Summary: If you are looking for a half-day trip from Naples, then visiting Capri island is an excellent option. Capri, located south of Naples, is a picturesque island with stunning coastlines, ancient ruins, and breathtaking views. You can visit the island by ferry and experience its beauty in just half a day. Here is everything you need to know about planning a half-day trip to Capri from Naples.
1. Ferry Ride to Capri Island
The easiest and most convenient way to reach Capri Island is by taking a ferry ride from Naples. The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes, offering beautiful views of the Bay of Naples, the Vesuvius volcano, and the Gulf of Salerno. Ferries depart from three locations in Naples – Molo Beverello, Calata di Massa, and Pozzuoli – and arrive at Marina Grande, the main port on Capri Island.
You can choose between several companies operating ferries to Capri, such as SNAV, Caremar, and NLG. We recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance to avoid waiting in long lines. You can easily book online or visit one of the ticket offices near the port. The cost of a one-way ticket is around €20 per person, and round trip tickets are available too.
Once you arrive at Marina Grande, you have several options for exploring the island. You can take a funicular up to the town of Capri or Anacapri, hire a private boat tour, or explore the island on foot.
2. Exploring the Town of Capri
The town of Capri is the center of the island’s tourist activity. It is a picturesque town with whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and lively piazzas. Once you arrive in the town of Capri, take a funicular up to Piazza Umberto I (also known as La Piazzetta), the main square of the town.
Here, you can stroll around the luxury boutiques, savor traditional Italian gelato, and enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. From the piazza, you can also visit the famous Church of Santo Stefano and Villa San Michele, the historic home of Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe that is now a museum.
If you have some time to spare, take a walk down to the Gardens of Augustus, a beautiful botanical garden overlooking the sea with fragrant flowers, shady pine trees, and panoramic views of the Faraglioni rocks.
3. Visiting the Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is one of the most popular tourist attractions on Capri Island. It is a natural sea cave located on the northwest coast of the island, characterized by its clear blue water, iridescent reflections, and unique acoustic effects.
To visit the Blue Grotto, you need to hire a small boat operated by a local guide. The boat will take you to the entrance of the grotto, where you will need to lie flat on the boat to fit through the narrow entrance tunnel. Once inside the grotto, you will be amazed by the surreal blue light that permeates the cave walls and water.
Note that the Blue Grotto is only accessible during calm sea conditions, and there may be a long line of boats waiting to enter. It is also a popular attraction, so we recommend arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
4. Hiking the Capri Trail
The Capri Trail (also known as the Path of Forts) is a scenic hiking trail that stretches along the coast of Capri Island, from Marina Grande to Punta Carena. It covers a distance of around 7 km (4.3 miles) and takes about 3-4 hours to complete.
The trail offers breathtaking views of the sea, the cliffs, and the countryside, as well as access to historic fortifications, such as the Fortino di Sant’Antonio and the Faro di Punta Carena lighthouse. Along the way, you can also stop at several beaches, such as Marina Piccola, for a refreshing swim or picnic.
To hike the Capri Trail, you need a good level of fitness and adequate hiking gear (such as comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and water). We recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the heat and bring a map or use a GPS device to navigate the trail.
5. Enjoying Local Cuisine
If you are a foodie, then Capri Island is a paradise for you. The island boasts a rich culinary tradition, based on fresh seafood, island-grown vegetables, and aromatic herbs, such as basil and oregano.
You can find many restaurants and trattorias on the island that offer authentic Caprese cuisine, such as Caprese salad (made with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil), Spaghetti alle Vongole (spaghetti with clams), grilled fish, and lemon cake. You can also try local specialty products, such as Limoncello (lemon liqueur) and Caprese sandals.
We recommend researching beforehand to find the best restaurants and local producers on the island and make reservations in advance to secure a table, especially during peak tourist season.
Conclusion:
If you are short on time and want to experience the beauty of Capri Island, then a half-day trip from Naples is an excellent choice. With easy access by ferry, you can explore the town of Capri, visit the Blue Grotto, hike the Capri Trail, and savor local cuisine in just a few hours. Make sure to plan your trip in advance, book your ferry tickets, and bring comfortable shoes and sunscreen to fully enjoy the island’s charm.
Lastly, don’t forget to take pictures and capture memories that will last a lifetime.
