Capri in 5 days

A glamorous limestone island of sea caves, cliff walks and piazzetta people-watching in the Bay of Naples. Best time to visit: May-June and September. Average daily budget: $160 to $300 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Capri Town, The main hub around the famous Piazzetta, lined with designer shops, cafes and whitewashed lanes.

Morning: Chairlift to Monte Solaro. Ride the single-seat chairlift from Anacapri to the island's summit for 360-degree bay views.

Afternoon: Explore Capri Town, The main hub around the famous Piazzetta, lined with designer shops, cafes and whitewashed lanes.

Evening: Boat around the island. Circle Capri by boat to see the Faraglioni arch, sea caves and swimming stops from the water.

Eat: Insalata caprese with island tomatoes and mozzarella

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Anacapri, The quieter, higher village with the Monte Solaro chairlift, Villa San Michele and lower prices.

Morning: Via Krupp & Gardens of Augustus. Look down on the hairpin cliff path and the Faraglioni from the terraced public gardens.

Afternoon: Explore Anacapri, The quieter, higher village with the Monte Solaro chairlift, Villa San Michele and lower prices.

Evening: Blue Grotto. Row into the sea cave where the water glows electric blue, weather and sea state permitting.

Eat: Ravioli capresi filled with caciotta cheese and marjoram

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Marina Grande, The main port where ferries arrive, with a pebble beach and casual seafood spots.

Morning: Villa Jovis, Emperor Tiberius's clifftop ruin at the island's quiet eastern end.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Marina Grande, The main port where ferries arrive, with a pebble beach and casual seafood spots.

Evening: The Sentiero dei Fortini coast path along Anacapri's wild western shore.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Torta caprese, the flourless chocolate and almond cake

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Marina Piccola, The southern swimming cove looking straight at the Faraglioni sea stacks.

Morning: Punta Carena lighthouse for the island's best sunset and a rocky swim.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Marina Piccola, The southern swimming cove looking straight at the Faraglioni sea stacks.

Evening: Early morning in the Piazzetta before the first ferries dock.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Granita al limone from a street kiosk on a hot afternoon

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Capri Town, The main hub around the famous Piazzetta, lined with designer shops, cafes and whitewashed lanes.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Capri Town, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Capri Town, The main hub around the famous Piazzetta, lined with designer shops, cafes and whitewashed lanes.

Evening: Dinner at Insalata caprese with island tomatoes and mozzarella, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Capri Town.

Eat: Insalata caprese with island tomatoes and mozzarella

Hidden gems

Villa Jovis, Emperor Tiberius's clifftop ruin at the island's quiet eastern end.
The Sentiero dei Fortini coast path along Anacapri's wild western shore.
Punta Carena lighthouse for the island's best sunset and a rocky swim.
Early morning in the Piazzetta before the first ferries dock.

Getting around

Capri is car-free for visitors. The funicular links Marina Grande to Capri Town in three minutes, small orange buses connect Capri Town, Anacapri and the marinas, and open taxis run fixed routes. Beyond that you walk, often on steps. Ferries and hydrofoils reach Naples in 45 to 80 minutes and Sorrento in 20-25.

Safety

Capri is extremely safe with almost no street crime; the main risks are physical. Cliff paths are exposed and often unrailed, steps are steep and slippery when wet, and summer sun on white rock is fierce. Bring proper shoes and water, and check sea conditions before booking the Blue Grotto.

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