The history of the Island of Capri goes back to the Roman Empire when it was “discovered” by Augustus, though many years later, excavations proved that it’d been inhabited since way before that, around the Bronze Age. Over the years, the island’s beautiful villas have become a second home for Italian celebrities and welcomed European jet setters planning the perfect summer escapade. If you are looking for the best areas to stay in Capri, you have come to the right place.
Accommodation Options in Capri
Despite being part of the Metropolitan City of Naples, in the Campanian region of Italy, the vibe of both places couldn’t be more different. No matter where you stay on the island, you’ll notice a far more peaceful atmosphere, even during the summer, the high season. This sense of relaxation is only enhanced by the exclusive designer boutiques, upscale hotels, and private villas in Capri’s cobblestoned streets.
Are you travelling to Capri for a romantic getaway, to go to the beach, or for shopping? Keep reading this post to learn more about the best areas to stay in Capri, Italy.
If you don’t have time to read the full article, here’s a quick summary of our best places for tourists in Capri. Keep reading to find out more information about each of these areas.
- Best area for sightseeing: Capri Town
- Best location for families: Marina Grande
- Best location for nightlife: Capri Town
- Best location for beach lovers: Marina Piccola | Marina Grande
- Best location for shopping: Capri Town
What’s the Best Area to Stay in Capri, Italy?
The best area to stay in Capri is Capri Town, particularly around the Piazzetta di Capri, especially for a first visit, to shop or for a romantic getaway since it is where the best-rated hotels, stores and restaurants on the island are. In the town centre, you’ll be within walking distance of natural attractions like the stunning Augustus Gardens. Staying in this area, you can also use the funicular to get to the Marina Grande, the main tourist port on the island, in five minutes.
Find available accommodation in Capri Town.
Best Hotels in Capri Town
- Best five-star hotel: Hotel Quisisana
- Best four-star hotel: Hotel Syrene
- Best three-star hotel: Hotel Residence Villa Igea Capri
- Best B&B/guest house: Hotel Guarracino
- Best tourist apartments: Capri Town Apartments
Where to Stay on the Island of Capri for Sightseeing
Keeping in mind its good transport connections, leisure and attractions, the best place for tourists in Capri is Capri Town. That said, each part of the island has its beautiful set of attractions worth visiting. Here are some of the most interesting areas in Capri:
- North of the island, you’ll find Marina Grande, the main gateway to Capri. Most cruises and ferries to Capri arrive on this harbour, where there are several restaurants, bars, and the largest public beach in town. Some of the best hotels here include Villa Marina Capri Hotel & Spa and the Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco.
- Located on the island’s west side, Anacapri is home to the Grotta Azzurra (“Blue Grotto”), one of Capri’s most recognizable landmarks. Anacapri is also 150 metres higher than the city centre, so you can get great views of the Bay of Naples from here. Some of the best properties in this charming area include the Hotel Caesar Augustus and Capri Palace Jumeirah.
- Marina Piccola has one of the most beautiful beaches in Capri, and it’s opposite Marina Grande, in the southern part of the island. Here, you can look directly into the impressive Faraglioni, the name given to an iconic group of huge rock stacks while sunbathing or swimming. Accommodations near this port include the Hotel Della Piccola Marina and Hotel Weber Ambassador.
The Best Locations for Tourists in Capri: Area by Area
1. Capri Town: Best Location in Capri for Sightseeing
Home to many chic designer shops, upscale hotels and many restaurants and bars, Capri Town is connected to all the island’s major attractions by public transport. This area’s attractions include the Gardens of Augustus and the Piazzetta di Capri.
-
Why is this the best area to stay in Capri:
- Heart of the island
- Best area for sightseeing
- Connected via funicular to the main tourist port
- Designer stores
- Giardini di Augusto
- Piazzetta di Capri
- Connected to the rest of the island by bus
- Great restaurants and bars
- Luxury accommodation
The island of Capri is divided into two towns: Capri and Anacapri, with the former being the primary focus for tourists, located on the eastern part of the island.
Capri Town overlooks Marina Grande, the most important port on the island, to which it connects via a 5-minute funicular ride. Hence, it’s very likely that this is the second area you’ll see after your boat reaches the island.
The heart of this area is the Piazzetta di Capri, a charming square surrounded by bars, restaurants and the Chiesa di Santo Stefano, an XVII-century church that used to be a cathedral, and its clock tower.
Attractions in Capri Town include the Augustus Gardens (Giardini di Augusto in Italian). Besides the gorgeous flowers and plants, these gardens have some of the best views in Capri, so you’ll be able to take great pictures of the white villas overlooking the sea. Another nearby attraction is the Arco Naturale, but the uphill trail can be challenging, especially in the summer heat.
Also, without a doubt, Capri Town is the best area to stay in Capri for shopping. Here, streets like Via Camerelle are home to exclusive, upscale designer shops for names such as Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Valentino, Gucci, and Fendi. However, keep in mind that almost every store only opens during the spring and summer.
