A Day in Capri
- lilianamellor
- Aug 5
- 6 min read
Just a short ferry ride from Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast, Capri is one of Italy's most iconic islands and an easy day trip that should be on every traveler's itinerary. I recommend taking one of the first ferries in the morning or staying until the evening, when many cruise day-trippers have left, and the island becomes much more peaceful. Famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury boutiques, and breathtaking viewpoints, Capri combines natural beauty with timeless Italian charm. No visit to Capri is complete without seeing the Faraglioni, the island's towering rock formations rising from the sea and the backdrop to many famous ads. Whether you admire them from the sea or land, no trip to Capri is complete without a picture of the Faraglioni.
Gardens of Augustus: If I had to recommend just one viewpoint on Capri, it would be the Gardens of Augustus. Although the gardens themselves are relatively small, they offer what is arguably the most spectacular panoramic view on the entire island. From the terraces, you can admire the Faraglioni rock formations, the brilliant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, and the dramatic cliffs that have made Capri famous around the world.
One of the most iconic sights visible from the gardens is Via Krupp, a remarkable zigzag stone pathway carved into the cliffs over a century ago. The winding switchbacks have become one of Capri's most recognizable landmarks and are featured in countless photographs. The entrance fee to the gardens is modest, making it one of the best values on the island. I recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy softer lighting for photos. If you're lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you'll have unobstructed views stretching across the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. If you're short on time, don't skip the Gardens of Augustus. In my opinion, they offer the most rewarding views on the island and are an absolute must-see during any visit to Capri.
Gardens of Augustus
The heart of the island is the lively Piazzetta, where cafés, restaurants, and designer boutiques create a glamorous atmosphere that has attracted celebrities and artists for decades. Beyond the luxury shopping, you'll find charming narrow streets, colorful flowers, and spectacular panoramic terraces around every corner.
Walking around Capri
Capri by boat: One of my favorite ways to experience Capri is from the water. While the island is beautiful on land, seeing its dramatic cliffs, hidden sea caves, crystal-clear waters, and the iconic Faraglioni rock formations by boat is truly unforgettable.
We've rented a small private boat from the marina for a few hours, which gave us enough time to circle the island and stop for a few refreshing swims in some of Capri's most beautiful coves. It was an incredible experience, but if I could do it again, I would definitely rent a boat for the entire day.
If your budget allows, I highly recommend chartering a private boat from Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast and spending the day cruising around Capri at your own pace. You'll have the freedom to swim in secluded bays, admire the island from every angle, visit sea caves, and even stop for lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants that can only be reached by boat. It's a completely different way to experience Capri and, in my opinion, one of the highlights of any trip to southern Italy.
If you're interested in planning a private boat excursion, feel free to contact me directly. I've used several charter companies over the years and would be happy to share my personal recommendations.
Capri by boat
One of Capri's most iconic attractions is the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra). Famous for its glowing turquoise-blue waters, it's a bucket-list stop for many visitors and one of the island's most photographed natural wonders.
That said, it was also one of the most overrated experiences for me. If you're visiting by land, be prepared to wait in a long line before boarding the small rowboats that take visitors into the cave. If you're arriving by private boat, you'll likely spend time waiting on the water while dozens of other boats compete for their turn, and you'll still need to transfer to one of the rowboats and pay an additional entrance fee.
The cave itself is beautiful, but considering the amount of time you may spend waiting—sometimes an hour or more—I personally don't think the experience is worth it, especially during the busy summer season.
I'd much rather spend that time cruising around the island, swimming in Capri's crystal-clear coves, exploring hidden sea caves, or simply relaxing on the boat. Of course, if seeing the Blue Grotto has always been on your bucket list, it's still a unique experience. Just be prepared for the crowds and long waits, and plan your day accordingly.
Visiting Anacapri: While most visitors spend their time exploring the bustling town of Capri, I highly recommend making the trip up to Anacapri. Located on the highest part of the island, Anacapri has a much more relaxed and authentic atmosphere, with fewer crowds, charming streets, and incredible panoramic views.
One of the biggest highlights is taking the Monte Solaro Chairlift, a single-seat open-air lift that slowly carries you to the highest point on Capri. The 12-minute ride is an experience in itself, gliding over lemon groves, gardens, and rooftops before reaching the summit. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of Capri, the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and, on a clear day, even Mount Vesuvius. It was easily one of my favorite experiences on the island.
If you're only visiting Capri for a day, many people skip Anacapri because of time constraints. In my opinion, that would be a mistake. The slower pace, stunning viewpoints, and unique attractions make it one of the most memorable parts of the island and a perfect complement to the lively atmosphere of Capri town.
Restaurant recommendations: During our visits to Capri, we've dined at two restaurants that
I can confidently recommend. One of my favorites is Ristorante Il Geranio, located just steps from the entrance to the Gardens of Augustus and offers one of the most spectacular views on the island, overlooking the iconic Faraglioni rock formations.
The restaurant features a beautiful outdoor terrace where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Despite its prime location, we found the prices to be very reasonable, the service excellent, and the atmosphere relaxed. We visited for lunch in July, right in the middle of the busy summer season, without a reservation and were seated immediately at a table with an incredible view. It was the perfect place to relax after exploring the Gardens of Augustus and one of our favorite dining experiences on Capri.
The other restaurant we enjoyed during our time in Capri was Ristorante da Gemma, which is the perfect stop during a full-day boat excursion around the island. While you can easily reach the restaurant by foot, arriving by boat makes the experience even more special. With a reservation, the restaurant will send a small boat to pick you up directly from your boat and bring you to the restaurant, allowing you to avoid the often expensive docking fees.
This was one of the most fun and memorable lunch experiences we've had in Italy. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, the staff is incredibly friendly, and the restaurant serves fresh seafood prepared with local ingredients. Be prepared, you might even find yourself dancing on top of your table by the end of your meal!
The only downside is that it can be a bit more expensive than other restaurants on the island. However, we ordered the fish of the day, which was absolutely enormous and enough to justify the higher price. For a unique dining experience combined with great food and a fun atmosphere, Ristorante da Gemma is definitely worth considering during your visit to Capri.
Ristorante da Gemma
Whether you're spending a few hours or an entire day exploring, Capri is a destination that perfectly combines breathtaking scenery, history, and Mediterranean elegance, making it one of the true highlights of southern Italy.
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