If you’re dreaming of bright blue waters, luxury shopping, and jaw-dropping coastal views, spending one day in Capri, Italy should be at the top of your itinerary. This iconic island in the Bay of Naples is the perfect destination for a scenic and unforgettable day trip from the Amalfi Coast or Naples.
My husband and I included a Capri, Italy day trip itinerary from Positano during our week-long Italy adventure—and it was one of our favorite experiences. If you’re short on time, don’t worry: this guide covers the best things to do in Capri on a day trip, including how to get there, what to see, and where to eat. Although I could spend days visiting this beautiful island, I think planning a one day itinerary in Capri will allow you to see and eat plenty!
How to Get to Capri from Positano or Naples
Capri is easily reachable by ferry from Naples, Sorrento, Positano or towns along the Amalfi Coast. Since we were staying in Positano, we bought ferry tickets a day in advance down by the marina. Ferries can book quickly during peak season, so plan ahead. We asked our hotel for a copy of the ferry schedule so we could plan out our day and get tickets for the best times. The earlier you start, the more time you will have to explore!
Travel Time:
The ferry ride from Positano to Capri takes about 45 minutes, but allow a full hour to factor in boarding and disembarking.
Pro Tip: Arrive early. Signage at the marina can be confusing, especially in Positano. Give yourself extra time to find your ferry and where to board.
Transportation Around Capri
Once you arrive at Marina Grande, Capri’s main port, you have several options to explore the island:
- Funicular: A cable tram that takes you to Capri Town at the top of the island.
- Public Buses: Cheap and efficient, great for visiting Anacapri.
- Boat Tours: Ideal for exploring Capri’s famous grottos.
- Walking: If you have time, walking around Capri offers stunning views.
Funicular Tip: Buy tickets near the marina. It runs every 12 minutes and costs around €4 round-trip.
What to do in Capri
When you get to Capri, you will most likely be dropped off in Marina Grande. From the marina you can plan where you want to spend the rest of your day.
Grotta Azzura (The Blue Grotto)
If you only have a day to spend in Capri, I would recommend doing a boat tour to see the blue grotto first thing. If you take the tour first, you can make sure you have enough time before you have to catch your ferry. The boat tour was one of my favorite parts because it was so hot out that day, that the breeze from the ocean felt so nice. The grotto itself was pretty incredible.
We grabbed the last boat tour of the day out to the blue grotto. Out boat had about 10 guests and the captain. Once we got out to the grotto there were men in row boats waiting to take us inside the grotto. There is another small fee to go inside the grotto and it is nice to tip the captains at the end so make sure you bring cash. They took two to four people at a time inside the caves. Inside you could see the glowing blue water while the row boat men sang. It was pretty neat!
There is also a white grotto and a green grotto in Capri. You cannot go inside these grottos but there are boat tours available to take you to see them.
Funicular to Capri Town
Once you are back at the marina, grab your tickets to take the funicular to Capri Town. The tickets were about 4 euro round trip per person and the tram leaves every 12 minutes. This was a fun little ride up to the top and you can admire the views on your way to the top.
Shopping in Capri Town
Once we made it to Capri Town we just wanted to wander the streets and go into all the shops. There are lots of high end shops including places like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel. The streets are absolutely beautiful and filled with flower gardens and views on the ocean. Be prepared to do some walking.
Restaurants
There are so many great restaurants in Capri so it’s hard to choose one to sit and eat at. I didn’t do any research ahead of time, I just kind of wanted to go with the flow. So we ended up choosing a spot with some nice outdoor seating and got all the wine, pasta and seafood. The food can be expensive so just be prepared. There are lots of places to eat near the marina as well so make sure you also stop for some coffee, a glass or wine or some gelato.
Anacapri
Anacapri is smaller and less popular than Capri Town, but still charming. You can find hiking trails and wander the streets looking at the beautiful houses and churches. There are lots of shops and restaurants to visit and it is only a short bus ride from Capri Town.
Monte Solaro Chair Lift
If you want great views of Capri, consider taking the lift. The chair lift takes you from Anacapri to the top of Mount Solaro. I regret not making time for this on our trip, because you can get the most spectacular views. It certainly would make for some great photos.
Gardens of Augustus
These gardens are a popular spot when visiting Capri and contain some of the most beautiful flowers in Capri. You can get to the gardens on foot from Capri town. There is a small entry fee, but it is worth it for the beautiful views.
Faraglioni Rock
Arguably one of the most famous parts of Capri. These three rocks that rise out of the sea should be on your list of things to see in Capri. There are many places you can view the Faraglioni. You can see them up close by boat or you can view them from many different spots at the top of the city. If you are already at Gardens of Augustus you can get a view of them from up high.
Marina Grande
As the last leg of your 24 hours in Capri, make sure that you take some time to wander around the marina and take some photos. There are lots of boats and beautiful scenery. There are also a lot of great restaurants nearby. We grabbed some gelato while we waited to board our ferry back to Positano.
For next time
I know this post is how to spend a day in Capri, but I think our next visit will include staying the night! There is way more to do and see than I originally thought!
- Visit the beach- Next time I will back a bag and spend some time at one of the popular beaches. Either Torre Saracena or Marina Grande beach
- Take a boat to Faraglioni
- Villa san Michele
- Spend time in Anacapri
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It looks absolutely stunning, friend!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Make Life Marvelous