Capri Island Day Trip: The Ultimate One-Day Itinerary

Capri Island lies off the southern coast of Italy, in the Gulf of Naples. Thanks to its mild Mediterranean climate, it has been a favorite holiday destination since Roman times. Today, Capri is one of the most fashionable islands in the modern world. It is a must-visit stop for anyone traveling to Naples or the Amalfi Coast.

Its iconic Faraglioni sea stacks, the shimmering Blue Grotto, and the chic streets of Capri Town make it a dream destination for travelers from all over the world.

Some visitors come here for a few days’ rest, while others include Capri in their vacation as a day trip.

Either way, this guide is for you — a complete, step-by-step itinerary to help you make the most of one perfect day on Capri Island.

Let’s dive into the details!

Please note, this post may contain affiliate links.

Table of Contents

Capri Itinerary map

Capri One-Day Itinerary – At a Glance

Morning itinerary

Marina Grande – Arrival at Capri Island
Getting to Capri Town
Capri Town Walk – Piazzetta and Beyond
Giardini di Augusto & Via Krupp

Boat Tour Around The Island

Afternoon itinerary

Anacapri and Monte Solaro
Exploring Anacapri Town – Villa San Michele
Getting Back to Marina Grande

Capri One-Day Itinerary map

Capri Island One-Day Itinerary – At a Glance

Morning: Explore Capri Town

In the middle of the day: Boat tour around the island
Afternoon: Discover Anacapri and enjoy panoramic views from Monte Solaro

You can easily stretch this plan into two or three days if you want to take things slower and enjoy more time on the island.

Find your accommodation in Capri here.

If you’re wondering how to get to Capri Island — whether from Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast — I’ve gathered all the practical information you need in a separate guide.
Read my full post about how to reach Capri Island here.

There you’ll find ferry schedules, departure ports, ticket prices, and tips on the best time to visit.

Travel Easily to Capri

Capri is a true Mediterranean gem that can be easily reached by ferry from Naples, Sorrento, or even the Amalfi Coast. If you want to travel with peace of mind and secure your ticket in advance, I highly recommend using Ferryscanner.

Why choose Ferryscanner?
✔️ Easy search – compare all ferry routes and companies in one place
✔️ Flexible departure points – sail from Naples, Sorrento, or Positano
✔️ Secure and fast booking – your ticket arrives instantly by email

Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or staying for a longer holiday, Ferryscanner helps you reach Capri as smoothly and comfortably as possible.

Travel Easily to Capri

Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or staying for a longer holiday, Ferryscanner helps you reach Capri as smoothly and comfortably as possible.

Morning itinerary

Marina Grande – Arrival at Capri Island

Start your Capri Island adventure early in the morning by arriving at Marina Grande, the island’s main port.

As soon as you step off the ferry, you’ll likely be approached by representatives offering various boat tours around the island. Don’t worry — this is normal! Take their flyers, compare options, and if you already know which cruise you’d like to join, it’s best to book right away to secure your preferred time slot.

Getting to Capri Town

Your first stop should be Capri Town, perched high above the harbor.
You can reach it in three ways:

By funicular (just a few minutes)
On foot (about 15 minutes)
By local bus

The funicular station is to the right of the port, and you can buy your ticket (valid for both the bus and funicular) at the ticket booth opposite the entrance. Ticket price: €2.40 per ride. Check the latest schedules here.

Capri Town Walk – Piazzetta and Beyond

Once you reach Piazzetta, the lively main square of Capri Town, take a moment to soak up the atmosphere.

Check out the clock tower, the Santo Stefano Cathedral (just up the stairs from the square), and the Palazzo Cerio, one of the best-preserved medieval buildings on the island. Inside, you’ll find the Museo Ignazio Cerio, featuring exhibits about Capri’s natural history and wildlife.

From the Piazzetta, continue along Via Vittorio Emanuele, the island’s main shopping street. Here you’ll find the legendary Grand Hotel Quisisana, Capri’s only five-star hotel — originally built in the 19th century as a sanatorium.

Check availability at the Hotel Quisisana here.

Explore more Capri Island travel tips on my blog - Check it Now

Giardini di Augusto & Via Krupp

After passing the hotel, turn right onto Via Matteotti, leading you to the beautiful Giardini di Augusto (Gardens of Augustus). This terraced public park offers one of the best panoramic views of the Faraglioni Rocks, Marina Piccola, and the famous Via Krupp — a stunning zigzag path carved into the cliffside. After years of closure, Via Krupp finally reopened in 2023!
Entrance fee: €2.50 (free for children under 12).
Buy your ticket online here.

Take your time enjoying the views, then stroll back toward the Piazzetta via Via Ignazio Cerio and Via Camerelle, where you’ll pass luxury boutiques and designer stores.

If you still have some energy (and time), consider walking to Villa Jovis, about 2.2 km (30 minutes one way) from the square — or take a leisurely stroll along Via Krupp, now that it’s open again.

