Capri Island Day Trip & Boat Tour from Naples

Crossing the Gulf of Naples to Capri

Capri lies about 30 kilometres from Naples at the entrance of the gulf, a limestone island only about six kilometres long. The ferry crossing is part of the pleasure: as the city falls behind, you see the cone of Vesuvius, the Sorrento peninsula and then Capri's cliffs rising from deep blue water.

A day trip to Capri from Naples is easiest when the ferries are arranged for you, as queues at the port can be long in summer. Boats arrive at Marina Grande, the island's main harbour, lined with colourful houses and cafés. From here the funicular climbs to Capri town in a few minutes. On arrival, the island's landing fee is paid locally.

The Capri Boat Tour: Faraglioni and Sea Grottoes

The best way to see Capri is from the water, and our one-hour boat tour circles the island's coastline. The highlight is the Faraglioni, three rock stacks rising over 100 metres from the sea, one pierced by a natural arch the boat can sometimes pass through. Along the way the crew points out the White Grotto, the Green Grotto with its emerald water, and the cliffs below the Villa Jovis of Emperor Tiberius.

This Capri boat tour also passes the entrance to the Blue Grotto, the island's most famous sea cave. Entry to the Blue Grotto is not included; it depends on calm seas and is paid separately. Swim stops are not part of this option. Life jackets and a toilet are on board.

Capri Town and the Piazzetta

Capri town sits on the saddle of the island, around the Piazzetta, officially Piazza Umberto I, often called the living room of the world for its café tables and people-watching. Lanes of luxury boutiques lead off it, towards the Certosa di San Giacomo, a 14th-century monastery, and the Gardens of Augustus.

From the Gardens of Augustus you look down on the Faraglioni and the hairpin path of Via Krupp, a famous photo spot. Is Capri worth visiting in a day? Yes: with the boat tour done in the morning, a few hours ashore are enough to enjoy the town, have lunch and walk to a viewpoint.

Anacapri and Monte Solaro

Higher up and quieter, Anacapri is the island's second village, reached by a minibus or taxi from Marina Grande or Capri town. Here stands Villa San Michele, built by the Swedish doctor Axel Munthe with gardens overlooking the gulf, as well as the Church of San Michele with its painted majolica floor.

From Anacapri a single-seat chairlift rises to Monte Solaro, at 589 metres the highest point on Capri, with sweeping views over the Faraglioni and the Amalfi Coast. The best time to visit Capri is from May to October; in July and August, start early and allow for queues on the funicular and buses.