Capri, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

Visiting Capri, the enchanting island in the Bay of Naples, is a dreamlike experience that combines natural beauty with luxurious charm. Known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes, Capri has long been a favored destination for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and sophistication. The island's iconic Blue Grotto, a sea cave illuminated by an ethereal blue light, is a must-see attraction that captures the magical allure of Capri. As you explore the island, you'll find yourself captivated by its picturesque villages, winding streets lined with vibrant bougainvillea, and breathtaking views from the famous Gardens of Augustus.

Beyond its natural wonders, Capri offers a rich cultural experience, with historical sites, upscale boutiques, and elegant cafes. The Piazzetta, often referred to as the “living room of the world,” is the heart of Capri's social life, where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy the lively atmosphere. Strolling through the town of Anacapri, you can visit the beautiful Villa San Michele or take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island, for panoramic views. Whether you're indulging in fine dining, relaxing on a secluded beach, or exploring ancient ruins, Capri offers a perfect blend of serenity and sophistication that makes it one of Italy's most beloved destinations.

History of Capri

Ancient Origins of Capri

Capri’s history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation as early as the Neolithic period. The island was originally inhabited by the Greeks, who were likely the first to establish a permanent settlement. The name “Capri” is believed to have derived from the Greek word “kapros,” meaning wild boar, which were once abundant on the island. The island’s strategic location and natural beauty made it an attractive destination even in antiquity.

Capri During the Roman Empire

Capri gained significant prominence during the Roman Empire when Emperor Augustus visited the island in 29 BC and was so captivated by its beauty that he exchanged the larger, nearby island of Ischia for it. His successor, Emperor Tiberius, further elevated Capri’s status by building twelve villas on the island, the most famous being Villa Jovis. Tiberius spent the last decade of his life on Capri, ruling the Roman Empire from his villa, making the island a center of political power and luxury in the early 1st century AD.

Medieval and Renaissance Capri

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Capri experienced a period of decline and was subjected to numerous invasions and pirate attacks. During the Middle Ages, the island was largely abandoned and fell under the control of various rulers, including the Byzantines, Lombards, and Normans. It wasn’t until the Renaissance that Capri began to recover, with the establishment of monasteries and the slow repopulation of the island. The construction of new churches and fortifications during this period laid the groundwork for the Capri that visitors see today.

Modern History of Capri

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Capri underwent a transformation into a sought-after destination for artists, writers, and the European elite. The island’s stunning scenery and mild climate attracted figures such as Axel Munthe, whose Villa San Michele became a cultural hub. The early 20th century saw the development of tourism as Capri became a popular retreat for celebrities and intellectuals. Today, Capri is known worldwide as a symbol of luxury and natural beauty, blending its rich historical heritage with a vibrant modern culture that continues to draw visitors from around the globe.

Visiting Capri for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Capri on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Capri not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Capri and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Torre dell'Orologio

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cezar Suceveanu

The Clock Tower, standing at the edge of Capri’s famous Piazzetta, is one of the island’s most recognisable symbols and one of the top attractions in Capri. Its square base, ancient roots, and distinctive eastern-influenced dome make it an architectural treasure that adds character to the island’s beloved central square. As countless visitors gather in the Piazzetta for people-watching, coffee,…

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Location: Torre dell'Orologio, Via Roma, Capri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 0.0km

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Visiting Torre dell'Orologio

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Piazza Umberto I

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cezar Suceveanu

Piazza Umberto I, better known as the Piazzetta, is the beating heart of Capri and one of the best places to visit in Capri if you want to experience the island’s lively spirit. Frequently called the living room of the world, this intimate square brings together locals, visitors, celebrities, and day-trippers in a setting filled with cafés, conversation, and classic…

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Location: Piazzetta di Capri, Piazza Umberto I, Capri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 0.0km

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Visiting Piazza Umberto I

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Capri. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

Via Camerelle, Capri

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cezar Suceveanu

Via Camerelle is one of the best places to visit in Capri if you enjoy elegant Mediterranean strolling surrounded by refined boutiques and island style. As Capri’s most famous shopping street, it stretches gracefully from the Piazzetta toward the Belvedere di Tragara, blending luxury brands, artisan shops, and shaded terraces into a beautifully curated promenade. Palm trees, whitewashed façades, and…

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Location: Via Camerelle, Capri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Via Camerelle, Capri

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Belvedere di Punta Cannone

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Marlis Börger

Belvedere di Punta Cannone is one of the must-see places in Capri if you’re searching for panoramic island views without the crowds. Tucked away behind Capri Town, this quiet overlook offers an unforgettable perspective of Marina Piccola, the Faraglioni, Monte Solaro, and the sweeping blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The walk to the belvedere winds through residential lanes and fragrant…

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Location: Belvedere di Punta Cannone, Via Castello, Capri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Belvedere di Punta Cannone

Explore Capri at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour! Follow our curated route to discover must-see sights and local secrets that makes Capri one of the best places to visit in Italy.

