the fish. Seriously. It’s amazing. There’s a restaurant in Marina Grande called Lo Smeraldo that serves an amazing bowl of lightly fried fish for lunch. The views from the outdoor patio are unbelievable.
What else to read:
- Should You Use an Award Booking Service?
- Why You Should Visit Puerto Rico
- The Ultimate Rome Travel Guide
Have you ever been to Capri? Are you planning a trip to the island?
