Just a half hour ride from Naples and about 40 minutes from Positano by hydrofoil, Capri is synonymous with impossible glamour, style, and celebrity.
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| Capri by night |
The island is exquisite, with so much to see and do, but most tourists barely make it out of the central Piazzetta.
If you are heading to Capri this summer, or ever, here are some things you do not want to miss.
8 Things To do In Capri
1. Buy World Famous Capri Sandals.
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| buy sandals in Capri at Schettino Calzature |
From the Piazzetta turn right and walk along via Roma to the Schettino sandal shop and visit my dear friend Aldo. He made sandals for Jackie Onassis, he makes sandals for me, and he has made sandals for readers of this blog from all around the world, so he might as well make sandals for you too!
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| My lovely friends Aldo and Lydia Schettino at their sandal shop in Capri |
(When you go in there make sure you tell them you read this blog – they love meeting my readers!)
Once you’ve bought your sandals it’s time to go explore the island.
2. Go For A Walk
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| walking in Capri |
My favorite thing to do in Capri is to walk. Even if you are here on a cruise and only have a few hours, go buy some sandals, then point yourself in any direction and walk. As soon as you are a couple of blocks from Central Piazzetta you will discover a whole different Capri, devoid of tourists and crowds. Discover the walkways, the homes, the Roman villas. Take in the staggering views and breathe in the heady scent of honeysuckle and lemons.
Related Post: The Greek Temples Of Paestum (Just below The Amalfi Coast!)
3. Visit Villa San Michele, Anacapri
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| The view from Villa San Michele, Anacapri, Capri |
“My home shall be open in order to let in the sun, and the wind, and the voices of the ocean, like a Greek temple, and there shall be light, light everywhere!”
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| stroll along the walkways at Villa San Michele |
Axel Munthe’s home with it’s unbelievable panoramic view from the north eastern side of Anacapri is now a museum housing Roman and Egyptian artifacts. The museum is wonderful as are the gardens and the chapel, and the view of the Bay of Naples.
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4. Take a ride in a convertible taxi
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| taxis in Capri |
The taxis in Capri are like no other. They are all unusual looking convertibles, the Italian name for which translates to “decapitated”!
It’s fun to take a spin around the island in one of their taxis. From the Central Piazzetta take a taxi to Anacapri or to the Blue Grotto.
Related Post: 8 Things You Must Do In Naples
5. Go To The Blue Grotto.
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| inside Capri’s Blue Grotto |
You have to go to the Blue Grotto when you are in Capri.
Take a taxi from the central piazza – the ride is lovely. You only actually spend about 2 minutes inside the grotto, but its a magical! If at all possible this should be on your must do list!
Related Post: 10 Things To Do On The Amalfi Coast
6. Take A Boat Trip.
The most lovely way to see Capri is by boat. Take an excursion and see the island from the ocean. stop off at little beaches, have a swim, float around and be completely wowed.
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| Gianni’s Boat Excursions, Capri |
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| Gianni’s Boat Excursions Capri |
Related Post: Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Pompeii
7.Take The Chairlift To Monte Solaro
This is the highest point on the island and the views from up here are spectacular.
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| chair lift to Monte Solaro, Capri |
8. Hit The Beach
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| Da Luigi, Capri |
Make like a super star and get yourself some beach time, far from the madding crowd. From the Punta Tragara viewing point there is a little track that takes you to the rocks at the foot of the Faraglioni (the 3 giant rocks always associated with Capri). There are 2 private beach clubs, each with a wonderful restaurant, my personal favorite is Da Luigi.
The great thing is you don’t have to scale the mountain back up at the end of the day – both private beach clubs will boat shuttle you back to Marina Piccola.
RELATED POST: 8 AMAZING PLACES TO ADD TO YOUR AMALFI COAST ITINERARY
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Lovely post. Ever since I read that Jackie Onassis made the Capri pants popular I've wanted to go to there. Maybe someday.
Nancy I love Jackie O! I have sandals made for my in Capri by the same guy who made sandals for her (to wear with her Capri pants!)
I'll b there next week can't wait!!
Loved Capri! Some day I will go back with your list of things to do, thank you!
Hello,
Thank you for your blog!
Can you help me with a couple of questions? We are coming in May.
what it the weather like and how should I dress?
Also, which is the better Marina? Piccolla or Grande? I know it’s a
personal choice, but we will be only staying 1 night and want to l
go to the Grotto, &do a boat ride & have a great dinner at sunset
Any suggestions which side of the Isle we should stay ?Best restaurant
Boat ride? Anything would truly help.
Thank you
Veronica
Author
Yes absolutely!
Did you ever get an answer to your questions? We are also going next May. I would love to know her recommendations
Mary
Author
Hi Mary, I only found Veronica’s message after yours came in! I do apologize for the delay in replying, but I posted one below. Let me know if you have any other questions or anything I can help you with!
