Few Mediterranean islands live up to their reputation quite like Capri — a dramatic limestone jewel rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea, draped in bougainvillea and trailing clouds of legend. Whether you’ve got six hours or a full day, this guide will help you spend every minute wisely, from the moment your tender hits the dock to your final gelato before sailing away.
Arriving by Ship
Capri doesn’t have a traditional cruise ship pier large enough to accommodate most vessels, so you’ll almost certainly arrive by tender boat into Marina Grande, the island’s bustling main harbour. The tendering process can be slow during peak season (June through August), so aim to be in the first waves off the ship if you want to beat the crowds to the Blue Grotto or the chairlift.
From Marina Grande, you have two main options: take the funicular up to Capri Town, the island’s chic hillside hub, or hop on a bus to Anacapri, the quieter, slightly less polished village higher up the mountain. Both journeys take under 15 minutes and tickets are inexpensive. Taxis are available but pricey — save them for emergencies or luggage-heavy situations.
Things to Do
Capri rewards those who explore beyond the obvious. The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is the island’s most iconic attraction — a sea cave illuminated by an ethereal blue light where reflected sunlight creates an almost supernatural glow. It’s genuinely breathtaking, though the queues can be long. Consider booking a boat tour that includes the grotto early in the day. A one-hour discovery cruise around the island is a brilliant way to see the Faraglioni rock stacks, sea arches, and hidden coves from the water. 🎟 Book: Discovery Capri Island by Boat from Capri
For something more leisurely, ride the chairlift from Anacapri to Monte Solaro, the island’s highest point, and soak in panoramic views that stretch to the Amalfi Coast and, on clear days, Sicily. Back in Capri Town, the Gardens of Augustus offer sculpted terraces overlooking the Faraglioni — one of the most photographed views in Italy. If you want to combine a thorough boat exploration with a walking tour of both villages, a combined Capri boat and walking experience covers impressive ground in a single outing. 🎟 Book: Capri Boat and Walking
Local Food
Capri has its own culinary identity, which is worth exploring beyond the tourist-trap restaurants lining the main piazzas. Look for insalata caprese in its truest form — thick slices of buffalo mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a generous glug of local olive oil. It was, after all, invented here.
For pasta, seek out ravioli capresi, delicate parcels stuffed with local cacioricotta cheese and marjoram, dressed simply in tomato sauce. Lunch at a trattoria in Anacapri tends to be more authentic and considerably cheaper than dining in Capri Town. Don’t leave without trying limoncello made from the island’s legendary sfusato lemons — the flavour is incomparably fresher than anything you’ll find bottled at home. A guided tour that includes a proper limoncello tasting alongside sightseeing is well worth the time. 🎟 Book: Capri and Anacapri Guided Tour with Limoncello Tasting from Capri
Shopping
Capri is known for two things in the shopping world: handmade sandals and ceramic tiles. Via Camerelle in Capri Town is lined with high-end boutiques (Hermès, Gucci, Prada), but the more interesting purchases are the artisanal ones. Visit one of the island’s historic sandal-makers, where craftspeople will measure your foot and make a pair to order — though check timing if you want them before you sail.
Ceramic shops stock hand-painted tiles, bowls, and platters in vivid Mediterranean blues and yellows. These make genuinely beautiful souvenirs and pack flat easily. Limoncello, local olive oil, and sfusato lemon-infused products also make excellent gifts that pass through customs without fuss.
Practical Tips
- Dress code: Some religious sites and upmarket restaurants require covered shoulders and knees. Pack a light scarf.
- Cash: Many smaller shops and trattorias prefer cash. ATMs exist but can have queues.
- Timing: Arrive early, stay late, or consider both — crowds thin noticeably after 4pm when day-trippers from Naples and Positano begin heading home.
- Footwear: The island is hilly and cobblestoned. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable regardless of how elegant everything looks.
- Water: Stay hydrated. The sun here is fierce and the hills deceptively steep.
Capri is one of those rare places that genuinely exceeds expectations, even when those expectations are already sky-high. Approach it with a loose plan, a willingness to wander, and a healthy appetite — and it will reward you generously for every minute you give it.
🚢 Cruises That Stop at Capri Italy
Ready to experience Capri Italy for yourself? Search live sailings below — filter by departure port, cruise line, and travel dates to find the itinerary that works for you.
Widget not showing? Search all cruises to Capri Italy on CruiseDirect ↗
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission if you book through it.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
This page contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
📍 Getting to Capri Italy
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
Leave a Reply