Certosa di San Giacomo

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Berthold Werner

Standing quietly above the bustling center of Capri, the Certosa di San Giacomo tells a layered story of privilege, pirate raids, political upheaval, abandonment, and revival. Founded in the 14th century, this monastic complex offers one of the top attractions in Capri for travelers seeking history away from the crowds. Its cloisters, gardens, and ancient corridors offer a peaceful contrast…

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Location: Certosa di San Giacomo, Via Certosa, Capri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. July, August, September 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. April, May, October, November and December 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. January, February, March | Price: €6 | Website | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Certosa di San Giacomo

Gardens of Augustus

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mentnafunangann

The Gardens of Augustus are one of the best places to visit in Capri if you’re searching for an easy-to-reach spot with extraordinary views. These terraced gardens, originally designed in the early 20th century, offer a peaceful escape from Capri’s busy lanes and provide sweeping vistas of the Faraglioni rocks and the dramatic curves of Via Krupp. The short walk…

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Location: Gardens of Augustus, Via Matteotti, Capri Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Price: €2.50 | Website | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Gardens of Augustus

Marina Grande

CC BY-SA 3.0 / cesar.ruiz

Marina Grande is one of the best places to visit in Capri if you want to experience the island’s lively atmosphere from the moment you arrive. As Capri’s main port, it welcomes ferries and hydrofoils from Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast, making it the first stop for most travelers. Despite its bustle, Marina Grande retains the charm of its…

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Location: Marina Grande, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Marina Grande

Via Krupp

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Berthold Werner

Via Krupp is one of the top sights in Capri, famous for its dramatic series of switchbacks carved directly into the cliffs connecting the Gardens of Augustus with Marina Piccola. Commissioned in the early 20th century by German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp, this astonishing pathway descends in a graceful zigzag pattern toward the sea, offering breathtaking views of the Faraglioni…

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Location: Via Krupp, Capri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Via Krupp

Funicular

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Argo Navis

The Capri funicular is one of the must-see places in Capri for anyone arriving at Marina Grande and heading up to the island’s famous hilltop town. This short but spectacular journey carries passengers smoothly from the busy port to the lively Piazzetta in just a few minutes. As the car glides up the hillside, views open over the harbor, sparkling…

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Location: Funicolare di Capri, Stazione a Valle (Marina Grande) Via Cristoforo Colombo, 14 80076 Capri NA Italy | Price: €2.40 | Distance: 0.7km

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Visiting Funicular

Marina Piccola

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mister No

Marina Piccola is one of the best places to visit in Capri if you’re seeking sun-soaked relaxation paired with breathtaking scenery. Tucked beneath the towering cliffs of Monte Solaro, this sheltered bay has attracted visitors since Roman times. Its turquoise waters, gentle breezes, and dramatic views of the Faraglioni make it a postcard-perfect corner of the island where you can…

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Location: Marina Piccola, Capri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 1.0km

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Visiting Marina Piccola

Punta Tragara

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Berthold Werner

Punta Tragara is one of the best places to visit in Capri if you love sweeping vistas, cliffside serenity, and unforgettable views of the Faraglioni rock formations. This scenic promontory sits at the end of Via Tragara, a beautifully maintained walkway lined with elegant villas, sculpted gardens, and glimpses of turquoise water through the trees. As the path opens out…

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Location: Punta di Tragara, Capri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 1.2km

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Visiting Punta Tragara

Arco Naturale

CC BY-SA 2.0 / zongo

The Arco Naturale is one of the must-see places in Capri for travelers who love dramatic landscapes and geological wonders. Rising 18 meters above the sea and formed during the Paleolithic era, this impressive limestone arch is the final remnant of a vast ancient cave system. Perched high on Capri’s eastern cliffs, it frames a stunning window of blue water…

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Location: Arco Naturale, Capri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 1.2km

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Visiting Arco Naturale

The Faraglioni and Punta Tragara

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Berthold Werner

The Faraglioni are one of the top sights in Capri, a trio of towering limestone sea stacks rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the island’s southern coast. Their dramatic shapes and shimmering blue backdrop make them one of the must-see places in Capri, easily admired from viewpoints, coastal paths, and boat tours. Faraglione di Mezzo, with its natural archway,…

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Visiting The Faraglioni and Punta Tragara

Villa San Michele

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Berthold Werner

Villa San Michele is one of the best places to visit in Capri for travelers who appreciate history, architecture, and dramatic island views. Perched high above Anacapri, the villa was created by Swedish physician Axel Munthe as both a personal refuge and a tribute to the ancient world, blending Roman ruins, Mediterranean gardens, and peaceful terraces overlooking the Bay of…

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Location: Villa San Michele, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: January and February 09.00–15.30 March 09.00–16.30 April 09.00–17.00 May–September 09.00–18.00 October 09.00–17.00 November and December 09.00–15.30 | Price: €10 | Website | Distance: 1.6km

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Visiting Villa San Michele

Villa Lysis

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Gerd Fahrenhorst

Villa Lysis is one of the top attractions in Capri for travelers who appreciate architecture, art, and a touch of bohemian intrigue. Perched high on the cliffs, the villa blends neoclassical elegance with Art Nouveau flair, offering a romantic atmosphere that feels both secluded and theatrical. Its terraces and gardens overlook sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples, and the…

