RU 
ES 
FR 
EN 
IT 
Few places in Italy capture the imagination quite like Capri. Rising from the blue waters of the Gulf of Naples, the island has inspired writers, artists and travellers for centuries with its dramatic cliffs, elegant piazzas and breathtaking sea views.
The good news is that you don't need to spend several days on the island to appreciate its beauty. If you're staying in Naples, Capri is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can take.
One of the advantages of staying at Hotel Il Convento is its location in the heart of the Spanish Quarter, just a pleasant walk from Molo Beverello, where most ferries and hydrofoils depart. That means you can leave early, make the most of your day and return to Naples in time to enjoy an evening stroll through Via Toledo or dinner in the historic centre.
This guide explains everything you need to know before setting off: how to reach Capri, whether to choose the ferry or the hydrofoil, what to see in one day and a few practical tips that can make your visit far more enjoyable.
| Capri Day Trip at a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Departure Port | Molo Beverello, Naples |
| Walking Time from Hotel Il Convento | Approximately 15 minutes |
| Crossing Time | 50–60 minutes |
| Ideal Duration | One full day |
| Best Time to Visit | April to June and September |
| Difficulty | Easy, but expect plenty of walking |
Is Capri Worth Visiting on a Day Trip?
Absolutely.
Although spending a night on the island allows you to experience its quieter side after the last ferries leave, a well-planned day trip is enough to discover why Capri has become one of Italy's most famous destinations.
The key is not trying to see everything.
Many visitors rush from one attraction to another, spending more time looking at maps than enjoying the island itself. Capri rewards a slower pace. Sitting in the Piazzetta with a coffee, walking through quiet streets lined with white houses or simply admiring the Faraglioni from a panoramic terrace often becomes more memorable than ticking attractions off a list.
If this is your first visit, focus on experiencing the atmosphere rather than trying to explore every corner of the island.
Where Is Capri?
Capri lies around 17 kilometres (10 miles) south of Naples, at the entrance to the Gulf of Naples.
On clear days, the island is clearly visible from the city's waterfront and even from several viewpoints around Naples, including Castel Sant'Elmo.
The island is divided into two municipalities:
- Capri, home to the famous Piazzetta, luxury boutiques and the Gardens of Augustus.
- Anacapri, located higher on the island, where life moves at a slower pace and visitors often discover a more authentic atmosphere.
Both are worth visiting, even if you only have one day.
How to Get to Capri from Hotel Il Convento
One of the advantages of staying at Hotel Il Convento is how easy it is to reach Naples' main ferry terminal without needing public transport.
Leave the hotel and walk towards Via Toledo. Continue in the direction of Piazza Municipio, passing the magnificent Gallerie d'Italia building. Within about fifteen minutes you'll arrive at Molo Beverello, the city's principal departure point for ferries and hydrofoils to Capri.
The walk itself is enjoyable, taking you through one of Naples' liveliest areas before opening onto the waterfront.
If you have time before boarding, it's worth arriving a little early. Watching ferries come and go while Mount Vesuvius dominates the skyline is part of the experience.
Planning to explore Naples before or after your excursion? Via Toledo and the Spanish Quarter are both within easy walking distance of the port, making it simple to combine a day on Capri with an evening discovering the city's historic centre.
Ferry or Hydrofoil: Which Should You Choose?
Both options connect Naples with Capri several times a day, but they offer slightly different experiences.
The hydrofoil is the fastest option, usually reaching Capri in around 50 minutes. It is ideal if you want to maximise your time on the island.
The ferry is slightly slower, but many travellers actually prefer it. Larger outdoor decks allow you to enjoy spectacular views of Naples gradually disappearing behind you while Capri slowly comes into view across the Gulf.
If weather conditions are good, the journey itself becomes part of the excursion.
Local tip: if your schedule allows, consider taking the ferry to Capri for the outward journey and the hydrofoil back to Naples. This combination gives you both the panoramic experience and the faster return at the end of the day.
Before You Leave: Five Practical Tips
- Book your tickets in advance during spring and summer, especially at weekends.
- Check the weather forecast before travelling. Rough seas can occasionally cause delays or cancellations.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. Capri is far hillier than many visitors expect.
- Carry a reusable bottle of water, particularly during the warmer months.
- Aim to catch one of the earliest departures from Naples. You'll enjoy a quieter island before the largest crowds arrive.
With a little planning, your day trip can feel surprisingly relaxed, even during the busiest season.
How Much Does a Day Trip to Capri Cost?
Capri has long been associated with elegance and luxury, so it's fair to say that prices are generally higher than in Naples.
Your total budget will depend on the experiences you choose. Ferry tickets, local transport, entrance fees and lunch can vary considerably, but visiting the island doesn't necessarily require a luxury budget.