Accommodation in Capri Town ranges from B&Bs located in villas to luxurious, 4 and 5-star hotels.
Capri Town is connected to the rest of the island by bus, with a stop near the piazza. There are several taxi services available too.
Best Hotels in Capri Town
Hotel Quisisana
With a garden, 2 swimming pools and a gym, Hotel Quisisana is located on the island of Capri. It also features a sun terrace and free Wi-Fi. A sauna area and wellness centre are available.
Hotel Syrene
Offering peaceful terraces, an outdoor pool, and gardens with mountain and sea views, Best Western Hotel Syrene is just a 5-minute walk from Capri’s Piazzetta square. Rooms are modern and bright and offer free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Residence Villa Igea Capri
Situated in Capri, 1.3 km from La Fontelina Beach and 1.4 km from Marina Grande Beach, Hotel Residence Villa Igea Capri features accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and access to a garden.
Hotel Guarracino
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Hotel Guarracino is set in Capri, an 8-minute walk from Piazzetta di Capri.
Capri Town Apartments
Set on the Island of Capri, Capri Town offers modern apartments with free Wi-Fi access. Guests can enjoy the shared terrace overlooking the sea.
2. Marina Grande: Best-Connected Area in Capri
Marina Grande is in the northern part of Capri and is the most important port on the island. There are a lot of picturesque souvenir shops and restaurants targeting tourists, as well as hotels overlooking the sea. Marina Grande also has a beach with the biggest swimming area on the island.
-
Why is this the best area to stay in Capri:
- Best area to take a boat to Naples or other cities
- Connected by bus and funicular
- Beach area
- Restaurants, souvenir shops and boutiques
- Church of San Costanzo
- Phoenician Steps
- High end hotels
Marina Grande is in the island’s northern area, and it hosts the most important harbour in Capri. As such, this is very likely to be the first part of Capri that you’ll see and with its beautiful beach and charming villas, it sets the bar really high.
Although Marina Piccola was the first harbour on the island, Marina Grande is now the most active one, with boats coming from (and going to) Naples regularly. Another difference between both areas is that, although the former has a more aesthetically pleasing beach, Marina Grande has the biggest public beach on the island, which is suitable for swimming.
Marina Grande also has a handful of stores and many souvenir shops for any shopaholic on a budget. However, as with the rest of the island, the accommodation price is not cheap, especially during the warmer months. Here, you’ll find several B&Bs, boutique hotels, and luxury-type accommodations.
The main sight in Marina Grande is the 5th-century church of Maria Santissima Della Libera, commonly referred to as the Church of San Costanzo. This simple, white building with a bell tower is one of Capri’s oldest and most important churches in honour of the island’s patron saint, San Costanzo.
Near the church, you’ll find the Scala Fenicia (or Phoenician Steps), a 921-step staircase that was built by the Greeks, despite their name. This stone staircase dates back to the 7th or 6th century BC and connects Marina Grande to Anacapri, the island’s highest point.
However, it’s better to take the funicular or a bus to go to the centre of town, particularly under the harsh summer sun. You’ll find the funicular and bus station right next to the port, as well as a taxi stop.
Best Hotels in Marina Grande
Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco
Offering a free shuttle service from Capri’s Marina Grande port, located 500 m away, the Art-Nouveau Hotel Excelsior Parco features 2 hot tubs with panoramic views and a rooftop garden. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
Relais Maresca Luxury Small Hotel
Relais Maresca is just a few steps from the beach on the Marina Grande promenade. You can easily reach the famous Grotta Azzurra from the establishment, and you can book boat tours around the island directly at reception.
Palatium Mari
Just 300 m from the beach and harbour, Palatium Mari is set in the Marina Grande area of Capri, where you can enjoy sea views.
Capri Inn
Capri Inn is only 200 m from the ferry terminal on the island of Capri. This B&B offers a rooftop terrace with sun loungers and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Naples.
3. Marina Piccola: Best Area in Capri for Beach Lovers
Located in the southern part of the island, Marina Piccola has one of the most beautiful beaches in Capri and Italy. From the terraces, hotels and beach resorts in the area, you can see the impressive Faraglioni rocks, the most photographed landmark in Capri.
-
Why is this the best area to stay in Capri:
- Beach resorts
- Connected to the city centre by bus
- Best views in Capri
- Faraglioni rocks
- Restaurants and bars
- Good area for trekking
Marina Piccola is only a 5-minute bus ride from the centre of Capri and also has some of the best views on the entire island.
Thus, in the summer, the terraces here gather many tourists looking to enjoy an aperitivo while mesmerized by the beauty of the blue ocean and the Faraglioni rocks. These large coastal and oceanic rock formations are Capri’s most popular postcard and are the main natural attraction in this area.
This harbour may not have as many ferries and boats coming as the Marina Grande, but its upscale beach resorts are among the most renowned in Capri.
