Itineraries for Your Trip to Capri
2 Days in Capri for First Timers
If there’s an Italian island that inspires the traveler’s imagination more than Capri, I’ve yet to find it. The smallest of the Bay of Naples’ (Golfo di Napoli) three islands (Ischia and Procida round out the trifecta), Capri has outsized glamor—it’s all bougainvillea-draped villas framing unreal sea views and shopping fit for the A-listers who park their yachts in the diminutive harbor.
But that doesn’t mean Capri doesn’t offer quiet moments or broader appeal. Two days in Capri are enough to see what the fuss is about—and a little more, from scenic hiking trails to the Villa Jovis and museum-like Villa San Michele. Follow this itinerary to experience both sides of the multifaceted jewel of an island.
If you only have time for one thing, make it viewing the Faraglioni sea stacks from the Gardens of Augustus.
Capri is breezy but warm—during summer and early fall it’s almost always beach weather, or hotter.
Capri is a top day-trip destination from Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast—during summer, tourist throngs ferry over in the morning and stay long enough to visit the main sights and return to the mainland for a late dinner. Since you’re visiting for longer, you can opt for a morning at sea to avoid the crowds. Better yet, stop for a swim and visit the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra).
In the afternoon, head to Capri’s two towns: central Capri town and Anacapri. Walking tours cover lovely landmarks and monuments, from the Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto), with their famous scenic terraces overlooking the Faraglioni sea stacks, to the Piazzetta di Capri, where visitors stop for an espresso before exploring cute lanes lined with boutique shops. If you’d like, summit Monte Solaro for sweeping views.
Capri during sunset is one of the most romantic places in Italy. When the day-trippers head home for the evening, take advantage of the beautiful atmosphere and relative peace and quiet. Sip on an aperitif in the Piazzetta, dine in a waterfront restaurant, or, better yet, drink your aperitif on a traditional gozzo boat on a sunset cruise around the island, and stop for an evening swim along the way.
This morning, head to the Amalfi Coast. Two full days in Capri is enough time to take a boat or sailing tour to the UNESCO–listed area. Join a private boat tour to see dazzling highlights—with a half-day tour or longer, you can snorkel and swim near the Li Galli (Sirenuse) islets and visit the seaside village of Positano, known as the jewel of the Amalfi Coast.
After your sail, take a foodie detour in Sorrento before returning to Capri. Lying just a few miles from Capri, Sorrento has a rich cuisine centered on the impossibly large lemons grown in its citrus groves. Taste the bounty on a private walking tour that helps you sample everything from limoncello liqueur to lemon desserts and gnocchi alla Sorrentina.
On your final evening, head back to Capri and take a cooking class. It’s the best way to meet locals, as sometimes the classes are held in their homes. You’ll leave with a recipe or two to bring home and relive your two days in one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy.
