Capri Day Trip: How to Spend One Day in Capri, Italy

Capri is one of the most beautiful islands in Italy and a must-visit destination if you’re spending time on the Amalfi Coast. With its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and charming streets, it’s easy to see why this island has been a favorite getaway for centuries.

If you’re short on time, a day trip to Capri is the perfect way to experience its highlights without needing an overnight stay. From exploring Capri Town and Anacapri to taking in breathtaking views from Monte Solaro or relaxing at a beach club under the Faraglioni rocks, there’s plenty to see and do.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best way to spend one day in Capri, including how to get there, top attractions, and insider tips to make the most of your visit.

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Overview of Your Capri Day Trip

Breakdown of your one day in Capri

• Morning: Getting to Capri, boat tour around the island or exploring Capri town, Giardini di Augusto, Certosa San Giacomo Capri
• Afternoon: Natural Arch, Villa Lysis or La Fontelina Beach Club, Monte Solaro
• Evening: Return to the mainland

We followed this exact Capri itinerary, skipping the boat tour to the Blue Grotto and the beach club and instead exploring more of the island on foot.

We took the 8:05 am ferry from Naples to Capri and the 6:45 pm ferry back, fitting everything within this time frame. It was definitely a packed day, but we loved how much we were able to see.

If you enjoy exploring at a faster pace, this itinerary is a great way to experience the highlights of Capri in a day. But feel free to modify it or skip some places if it feels like too much!

Map for your day trip to Capri

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Morning

Getting to Capri

The only way to reach Capri is by ferry, with departures from multiple locations along the coast.

If you’re planning to visit Capri as part of your Amalfi Coast itinerary, you can take a ferry from Positano or Amalfi, but the options are pretty limited. The first ferries usually don’t leave until around 9:00-9:15 am, which makes it harder to maximize your time on the island, especially during a day trip.

Sorrento is a better option, as it’s much closer to Capri (the journey only takes 30 minutes) and offers more frequent ferry departures. I recommend catching the first ferry around 8:30 am to give yourself plenty of time on the island.

Naples is another good choice, with even more departures throughout the day. The ferry takes about 50 minutes, and the first one leaves around 9 am. That being said, I don’t think there’s much point in arriving before 9 am, so leaving between 8:00 and 8:30 am from Naples works just fine.

Two ferry companies operate this route, SNAV and NLG Jet, and there’s really no difference between them so just choose the one that’s more convenient for you. Since tickets sell out fast in peak season, I recommend checking the timetables on Ferryscanner and booking your tickets in advance.

If you’d rather have everything arranged for you, a guided Capri day trip is a great option. These tours include transportation, a boat tour, and free time to explore, which makes it an easy and efficient way to see the island without worrying about logistics. You can book one from Naples, Sorrento, or Positano/Amalfi.

Boat tour around the island (optional)

One of the best ways to experience Capri is from the water, and taking a boat tour around the island is a great way to see its famous rock formations, hidden caves, and dramatic cliffs.

Many tours also include a stop at the Blue Grotto, Capri’s most famous sea cave, where sunlight reflects off the water to create an intense blue glow.

The boat tour itself only takes about an hour, but if you want to enter the Blue Grotto, be prepared for long wait times. The queue can sometimes take up to an hour, and the entrance fee is an additional €18 per person.

Since you’re only inside for a few minutes, I personally didn’t think it was worth the hassle, so I skipped it and focused on exploring the island instead.

If you decide to do the boat tour, your ticket will be valid for the whole day, so you can join the next available departure whenever it fits into your schedule.

However, keep in mind that this activity will take up the entire morning, meaning you’ll need to adjust the rest of this Capri itinerary and skip some other activities to fit everything in.

Capri town

There are two ways to get from Marina Grande to Capri Town: the funicular or the bus. Both cost the same, but we took the funicular since it’s a quick ride straight to the center. You can buy tickets at the kiosk near the marina, but lines can get long, especially in peak season.

Capri Town is full of charming streets, boutique shops, and lively piazzas. One of the most famous streets is Via Camerelle, which is lined with luxury boutiques and covered in beautiful bougainvillea. It’s a great place for a stroll, even if you’re just window shopping.

One thing to note is that finding breakfast here was surprisingly difficult. Most restaurants don’t open until lunchtime, and the few cafes in the main square (Piazzetta) charge ridiculously high prices – we paid €9 for a single cappuccino at Il Piccolo Capri!

There’s a small place nearby called Caffe Manari that sells pastries and great coffee, but seating is very limited. La Focacciera Capri is another good alternative, but they only open at 10:30 am.

We ended up waiting for them to open, and the focaccia was really good! Perfect for grabbing on the go before heading to Giardini di Augusto.

Giardini di Augusto

A short walk from Capri Town, Giardini di Augusto is one of the best viewpoints on the island. These beautifully landscaped gardens offer panoramic views of the coastline, with the famous Faraglioni rock formations on one side and Via Krupp, a winding path carved into the cliffs, on the other.

The garden itself is small but well maintained, with colorful flowers, shaded benches, and a peaceful atmosphere.

The entrance fee is just a few euros, and it’s well worth it for the views. Right before entering Giardini di Augusto, there’s a small public garden area where we sat down to enjoy our focaccia from La Focacciera Capri before heading inside. It was a great little spot to take a break while still being surrounded by stunning scenery.

Since the gardens aren’t too big, you don’t need a lot of time here. About 15-20 minutes is enough unless you want to take extra time for photos. It’s best to visit in the morning before the crowds arrive, as it can get pretty busy later in the day, especially during peak season.