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Location: Villa Lysis, Via Lo Capo, Capri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 1.7km

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Visiting Villa Lysis

Villa Jovis

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mister No

Perched atop Monte Tiberio on the northeastern edge of Capri, Villa Jovis is one of the must-see places in Capri for travelers who love history, archaeology, and breathtaking views in equal measure. Built during the reign of Emperor Tiberius, this sprawling 1st-century AD residence once served as his main imperial retreat, far from the politics of Rome but close enough…

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Location: Villa Jovis, Via Tiberio, Capri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Hours: Thursday to Sunday, at the following times: 10:00 a.M. -7:00 p.M. June, July, August, September 10:00 a.M. - 6:00 p.M. April, May and October 10:00 a.M. - 4:00 p.M. March, November and December. | Price: €6 | Website | Distance: 1.8km

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Visiting Villa Jovis

Monte Solaro

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mister No

Visiting Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island of Capri, feels like stepping into a natural balcony suspended between sky and sea. Rising 589 meters above sea level, it offers sweeping views over Capri, the Gulf of Naples, and even the distant Amalfi Coast, making it one of the top sights in Capri. Most travelers reach the summit via…

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Location: Monte Solaro, Anacapri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 1.8km

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Visiting Monte Solaro

Anacapri

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mister No

Anacapri sits high on the western slopes of Capri, offering a quieter, more traditional side of the island far from the busier piazzas below. Its winding lanes, whitewashed homes, bougainvillea-covered terraces, and laid-back atmosphere make it one of the best places to visit in Capri for travelers seeking authenticity. Piazza Vittoria, the town’s main square, is a perfect place to…

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Location: Anacapri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 2.1km

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Visiting Anacapri

Grotta Azzurra

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Colling-architektur

The Grotta Azzurra on Capri is one of the top attractions in Capri, famous for its dazzling electric-blue glow that feels almost supernatural when you first enter. This sea cave has enchanted visitors since Roman times, and today it remains a great place to visit on a walking tour of Capri if you’re combining coastline views with classic island highlights.…

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Location: Grotta Azzurra, Anacapri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 3.4km

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Visiting Grotta Azzurra

Sentiero dei Fortini Borbonici

CC BY-SA 2.0 / dr_tr

The Sentiero dei Fortini Borbonici is one of the where to go in Capri if you want to pair dramatic nature with fascinating history. Stretching along the island’s wild western coastline between Anacapri and the Blue Grotto, this scenic trail winds past rocky cliffs, hidden coves, and the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Dotted with three 19th-century Bourbon forts—Forte…

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Location: Sentiero dei Fortini Borbonici, Via Forte del Pino, Anacapri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy | Distance: 3.7km

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Visiting Sentiero dei Fortini Borbonici

A day trip from Capri offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Capri provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Sorrento

Sorrento, beautifully perched on a plateau overlooking the Bay of Naples, has been a favored tourist destination for nearly two centuries. Traditionally, it has been one of the preferred resorts for British visitors to Italy, and in recent decades, it has become Italy's leading package-holiday spot for English-speaking travelers. This historic seaside town has adeptly embraced tourism, offering a classic…

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Visiting Sorrento

Pompeii

The Pompeii ruins are a vast and intricate collection of ancient Roman remains, with Mount Vesuvius looming ominously in the distance. Once a thriving city of 20,000 mostly middle-class citizens, Pompeii's strategic location made it a crucial hub for trade between Rome and the broader Mediterranean. Pompeii was a bustling metropolis with chariots traversing its streets, an amphitheater hosting gladiator…

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Visiting Pompeii

Amalfi Coast

Stretching along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula in the Campania region, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most captivating coastal landscapes in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage area is celebrated for its dramatic scenery, where rugged cliffs plunge into turquoise waters and pastel-colored towns cling to steep hillsides. The region’s winding coastal road, the SS163, links…

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Visiting Amalfi Coast

Naples

Naples, renowned for its vibrant blend of chaos and charm, stands as a testament to Italy's rich history, architectural marvels, and cultural depth, not to mention its stunning natural scenery. It ranks as Italy’s third largest city, trailing only Rome and Milan, and is nestled in the southern part of the country, within the Campania region. The city is a…

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Visiting Naples

Salerno

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cabalist12

Nestled in the shadow of the soaring Sorrentine Peninsula, Salerno is one of the Campania region’s most overlooked and underrated cities. Combining the convenience of big-city life with the charm of a small town, it remains a delightful place that has yet to be discovered by mass tourism—let’s hope it stays that way! Founded by the Romans in the 2nd…

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Visiting Salerno

Barrea

Visiting Barrea, a charming village nestled in the heart of Italy’s Abruzzo region, offers a tranquil escape into nature and history. Perched on a hill overlooking the stunning Lago di Barrea, this medieval village is surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. The village’s narrow, winding streets lead to stone houses, ancient churches, and…

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Visiting Barrea