South of the Bay of Naples lies Capri, an island known for its breathtaking beauty and rich history. Surrounded by the azure sea, Capri has attracted travellers from around the world for centuries – from emperors to artists. The island offers an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and luxury. But how do you get to Capri? And once you arrive at the picturesque harbor, Marina Grande, how do you get around on the island?
FERRIES
First of all. Capri is an island, and the only way to get here is by sea. There are ferries to Capri from Naples all year round. There are both small fast passenger ferries and car ferries, which take a little longer. As a tourist, you are not allowed to bring a car to Capri. We prefer the smaller ferries. Here you can sit back and enjoy the boat trip. The ferries also have basic catering on board.
In the summer season, you will have a wider selection of ferry routes to choose from. You can travel directly to Capri from Sorrento, Positano, and Ischia, and also onward to places like Amalfi and Procida. Tickets for the ferries can be purchased at the port before departure, where all the different ferry companies have their own ticket booths. We prefer to buy tickets in advance of the journey, as there are often queues at the ticket booths just before departures.
Tickets can also be purchased online. We use the website www.naplesbayferry.com to plan our trips, and here you can also buy tickets directly from the ferry companies. You will find a good overview of which ferry routes are in operation, and the ferry companies update regularly when new routes are introduced. If you search online for ferry tickets, many other sites will come up offering to sell you tickets for the ferries. Be cautious about using these, as the routes may be incorrect and you could end up paying more than the actual cost of the tickets.
MARINA GRANDE
All ferries arrive at Marina Grande on the northern side of Capri. Whether you are on a day visit to the island or heading to an accommodation for the night, there are several options available for continuing your journey from here.
Marina Grande is always busy like a bee. There are people, cars, fishermen, taxi boats and drivers to pick up their guests to hotels, and porters to carry their luggage. There are depositors to restaurants and boat companies that sell tours to caves and other sights. Everyone wants a bite of you before you disappear on your way to your destination on the island. It is loud with a lot of atmosphere. Welcome to Capri and her Marina Grande.
BUS
From the harbor, there are regular buses to the center of Capri. The buses are small, with some reserved for residents. There may be some queue, especially right after a ferry has disembarked all passengers. If you have a lot of luggage (more than a small backpack or small carry-on suitcase), taking the bus is a bad idea. Use the luggage porters located in the harbor. They arrange transport of luggage to the accommodations.
TAXI
At the harbor, you'll also find the legendary Capri taxis—large, spacious, and open-roofed. Taking one from the harbor to Capri town or your accommodation is an experience in itself. However, there might be a bit of a wait, especially right after the ferries arrive. Grab a seat on the pier or find a café, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and soon the lines will clear, and it’ll be your turn. Remember, if your accommodation is located within Capri town, the taxis won’t be able to drop you off at the door. Once you reach Capri, you’ll understand why.
FUNICOLARE
From Marina Grande, you can take the funicular to Piazza Umberto I. While there might be a queue right after the ferries arrive, it’s a scenic and convenient way to reach Capri town. Tickets are available at the booth near the entrance, with an additional fee for large suitcases. You will find schedules for the funicolar and the buses here. If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, consider using the luggage porter service for a hassle-free experience.
GETTING AROUND ON CAPRI
In the heart of Capri, the only way to get around is on foot — a piedi. The narrow streets are inaccessible to regular vehicles, with only small, specialized service vehicles like miniature ambulances and garbage trucks navigating the area. Beyond these, there is no car traffic in this part of the island. To access the main road, you’ll need to walk to Piazza Umberto I, where you can catch a taxi or bus to other parts of Capri. And that’s part of the charm — exploring Capri means strolling through its picturesque village on foot, immersing yourself in its beauty every step of the way.
ANACAPRI
The island of Capri is divided into two municipalities: Capri and Anacapri. Located on the western side of the island, Anacapri feels quieter and much more laid-back compared to Capri. We highly recommend exploring this part of the island, and we’ve written more here.
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