Capri: A Day Trip or a Destination?

Capri is easily accessible by ferry or hydrofoil from Napoli(Naples), Sorrento, or Amalfi, but not all routes are created equal — especially when the sea decides to show off.

• From Naples: The safest and most reliable route. Ferries are larger and rarely canceled, even in rougher weather.
• From Sorrento: Convenient and scenic, a perfect balance — but smaller boats can feel the waves on choppy days.
• From Amalfi: Beautiful but the riskiest. The port is small, and ferries are often canceled in bad weather, especially toward the beginning or end of the season.

When I visited this past October, I was supposed to take the ferry from Amalfi, but had to reschedule and take the hydrofoil from Naples —and the sea was as moody as it gets. Let’s just say it was anything but glamorous. Even the locals agreed it was unusually rough, but it was enough to make me vow: take motion-sickness medicine and sit near the back of the boat if the weather looks questionable. Listen to music with your headphones, and close your eyes — trust me on this, I say it for a reason….

If you’re visiting outside the main season (mid-May through the end of September), keep in mind that a day trip can easily be derailed by cancellations. On days like that, Capri is best saved for another day — or better yet, as a few-night stay.

If you’re coming to Capri just for the day, plan strategically. You’ll only have a few hours to explore, and you’ll want to make every one count.

From the ferry dock at Marina Grande, you can either take the funicular straight up to Capri Town, take a taxi, or arrange a private transfer. Capri Town is exactly what you imagine when you think of Mediterranean glamour — a sun-soaked piazza full of elegant cafés, designer boutiques, and the kind of polished energy that feels both relaxed and refined.

This is where you’ll find high-end shopping — think Chanel, Gucci, Dior, and limited-edition resort wear you won’t see anywhere else. Capri doesn’t do “casual browsing”; it does “bring your Amex and prepare to fall in love.”

The atmosphere is upscale and confident — everyone here looks like they stepped straight out of a linen-and-sunglasses ad. You’ll want to dress the part (and likely leave with something new to add to your wardrobe).

If you’re visiting on a day trip, you’ll need to choose between shopping, sightseeing, or boating. A visit to the Blue Grotto, a quick walk through the Gardens of Augustus, or a leisurely lunch overlooking the sea— all doable, but not all in one day if you’re sharing the island with cruise passengers or bus tours.

My honest advice? If you’re already staying on the Amalfi Coast, Capri makes a wonderful day trip. Just choose your priorities — and your ferry port — wisely.

Up above the main town sits Anacapri, the island’s more modest (and equally charming) sister. The two towns sit at different altitudes— Capri Town is the socialite, Anacapri the artist.

You can reach Anacapri easily by taxi from either Capri Town or the marina. Once there, you’ll feel the difference immediately — it’s slower, more authentic, and refreshingly calm.

A must-do experience is the chairlift to Monte Solaro, the island’s highest point. The slow, peaceful ascent gives you panoramic views that rival anywhere in the Mediterranean. At the top, there’s a café where you can linger over an Aperol Spritz while the world unfolds below you.

Anacapri offers more local boutiques, artisan workshops, and a slower rhythm. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer authentic charm over luxury labels, though the views here are every bit as spectacular.

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If your itinerary doesn’t include time on the Amalfi Coast, or if you’re the type of traveler who likes to sink into a place and savor it —then Capri deserves to be your destination, not just a detour.

A 4-night stay is ideal. That gives you enough time to explore both towns, enjoy a boat day around the island, hike, dine, and — most importantly — relax.

Some of my favorite experiences to include in a longer Capri stay:

• Take a private boat around the island, stopping to swim in hidden coves and sail through the famous Faraglioni rock formations.
• Walk the Via Krupp or Pizzolungo trail, short scenic hikes that reward you with breathtaking sea views.
• Visit the Gardens of Augustus, filled with flowers and panoramic terraces.
• Spend slow afternoons at beach clubs like La Fontelina or Il Riccio, where long lunches easily stretch into sunset.

When you stay overnight, you experience the island after the day — trippers leave — quieter, more intimate, and infinitely more magical. Capri by twilight feels like another world.

In Capri Town: La Capannina Ristorante

If you dine only once on Capri, make it here. La Capannina is a family-owned Michelin-starred restaurant that’s been welcoming guests for generations. Inside, the atmosphere feels timeless — elegant yet unpretentious— with walls lined with photos of celebrity guests from the past decades.

You might even be greeted by one of the elder family members(who’s well into his 90s), still making rounds and chatting with guests. The food is exquisite yet simple — the kind of Italian cuisine that lets the ingredients speak for themselves, paired perfectly with a thoughtful wine list.

It’s a place that’s more about heart than hype. Reservations are essential.

In Anacapri: Ristorante da Gelsomina

Hidden at the far end of the island, Ristorante da Gelsomina is a gem that feels a world away from the bustle of Capri Town. Perched on a cliff and surrounded by vineyards and gardens, this Michelin-starred, family-run restaurant defines “farm-to-table.”

Their wine is made solely for in-house use, free of additives, and their menu changes constantly based on what’s in season. A complimentary shuttle picks you up from Anacapri’s center, winding through scenic roads before revealing one of the most beautiful views on the island.

In the summer, Gelsomina also operates a pool club and small guesthouse, perfect for guests seeking a full-day experience.

The food here? Unforgettable. After tasting their vegetables, I was ready to become a vegetarian — until the seafood arrived. The dishes are simple, fresh, and prepared with an unmistakable passion that feels deeply personal. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.

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If your Italy itinerary already includes time on the Sorrento Peninsula, a day in Capri can be the perfect addition — a taste of its beauty, elegance, and energy.

But if your travels don’t include the coast, or if you have the flexibility to slow down and indulge, make Capri your destination. Stay a few nights, dine at its hidden gems, explore both towns, and let the island unfold at its own rhythm.

Because Capri isn’t just a place to see — it’s a place to feel. Whether for a few hours or a few days, it will find its way under your skin… and into your heart.