Many travellers enjoy Capri simply by wandering its streets, admiring the panoramic viewpoints and stopping at a local café. Some of the island's most memorable moments are completely free.
Rather than trying to save money on every detail, it's worth planning your day carefully and choosing one or two experiences you'll genuinely remember.
What to See in Capri
One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is trying to see everything. Capri may be a small island, but it offers far more than most people expect. Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, choose a handful of places and allow yourself time to enjoy them.
If this is your first visit, focus on Capri town in the morning, then spend the afternoon exploring Anacapri before returning to the port. This itinerary lets you experience both the island's glamorous side and its quieter, more authentic character.
The Piazzetta: The Heart of Capri
Officially called Piazza Umberto I, the Piazzetta has long been considered the island's living room.
It is surprisingly small. Many visitors arrive expecting a large square, only to discover an intimate space surrounded by cafés, elegant buildings and narrow streets leading in every direction.
The atmosphere changes throughout the day. Early in the morning, shopkeepers prepare for another busy day while locals stop for a quick espresso. By lunchtime, visitors from all over the world fill the terraces, and in the evening the square becomes one of the most elegant meeting places in Italy.
Even if you don't stop for a drink, spend a few minutes simply watching the island come to life. Capri has always been as much about people as it is about landscapes.
The Gardens of Augustus
Just a short walk from the Piazzetta are the Gardens of Augustus, one of the island's most spectacular viewpoints.
Beautiful flowerbeds frame a panorama that has become one of the symbols of Capri: the Faraglioni rising from the sea and, below, the famous curves of Via Krupp carved into the cliffside.
Photographs never quite capture the scale of the scenery. Standing here, with the Mediterranean stretching endlessly towards the horizon, it's easy to understand why generations of artists and writers fell in love with the island.
This is also an excellent place to take a short break before continuing your walk.
The Faraglioni
No image is more closely associated with Capri than the Faraglioni.
These three towering sea stacks have become the island's unmistakable symbol, appearing on postcards, travel magazines and films for decades.
Although the view from the Gardens of Augustus is magnificent, seeing the Faraglioni from the sea is an entirely different experience.
If your schedule allows, consider joining one of the short boat tours departing from Marina Grande. Sailing beneath the dramatic cliffs and passing through the natural arch of the Faraglione di Mezzo offers a completely different perspective on the island.
Even travellers who usually avoid organised excursions often describe this boat trip as one of the highlights of their visit.
Via Camerelle
From the Piazzetta, a pleasant walk leads to Via Camerelle, Capri's most famous shopping street.
Here you'll find luxury boutiques, elegant cafés and beautifully maintained buildings that reflect the sophisticated image for which Capri has become internationally known.
There's no need to be interested in designer fashion to enjoy the area. Walking along the street, admiring its architecture and people-watching from a shaded bench are all part of the experience.
Luxury has always been part of Capri's identity, but it never overshadows the island's natural beauty.
Don't Stop at Capri Town
Many day-trippers never venture beyond the Piazzetta.
That is probably the biggest mistake you can make.
Only a short bus ride away lies Anacapri, a village that feels remarkably different despite being on the same island.
The pace is slower, the streets quieter and the atmosphere more relaxed. Whitewashed houses, flower-filled balconies and peaceful squares replace the bustle of Capri town.
For many travellers, Anacapri becomes their favourite part of the island.
Mount Solaro
If you only choose one attraction in Anacapri, make it Mount Solaro.
A charming single-seat chairlift carries visitors gently to the highest point on the island. The journey itself is part of the attraction, floating silently above gardens, vineyards and lemon trees before reaching the summit.
From the top, the views are extraordinary.
On clear days, you can admire the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, the Sorrento Peninsula and, in the distance, even sections of the Amalfi Coast.
It's one of those places where photographs struggle to convey the true sense of space.
Allow yourself a little time at the summit. Order a coffee, sit on the terrace and simply enjoy the landscape.
Villa San Michele
Another reason to visit Anacapri is Villa San Michele, the former home of Swedish physician and writer Axel Munthe.
Built on the ruins of an ancient Roman villa, the house combines elegant architecture, archaeological artefacts and beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the sea.
Unlike some of Capri's busier attractions, Villa San Michele offers a peaceful atmosphere that invites visitors to slow down.
Its terraces provide some of the finest panoramic views on the island, while the gardens create an almost meditative setting.
For travellers interested in history, literature or architecture, this is one of Capri's most rewarding places to visit.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Capri?
Capri is beautiful throughout the year, but the experience changes considerably with the seasons.
Spring and early autumn are generally considered the best times to visit. Between April and June, and again in September, temperatures are pleasant, flowers are in bloom and the island is noticeably less crowded than during the height of summer.
