Wondering what are the best places to plan a day trip to Italy? Well, Capri, an island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, is a fairly stunning place to plan a trip. Capri and Anacapri are two towns on the Isle of Capri. Even if you have only one day, there are plenty of things that you can do and see in Capri. You can even do walks and go for hikes of varying length and difficulty if you have more time in your hand. Read on for detailed information to plan your perfect road trip itinerary to Capri. You can get to Capri in a ferry, bus, or a rental car. One of the easiest ways to get to Capri is via either Naples, Positano, or Sorrento.
On your day trip to Capri, you can either spend time on the sea and take a boat tour around the island or you can go sightseeing to many historical sites, churches, and villas. There are also great places to eat or relax, and you can even go shopping if you like. Isn’t it amazing?
Things You Can Do On a Day Trip Capri
In this guide, we have shared the list of a few things that you can do on a day trip to Capri. To complete this itinerary, you might have to start early. So, gear up, have your breakfast, and get ready for some adventure. We have also listed popular tourist attractions, some of the best places to eat and stay in Capri so that you can make the most of your trip.
01 Start Your Day at Marina Grande
Head early to the picturesque Marina Grande, which is Capri’s main harbor. The port is lively with lots of boats, and colorful houses are clustered on the hillside behind. You can book various boat tours around the island at the Marina Grande. You can even rent a private boat, with or without a captain. Before heading to your next location, you can have breakfast here as many restaurants and cafes are lining the street next to the harbor.
02 See the famous Blue Grotto
From Marina Grande, take a boat tour to the famous Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto)- a sea cave on the coast of Capri. Lies on the northwest side of the island, Blue Grotto is on most Capri travel itineraries. The best time to visit the grotto is between 11 am and 2 pm when the sun is at the peak, and therefore, the glow of the grotto is most intense. You can consider the complete circle tour, which includes the excitement of sailing through the arch of Faraglioni rock formations, or the shorter tour, which only takes you as far as the Blue Grotto and back.
03 Take the Cable Car to the Summit of Monte Solaro
Capri is lavish in offering beautiful views over the bay, but if you are looking for something more adventurous, then there is no better way to get the chairlift up to Monte Solaro, Capri’s highest point. A cable car can take you up for €10 (round-trip) in return for priceless views. From the top of Monte Solaro, you can enjoy the unexpected opportunities for bird watching and get spectacular views of the Bays of Naples and Salerno. You can even take a walk to visit the hermitage of Cetrella.
04 Explore Anacapri
Next, you can head to Anacapri- a village settled on the top of the island, and is the place where the beauty of Capri truly comes to life. It is the anecdote to the glam of the island and is a haven of quiet streets, majestic sea views, and hidden courtyards.
The drive to Anacapri passes up the mountain with scenic views over the Gulf of Naples and Capri. The best way to explore Anacapri is to walk along its narrow streets and alleys and try a meal in one of the local restaurants. Also, Villa San Michele and the church by the same name are a couple of locations in Anacapri village that you must seek out.
05 Visit the garden of Villa San Michele
Anacapri has many gems, but the most famous of all is the garden of Villa San Michele. This villa was once the residence of Axel Munthe, a Swedish Writer, and physician, who has one garden that is so splendid that it even won the title of the most beautiful garden in Italy.
The villa is open to the tourists and popular for the collection it holds, but nothing beats the beauty of the outdoor space of this incredible residence.
Built to complement and highlight the beauty of the Capri coastline, the garden is one of the most romantic locations in the whole of the island. Art lovers must make a stop in the beautiful church of San Michele, which is famous for a stunning floor dating back to 1761 and designed by Italian artist Leonardo Chiaiese.
06 Get a coffee or a Refreshing Drink in the Buzzing Piazzetta
You cannot go to Capri without passing by the famous Piazzetta, once the scene for the local market, and is now the place where people hang out. If you are one of those people who love glamour, are obsessed with where the Hollywood stars hang and don’t mind the crowded space, this can be a corner of paradise for you. After a de rigueur drink in the Piazzetta, stroll down Via Camerelle, famous for the luxury shops and designer fashion boutiques which line the street. When you have had your share of window shopping, continue along Via Tragara until reaching the breathtaking scenic overlook facing the Faraglioni rock formations for taking beautiful pictures.
Places to Eat in Capri
On your day trip to Capri, do not forget to try out its regional cuisine. The island is famous for dishes like ravioli capresi, made with a simple pasta, which is a must-try. If you don’t have an idea as to where to eat in Capri, check out our list of some of the best restaurants in Capri.
- Aumm Aumm: a popular pizza place
- Verginiello: serves reasonably priced pizza
- Pasticceria Ferraro: popular for torta Caprese(a flourless cake)
- Le Grottelle: serves late-night food with outdoor seating
Where to Stay in Capri
It is recommended to spend 2-3 days in Capri. This gives you ample time to have a full day in Capri and also see nearby places. Some of the best hotels in Capri for night stays are:
- Hotel Punta Tragara: 5-star luxury hotel with a swimming pool & spa
- Hotel Della Piccola Marina: hotel in the city center with pool and spa
- Capri Wine Hotel: budget hotel with vines & lemon trees
- Hotel Villa Ceselle: budget hotel in Anacapri with lovely garden, pool & restaurant