A Day in Capri: Plan Your Naples to Capri Day Trip

How to plan a day in Capri from Naples? Are you docking at Naples on your cruise? If you’re wondering how to spend your day, consider a trip to the stunning island of Capri. This post is your essential guide to making the most out of a day on this magical island, perfect for anyone planning to explore the Amalfi Coast or focusing specifically on Capri.

Located just off the coast of Italy’s Campania region, Capri is celebrated for its stunning cliffs, upscale accommodations, and famously large lemons. As avid lovers of Italy, each visit feels like a homecoming, especially with my husband’s Neapolitan heritage deepening our connection.

On this Mediterranean cruise, we decided to go beyond the familiar sights of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Although we had visited these iconic destinations before, Capri sparked our excitement as we had never been.

From Naples cruise port, you have options. Here’s what you can do from Naples:

• Explore the breathtaking Amalfi Coast by car, boat or both.
• Step back in time with a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Pompeii.
• Set sail on a private boat tour to the chic island of Capri or the serene Ischia.
• Explore the colorful and charming island of Procida.

This article outlines our day trip to Capri from the port of Naples, covering how to get there and what to do. Whether visiting Naples or arriving by cruise, planning your trip to Capri is straightforward. You can also choose to book a guided tour.

Day Trip to Capri From Naples Cruise Port

As we planned our Naples to Capri day trip, we started by exploring tour options. When time is short, having a local guide can be invaluable—they know how to maximize your visit. After researching the ferry details, we discovered the departure point was conveniently close to our docking area. Checking the ferry schedules confirmed that making the trip ourselves was entirely feasible.

Getting to Capri from Naples

The only way to reach Capri from Naples is by water. Your options include:

1. Chartering a private boat for a more personalized and flexible experience.
2. Taking a ferry or hydrofoil is a faster, high-speed ferry option most visitors use.

Travel Time

The journey from Naples to Capri typically takes 50-60 minutes on a high-speed ferry.

Ferry From Naples to Capri

Catching a high-speed ferry from the port of Naples is straightforward. The hydrofoil service departs from Molo Beverello, conveniently located to the left of where the Norwegian cruise ship docked.

Location

• Stazione Marittima: Molo Beverello
• Address: Molo Beverello, 80133 Napoli NA, Italy
• Google Map It

Departure from Molo Beverello:

• Type of Service: Hydrofoil | High-Speed Ferry
• Travel Time: 50-60 minutes
• Cost: €20 – €23 per person, each way
• Schedule: Click Here for Ferry Schedule

The ticket office, located past the ferry dock and facing the city (not the docks), might find you in a queue with some impatient but charming locals eager to get to the front. Luckily, my husband’s Italian skills came in handy in navigating the crowd.

Important Tip: Don’t forget to buy your return ticket now.

We boarded the 8:05 AM ferry and arrived in Capri by 9 AM. We bought our return tickets for a 5:05 PM departure from Capri, ensuring we were back at the Naples port by 6 PM—well ahead of our 6:30 PM boarding deadline.

How to Spend a Day in Capri, Italy

Planning your day trip from Naples to Capri? Even with less than a day on the island, you can experience some of Capri’s top highlights. While some opt for longer vacations here, a day trip can still beautifully capture the essence of Capri.

Top Activities in Capri:

1. Explore Capri Town: Wander through the charming, narrow streets of Capri Town. The bustling local life and quaint architecture offer a delightful exploration.
2. Monte Solaro Funicular: For just €3.00 one way, take the funicular up to Monte Solaro. At the top, you’ll find breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea.
3. Boat Tour Including the Blue Grotto: No visit to Capri is complete without a boat tour around the island, featuring a stop at the stunning Blue Grotto (if open). The grotto is famous for its mesmerizing blue water.
4. Enjoy Limoncello: When in Capri, tasting the locally made limoncello is a must. This sweet, zesty liqueur perfectly captures the flavor of the island’s famous oversized lemons.

With these activities, a boat tour, and some leisurely walks, your day trip to Capri will be unforgettable.

