Capri In a Day: What to Do and See

While ferries make it easy to reach,  figuring out what to see and do in Capri in a day can be a little overwhelming.

Here are some tips to make the most of your day trip to Capri!

On your day in Capri, get an early start

It’s impossible to see all of Capri’s attractions in just one day. But by heading to Capri early, you will have a chance to see many of the island’s best offerings.

Take the first ferry for Capri, usually at about 8:30am, which gets you into Capri by 9:30am. Although you can purchase tickets the morning you leave, we’d recommend booking a few days ahead to avoid disappointment—especially in the crowded summer months.

Deciding when to head back? Remember that the last ferries usually leave for Positano and Amalfi between 5:30pm and 7pm (depending on each provider), giving you a good 6 hours to explore the island.

Note: If you are traveling off-peak, from September to May, contact the Capri tourism office, as ferries will be less frequent.

Read More: The Biggest Mistake People Make When Planning a Trip to Italy and How to Avoid it

Getting around Capri

The funicular connects Marina Grande and Capri Town

All ferries dock at Marina Grande. From here you can either take the funicular up to the charming Piazzetta, the heart of Capri town, or the bus to Anacapri, which though still touristy, is more residential and tranquil. The cost of a one-way ticket is €1.80, and can be used for the bus and funicular.

If you don’t want to worry about having enough tickets, there is also a day pass (UNICO Capri costs €8.60) that gives you unlimited bus rides and two trips on the funicular.

Be aware that, in summer, lines for both buses and the funicular are long—so bring along some patience with you!

What to see in Capri

Head to Anacapri and start your day on the top of the world! At least, it feels that way when you’re up on Monte Solaro, the island’s highest point. A chair lift takes you up for €10 (round-trip). While this may seem costly, believe us: The splendid views are priceless.

Another gorgeous place to get sweeping views of Capri is Villa San Michele. If you love beautiful gardens as much as we do, this is a real gem! Built in the early 20th century by Axel Munthe, a Swedish physician, it’s home to an enchanting and serene garden that’s billed as one of the top 10 gardens in Italy. With spectacular panoramic views, dreamy pergolas, and surrounded by a variety of flowers and plants, it’s paradise! (Ticket cost: €7).

One of our favorite things to do in Capri: visit the gardens at Villa San Michele!

And there’s still more to see in Anacapri! We love to #takewalks, and a visit to Anacapri wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through the historic center. Less crowded than Capri, the atmosphere here is also more laid-back, with a more authentic character.

Take a slight detour from main street Via G. Orlandi to the lovely piazza, where you’ll find the modest-looking church of San Michele. While the facade is unpretentious, the handpainted tiled-ceramic (majolica) floor depicting the expulsion of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is extraordinary—and more than merits the €2 fee. To take in the entire view, head up the spiral stairs to the organ loft.

The hand-painted ceramic floor in Capri’s Church of San Michele

Places to eat in Capri

With all that walking, it’s time to think about food! Looking for a quick bite? Then a panino caprese, named after the island and filled with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, couldn’t be more perfect.

Trying torta caprese is a must-do in Capri!

Prefer a sit-down lunch? Head to Aumm Aumm (Via Caprile 18, closed on Mondays), a popular place in Anacapri for pizza. Another great pizza option, Verginiello in Capri Town (Via Lo Palazzo 25/A), is very reasonably priced.

Before leaving the island, though, you have to try a bite of torta caprese, a flourless cake made with almonds and chocolate that is light, rich, moist, and heavenly! For one of the best, get a slice at Pasticceria Ferraro (Via G. Orlandi 233) or a miniature version of the specialty at Da Alberto (Via Roma 9).

Seeing more spectacular views in Capri

Now you’ve fueled up, it’s time to explore Capri Town itself. Unlike in Anacapri, here, you’ll immediately feel the energy and lively atmosphere… especially in the areas around the piazzetta.

We’ve already mentioned that we love gardens, so a visit to the Gardens of Augustus is must. For just €1, this small yet well-kept garden not only offers a splendid view of the Faraglioni, but also of the incredible Via Krupp, which zigzags its way to Marina Piccola.

The Via Krupp, zigzagging down Marina Piccola

As you stroll through the winding alleys to the gardens, there are some sweet treasures you’ll come across. We love the renowned gelateria Buonocore. Closer to the Gardens, don’t miss the stand that serves incredible citrus granita, another excellent way to cool down on a blazing summer’s day. (Not familiar with granita? Don’t miss our fun video on this cold, sweet summer treat!).

While a day trip to Capri barely scratches the surface of all there is to do in Capri, with these tips in mind, by the time you leave the island, you’ll already be planning your return… hopefully, next time, for more than a day!

Note: As ferry schedules and prices of tickets mentioned can change without notice, please check ahead before your trip.