Boat Tour Around The Capri Island

Boat Tour Around Capri Island

After exploring Capri Town, make your way back down to Marina Grande — either on foot (about 15 minutes), by funicular, or by local bus.

Once you’re back at the port, it’s time for one of the absolute highlights of your day: a boat tour around Capri Island.
If you didn’t already book one earlier, you’ll find several companies offering nearly identical routes at similar prices. When choosing your time slot, make sure to leave some room for lunch before or after your cruise.

What You’ll See on the Boat Tour

If you choose the full island tour, you’ll get to see some of Capri Island’s most stunning spots — many of which can’t be reached on foot.
The boat makes a stop near the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), where small rowboats take visitors inside for an extra fee. On busy days, the line on the shore can be long, but from the tour boat, you’ll often get in much faster.

Highlights of the cruise include: Scugnizzo statue, Tiberius’ Leap, Coral Grotto and White Grotto, Natural Arch and Villa Malaparte, Faraglioni Rocks, Marina Piccola Bay, Siren’s Rock, Green Grotto, Punta Carena Lighthouse, Blue Grotto (optional entry)

Tip: Don’t forget to have lunch either before or after your cruise — there are several cozy restaurants and seaside cafés near Marina Grande where you can enjoy a classic Italian meal with a view.

Popular boat tours

Afternoon itinerary

Anacapri and Monte Solaro

After your boat tour, it’s time to head up to Anacapri, the quieter and more local side of Capri Island.
You can get there from Marina Grande by bus (around 15 minutes) or, if you’re feeling adventurous, take the historic Phoenician Steps (La Scala Fenicia) on foot — a steep, scenic staircase that connects the harbor to Anacapri. The hike takes about 1 hour (3 km), and if you plan to walk, it’s better to go uphill rather than down.

Monte Solaro Chairlift

Once you arrive in Anacapri, make your way to Piazza Vittoria, where you’ll find the departure point of the chairlift to Monte Solaro — the highest point on Capri Island.

This short ride (about 12 minutes) offers breathtaking views of the sea, the Faraglioni rocks, and the Sorrento Peninsula. The lift travels quite close to the ground, so even travelers with mild fear of heights usually feel comfortable taking it.

Tickets: €11 one-way / €14 round-trip
Visit the official chairlift website.

If you prefer hiking instead, a well-marked trail leads to the summit, about 2 km long. Keep in mind that this hike is best saved for a 2- or 3-day stay, as it might not fit into a one-day itinerary.

From the summit of Monte Solaro, you’ll enjoy the best panoramic views of Capri Island — from the sparkling sea to the rugged cliffs below. There’s also a small café where you can grab a drink or a gelato before heading back down.

Exploring Anacapri Town – Villa San Michele

After your Monte Solaro adventure, spend some time wandering through the charming streets of Anacapri.
This part of Capri Island feels more peaceful and authentic, with whitewashed houses, blooming bougainvillea, and artisan shops tucked away in narrow alleys.

Don’t miss Villa San Michele, the town’s most famous attraction. Built by Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe, the villa sits on the site of an ancient Roman villa and offers breathtaking views over the Gulf of Naples. Its lush gardens and marble statues make it one of the most enchanting spots on the island.

Visit the official Villa San Michele website.

Getting Back to Marina Grande

When you’re ready to return to the port, you can either walk back down to Marina Grande or take a bus from Anacapri.
If you choose the bus, you can buy your ticket at the pharmacy opposite the bus stop. Make sure to plan your return so you’re back at the harbor at least 10–15 minutes before your ferry departs.

Check current bus schedules here.

Extra Tip – Kayak Along Capri’s Coast

If you still have some energy left, consider ending your day with a bit of adventure! Join a guided kayak tour along Capri’s coastline — it’s a wonderful way to see the sea caves and hidden beaches up close.

Book your Capri kayaking experience here.

Final Thoughts

A one-day trip to Capri Island might sound short, but with good planning, you can experience the very best of this stunning island — from elegant Capri Town to scenic Anacapri, from the sparkling Faraglioni to the magical Blue Grotto.

Whether you come for a day or stay for a few nights, Capri will capture your heart with its timeless charm and unforgettable views.

Ready to start planning?

Find the best places to stay in Capri here.

Need help planning your trip?

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Here are my favourite sites to use when planning my trips:

Find your flight: Kiwi or use the airline’s direct website

Book your Hotel: Booking.com and Airbnb

Search for a rental car: Discovercars

Stay Connected Anywhere: Airalo eSIM

Book an unforgettable experiences: GetYourGuide

Source: Wandering Linda and https://www.capri.com
Photos: Wandering Linda
Affiliate Program: Please note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a small commission on sales generated through this website. This doesn’t increase the price of the service, so if you found my post useful, you’re welcome to start your booking from the link above. Thank you very much for your support!

Capri Island Day Trip: The Ultimate One-Day Itinerary