How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Capri, Italy

Considering a day trip to Capri? Whether you’re staying in Sorrento, Naples, or somewhere along the Amalfi Coast, I wrote the ultimate Capri day trip guide – just for you!

Incredible views? Check. Caprese salad? Check. Lemon gelato? Check. Picture-perfect boat ride, charming piazzas, turquoise swimming coves? Check, check, check.

Boats docked by the pier, with rows of colorful buildings on the background on a sunny day in Capri

I recently took a self-guided day trip to Capri from Positano, and the island delivered on all fronts… even if it was swarming with tourists! If you’re basing yourself in Positano, read my full Positano travel guide for even more tips!

Between cruising around the island on a private gozzo, strolling the quaint streets of Anacapri, riding the chairlift up to Monte Solaro, and sipping limoncello spritzes, my Capri day trip was dreamy – but not flawless. Luckily for you, I made the mistakes so you don’t have to!

Maddy standing on a viewpoint as she admires the beautiful island of Capri surrounded by the blue waters of Amalfi Coast

View of light-colored buildings in the island of Capri and the blue ocean on a sunny day

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan the perfect Capri day trip – including how to get there, different itinerary options, and the best things to do. Plus, I’ll share must-know tips to help you maximize your day, avoid the crowds, and skip the tourist traps.

If you’re after a stress-free day full of delicious food, stunning views, and minimal chaos, this is the Capri day trip guide for you.

Capri Day Trip Overview: What to Expect & How to Plan

Floating in the Gulf of Naples – just a stone’s throw from my favorite island, Ischia – Capri is a sun-soaked mix of cliffs, coves, couture, and crowds. You only need one day in Capri (and a great plan!) to see the highlights.

April through October, ferries run regularly to Capri from Naples, Sorrento, and Amalfi Coast towns (like Positano, Amalfi, and Vietri sul Mare).

There are three main ways to tackle your Capri day trip – each with its pros and cons. You can:

Take the ferry and explore on your own. A self-guided day trip can be budget-friendly, but requires careful planning! I recommend booking the earliest ferry to Capri and the latest one back.
Book this private boat tour from the Amalfi Coast or this one from Sorrento or Naples. Perfect for special occasions or groups (of up to 7 people!) who want a luxurious, customizable experience.
Join a small-group boat tour departing from the mainland. Best for couples who want a fun, stress-free, budget-friendly day.

Capri has two main towns to explore. Depending on your itinerary, you might visit one or both:

Capri Town is busy and full of fine-dining restaurants, designer shops, and luxe hotels.
Anacapri is quiet, charming, and feels a lot more local and authentic. I’d choose Anacapri over Capri every time!

Getting around Capri takes a little strategy. You’ll probably use a mix of:

Taxis – Expensive, fast.
Buses – Cheap, crowded, and slow.
The funicular – Between Marina Grande and Capri Town.
The chairlift – Between Anacapri and Monte Solaro (don’t miss this!).
A boat tour – To cruise around the island and see the Blue Grotto.

Rock formations standing in the blue ocean near the island of Capri

How to Spend One Day in Capri (3 Itinerary Options)

No matter how you structure your Capri day trip, it’s a non-negotiable part of any Amalfi Coast itinerary! Just plan ahead to make the most of your time on the island.

If you’re going the self-guided route, I recommend starting your day with a boat tour, then exploring either Anacapri or Capri Town. Here are three perfect Capri day trip itinerary options:

Capri's landscape with the view of its whitewashed buildings and the vast blue sea and sky

Option 1: Boat Tour & Anacapri (My Top Pick!)

Take the ferry to Capri’s Marina Grande
Hop on a private boat tour or small-group boat tour to sail around Capri and visit the Blue Grotto (pre-book this!)
Grab a taxi up to peaceful Anacapri
Enjoy a breezy lunch at a trattoria with a view
Wander Anacapri’s quaint streets and shop for handmade souvenirs
Ride the chairlift to Monte Solaro for epic panoramic views
Visit Villa San Michele
Taxi back to the port to catch your ferry

Option 2: Boat Tour & Capri Town

Take the ferry to Capri’s Marina Grande
Go on a private boat tour or small-group boat tour around the island (pre-book this!)
Ride the funicular up to stylish Capri Town
Have lunch (and a spritz or two!) in town
Stroll through bougainvillea-laced lanes and browse designer boutiques
Visit the Gardens of Augustus for panoramic views
Walk down the dramatic Via Krupp switchbacks to Spiaggia di Marina Piccola
Take the funicular back down to the ferry port

Option 3: Book a Full-Day Guided Tour

Want to skip the ferry lines, logistics, and guesswork? Booking a guided day trip departing from Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast is the easiest way to see Capri.

