The 15 essential things to do in Capri

The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is one of the most iconic attractions on the island of Capri, Italy. This sea cave is famous for its dazzling blue color that illuminates its interior waters. Sunlight filtering through an underwater cavity creates a magical effect, casting electric blue reflections onto the cave walls and giving the water an incredibly intense blue hue.

Visitors can access the Blue Grotto by boat from the Marina Grande port in Capri. Once nearby, they often have to lie flat in small boats to pass through the narrow entrance of the cave. Once inside, the atmosphere is almost surreal, with the blue light bathing the entire space.

The Blue Grotto has attracted visitors for centuries, including artists, writers, and celebrities. It continues to be one of the most popular destinations on the island of Capri, offering a unique and unforgettable experience of the natural beauty of the Italian coastline.

The Faraglioni are Capri's iconic rock formation: three limestone stacks rising from the sea off the island's south-eastern coast.

Each has a name: "Stella" (the stack still joined to land), "Faraglione di Mezzo" (the middle one, pierced by an arch that boats can pass through), and "Faraglione di Fuori," the farthest out. The latter is home to the blue lizard (Podarcis siculus coeruleus), an endemic subspecies.

They are best admired from the island's viewpoints, especially the Gardens of Augustus, or up close on a boat tour around the island.

Mount Solaro is the highest point on Capri, at 589 m. It offers panoramic views over the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and the islands of Ischia and Procida.

To reach the summit you can hike the scenic trails or take the single-seat chairlift (seggiovia) from Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri; the ride takes about 13 minutes. A small café at the top lets you enjoy refreshments while taking in the view.

The mountain is home to diverse flora and fauna. A few minutes below the summit, toward Marina Piccola, stands the Hermitage of Santa Maria a Cetrella, a 16th-century chapel that adds a historical dimension to the visit.

Villa Jovis ("Villa of Jupiter") is the largest of the twelve Roman villas Emperor Tiberius built on Capri. Completed around 27 AD, it was the residence from which Tiberius governed the Roman Empire until his death in 37 AD.

Perched atop Monte Tiberio (334 m) at the north-eastern tip of the island, it spans about 7,000 m² across several terraces. Surviving walls, cisterns, and staircases remain, along with the "Salto di Tiberio," the cliff from which, according to legend, the emperor had his victims thrown.

It is one of the best-preserved imperial Roman residences in Italy, reached by a pleasant walk of about 45 minutes from Capri town.

Villa San Michele is a beautiful historic villa located on the island of Capri, Italy. It was built by the Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe in the late 19th century. Munthe fell in love with the island and its stunning views, and he decided to construct his dream home there.

The villa is renowned for its picturesque gardens, which are adorned with a variety of plants and flowers, as well as ancient statues and artifacts that Munthe collected from around the world. The garden offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding cliffs, making it a popular destination for visitors to Capri.

Villa San Michele also houses a museum, showcasing Munthe's eclectic collection of artwork, antiques, and archaeological finds. Visitors can explore the villa's interior, which is filled with intricate details and architectural features inspired by both classical and Mediterranean styles.

Today, Villa San Michele is open to the public, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and tranquility of this historic estate while learning about its fascinating history and the life of its creator, Axel Munthe.

The Gardens of Augustus are an iconic spot on Capri. Laid out in terraces on the southern slope of Capri town, a few minutes from the Piazzetta and next to the Charterhouse of San Giacomo, they overlook Marina Piccola and offer one of the finest views of Via Krupp and the Faraglioni rocks.

They were created in the early 20th century by German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp, who designed them as a place of rest and meditation planted with exotic species. First called the "Krupp Gardens," they were renamed "Gardens of Augustus" in 1918.

Now open to the public, they feature shaded paths, terraces flowering with geraniums and dahlias, and panoramic benches. They also hold a monument to Lenin sculpted by Giacomo Manzù in 1968.

Anacapri is a charming town perched on the western slope of Capri, in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It offers a more peaceful, traditional atmosphere than Capri town, with views of the Mediterranean, rugged cliffs, and flowering gardens.

Among its highlights: Villa San Michele, the former home of Swedish physician Axel Munthe now turned into a museum, and the church of San Michele Arcangelo, famous for its 18th-century majolica-tiled floor. The historic centre is best explored on foot, along streets lined with colourful houses.

From Piazza Vittoria, the chairlift climbs to the summit of Mount Solaro, the island's highest point. Anacapri is also known for its handmade sandals, custom-made in several shops around town.

La Piazzetta (officially Piazza Umberto I) is the central square of Capri town, in the Bay of Naples. Tiny but lively, it serves as a meeting point for locals and visitors alike, from morning until late at night.

Lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, and overlooked by the clock tower, it concentrates the island's elegant way of life. People settle in for an espresso or an aperitif while watching the comings and goings.

It is also a handy starting point for the rest of Capri: the shopping lanes, the Gardens of Augustus, and the Faraglioni viewpoints all lead off from here.

