What to see in Capri in 2 days: itinerary through grottoes, gardens and breathtaking views

Why visit Capri in 2 days

Capri conjures images of jet-setters and luxury, but beyond the glamorous facade lies an island of wild trails, forgotten Roman ruins and corners where silence reigns. Two days let you experience both sides of the island: the worldly Piazzetta and the secret lanes between lemon groves.

Day 1: Capri centre and the Faraglioni

Morning - The Piazzetta and the Gardens of Augustus

After landing at Marina Grande harbour, take the funicular up to the Piazzetta, the most famous drawing room of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a coffee watching the world go by, then head to the Gardens of Augustus: flowering terraces with a dizzying view over Via Krupp and the Faraglioni. Entry costs just a few euros and is worth every cent.

From here descend Via Krupp, the switchback road carved into the rock by German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp in 1902. When open, it is a spectacular walk down to Marina Piccola.

Afternoon - Marina Piccola and the Faraglioni

Marina Piccola is the island's most beautiful beach, split by the Scoglio delle Sirene. Choose a beach club or the free rocks for a swim in the turquoise waters. From here you can admire the unmistakable silhouette of the three Faraglioni.

For a unique experience, hire a traditional gozzo boat from the port and circumnavigate the island: you will pass under the natural arch of the Faraglione di Mezzo and discover grottoes accessible only from the sea.

Evening

Head back up to the Piazzetta for a sunset aperitivo. Dine in a trattoria in the alleys behind the square: avoid the restaurants with a view, often overpriced and touristy, and seek the more discreet signs where fresh catch of the day is served.

Day 2: Anacapri and the Blue Grotto

Morning - Blue Grotto

Set off early for the Blue Grotto, reachable by bus to the junction and then by small rowing boat. The sea-level entrance, ducking under the rock in a tiny craft, is already an adventure. Inside, light filtered through the water creates an unreal electric blue. Arrive before 9 a.m. to avoid queues.

Afternoon - Anacapri and Monte Solaro

Head up to Anacapri, the island's upper village, less chaotic and more authentic than Capri centre. Visit Villa San Michele, the home of Swedish writer Axel Munthe, with gardens overlooking the Bay of Naples. The Egyptian sphinx on the balustrade is one of the island's most photographed subjects.

Take the chairlift to Monte Solaro (589 m), the highest point on Capri. At the summit the 360-degree panorama embraces Vesuvius, the Amalfi Coast, Ischia and on clear days even Ponza. The descent on foot through the Cetrella forest is a hidden trail few tourists know: the small fourteenth-century hermitage deserves a stop.

Hidden gems

Before heading back, seek out the Arco Naturale on the island's eastern side: a rock bridge suspended over the void, reachable with a 20-minute walk from Capri centre. Just beyond, the Grotta di Matermania was a Roman place of worship and today is an atmospheric, little-visited cavern.

Evening

Final dinner in Anacapri, where prices are more contained. Try the torta caprese (chocolate and almond cake, flour-free) and artisanal limoncello. Return to the port by evening bus for the last hydrofoil.

Practical tips

• **When to go:** April-May and September-October; July-August is very crowded
• **Ferries:** from Naples Beverello (45 min hydrofoil) or from Sorrento (20 min)
• **Luggage:** leave suitcases at the port luggage deposit, the alleys have many steps
• **Budget:** Capri is expensive; bring water and snacks for the trails
• **Blue Grotto:** closed in rough sea; check on the morning itself
• **Shoes:** rocky trails require sturdy soles

Discover more

• Where to stay in Capri
• What to see in Capri in 2 days
• Where to eat in Capri
• How to get to Capri