Have a wonderful time in Capri
xo
Author
Oh my goodness – I only just found this now after Mary’s comment came in! Weather should be nice but not hot yet. Sometimes there is rain in May, but I have always been lucky. Dress comfortably. I normally wear sundresses when I’m there – I like to feel chic but casual. For boat rides I always use Gianni’s Boat. You need to book them ahead of time, I ask for Captain Paolo (he is delightful) and I get the 3 hour tour. he will take you to private coves for swimming,and will also take you to the blue grotto.
Marina Grande is where all the tourism is but has a lot happening. Piccolo is quieter, so fewer places to walk to, but is wonderful. Either will be a good choice.
If you get time walk up to Villa Jovis – the view is magnificent, and also you get to see the lovely neighborhoods where the locals live. Also go see Aldo and Lydia at Schettino sandal shop which is just down the street from the piazzetta. I go visit them every time I’m in Capri.
Let me know if you have any other questions! Please let me know how your trip goes, and have an absolutely wonderful time!!
xo
Thank you for your post on Capri! We are going to Naples for 11 nights aug 26-sept 6th. I assume the water will still be warm enough for swimming? We have never been before and are taking our 4 year old daughter. We are planning to go to Capri for at least one day but to return if we fall in love 🙂 thanks again!
Author
Hi! The weather will be gorgeous and you will swim every day! Check out my post on Procida, another island nearby that is not to be missed and is easy to do with a 4 year old. It’s all bright colors and is small, so nice and manageable!
I also have posts on Naples https://www.corinnabsworld.com/2016/03/8-things-you-must-do-in-naples.html
and on things to do on the Amalfi Coast. https://www.corinnabsworld.com/2015/08/10-things-to-do-on-amalfi-coast.html
One thing that is wonderful and not many people know about is visiting the palace of Caserta. There is tons of room for a little one to run wild, and also you can rent bikes and bike around the grounds. https://www.corinnabsworld.com/2016/02/discover-caserta.html
Also you are close to the Greek Temples at Paestum, a place that no tourists seem to know about! https://www.corinnabsworld.com/2015/11/discover-ancient-greek-temples-of.html
You will have a fantastic time there – make sure you come back and tell me how it went!
Wow thank you! Yes I had read your post on Procida and it is on the itinerary! I’ve been really excited about it since I read and looked up more images online, especially since our Airbnb is on that side of Naples, sort of…. its near Posillipo. Anyway, I’m so grateful for your reply and for your reassurance! We have never been abroad but will be gone 7 weeks to five countries! I will be sure to look up the others you mentioned!
Ohh Capri is PERFECT!
I remember my stay there about 12 years ago, the view from Monte Solaro is dazzling.
Author
Isn’t it just glorious??? I will be there a few times this summer with my Glam Italia Tours. I can hardly wait!!
Great info, just about to fly out to Naples and take ferry to Capri – cannot wait ? Got all our top tips ?Thank you x
Author
Have a wonderful time!
I lived in Capri twice for 3 months (Anacapri) while au-pair in 1965 and 1966. I loved the island and fell in love with a young man bringing the tourists from Marine Grande to the Blue Grotto. Really enjoyed your comments. Also bought the famous sandals then…
Author
Ahhh! I LOVE that!! I can’t imagine living on the island – it must have been wonderful! I didn’t get to Anacapri this year, but I love wandering around there, especially into the residential areas.
You’ve made my night – thank you for taking the time to comment!
xo
Hi! Love your blog and I got your book–excellent advice! I’m about halfway through and already have learned a lot! We’re planning a two week trip to Italy (my first time!!!) in mid-October. Wondering about the weather and what to wear at that time of year. Is it still worth a visit to this area (Amalfi Coast and Capri) even if it’s not swimming/sunbathing weather?
Author
How wonderful! And thank you for buying my book!! If you get time could you write me a review on Amazon.com?
Yes it is still a lovely time to go to the Amalfi area. You are right by Pompeii (Naples) and Paestum (Salerno) both of which are 1000 x more enjoyable when it’s not boiling hot out. There is so much to see and do, much of which is not fun in the searing summer heat. For example, on Capri I can’t take many of my tour groups up to Villa Jovis because it is just too hot.
Another benefit to traveling in October is that most of the tourists will be gone, so you can see much more without a crush of people in front of you.
I would plan my wardrobe around jeans or pants and layer up and down. You could get rain or you could get sunny days every day. I would imagine it will be somewhere around 70F/20C most days.
Once you have your itinerary mapped out google local festivals happening in each place while you are there. There are some fantastic chestnut festivals in October in Tuscany (as well as other festivals all over the country), and it can be so much fun to go see them and take part in it all!
Feel free to shoot me an email if you have questions about your trip or if you need some referrals for guides and drivers etc. I have really amazing people who work for me in Italy.
Have a fantastic trip,
Corinna
You have laid if a great article with lots of very useful information and great tips for first comers to Capri island. Thank you for sharing your advice