Certosa San Giacomo Capri

Just a short walk from Giardini di Augusto, Certosa San Giacomo is one of the oldest buildings on the island, dating back to the 14th century. Originally a monastery, it has since been transformed into a museum and art gallery, featuring both historical and contemporary exhibitions.

We decided to go inside, and it was definitely worth it. There is a small entrance fee and I think the architecture alone makes it an interesting stop. The vaulted ceilings, faded frescoes, and peaceful cloisters give you a glimpse into the past, while the modern art installations add a unique contrast.

Since it’s not as busy as other attractions in Capri, it’s a nice place to take a break from the crowds. If you’re into history or art, I’d recommend setting aside a little time to explore it properly.

Afternoon

Natural Arch

While Marina Grande, Capri Town, and Anacapri are well connected by buses, the rest of the island can only be explored on foot. If you’re up for the challenge, the eastern side of Capri is home to some incredible spots that are worth the walk.

From Capri Town, it’s a short but slightly challenging walk to the natural arch, a massive limestone formation that frames the sea in the distance. The arch was formed over thousands of years by erosion, and at around 12 meters wide and 20 meters high, it’s an impressive sight. The path is clearly signposted, so it’s hard to miss.

On the way to the arch, we walked through Via Camerelle, Capri’s most famous shopping street. This area is also a good place to stop for lunch, as there are plenty of restaurants along the way. Since we had a focaccia not long before, we didn’t eat here, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for a sit-down meal.

Once you arrive, the views are stunning, and there’s a small platform where you can stop to take photos or just enjoy the scenery. It’s a great stop if you’re up for a bit of walking and want to see a different side of Capri away from the crowds.

Villa Lysis

If you’re up for more walking, Villa Lysis is another incredible spot on the eastern side of Capri. This historic villa was built in the early 1900s as a private retreat for French poet Jacques d’Adelswärd-Fersen.

Designed in a mix of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles, the villa is beautifully preserved, with elegant interiors, intricate tilework, and sweeping terraces overlooking the sea.

The gardens are also stunning, with plenty of scenic spots, including a particularly beautiful white rotunda with a breathtaking view over the island.

The only way to reach Villa Lysis is on foot, and the walk from the natural arch takes about 40 minutes. I won’t lie, it’s a bit of a workout, and by the time we arrived, I was definitely feeling it!

However, the peaceful atmosphere and incredible views made it completely worth it. Since it’s a little out of the way, it doesn’t get nearly as crowded as other spots in Capri, so you can really take your time exploring.

There’s another villa nearby, Villa Jovis, so you can explore that too if you’re already there. I feel like including both villas in a Capri day trip would be a bit much, but whatever works best for you.

Keep in mind that after visiting, you’ll need to walk another 40 minutes back to Capri Town, so be sure to factor that into your plans.

Alternative option: La Fontelina Beach Club

If all that walking doesn’t sound appealing, or if you’d rather spend part of your day relaxing by the sea, La Fontelina Beach Club is a great alternative. This iconic beach club sits right at the base of the famous Faraglioni rocks and is one of the most scenic spots to swim and sunbathe in Capri.

Unlike typical sandy beaches, La Fontelina is set on a rocky shoreline with sunbeds and umbrellas arranged on flat terraces. The water here is crystal clear, and the views of the towering Faraglioni make it an unforgettable place to spend a few hours.

Since it’s one of the most popular beach clubs on the island, reservations are highly recommended, especially in peak season. If you want to eat at their restaurant, it’s best to book a table in advance as well.

Keep in mind that it’s not the easiest place to reach, you can either walk down a steep path from Capri Town (which means a tough walk back up) or take a boat from Marina Piccola.

Monte Solaro

For the best panoramic views in Capri, Monte Solaro is the place to go. As the highest point on the island, it offers breathtaking views over the Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, and the surrounding coastline.

To get there, you first need to take a bus from Capri Town to Anacapri. The ride itself only takes about five minutes, but the buses are very small and can only fit a limited number of people.

During busy times, you might need to wait for 3-4 buses before you can get on one, and they typically leave every 15 minutes, so it’s important to plan for extra time. If you don’t want to deal with the wait, taking a taxi is another option.

Once in Anacapri, the chairlift is the only practical way to reach the summit. It’s a single-seat lift, so you ride up alone over the island with stunning views in every direction.

The ride takes about 12 minutes and is honestly one of the most scenic and peaceful experiences in Capri! The views just keep getting better as you go higher, making it worth the trip even before you reach the top.

At the summit, there’s a viewing terrace where you can soak in the scenery, along with a small cafe if you want to take a break before heading back down.

Late Afternoon/Evening

Return to the mainland

After Monte Solaro, you may have time for a quick snack or coffee in Anacapri before heading back to the port. We stopped at Capri Crema Cafe and tried a delicious ice cream in a brioche bun, a traditional dessert that’s worth trying if you have a sweet tooth.

Once you’re ready to return to Marina Grande, you’ll need to take a bus or taxi from Anacapri.

Buses are scheduled to leave every 30 minutes, but in reality, they seemed more frequent. That being said, the lines were extremely long, so waiting for a bus could take quite a while.

A better option is to team up with other travelers and share a taxi down to the port, which is much faster and more convenient, especially if you’re catching one of the last ferries.

The last ferry to Sorrento is usually around 5:45 pm, to Positano and Amalfi around 6 pm, and to Naples around 8 pm. Since ferries tend to sell out, it’s best to book your round-trip ticket in advance when planning your Capri day trip. This way, you won’t have to worry about availability later in the day!

Ending your day trip to Capri with a ferry ride back to the mainland is a great way to soak in the last views of the island. As you leave Marina Grande behind, you’ll get to enjoy one final glimpse of Capri’s dramatic cliffs and sparkling waters.