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Capri captures the hearts and imaginations of visitors who sail to this jewel of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Situated near the Amalfi Coast, Capri is easy to get to from coastal cities like Naples, Positano, and Salerno. While a day trip might be all you need to accomplish the coolest things to do in Capri (and Anacapri), you might want to stay overnight and enjoy all that Capri island has to offer.
It’s here that you’ll find the breathtaking glow of the Blue Grotto, cliffside nature trails with views for days, and ancient villas that speak of a luxurious past. Our list of the best things to do in Capri includes the can’t-miss sights, tasty foods, and a couple of off-the-beaten path activities where your Italian phrases will come in handy!
1. Sail through the Faraglioni tunnel of love
Three rock spurs known as Faraglioni are one of the most recognizable spots in Capri. One outcropping is attached to the island, but the other two tower over the sea in clear blue water. If you’re traveling with a romantic partner, we highly recommend booking a boat tour to sail through the arch in Faraglione di Mezzo.Â
Why? Because it’s affectionately known as the “tunnel of love” or the “kissing arch.” If you kiss as you pass under, your love will last forever! Make sure to snap a picture after you’ve sailed through, then take some time to swim and snorkel nearby. And keep an eye out for royal blue lizards that only inhabit these islands!
2. Take in the panorama on the Monte Solaro chairliftÂ
Capri island is technically made of two towns: Capri and Anacapri. The western side is home to Anacapri and is also the steepest, which means you can find some amazing trails and a chairlift that starts at Piazza della Vittoria in Anacapri. You could walk up the mountain (about 90 minutes), but the best views come from riding the single-seat chairlift for about 10 minutes to the top of Monte Solaro.Â
At the top, there’s a small ristorante (restaurant), il bagno (a bathroom), and several terraces to take in the views. On a clear day, you can look for Mount Vesuvius, Ischia, Bay of Naples, and Positano! If you have good walking shoes, walk back down to Anacapri, or book a roundtrip ticket on the chairlift.
3. Eat an authentic insalata caprese in Capri
Did you know that the caprese salad originated in Capri? This delightful dish began as a bold statement against traditions (such as pasta) during the Futurist movement in Italy at the turn of the 20th century. The chef at Grand Hotel Quisisana in Capri bucked tradition by serving a non-pasta dish of tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil, and basil leaves during a Futurist conference in 1922.
By the 1950s, the unassuming plate of Italian colors and flavors gained popularity. Today, it’s a beloved light meal around the world, but you ought to make sure it’s on your list of things to do in Capri. After all, where better to eat caprese (ka-PRAY-zeh) than in Capri?
4. Sunbathe on Spiaggia di Marina Piccola
There are only a few spiagge (beaches) on Capri, but our favorite is Spiaggia di Marina Piccola on the southern side of the island. It’s small, but the water is so clear and there’s actually some sand to sink your toes into. You’ll see umbrellas precariously perched on every relatively level space of rocks here, so if you don’t grab a sandy spot, you’re not out of luck.Â
Alternatively, the sandy Spiaggia Marina Grande is also very popular for tourists on the north side of the island. It’s where you’ll likely dock when you arrive by boat. Just a little further west, you’ll also find Spiaggia Bagni di Tiberio, which is a beach club with amenities and a restaurant above the sandy and pebbled shores.
>>Love beaches? Find out our recommendations for the best beaches in Sicily.
5. Stretch your legs on a nature walk along Via del Pizzolungo
Capri is full of walking trails and Via del Pizzolungo is one of our favorites. Located on the eastern side of the island, you can get there in about 25 minutes on foot from Piazzetta di Capri. You’ll find a few short break-off trails to explore that go to the edges of the island at observation points.
The most popular observation point on this trail is Belvedere del Pizzolungo, which is on an outcropping that overlooks Faraglioni. You could probably wander this whole area in 60-90 minutes if you lingered for photos. We recommend coming at sunrise for a passeggiata if you’re staying overnight in Capri!