Tour Ideas:
Full day in Capri Island With a Local [book here]
From Naples: Island of Capri Full-Day Tour with Lunch [book here]

Starting Our Day in Capri with a Boat Tour

Right after we disembarked at Marina Grande from the ferry, we booked a boat tour, which was easily found just to the left as you step off the ferry. Booking your tour first thing ensures you don’t miss out on this essential experience.

The tour lasts about an hour and a half and starts at $18. It offers a comprehensive glimpse of Capri Island, showcasing spectacular cliffside views. Find a spot on the upper deck on the left side for the best scenery.

During the tour, you also have the option to visit the famous Blue Grotto, an additional highlight not to be missed if conditions allow.

One of the highlights you can add to your tour is the Blue Grotto. This sea cave is renowned for its luminous blue water, created by sunlight reflecting through the sea. Note that visiting the Blue Grotto incurs an additional charge, subject to high tides. Unfortunately, high tides during our visit prevented us from entering.

A word of caution: tour operators might not always inform you about the Blue Grotto’s current accessibility.

Highlights of the Island Boat Tour

• Statue of the Scugnizzo: This welcoming figure greets you from its vantage point.
• Faraglioni Rocks: Sail beneath these iconic rock formations—don’t forget to share a kiss with your partner for a touch of romantic luck!
• Tiberius’ Leap: View the legendary site known for its dramatic history.
• Grotto Entrances: You can peek at the entry points of several grottoes, including small ones obscured by high tide.
• Punta Carena Lighthouse: This picturesque lighthouse is a staple of Capri’s coastal scenery.
• Sirens Rock: See the mythical rocks reputedly inhabited by sirens.

This boat tour was a fantastic start to our day in Capri, filled with breathtaking views and intriguing sites, making it a highly recommended first stop on your visit to the island.

Private Boat Tours: If your budget allows, consider booking a private boat tour for a more personalized and flexible experience exploring Capri.

Staying overnight? Tour Idea
Private Tour of Capri by Boat at Sunset with Aperitif [book here]

Hop on the Funicolare to Capri Town

Getting to Capri Town from Marina Grande offers several options:

• Bus: A convenient choice but can be crowded.
• Taxi: Quick but more expensive.
• On Foot: It’s a long and strenuous walk uphill with many stairs, so it’s not recommended unless you’re up for a challenge.
• Funicular: The most scenic and relaxed way to ascend.

We opted for the funicolare (cable car) to reach Capri Town. Once you disembark from the ferry or finish your boat tour, turn right on Via Cristoforo Colombo and head towards the funicular ticket office.

Marina Grande Funicular Information

• Cost: €2.40 per person
• Travel Time: 15 minutes
• Ticket Office: The ticket office is located past the funicular station, across the street at the pier. Google Map It
• More Info: Click here for more details.

After purchasing your tickets, you’ll return to the funicular station to wait in line. Fortunately, We found a short queue, making our ride up to Capri Town smooth and quick.

Returning to Marina Grande later in the day, we encountered a much longer line for the funicular. We decided to walk back down to the marina, which is considerably easier going downhill than uphill.

Explore Capri Town

You can explore Capri Town right after arriving or save it for the end of your day. We chose to walk through this charming town before catching our ferry back to Naples. It’s a delightful place, filled with shops ranging from quaint boutiques to high-end designer stores.

However, a word of caution based on our experience: not everyone might receive a warm welcome in some of the more upscale shops. For instance, my husband stepped into a Dolce & Gabbana store and was unexpectedly asked to leave despite his love for their cologne. It was quite a shock, reminiscent of the Pretty Woman movie scene—big mistake, big, huge!

Despite this, it happened at the end of our day and didn’t spoil our overall experience. It’s a reminder that appearances can be misleading even in such a fashionable setting. They truly had no idea who they were turning away.

Experience an Open Air Taxi

One of the highlights of visiting Capri is riding in an open-air taxi. These unique taxis, ranging from vintage classics to newer models, are a common sight around the island.

For a comprehensive experience, consider booking a full island tour with a taxi driver. Negotiating and agreeing on a price before you get into the car is important to avoid any surprises later.

During our visit to Capri Town, we opted for a taxi ride to Anacapri. The ride was fun and offered breathtaking views along the way. Our friendly driver even shared a few local tips, enhancing our short but memorable drive.