So, if you want to travel to Capri in the summer, you’ll benefit from booking accommodation in Marina Piccola as early as possible. Otherwise, all hotels in this sought-after area could be full before your trip.
Walking from Marina Picolla to Capri Town may sound like a fun challenge for anyone who enjoys an hour-long trekking session. But please remember that it is an uphill road and a bus may be better, especially in the summer.
Best Hotels in Marina Piccola
Hotel Punta Tragara
Hotel Punta Tragara has a panoramic location on the coast of Capri with exceptional views across Marina Piccola Bay. It features a wellness area and 2 outdoor swimming pools.
Hotel Della Piccola Marina
Hotel Della Piccola Marina offers a sea-view swimming pool and a central position on Capri Island, the Due Golfi area. It is just a 10-minute walk from the Piazzetta, Capri’s main square. All rooms have free Wi-Fi.
To Be Capri Sea View Rooms
Featuring garden views, a garden and free WiFi, To Be Capri Sea view Rooms features accommodation attractively located in Capri, within a short distance of Marina Piccola Bay, Marina Grande Beach and Piazzetta di Capri.
Casa Fiore
Set 300 m from Marina Piccola Bay, Casa Fiore offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
4. Anacapri: The Best Area to Stay in Capri to Escape the Tourist Traps
Anacapri is considered a separate city from Capri and it sits on the highest part of the island, so it offers breathtaking views. Also, the distance between Anacapri and the island’s main attractions makes this the most peaceful part of Capri, with luxurious tourist villas and hotels, but keeping a residential vibe.
-
Why is this the best area to stay on the Island of Capri:
- Quiet area
- Amazing views
- Blue Grotto
- Tourist apartments and villas
- Connected by bus to Capri Town
Anacapri is one of the two towns that form the Island of Capri and is on the west.
Being on the highest part of the island, with 275 metres over the sea, Anacapri is a mostly quiet residential area. However, nowadays, many of the stunning villas in Anacapri are B&Bs, guest houses, hotels and tourist apartments. Thus, this is the best location to stay in Capri for anyone looking to stay away from crowds and see a more authentic side of this Italian treasure.
In Anacapri’s centre, you’ll find a lot of local designer shops, bars with several options devoted to limoncello, and restaurants.
Admittedly, Anacapri doesn’t host as many tourist attractions, but it is where you’ll find the iconic Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto). This grotto gets its name from the electric blue colour its water gets when the sun’s rays shine over it, and it is a must-see during any trip to Capri.
Another sight in Anacapri is Monte Solaro, a cliff you can get to by hiking or taking a ski lift. From the top, you’ll have amazing views of Capri and the Gulf of Naples.
Although going from Anacapri to Capri Town and vice versa on foot is not suitable for all types of visitors, both areas are connected by bus and taxi. You could also take a boat to Marina Grande from here.
Best Hotels in Anacapri
Capri Palace Jumeirah
Offering an outdoor mosaic swimming pool, a wellness centre, and a furnished panoramic sun terrace, Capri Palace Jumeirah is just 500 metres from the shores of Anacapri. The property features a private collection of paintings and sculptures scattered throughout.
Hotel Orsa Maggiore
Located in Anacapri, Hotel Orsa Maggiore is 3 km from the Blue Grotto. It is set in landscaped gardens and offers an infinity pool, a spa, and elegant rooms with satellite LCD TVs.
Hotel Victoria Place
Situated in Anacapri, 1.7 km from Marina Grande Beach, Hotel Victoria Place features accommodation with a bar, free private parking, a shared lounge and a garden.
Monte Solaro Bed & Breakfast
With a panoramic sun terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, this small B&B is set on the slopes of Mount Solaro. All classic rooms boast a sea-view balcony, a 5-minute walk from Anacapri’s historic centre.
Where to Stay in Capri: A Personal Take
Nestled in the heart of Capri, our stay at Hotel Gatto Bianco was a delightful experience. The hotel exudes a charming blend of classic Italian elegance and comfort, making it a perfect retreat after days spent exploring the island. The staff were exceptionally warm and welcoming, always ready to offer their local knowledge and tips to enhance our stay. Although not overly spacious, the rooms were impeccably clean and beautifully decorated with traditional Caprian accents. The morning breakfast buffet served a variety of fresh pastries, fruits, and local delicacies that became the highlight of our mornings. Plus, did we mention there’s a resident white cat at the hotel?
Capri Town’s vibrant atmosphere is not to be missed, and staying near the city center truly elevated our visit. From this central location, we could easily wander through the picturesque piazzas and enjoy the plethora of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants that spill onto the charming streets.
Personal tip: Try to venture out in the mornings when the town is more peaceful; this is when Capri reveals its serene beauty best before the day-trippers arrive. Exploring the less-trodden paths from the main square led me to discover hidden gardens and stunning viewpoints overlooking the Faraglioni rocks. Staying centrally also made it convenient to hop on a boat tour around the island or to catch the funicular down to Marina Grande for a change of scenery by the sea.
