Our Tips for Visiting Capri, the Beautiful Italian Island

Capri, ahh, we loved Capri. I wish we had done more than a day tour of Capri. If you visit Italy, I hope you spend a couple of days in this magical place. Here are my recommendations.

Views over Capri - The stunning beauty of this Italian island

Stay for at Least One Night!

We decided (sadly) to do a day trip. The place was so fantastic. I would have loved to spend an entire day exploring this gorgeous Italian island, followed by a full day boat tour!

Beautiful Capri - Every corner offers breathtaking views

Do a Boat Tour

We did our boat tour with Gianni’s Boats. This day tour really made our trip! We travelled around the entire island in style.

Gianni’s Boat Tours - The perfect way to explore Capri

The water is what makes this island so magical. The blues and greens are incredible. It’s very bright, the sun reflects under the water. I took too many photos of the waters around the island.

Green water, Capri - The crystal clear Mediterranean waters

Blue water, Capri - Shades of blue that will take your breath away

Visiting the Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto was the main reason I wanted to visit Capri. My mum had told me about the place. My number one tip if you hope to see the Blue Grotto, is go on your tour in the morning. Make sure to tell your guide to go first to the Blue Grotto, then around the island. By the time we arrived, there was a huge queue. We skipped the Blue Grotto. This photo shows about a quarter of the boats waiting the day we visited!

Entrance to the Blue Grotto - The famous sea cave that draws thousands of visitors

Baby Blue, the Alternative to the Blue Grotto

The day we visited, we didn’t want to wait in a boat queue for an hour. We opted to visit the Baby Blue. Our tour guide advised the colour is the same, it’s just smaller. And no queue. Awesome for people who don’t get to the main event early!

Baby Blue, Capri - A beautiful alternative to the crowded Blue Grotto

The Monte Solaro Chairlift

Ahhh. We only had one day. We did the boat tour and a little exploring. We totally missed the Monte Solaro Chairlift. It was closing by the time we found out how to get to it. We are definitely going back for this experience!

Book a Table at One of the Restaurants You Have to Sail To

This is another big kick myself. Another reason I have to go back. As we sailed around the island, our captain pointed out all these gorgeous restaurants. Sadly, we didn’t have time to stay and dine there. They pick you up (no charge) and deliver you to the restaurants. I presume the menu’s are probably a bit on the expensive side, but I’d love to have that experience!

Island Restaurants - Waterfront dining experiences accessible only by boat

Wander Through the Streets of Capri

The streets are gorgeous. The shops are beautiful. The entire place has is beautiful. Everywhere you walk, you seem to look out towards the ocean. Or at least have huge glimpses of the ocean!

Views over Capri - Ocean views from every street

The little restaurants and bars are perched up on the hills. The places offer some beautiful photo opportunities! I loved wandering along the pathways. I also loved the flowers everywhere (maybe we travelled at the right time of year).

Capri Streets - Charming pathways and beautiful architecture

Why Capri is a Must-Visit Destination

Capri offers an unparalleled Italian island experience with:

• Stunning Natural Beauty: Crystal clear waters in shades of blue and green
• Rich History: Ancient Roman ruins and historical sites
• Unique Attractions: The famous Blue Grotto and Monte Solaro
• Luxury Experiences: High-end shopping and fine dining
• Outdoor Activities: Boat tours, swimming, and hiking opportunities

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

• Peak Season: May to September (but expect crowds)
• Shoulder Season: April and October (better prices, fewer crowds)
• Avoid: July and August (hottest and most crowded)

Getting There

• From Naples: Regular ferry services (40-50 minutes)
• From Sorrento: Ferry or hydrofoil (20-30 minutes)
• From Amalfi Coast: Boat connections available

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes (lots of hills and stairs)
• Sunscreen and hat (strong Mediterranean sun)
• Camera (you’ll want to capture every view)
• Light jacket (can be breezy on the water)

Budget Considerations

• Accommodation: Expensive, especially in peak season
• Dining: High-end restaurants are pricey, but worth the experience
• Activities: Boat tours and attractions can add up quickly
• Shopping: Luxury brands and local crafts available

Our Regrets and Future Plans

I absolutely adore Capri. I definitely want to go back. Once we are settled into our Spanish residence, I will be sure to book a week over on the wonderful Capri!

What We Missed

• The Monte Solaro Chairlift for panoramic views
• Dining at a waterfront restaurant accessible only by boat
• Spending more time exploring the charming streets
• Visiting during different seasons to see the island’s changing beauty

Next Time We’ll

• Stay for at least 2-3 nights
• Book the Monte Solaro Chairlift in advance
• Make reservations at a boat-access restaurant
• Explore more of the island’s hiking trails
• Visit during shoulder season for better prices and fewer crowds

Final Thoughts

Capri is more than just a beautiful island - it’s an experience that combines natural beauty, luxury, and Italian charm in a way that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or romance, Capri delivers on all fronts.

The key to enjoying Capri is to plan ahead, book accommodations and activities in advance, and allow yourself enough time to truly soak in the island’s magic. One day simply isn’t enough to experience everything this Italian paradise has to offer.

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Originally published August 4, 2015. Updated for our family travel blog with additional practical tips and insights.