Off the coast of Amalfi, surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea is the Isle of Capri. With a population of 12,200 people and natural wonders around every corner, Capri has quickly become one of the most-visited parts of Italy.
While visiting Capri, it can be tough to know where to stay in the Amalfi Coast for the best experiences without all the crowds. After all, the New York Times noted in 2019 that 2.3 million tourists visit Capri every single year and crowds can be a real problem. Staying in villages with fewer people can make a trip to Capri all the better, but once tourists reach Capri, it's best to know what to expect instead of touring blindly. Planning ahead of time will make a trip to Capri one of the best experiences of a lifetime. To do it right, keep scrolling for everything a tourist needs to know.
10 First Things First: Book A Ferry To Capril In Advance
Some travelers are planners while others are more spontaneous, but when it comes to Capri, planning ahead is essential. There are a few different ferries that can take a person to and from Capri — it just depends on where a tourist is departing from. But wherever a person is staying, be sure to book ferry tickets in advance. Ferries can book up for the entire day by morning if a tourist doesn't work fast enough.
9 Beware Of Plastic Goods
With Capri being so dense, the island is strict with its rules. In May of 2019, the island went a step further and prohibited tourists from bringing anything plastic to the island. To protect the island and the ocean surrounding it, anyone caught carrying a plastic bag or using plastic cutlery will be fined €500. So, when traveling to Capri, bring a backpack or reusable bag for shopping.
8 Dive Into A Limoncello Slushie
Real limoncello is made by pulverizing lemon peels and storing them until it becomes a natural liqueur. Over the years, the limoncello recipe has been perfected but it originated on the Island of Capri.
A woman Native to Capri, Vincenza Canale, used fresh lemons growing from the island and made the drink for its refreshing digestive properties as an after-dinner drink. On the island, you can grab limoncello anywhere — even in slushie form!
7 The Island Is Divided Into Two Municipalities
When researching the Isle of Capri, tourists will find that the island is actually divided into two municipalities: Capri and Anacapri. Capri is with the famous Piazzetta and marina where most boats and ferries will arrive at. While Anacapri is less noisy as it's higher in elevation with Mount Solaro. Before going to Capri, ask yourself which part of the island is worth exploring: shops and restaurants or raw beauty in the hills.
6 Don't Have Walking Shoes? Grab A Mini Bus
Capri may be small in size but it can be vast due to its two towns on the island. If hiking from one side to the other isn't on the Capri plan of attack, tourists can hop on a miniature bus that takes them from stop to stop.
The busses are smaller in size to accommodate the island's narrow roads, so it's important to remember there could be long lines if visiting in the busy months.
5 The Marina Is Gorgeous But The View From Above Is Where It's At
Marina Grande is the main port where all boats and ferries arrive. When arriving in Capri on a ferry, it's the first thing that will catch your eye with all the glorious colors of the island.
While Marina Grande is stunning, tourists can walk up to the center of Capri (or Capri Town) or they can take a funicular or ski-lift to the top to skip all the stairs! It's there that tourists will have the best views (and the best shopping).
4 You Have To Grab Gelato From Buonocore Gelateria
Limoncello isn't the only thing worth eating when visiting Capri — gelato comes in a close second! Buonocore Gelateria Pasticceria Gastronomia e Tavola Calda is a 15-minute walk from Marina Grande and has rave reviews from locals and tourists alike.
With fresh waffle cones and handmade gelato, tourists can roam happily. They also have fresh Italian baked goods and coffees for a pick-me-up!
3 Sniff A Perfume Made On The Island
Did you know Capri has its own scent? Filled with flowers and lemon trees, it's easy to see how its locals wanted to encapsulate the essence of their island. Called Carthusia, tourists can enter any shop on Capri and learn more about the scent and how it was created. If booking a tour on Capri, the history of Carthusia will definitely be told in detail (and where to buy some for yourself!)
2 The Blue Grotto Is Best In The Off Months
Visiting the Blue Grotto is one of the things that draws so many people to Capri. Tourists can rent a boat or join a tour where they can see the Blue Grotto's gorgeous light for themselves.
Sadly, due to how small the entrance to the Grotto is, boats line up for their chance to enter and exit the grotto safely. Visiting the Blue Grotto in the off-months will give tourists more time and space, just make sure the boats are still running!
1 Get Lost In The Gardens of Augustus
Similar to how the Amalfi Coast has the Path of the Gods, Capri has its own gorgeous green-scape: Gardens of Augustus. Also known as Krupp Gardens, they are Capri's botanical gardens.
With flowers in bloom, there are cutouts throughout the gardens so hikers can have amazing views of the ocean and even Mount Salaro. It's a wonderful place to soak in the natural side of Capri.