6. Explore ancient Rome at Villa Jovis and Villa Lysis
Emperor Tiberius built a number of villas and baths here on Capri, which means it’s long been considered a luxury island to Romans. Villa Jovis is the most popular (and largest) of his villas here, and it’s surrounded by Parco Astarita, which is a wildlife park you can hike through. Cash is required for entry (about 6 euros), but you can actually walk through the ruins here. And you’ll overlook the island of Capri towards Italy for gorgeous vistas. The villa’s height made it possible for him to communicate with the mainland while on vacation using reflecting mirrors!
Villa Lysis feels like a historic celebrity mansion, which makes sense since it was built by Count Fersen in an Art Nouveau style. It’s accessible by the same walking path as Villa Jovis, and you can purchase an entry ticket to the home or add on entry to the gardens. Together, these two villas are some of the most popular things to do in Capri if you’re up for a walk.
Tip: There is no water or food available at either villa, but there’s a small bar about halfway up the road where you can purchase additional water.Â
7. Gaze at the sunset from the Faro di Punta Carena
There’s an outcropping of rocks on the southwestern tip of the island. It’s the ideal spot for a lighthouse and a small beach club (Lido di Faro) for swimming in a rocky cove. And it’s considered the most scenic place to watch sunset on Anacapri if you prefer to be at the water’s edge.
While you can’t enter Punta Carena lighthouse, since it’s still operational, you can stop at the little snack bar and enjoy a drink while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Some people enjoy cliff diving here, but we definitely recommend bringing water shoes too.Â
>>Find out where we recommend catching sunset on our things to do in the Amalfi Coast guide.
8. Sip on a cocktail at the best rooftop restaurant in Capri
The Amalfi Coast is filled with views for days and Capri is no exception. Just as we recommend several rooftop restaurants in Positano, we have to share a stunning spot in Capri. Appropriately named, Capri Rooftop is our favorite location to enjoy a refreshing drink and appetizers, especially as an aperitivo before dinner.
Head to the top of Hotel Luna to overlook the sea and the Faraglioni rocks as you sip a cocktail and sample beautiful small plate appetizers. It doesn’t matter the time of day you come, you’ll be wowed by the views in the afternoon, sunset, or moonlight.
>>Learn how to order food in Italian confidently!
9. Buy handmade sandals at La Capri Chic in Anacapri
Capri may be the island of luxury, but Anacapri has a more artisanal vibe. Many tourists never make it to this side of the island, and we think that’s a mistake. The shopping here is different from the luxury stores on Via Camerelle in Capri. You’ll find more artisanal shops like handmade pottery, knitting yarn, and affordable perfumes. Â
One thing we recommend doing in Capri is buying a pair of handmade Italian sandals. They can even be customized while you wait! It might be a more meaningful souvenir from your trip to Capri since you can use them for years. We recommend stopping at La Capri Chic, but if you can’t get to Anacapri, then go to Cuccurullo Capri Sandals near Marina Grande.
10. Float through the spectacular Blue Grotto (and the other grottos)
Without doubt, one of the best things to do in Capri is to see the Blue Grotto or Grotta Azzurra. Access is limited to specific boats operated by skippers who know how to safely navigate the waves into the small opening of the grotto. You’ll lay down as you enter the cave, but once inside, the glow of the sunlight into the azure waters makes for an unforgettable experience.
You might want to visit two other popular grottoes, too: Grotta Bianca (White Grotto) and Grotta Verde (Green Grotto). These are on opposite sides of the island and only accessible by boat, so a tour is your best bet.
Things to know: The Blue Grotto can have long wait times, and it closes if weather conditions are poor. Cash is required at the dock (about 18 euros) and tips are recommended. The smoothest experience will be if your trip is arranged by a tour company who negotiates for you to enter the grotto.
11. Find the Blue Grotto’s statues in Museo Casa Rossa
If you go to the Blue Grotto in Capri, you’ll discover that it originally functioned as a sort of marine-based temple for the Romans under Tiberius. In the 19th century, the long-forgotten statues were discovered and brought up to Casa Rossa Museum along with stories of the stunning waters found in the cave.
