Many tourists visiting Italy often wonder is Capri worth visiting?
This island, located off the coast of Naples is popular among visitors to the country but what does it have to offer?
Is it as good as people make out?
This article will go into the reasons for and against visiting Capri to help you decide if it’s worth it.
Capri Island Location
Capri is a famous island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Take a closer look at the location of this amazing travel destination.
The reasons why you should visit Capri
Capri is known as a top destination for celebrities who love its beauty, views, beaches, and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Here are some reasons why people love this place.
It’s great for shopping
The rich and famous love Capri because it is awash with high-end stores and local luxury boutiques that sell handmade designs.
There’s everything from original souvenirs to luxury brands. If you love shopping, you’ll love Capri.
There’s fantastic food
Italy is already well-known for its outstanding cuisine and Capri is no different.
Here, you’ll find a great range of top restaurants serving delicious pasta, fresh seafood, and much more.
You might have eaten a Caprese Salad before, well, this dish originates here so you need to try it out on the island itself.
A great place to do this is Da Paolino whose fresh salads are served among citrus groves.
There’s no doubt about it, Capri is a culinary hotspot. Its Michelin-starred Restaurant II Riccio has even featured on TV.
This seafood bistro overlooks the Blue Grotto on the island’s northern side and has a rich menu of sea scallops and tuna tartar, among other delights.
If you love pizza, Materita Pizzeria is full of Romana crusts with buffalo mozzarella on top.
There’s so much to do and explore
If you like being active when visiting new places, Capri won’t disappoint.
There is a huge range of different activities, including exploring the island, visiting monuments, hiking, and swimming.
Here are some more things you can do:
- See the island by boat
- Explore the Blue Grotto
- Go shopping in town
- Chill out at Marina Piccola Beach
- See the stunning views up Monte Solaro – and get there via the funicular
- Take a hike to Villa Jovis
- Try out the limoncello
- Take a walk through the Gardens of Augustus
- See the San Michele Chapel
Exploring the Blue Grotto
This is one of the main Capri attractions.
It is a cave engulfed with beautiful blue water. You can take a boat for a tour, and you’ll be guided by underwater lights.
Together, the cave walls and blue waters are simply stunning.
In order to get to Blue Grotto, you’ll have to get on a boat tour that takes you to the cave entrance.
Then, you get on a smaller boat that will take you inside to see the walls and waters.
In the height of summer, you’ll probably have to queue to get into the Blue Grotto and if it’s really busy, this might take between one and two hours.
Explore the island by boat
If you like boats, you’ll love seeing the island on a boat tour. Many tours allow snorkeling as well as sunbathing on deck.
Villa Jovis
If you’re into architecture, Villa Jovis is not to be missed.
It’s a fine example of well-preserved high-class Roman architecture and was built almost 2000 years ago by Tiberius in 27 AD.
Though it’s now a shadow of its former self, you’re still able to wander the court rooms and slave quarters and try to imagine how life was 2000 years ago.
The views are stunning
There’s no denying it, Capri has stunning views.
The island is awash with beautiful coasts, cliffs, and picturesque buildings. It’s certainly an Insta-worthy trip.
It’s great for celeb spotting
You’re likely to see a celebrity or two here.
Capri has always been a retreat for artists and writers.
There are huge numbers of five-star establishments to go with the five-star restaurants.
Some of the most prestigious hotels are:
- the Capri Palace Jumeirah with its infinity pools, massage rooms al fresco and grand suites
- Capri Tiberio Palace, a 19th-century mansion
- and Hotel Punta Tragara with its sea views and chic suites
Reasons not to visit Capri
Like every place on earth, there will always be some downsides and reasons not to go.
Here are some considerations.
It’s expensive
For anyone on a tight budget, Capri is not going to be suitable.
It is known for how expensive it is. Everything from drinks, meals, hotels, and excursions are all more expensive here compared to most places in Italy.
You’ll also have to pay to get there by ferry and if you’re exploring widely, you’ll need to pay for public transport when you’re there as it’s not very walkable.
In Summer – Ferry tickets to Capri do sell out so you’ll need to book in advance. Also, be prepared to pay upwards of €7 just for a cappuccino.
It’s busy
If you’re not one for crowds, you might want to avoid Capri as it does get very busy.
This isn’t the sort of island to visit for a relaxing and quiet vacation.
It’s much quieter in spring, autumn and winter if you’re still keen to visit but don’t like crowds.
Public transport isn’t great
If you want to explore Capri, it’s not really possible to do it on foot.
The public transport isn’t brilliant either and so you’ll probably be quite reliant on taxis. These are, of course, expensive.
Swimming in the Blue Grotto might not happen
Because the Blue Grotto is so popular, you usually need to wait a couple of hours in a queue.
It can be quite frustrating!
Final thoughts
So, is Capri worth visiting? To summarize, Capri is definitely worth visiting.
There are beautiful views, amazing foods and lots of things to see and do.
The island is, however, crowded and expensive but if you’re prepared for that and know what to expect, you’ll have a great time.
Factor in the poor public transportation and commit to expensive taxis and it’s not to be missed.
If you’re on a tight budget or have a strong dislike for busy places, it’s probably not the destination for you.
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