Take the Capri Chair Lift to Monte Solaro

We had our hearts set on the chair lift to Mount Solaro, so we asked our taxi driver to drop us off at Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri, right where the Monte Solaro Chair Lift begins.

Monte Solaro Chair Lift Details:

• Cost: 14 Euros per person for a round-trip
• Location: Via Caposcuro, 10, 80071 Anacapri [Google Map It]

The chair lift is exactly what it sounds like—a one-person chair you quickly sit on. A simple bar swings over your lap to secure you in place. It’s a bit like getting ready for a ski lift.

For those who might be wary of heights, this might feel daunting, but the ride up is tranquil and offers stunning views. The panoramic scenery from the top is even more breathtaking!

So, embrace the chair lift experience! The alternative is a two-hour hike up, which is quite the trek when you’re short on time.

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Explore Anacapri

Explore Anacapri

After taking the chairlift down from the summit of Monte Solaro, we found ourselves in the quieter, less touristy part of the island, Anacapri. Despite the presence of tourists, Anacapri has a distinctly different atmosphere from Capri Town. I recommend spending more time there to really soak in its unique charm.

Anacapri is nestled on the slopes of Monte Solaro and offers a serene escape. We thoroughly enjoyed wandering through its quaint streets, admiring the beautifully detailed houses, vibrant doors, and blooming flowers. The town is picturesque and offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.

Thanks to a fantastic tip from our cab driver, we visited the Church of San Michele in Anacapri. This church is special to us as St. Michael is my husband’s patron saint. Located just a 5-minute walk from Piazza Vittoria, the church is easily accessible after descending from Mount Solaro.

Though we’ve visited numerous churches, the Church of San Michele stands out and is a must-visit. Constructed in 1719, its unique octagonal design captivates visitors. Inside, the church boasts a stunning hand-painted floor that depicts the biblical story of Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden, dating back to 1761.

Walking on the painted floor is not permitted to protect this historic artwork. Visitors are instead directed to a wooden walkway along the room’s edges. I highly recommend climbing the spiral staircase to gain a panoramic view of this intricate floor painting from above.

As you explore, don’t forget to look up and around to appreciate the many exquisite details that make this church truly special.

Departing Capri Island

Concerned about catching our ferry on time, we left Anacapri a bit earlier than planned. While waiting for a taxi, we met another couple heading back to Capri, so we decided to share the ride—it’s always nice to meet new people!

After arriving in Capri, we took a little time to walk around when we encountered our “Pretty Woman” moment in one of the shops. Following that experience, we opted to go directly to Marina Grande to wait for our ferry.

Here’s a tip: When you’re ready to leave, take a taxi directly from Anacapri to Marina Grande. It’s more straightforward than stopping back in Capri Town like we did.

We hadn’t bought return tickets for the funicular, and the line was quite long, so with some time to spare, we chose to walk down to Marina Grande instead. If you decide on this option, allow at least 30 minutes for the descent. Be prepared for many stairs and some stretches where you’ll need to walk along the side of the road.

The walk, however, has its perks—you’ll pass beautiful residences and enjoy stunning views of the marina along the way, offering a different perspective of the island’s charm.

Quick Bites to Eat and Drink in Capri

Exploring Capri’s local flavors is always a highlight. Depending on our mood and schedule, we sometimes indulge in a leisurely meal or opt for quick, delicious snacks. On this visit, we went for the grab-and-go approach.

Local Treats to Try

• Limoncello: This lemon liqueur is a must-try. It’s available throughout Capri, from bars to ferry rides, where it’s touted to ease motion sickness.
• Granita: This local lemon frozen dessert is perfect for a refreshing break on a warm day. It’s available at most cafes and restaurants.

When we first arrived in Capri Town, hunger struck. We stumbled upon a charming deli/cafe, where the Italian aroma of freshly baked goods enticed us inside—this wasn’t your average tourist trap. The freshly baked pizza, resembling a square focaccia topped with mushrooms, onions, and Italian meats, was irresistible. Meanwhile, my husband relished a classic Italian sandwich with freshly sliced prosciutto and cheese.

Behind the scenes, the chef, who we learned specializes in ravioli, was busy at work. Her creations were so tempting that, given more time, I would have loved to try them.

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