Compare Capri holidays

Though small, Capri has plenty to do. Dive into its simple but delicious cuisine. Mooch around its sparkling sea caves and Roman ruins. And should you need a bit of solitude, you can lose a few happy hours walking the island’s scenic coastal paths.

Grotta Azzurra

The Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) – a sea cave lit by an otherworldly blue light – is Capri’s most famous attraction. To see it, join a multi-stop boat tour from Marina Grande, which includes a transfer to a small rowing boat to access the cave.

Once inside, turn around to see the sunlight shining through the cave’s mouth, creating a beautiful blue shimmer on the water. For the best experience, visit outside summer when there are fewer tourists to contend with.

Food and drink

Capri’s cuisine is all about simple, fresh ingredients, including plenty of seafood.

Marinated anchovies or stuffed cuttlefish simmered in tomato sauce are great starters for most meals. But the real must is the island’s signature dish, ravioli alla Caprese – pasta parcels filled with caciotta (like ricotta), parmesan and fresh marjoram leaves, served with a tomato or butter sauce.

For something a little sweeter, keep your eyes peeled for Capri’s chocolate and almond cake. And you won’t leave any restaurant without being offered a taste of homemade limoncello.

Villa Jovis

Emperor Tiberius lived in Villa Jovis from its completion in 27 CE until his death in 37 CE. The views alone are worth the 45-minute uphill walk from Capri Town – especially from Salto di Tiberio, or Tiberius’s Leap, a clifftop from which the emperor’s enemies were allegedly thrown.

Wander around the hilltop ruins to learn how Roman engineers worked with the tricky multi-level site to build such a grand palace.

Seggiovia del Monte Solaro

Known simply as the seggiovia, this handy chairlift carries you from Anacapri to the top of Monte Solaro, the highest peak on the island.

The peaceful ride takes about 12 minutes, during which you’ll rise above private homes and lush scenery, with views across the Bay of Naples on a clear day. At the top, take in the view with an ice cream or a cold drink from the snack bar, before making the return journey.

The Pizzolungo walk

Probably the island’s most panoramic walk (and a great way to escape the crowds), the Pizzolungo is a coastal footpath hugging the southern edge of Capri.

From the central Piazzetta, head towards the Arco Naturale, a natural limestone arch. The trail then winds through woodlands, past pretty houses and villas, and finishes at the Belvedere di Via Tragara lookout, where you’ll get views of the iconic Faraglioni rocks.

From here, it’s a short stroll back to Capri centre. The whole adventure takes two to three hours.

There aren’t endless stretches of sand on the little island of Capri. Instead, there are cute swimming coves and private beach clubs with sun-loungers and parasols – ideal for pitching up for a full day under the Italian sun.

Marina Piccola

With views of the famous Faraglioni di Capri sea stacks, Marina Piccola has some of the most scenic public beaches on the island. This is a wonderful spot all year, as Monte Solaro shelters it from the elements.

Il Faro

Il Faro (the lighthouse) in Anacapri is a local favourite – slightly off the tourist radar and the perfect place to watch the sunset. There’s a public area as well as private beach clubs, such as Lido del Faro.

Piscina di Venere

The Piscina di Venere (Pool of Venus) is a small, quiet place you can access by boat or on foot. It’s a pebble beach, and a beautiful place to swim.

Marina Grande

The largest beach on Capri, Marina Grande is the first place you’ll see when arriving from the mainland. It’s pleasant for families as it’s easy to access and has safe swimming conditions.

Bagni Tiberio

About ten minutes’ walk from Marina Grande, Bagni Tiberio is a popular beach club amid the ruins of Palazzo a Mare, Emperor Tiberius’s summer villa. The club, open only between late-April and mid-September, has gozzo boats to hire, as well as a restaurant. It’s child friendly, too.

Family holidays

Capri is a wonderful destination for families, though perhaps best suited to older children, as you have to walk to get to most parts of the island.

For a family holiday to Capri, consider Anacapri, which has a public park and playground, or Capri Town, which is closer to beaches.

Staying close to Marina Grande is ideal if you imagine spending a lot of time playing in the water (it’s also conveniently close to the port). Le Ondine Beach Club caters for children, as does the nearby Bagni Tiberio. Wherever you stay, restaurants are welcoming children of all ages.

Cheap holidays

A cheap Capri holiday is more likely to be a ‘less expensive’ Capri holiday than a truly budget break. But one simple way to reduce the cost of your Capri holiday is to travel out of peak season – so avoid the European summer.

When you’ve arrived, there are plenty of free things to do on the island, from sunbathing on public beaches and people-watching in Capri Town’s Piazzetta to hiking the well-trodden paths along the Pizzolungo coast. You can also check out package holidays to Capri for potential savings.

Couples’ holidays

There are romantic getaways galore on Capri. Stroll along coastal paths and narrow town lanes, stopping for gelato or an espresso, and visit ancient ruins with sensational views – Villa Jovis is a superb addition to a delightful hike.

Or, wend your way together to tiny coves far from the hubbub. Some, like Piscina di Venere, require a bit of effort to reach, but are well worth it.

For extra luxury away from Capri’s summer crowds, book a suitably exclusive hotel to hide away together: Hotel Luna has views across the Faraglioni, and La Palma is a luxurious bolthole in Capri Town.

A weekend away

A couple of nights on Capri is enough time to soak up the essence of the island – stunning views and classic food, with a dash of ancient history. As it’s a tiny island, you can see most of the highlights in a weekend away.

Make sure you take a ride on the seggiovia cable car to Capri’s highest peak, then spend the rest of your time swimming in Capri’s clear waters, sipping cocktails on a terrace and enjoying a leisurely dinner of ravioli alla Caprese. You might even find a great deal on an off-season weekend Capri package holiday.

The best time to visit Capri is outside the peak summer, when crowds can make the island difficult to enjoy to its fullest. It’s also cheaper to visit at other times of the year – and September and October are still lovely and warm.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

The shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November) are the best times for a cheap Capri holiday. Hotel rates are highest over the summer, so it’s best to avoid this period. By travelling at other times, you also avoid the bulk of the crowds.

When should I go for the best weather?

The best weather is over summer, but the number of people visiting makes it a less joyful experience. You’re better off travelling after the holiday season when the conditions are still warm. September and October have average highs of 25C and 21C respectively.