The Faraglioni rock stacks off Capri

No. 2 25 Great Islands to Visit 2026

Capri

Bay of Naples, Italy

A glamorous limestone island of sea grottoes, cliff-top gardens and lemon groves.

Photo: Alessio Maffeis from Stockholm, Sweden, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Capri lies at the southern edge of the Bay of Naples, off the Sorrento peninsula. Its steep limestone cliffs, sea stacks and grottoes have drawn visitors since Roman emperors built villas here.

The island has two towns, Capri and Anacapri, linked by bus and taxi. Day visitors arrive in large numbers in summer; staying overnight shows a quieter side.

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October are pleasant and less crowded than high summer. Many hotels close from about November to March.

Highlights

  • 1

    Blue Grotto

    A sea cave lit blue by sunlight; entry by small rowing boat, weather and sea permitting.

  • 2

    Faraglioni

    Three rock stacks off the south coast, best seen by boat or from viewpoints.

  • 3

    Monte Solaro

    The highest point, reached by chairlift from Anacapri.

  • 4

    Gardens of Augustus

    Terraced gardens with views over Via Krupp and the sea.

  • 5

    Villa Jovis

    Ruins of the emperor Tiberius's villa on the island's eastern cliffs.

Getting there

Ferries and hydrofoils run from Naples (about 50–80 minutes) and Sorrento (about 20–30 minutes). The funicular links Marina Grande with the town of Capri.

Practical tips

Opening & tickets
Opening times, ticket rules and transport timetables change, so check official information before you go.
Time needed
A day trip at least; two to three days to see it at a slower pace.

Official information: Capri Tourism (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

Nearby

  1. The Forum of Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius behind

    Archaeological Park of Pompeii

    Pompeii, Italy

    About 30 km away

    Full guide