July and August offer long sunny days and crystal-clear water, but they also bring larger crowds, longer queues and higher prices.
Whenever you visit, try to arrive early in the morning. The first few hours of the day reveal a quieter, more authentic Capri—before the busiest ferries arrive from the mainland.
It's a completely different atmosphere from the one most visitors experience.
A Suggested One-Day Itinerary
If you're visiting Capri for the first time, this itinerary offers a balanced mix of iconic sights and quieter corners of the island without feeling rushed.
| Time | Suggested Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:00 | Walk from Hotel Il Convento to Molo Beverello and board an early ferry or hydrofoil. |
| 09:00 | Arrive at Marina Grande and travel to Capri town. |
| 09:30 | Enjoy a relaxed walk through the Piazzetta and surrounding streets. |
| 10:30 | Visit the Gardens of Augustus and admire the Faraglioni. |
| 12:00 | Travel to Anacapri. |
| 12:30 | Lunch in Anacapri. |
| 14:00 | Take the chairlift to Mount Solaro. |
| 15:30 | Visit Villa San Michele. |
| 17:00 | Return to Marina Grande. |
| 18:00 | Hydrofoil back to Naples. |
This schedule leaves enough flexibility to stop for a coffee, browse local shops or simply enjoy the island without constantly checking the time.
Where to Eat in Capri
Capri offers everything from simple cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants. As you might expect, prices reflect the island's international reputation, particularly around the Piazzetta.
If you're looking for a quieter lunch, Anacapri is often a better choice. The atmosphere is more relaxed, and you'll usually find traditional restaurants tucked away along peaceful streets rather than beside the busiest tourist routes.
If you'd rather spend your day exploring than sitting down for a long meal, consider buying sandwiches, fresh mozzarella or local specialities before leaving Marina Grande. Many visitors enjoy a simple picnic while taking in one of Capri's spectacular viewpoints.
Sometimes the best lunch comes with the best view.
Practical Tips for Visiting Capri
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Capri's streets are charming but often steep and uneven.
- Carry water, especially between May and September.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat during the warmer months.
- Book your return ferry in advance if you're travelling during weekends or public holidays.
- Allow extra time before departure, as queues at Marina Grande can become quite long in the afternoon.
- If you plan to visit the Blue Grotto, check sea conditions before setting off, as access depends entirely on the weather.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most visitors enjoy Capri, but a little planning can make the experience much more rewarding.
Here are a few common mistakes worth avoiding:
- Arriving late in the morning. The island becomes considerably busier after the first wave of ferries.
- Skipping Anacapri. Many visitors never venture beyond Capri town, missing one of the island's most charming areas.
- Trying to see everything. Capri is best experienced slowly rather than as a checklist of attractions.
- Wearing unsuitable footwear. Elegant sandals may look perfect in photographs but are not ideal for a day of walking.
- Forgetting to check the weather. Strong winds or rough seas occasionally affect ferry services.
Returning to Naples
After a day surrounded by the sea, arriving back in Naples feels like discovering another side of southern Italy.
From Molo Beverello it's an easy walk back towards Via Toledo and the Spanish Quarter, where the evening atmosphere is completely different from that of Capri. Streets fill with people, cafés become lively and the scent of Neapolitan cuisine drifts through the narrow alleys.
If you still have some energy, it's the perfect opportunity to continue exploring the city. A walk along Via Toledo, a visit to the Spanish Quarter or a traditional Neapolitan dinner are wonderful ways to end the day.
And if you're planning more excursions during your stay, our guides to the Naples Funiculars and the Pedamentina di San Martino offer two of the city's most rewarding walking experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Capri in one day?
Yes. While spending a night on the island offers a quieter experience, a well-planned day trip is enough to see its main attractions and enjoy its unique atmosphere.
How long is the ferry from Naples to Capri?
Most hydrofoils take around 50 minutes, while traditional ferries usually take about one hour.
Is Capri expensive?
Capri is generally more expensive than Naples, particularly for restaurants and shopping. However, many of its finest views and walking routes can be enjoyed free of charge.
Should I visit Capri or Anacapri?
If possible, visit both. Capri offers the island's iconic atmosphere, while Anacapri provides a quieter and more authentic experience.
What is the best month to visit Capri?
April, May, June and September usually offer the best balance between pleasant weather and manageable visitor numbers.
Capri Is More Than a Destination
Capri has been attracting travellers for centuries, yet its greatest charm remains surprisingly simple.
It's found in the changing colours of the sea, the scent of lemon trees, the quiet streets of Anacapri and the moments when you pause to admire the horizon instead of rushing to the next attraction.
If you approach the island with curiosity rather than a checklist, you'll discover that its beauty lies not only in its famous landmarks but also in the slower rhythm of everyday life.
Perhaps that's why so many visitors leave already planning to return.
