When I used to think of Capri, I would picture yachts, celebrities, and the extremely wealthy in a beautiful secluded island. I hadn’t ever really considered going, at least not anytime soon, and especially not on my own. It just seemed far, hard to get to, and too expensive. I imagined the Amalfi Coast and Capri being these exotic honeymoon destinations. There’s definitely truth in that. Yet, it’s silly I almost forgot how much I loved travelling to test my competency, and the resulting realization of how capable I am to travel anywhere I want. It doesn’t matter how out of reach the destination may seem, since most places begin like that at first. Travelling to anywhere new is always worth it. And because Capri was only a boat ride away, I decided to add one of the most luxurious destinations in the world onto my list. Capri, here I come.
As much as I loved Puglia (which I enjoyed so much I cried at the Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare), there isn’t anything in this world like Amalfi Coast. Of course, I haven’t been everywhere, but Amalfi Coast was like a dream. As I overlooked the coast on Mount Solaro in Capri, I could see the lights twinkling in the bright blue waters, boats that looked so small from the top, and a coastline stretching so far and wide – it made me feel like anything was possible. How did I end up in one of the most beautiful, romantic places on Earth? Alone, yes – but never felt lonely in Capri. Just an unwavering desire to see more, try more, give and love more.
Where to Stay:
Anywhere but Capri. There are definitely still affordable Airbnbs when I looked at around $200CAD a night, but if you want to stay on a budget, your cheaper options are on the mainland (Naples or Sorrento if you prefer to stay on the Amalfi Coast like I did). I stayed in Hotel Florida Sorrento, a 3 star hotel with hostel-style bunk rooms (~60CAD / night)
Getting There (from Sorrento):
The ferries were about 20 euros each way but it’s a wonderful way to spend some time in the sea without paying for a full boat tour. You can explore the island on your own time, your own pace. There are a few ferry companies, but the routes and pricing are more or less the same. All depart from Marina Piccola, and you can buy them directly from one of the stands.
1-Day Itinerary for a Relaxing Trip in Capri
Note, I started my day at a leisurely time, but you can also go earlier and fit in the Blue Grotto (“Grotta Azzurra”) in the morning and/or some beach time at the end (which I opted to skip both). Read on for an extremely relaxed day in Capri.
10AM: Departure from Marina Piccola, Sorrento (Ferry)
If you see long lines at the ticket stations, don’t worry. It goes by quite quickly and you may just meet a new friend while waiting. The ferry ride is about 20-30 minutes.
11AM: Arrival to Marina Grande, Capri
It was a gloomy morning, but my mood was calm and content as I was just happy to be in The Tyrrhenian Sea. I became instantly intrigued and filled with awe as the ferry slowed down in front of a cluster of white and coloured buildings with wide mountains behind them. We were at the port.
– Grab a drink, some water, and snacks at Cuccurollo Aldo. This is the cheapest convenience store you’ll find on the island.
– Slow it down, enjoy the views on a nearby bench with your cold drink of choice. I had the classic Peroni.
– Take as much time as you want at the bottom of the island here, but there’s much more to see. When you’re ready, purchase a bus ticket (~2.2 euros) at the bus stand (pictured) and take the bus up to Anacapri. Make sure you’re in the right line. When you’re on the mini-bus, hold tight as the journey is quite bumpy.
12PM: Anacapri – Mount Solaro (highlight)
Upon arrival, you’ll see a mini plaza with a few shops and restaurants. Head up the stairs, and to your right you’ll see the entrance for the lift to Mount Solaro (~12 euros round trip). Getting on and off the lift was admittedly a bit scary, but just listen to the worker and hold tight! Alternatively, motivated hikers can take the trail, though the views (in my opinion at least) are way better on the lift. It started pouring rain when I got to the top, so we all hid underneath the restaurant roof for about an hour. Time is weird when travelling. An hour passed so quickly, yet there was no rush.
– Enjoy the views from the lift, and top of Mount Solaro
– Have an espresso at the cafe bar
– Spend some more time enjoying the view, journal, relax.
– Enjoy the views from the lift, and top of Mount Solaro
– Have an espresso at the cafe bar
– Spend some more time enjoying the view, journal, relax.
2PM: Villa San Michele (and Lunch)
Just a few minutes by foot from the Anacapri plaza, is Villa San Michele. It’s a luxury hotel, but also a museum (~10 euros) in which you can walk through its extraordinary gardens and catch some panoramic views of the coast. Since it’s around (or past) lunch time, I would suggest grabbing a quick bite in the plaza beforehand.
4PM: Capri (town) – Luxury Fashion and Piazzetta
You can get another bus ticket at the shop in front of where the bus dropped you off. Don’t forget to have exact change handy. Next, take the bus to Capri (town) where you’ll find yourself in Piazza Umberto I, or just Piazzetta “the heart of the city.” You can decide to people watch in the busy plaza, or stroll through town along Via Camerelle, a street full of designer shops. Luxury fashion is readily available in the cities I’ve lived in so I hurried along. Heading back to to piazza, make sure you go to “Piazzetta di Capri” (check on Google maps). There are more shops/restaurants, but also an area with benches along a viewpoint you must check out. (I didn’t see this at the bus drop off so it may have been different sides of the plaza)
5:30 PM: Departure home
Make sure you check the ferry schedules ahead of time. The latest ferry is usually before 7-8PM. I could’ve went to the beach at Marina Piccola, but I didn’t want to feel rushed coming back. Mariana Grande also has a small strip of rocky beach you can relax at while you wait for the ferry. You can either take the Funicular cable car back to Marina Grande, or walk the steps. I decided to do the latter. There’s not much to see along the way, and you’ll have to walk along a narrow road that doesn’t feel very pedestrian friendly, but you can get some steps in! About 15 minutes walk, and lots of paper signage along the trail.
Thanks for reading. As always with love, Amy.
English