Most tours include a cruise around the island, swimming stops, and a few hours of free time to explore on land. Here are the best guided options:

Best Private Day Trips

Best Small-Group Day Trips

⚓️ MADDY’S TIP: These tours sell out fast in high season. Book early, especially for anything private!

Group of people riding a boat with the view of Capri's colorful buildings and mountain on the background under the sunny sky

My Recommended One Day in Capri Itinerary (Self-Guided)

This self-guided Capri day trip itinerary (“Option 1” above) is based on what I did during my day trip – with some improvements. (Namely: pre-booking this private boat tour, because wow, the chaos at the port is real.)

If you’re planning to spend just one day on the island, here’s exactly how I’d do it!

8:30 AM – Arrive at Marina Grande

Take the earliest ferry you can from Sorrento, Naples, or any of the Amalfi Coast towns with ports. The earlier you arrive, the more time you’ll have before the crowds hit!

Check timetables and book your Capri ferry tickets here.

☕️ MADDY’S TIP: First stop? Beeline it to Bar Il Gabbiano in Anacapri for a strong espresso, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and a cornetto to fuel up before your boat trip!

Boat going towards the rock formations in the middle of the ocean waters on a sunny day

9:00 AM – Private or Small-Group Boat Tour Around the Island

Begin your day the best way possible: sailing around Capri on this private boat trip! You’ll sail past the famous Faraglioni Rocks, swim in sparkling turquoise coves, and explore the infamous Blue Grotto.

Floating along the coast on a private wooden gozzo boat was easily the highlight of my day trip to Capri. Seeing the island from the water – prosecco in hand! – and swimming in the sea was pure magic.

View of the island's rocky cliffside as seen from a boat

But I made one big mistake: I didn’t book in advance. That meant I wasted way too much time at the dock, navigating a sea of crowds, weighing my options.

I realized I did not want to be packed with 40 other travelers on a large-group boat tour, so I tracked down a private captain, agreed on a route, and haggled over the price.

Next time, I’ll skip the stress and book this Capri private boat trip (or this small-group Capri boat trip) ahead of time!

⚓️ MADDY’S TIP #1: The sea is calmest in the morning, which is especially important if you want to visit the Blue Grotto. Book your boat tour for 9 or 9:30 AM for the smoothest ride and best chance of getting in!

👙 MADDY’S TIP #2: Wear your swimsuit under breezy linen clothes, pack a sunhat, and don’t forget natural, reef-safe sunscreen.

12:00 AM – Taxi Up to Anacapri

After your boat ride, hop in a taxi and head straight up to Anacapri – the quieter, more laid-back side of the island. Expect fewer crowds, more charm, and local artisan shops (not glitzy designer boutiques).

The winding drive (in the cutest convertible taxis; they look like real-life Barbie cars!) is an adventure in itself. The sunshine, salty sea breeze, and incredible coastal views put a huge smile on my face.

A taxi from the port to Anacapri costs €30–35. If you’re on a tighter budget, you can take the bus – but keep in mind, it can get hot and extremely crowded in peak season.

Delicious serving of seafood pasta paired with a glass of wine at a restaurant in Capri

Fresh salad served on a plate with a glass of wine at a restaurant in Capri

12:30 PM – Lunch in Anacapri

Next, it’s time to seek out fresh pasta, caprese salad, and a limoncello spritz! Want a few recommendations?

First up, Sciue’ Sciue’. This little trattoria goes down as one of the best meals I’ve ever had in Italy. We ordered delicious homemade pasta arrabbiata (I still dream about this), frutti di mare pasta, an insalata caprese (of course!), and ricotta-stuffed crust pizza.

If you can’t get a booking at Sciue’ Sciue’, try Le Arcate, another great local option for pizza and seafood pasta.

On a budget? Grab a slice of pizza at Pizze e Pasta. You have to order the lemon pizza (yes, you read that correctly!) plus arancini, frittatine, and other tasty bites to go.

Want a meal with an incredible view? Our taxi driver recommended Da Gelsomina, a beautiful restaurant surrounded by vineyards and epic sea views! Make a reservation and have your taxi driver drop you there, instead of in the center of Anacapri. After lunch, grab a quick 10-minute taxi to town. Next time I take a day trip to Capri, you’ll find me here!