The Charterhouse of San Giacomo (Certosa di San Giacomo) is a former monastery perched on a cliff south of Capri town, overlooking the sea and the Faraglioni. Founded in 1371 by Giacomo Arcucci, secretary to Queen Joan I of Naples, it was home to Carthusian monks.

Over the centuries the monastery was enlarged and restored several times and served as a major spiritual centre on the island. It was suppressed in 1808 and is no longer an active monastery.

Today the Charterhouse is open as a museum and cultural venue: it houses the Karl Wilhelm Diefenbach museum, a library, exhibition rooms, and fine gardens, and regularly hosts events.

Marina Grande and Marina Piccola are Capri's two harbours, on opposite coasts of the island.

Marina Grande, to the north, is the main port: this is where ferries and hydrofoils from Naples and Sorrento dock. The waterfront is lined with colourful buildings, restaurants, and cafes. From here you reach Capri town by funicular, bus, or taxi.

Marina Piccola, to the south, is a smaller, quieter cove known for its clear waters and its view of the Faraglioni. It is a good swimming spot and the starting point for boat trips.

Via Krupp is a switchback path carved into the southern cliff of Capri between 1900 and 1902, commissioned by German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp. It links the area of the Charterhouse of San Giacomo and the Gardens of Augustus to Marina Piccola below.

Krupp had it built to reach his bathing spot more easily. The route strings together tight hairpin bends that hug the rock face down a steep drop.

Access to the path itself is regularly closed for safety reasons (rockfalls). When open, you walk down it; otherwise, you take it in from the Gardens of Augustus, just above.

Marina Grande beach is the closest beach to Capri's main port, on the island's north coast. It mixes pebbles and sand and stays easy to reach, a few minutes' walk from the landing stage.

There are paid bathing sections (loungers, parasols) and a free stretch. The view takes in the busy harbour and the cliffs that frame it.

Several restaurants and cafes line the beach, handy for lunch between visits without straying far from the port.

Marina Piccola beach sits in a cove on the south coast of Capri, facing the Faraglioni. It is in fact made up of two small beaches, Marina Piccola and Pennaulo, separated by a rock, the Scoglio delle Sirene.

The waters are clear and good for swimming and snorkelling; the shore is fairly rocky. Bathing establishments rent loungers and parasols, and restaurants overlook the sea.

It is also a handy starting point for boat trips that run along the Faraglioni and the caves of the coast.

Bagni di Tiberio beach lies on the north coast of Capri, in a small bay with clear waters. Its name, "Baths of Tiberius," refers to the Roman emperor Tiberius, whose villa once stood nearby.

It is a quiet beach, well suited to swimming and snorkelling. You will also find Roman archaeological remains incorporated into a seaside bathing establishment.

The spot appeals to those seeking a peaceful setting away from the bustle of the main sights, with a touch of ancient history.

Via Camerelle is one of the most elegant streets in Capri. It is lined with the boutiques of major fashion houses — Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton — alongside local artisans and stylish cafes.

Beyond shopping, it is a place to stroll and take in the bustle and elegance that define the island. Many visitors sit down for a coffee or an aperitif along the promenade.

The street links the Piazzetta to the grand-hotel district and leads to fine viewpoints, making it a natural route for exploring the centre of Capri.

The local cuisine of Capri is a delicious fusion of authentic Mediterranean flavors, showcasing fresh and local ingredients. Here are some iconic dishes you can enjoy on this beautiful Italian island:

1. Limoncello: Limoncello is a lemon liqueur emblematic of the Campania region, of which Capri is a part. It's made from the famous Sorrento and Capri lemons and is often served as an aperitif or digestif.
2. Ravioli Capresi: These ravioli are a specialty of Capri, filled with local fresh cheese like caciotta or mozzarella, and often accompanied by a homemade tomato sauce.
3. Caprese Salad: A simple yet delicious salad made with ripe tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It's an explosion of Mediterranean flavors.
4. Fritto di Paranza: A dish of fried seafood, often consisting of small sardines, shrimp, squid, and other local seafood. It's a crispy and flavorful treat.
5. Insalata di Polpo: A salad of octopus, prepared with tender octopus cooked to perfection, mixed with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and lemon.
6. Caprese al limone: A refreshing lemon-based dessert typical of the Campania region. It's often served as a tart or cake, with a lemon glaze and a touch of limoncello.
7. Scialatielli ai frutti di mare: Fresh pasta typical of the Campania region, often served with a seafood sauce generously topped with clams, mussels, shrimp, and squid.
8. Gelato: Of course, no visit to Capri would be complete without enjoying delicious Italian ice cream. Try local flavors like limone (lemon) or fragola (strawberry) for a truly authentic experience.

These dishes represent just a small part of Capri's culinary richness. By exploring local restaurants and tasting the island's specialties, you're sure to discover many more gastronomic delights.