Things to Do in Capri: the Blue Grotto, Gardens of Augustus, Villa San Michele and Mount Solaro

Capri’s main sights are the Blue Grotto, a sea cave on the northwest coast, the Gardens of Augustus a few steps from the Piazzetta, and the chairlift up Mount Solaro from Anacapri. Villa San Michele and Villa Lysis fill out a first day.

At a glance

• Top sights to see first: Blue Grotto, Gardens of Augustus, Mount Solaro, Villa San Michele, Villa Lysis
• Main access: funicular from Marina Grande to the Piazzetta, bus from Marina Grande to Anacapri (20/25 minutes)
• Mount Solaro chairlift: 10 to 13 minutes, from the main square of Anacapri
• Villa San Michele hours: from 9:00 a.m. to one hour before sunset
• Garden walk: Gardens of Augustus, 6 minutes on foot from the Piazzetta

What are the best things to do in Capri?

The Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is a sea cave at sea level on the northwest coast of Capri, near Anacapri. Its address is Località Grotta Azzurra, Anacapri.

Island minibuses run from Anacapri to the Blue Grotto, so Anacapri is the base for the visit. Swimming into the cave is not allowed during visiting hours, so leave the swimsuit for the beaches.

The Gardens of Augustus

The Gardens of Augustus are a few steps from the Piazzetta of Capri. They look out over Marina Piccola, over Via Krupp and over the Faraglioni.

The walk from the Piazzetta takes 6 minutes, and the address is Viale Giacomo Matteotti 14. The gardens can only be reached on foot, so wear suitable footwear.

Mount Solaro and the chairlift

The chairlift leaves from the square in Anacapri and carries visitors to the top of Mount Solaro. It was inaugurated in 1952. At the summit there is a 360° panorama over the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrento Peninsula and the waters around the Faraglioni.

The ride takes between 10 and 13 minutes. For the way down, you can take the chairlift again or walk, passing the Hermitage of Cetrella. The descent on foot lasts about half an hour.

Villa San Michele

Villa San Michele in Anacapri was built by the Swedish doctor and writer Axel Munthe. It is now a house-museum open to the public. A tree-lined avenue leads to it from Piazza Vittoria.

Entry costs about 6 euros, and the villa opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes one hour before sunset. Sunset comes earlier in winter, so arrive well before that in the cooler months.

Villa Lysis

Villa Lysis, also known as Villa Fersen, was built in 1905 in Liberty style on a cliff overlooking the sea. It stands at Via Lo Capo 65.

The walk from the Piazzetta takes 45 minutes, and the villa can only be reached on foot. Wear suitable footwear, and plan the walk for the cooler part of the day.

When is the best time to visit Capri for sightseeing?

January is mild but wetter, with nine rainy days, so winter visits to villas and viewpoints need a rain jacket. By May the afternoons reach 76°F (24°C) and rain falls on only four days, which suits the walks to Villa Lysis and the Gardens of Augustus. July afternoons reach 89°F (32°C) with barely a rainy day, so start the climbs early.

Beaches and outdoor things to do in Capri

Capri is not an island of long sandy beaches. Its appeal lies in small coves, rocky platforms, bathing establishments and scenic access to the sea. Marina Piccola is among the island’s best-known places for swimming and sunbathing, and it has a view of the Faraglioni. Punta Carena is defined by its lighthouse and loved for its long hours of sunlight. The Blue Grotto is not a beach.

Away from the water, the Mount Solaro chairlift and the half-hour walk down past the Hermitage of Cetrella make a good outdoor outing. Wear shoes with grip for the descent.

A boat trip around Capri is described as one of the true highlights of a stay. The island tour passes the Faraglioni, the White Grotto, the bay of Marina Piccola and the Punta Carena lighthouse. A sunset boat outing is especially memorable.

• Marina Piccola: minibus from Capri or from Anacapri · swimming and sunbathing, with the Faraglioni in view · for swimmers who want the scenery
• Punta Carena: minibus from Anacapri · lighthouse and long hours of sunlight · for sun lovers

For a swim with the Faraglioni in view, choose Marina Piccola. Punta Carena is loved for its long hours of sunlight, and its lighthouse is its landmark.

Day trips from Capri

Trips on Capri are short hops between its two centers. From Marina Grande a bus runs direct to Anacapri in 20/25 minutes, and the funicular reaches the Piazzetta di Capri in 4 minutes for about €2.40. Island minibuses also serve Capri to Marina Piccola, Anacapri to the Blue Grotto and Anacapri to the Punta Carena lighthouse. For planning, the island tourist office offers a one-day itinerary and a three-day itinerary.

• Anacapri and Monte Solaro: bus from Marina Grande in 20/25 minutes, then the chairlift for 10 to 13 minutes · by bus and lift · for views of the Gulf of Naples
• Gardens of Augustus: 6 minutes on foot from the Piazzetta · on foot · for a short outing
• Boat tour of the island: sea trip past the Faraglioni and the White Grotto · by boat · for seeing the coast

With one day, pair the Gardens of Augustus near the Piazzetta with Anacapri. With three days, add the boat tour and the longer walk to Villa Lysis.

Things to do in Capri with kids

The Mount Solaro chairlift is an easy win with children. The ride lasts 10 to 13 minutes, and at the top there is a 360° panorama. A boat trip around the island, or a sunset outing on the water, gives them the Faraglioni and the coast from the sea.

For short legs, the Gardens of Augustus are 6 minutes on foot from the Piazzetta. The Giardini della Flora Caprense are a few steps from the center of Capri, and entry is paid. You can reach them on foot or by taxi or minibus to the top of Monte Tiberio. Villa Lysis is a 45-minute walk from the Piazzetta, so wear suitable footwear and save it for older children.