We recommend visiting Casa Rossa (Red House) in Anacapri if you’re here for a couple of days. You’ll see the recovered statues and other artifacts from around the island. Many have multimedia displays which can even entertain children.
12. Buy authentic Italian accessories at Salvatore Ferragamo
When in Italy, buy Italian—if it’s in the budget. Known for high-end Italian shoes, handbags, and clothing, Ferragamo is one of the most authentic Italian fashion stores you can shop at in Capri. Located on Via Vittorio Emanuele, it’s one of our favorite stores to stop in while we window shop through other luxury stores. A Ferragamo purse will be one to remember (and last a lifetime) but it may cost at least $400 or more.
If you’re only window shopping at Ferragamo, you can head next door to Buonocore Gelateria Pasticceria for a sweet treat that won’t break the bank. We loved their lemon cake and Capri fantasy-flavored gelato!
13. Adventure on a sea kayak to inaccessible caves
Wondering what to do in Capri that’s more adventurous? Then consider booking a sea kayak tour. The advantage of a sea kayak is that you can reach more areas that a boat can’t get to. While you can rent kayaks on your own, it’s better to go with a guide who knows the way to each place that’s worth exploring.
You might head to the Faraglioni rocks and kayak through the arch, or you could paddle through the Green Grotto after seeing Natural Arch up close. Most tours also give you time to enjoy a private beach and a little swimming. It’s a fun adventure for couples and families who love the water.
14. Find ancient treasures from Capri at Museo Ignazio Cerio
If you’re looking to get indoors and out of the sun (or rain), then visit the local Ignazio Cerio Museum. It’s an unusual thing to do in Capri, which means it won’t be crowded. Located in the heart of Capri near the piazzetta, you can find some unique treasures here.
They have numerous fossils displayed that primarily come from under Villa Jovis. Many of the vertebrates indicate that Capri was once connected to the mainland of Italy! You’ll also see a variety of Roman artifacts and living flora and fauna from Capri—like the exclusive Blue Lizard.
>> Heading to Rome? Here are the best museums to explore in Rome!
15. View the infamous Salto di Tiberio from above and within
Known as Tiberius’ Leap in English, this is a rather infamous spot that is steeped in local legend. From the sea, you can approach the cliff below Villa Jovis to see a carved cave entrance into the island. It’s rumored that Tiberius used this as an execution place by throwing both enemies and the condemned into the rocks and sea below.
While it’s hard to confirm the legend, the cave is often overlooked by tourists heading straight to Villa Jovis. But you can access it by land after you reach the villa grounds and walk to the edge of the island on your right. However, the most impressive view is by sea.Â
16. Marvel at the majolica tile floor in Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo
There’s a stunning little church in Anacapri that many visitors miss. The exterior facade has a Baroque style, and the interior has some of the most intricate decorations we’ve seen in an Italian church. The Church of San Michele has two levels that we recommend exploring to get the best views of the jaw dropping floor.
Thousands and thousands of tiny majolica tiles cover the floor, depicting Adam and Eve being expelled from the Garden of Eden. The detail is remarkable and worth viewing from the ground and the second level. A local artist, Leonardo Chiaiese, designed the masterpiece that took over 30 years to make!
17. Wander through Giardini di Augusto and Via Krupp
For only a couple of euros, you can enter an enchanting, sprawling garden that terraces down the mountainside. The Augustus Gardens are one of the most popular things to do in Capri, Italy, and for good reason. The upper terrace has views of the Faraglioni rocks and some well-manicured gardens with a few sculptures.Â
You’ll also find a path called Via Krupp (after Friedrich Alfred Krupp) that switchbacks down the mountainside. The gardens terrace along the way and it seems like every corner offers a new perspective of the island and the sea. It only takes about an hour or so to explore the gardens, but it will be well worth the effort.