People riding the chairlift above the breathtaking views of Capri's lush greeneries and light-colored buildings as well as the blue sea

1:30 PM – Chairlift to Monte Solaro

Don’t miss riding the single-seat chairlift up to Monte Solaro during your Capri day trip! The gorgeous 360° vistas, paired with total peace and quiet, made this an experience I’ll never forget!

From Anacapri’s Piazza Vittoria, you’ll hop on the chairlift to Monte Solaro – the highest point on the island. The peaceful 13-minute ride floats you above lemon groves, family farms, whitewashed rooftops, and winding stone paths, with the sea sparkling in every direction.

View of the rock formations by the island as seen from a viewpoint in Capri

Maddy enjoying the sun in Capri while overlooking the island's landscape and the blue ocean waters

Of course, the views atop Mount Solaro are incredible too! The Faraglioni and Marina Piccola, the Amalfi Coast, Ischia (my favorite Italian destination!), Mount Vesuvius, and the Bay of Naples all stretch out before you. Wowwwwww.

Tickets cost €14 round trip. Or €11 one way, if you’d rather hike back down – and if you’re wearing sturdy shoes! Children under age 8 ride for free on their parent’s lap.

Tourists strolling the streets in Capri lined with shops and restaurants

2:30 PM – Stroll, Shop & Explore Anacapri

Next up, take the chairlift down to the center of Anacapri. Wander the charming little streets lined by whitewashed houses. And enjoy la dolce far niente.

Pop into artisan workshops for handmade leather sandals and hand-painted ceramics. And, of course, order lemon gelato!

This is the perfect time to slow down, take some photos, and savor the quieter side of the island.

Church of San Michele in Anacapri on a hot sunny day — This is Anacapri’s Church of San Michele

Have Extra Time? Visit Villa San Michele

If you have time to spare before heading down to catch your ferry, consider visiting Villa San Michele – one of Capri’s most iconic sights.

Built in the late 1800s, this cliffside villa-turned-museum is surrounded by lush gardens and packed with ancient artifacts, sculptures, and gorgeous views over the Gulf of Naples.m

I ran out of time, so I didn’t make it to this villa! But if you follow this Capri day trip itinerary, you should have more time than I did.

Entry costs €12. Opening hours vary by season, so check before you go!

🍋 ANOTHER OPTION: If you feel like you have to window-shop your way through Capri Town, now’s your chance to hop in a taxi. After, you can take the funicular down to Marina Grande to catch your ferry.

4:30–5:30 PM – Catch the Ferry Back to the Mainland

Make sure you leave plenty of time to make your way back down to Marina Grande to catch your ferry back!

If you still have time to spare, head over to Le Ondine Beach Club, right next to the port. We had about 45 minutes to kill, so we ordered a couple of Aperol spritzes and soaked up the sunshine with our toes in the water.

Talk about the perfect ending to our day trip to Capri from Positano!

🛳 MADDY’S TIP: To maximize your day on Capri, book one of the latest ferries back. Just don’t miss it! Check timetables and book your ferry tickets here.

What to Pack for Your Capri Day Trip

You don’t need much for a day trip to Capri – just the essentials to stay comfy, chic, and ready for your boat ride!

Here’s what I recommend packing in your tote bag:

Swimsuit – Wear it under your clothes if your private Capri boat tour is your first stop!
Lightweight cover-up
Comfortable sandals or sneakers
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Natural, reef-safe sunscreen – No chemical trails, please.
Refillable water bottle
Cash – For tips and spots that don’t take cards.
Quick-dry Turkish beach towel
Jacket – It can be chilly between October and April.
Dramamine – If you’re prone to seasickness.

Statue of a woman surrounded by red-colored walls decorated with potted plants

Two boats on turquoise waters entering a cave in Capri

Final Thoughts: Is a Day Trip to Capri Worth It?

Crowds and chaos aside, a day trip to Capri is well worth taking – especially with this guide at your fingertips!

Whether you’re sailing past the Faraglioni, riding the Monte Solaro chairlift, or eating your weight in lemon-covered carbs (hint: do them all!), this island delivers magic at every turn.

Just plan ahead, start early, and skip the stress by booking your private Capri boat tour (departing from Capri port) or your Capri ferry tickets well in advance. Trust me – you’ll be glad you did! And if it’s all too much, you can just book a fully-guided day trip departing from the mainland.

If you’re building out your Campania itinerary, don’t miss the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast, my Ischia guide, and Positano guide! And finally, be sure to browse my other Italy travel guides for even more inspiration!

Hello! I'm Maddy.

How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Capri, Italy

Capri Day Trip Overview: What to Expect & How to Plan

How to Spend One Day in Capri (3 Itinerary Options)