Where to stay in Capri: areas and hotels

If it's your first time in Capri, the most convenient option is to stay in the historic centre itself, near the Piazzetta, because everything is within walking distance and you won't need to bother with buses or taxis at all. If you're travelling on a tighter budget, Anacapri offers almost the same experience at lower prices, with a bus taking you to the centre in a few minutes.

For couples seeking something more romantic and peaceful, the area around Via Tragara and Marina Piccola offers views of the Faraglioni rocks and greater privacy, without being too far from the centre. Families with children usually prefer Marina Grande, the port, as it has a more relaxed atmosphere, cheaper tavernas, and easy access to the ferry if you want to take a day trip to Naples or the Amalfi Coast.

Capri is not a large island, so wherever you stay, you won't be more than twenty to thirty minutes away from the main attractions. The choice of area depends more on how much you want to pay, what atmosphere suits you, and whether you care about having a sea view from your room.

A few words about Capri before you decide

Capri is a small rocky island in the Bay of Naples, known for two centuries as a destination for artists, writers, and later, high society celebrities. Its reputation began in the nineteenth century when European travellers discovered the Blue Grotto and started writing about it, while in the twentieth century, the island became synonymous with Italian luxury, with Hollywood stars and royal families spending their summers there. Today, Capri remains a destination with an expensive reputation, but if you plan your trip correctly, you can visit it on a more reasonable budget, especially if you stay in Anacapri or go outside of July and August.

The things truly worth seeing are the Blue Grotto in the morning, the Faraglioni rocks which are photographed from everywhere but are best experienced up close with a walk or boat trip, the Gardens of Augustus with views over Via Krupp, and Villa San Michele in Anacapri, the former home of Swedish physician Axel Munthe with panoramic views extending to Naples. If you enjoy walking, the Path of the Gods, the Sentiero degli Dei, starts from Anacapri and takes you to Marina Piccola with unforgettable views.

The best time to visit is May, June, and September, when the sea is already warm but the island isn't overrun with day-trippers arriving by ferry from Naples and Sorrento. In July and August, accommodation prices rise significantly, and the Piazzetta fills with people from morning till night. In winter, many hotels and restaurants close completely, so if you want a quiet island but with open businesses, April and October are a good compromise.

For getting around, Capri allows almost no private cars for visitors, so you'll move around on foot, by local bus connecting the centre with Anacapri and Marina Grande, by taxi, or by the funicular that goes up from the port to the Piazzetta in a few minutes. If you're carrying a lot of luggage, it's a good idea to choose accommodation near a bus stop or the funicular station, as the streets in the centre have many steps and inclines.

Centre and Piazzetta: for a first-time visit to the island

The historic centre around the Piazzetta is the most popular accommodation area and suits those who want everything within easy reach, from shops and cafes to the bus stop for the Blue Grotto. In the evening, when the day-trippers leave, the atmosphere changes completely, and the centre becomes more tranquil and elegant. The downside is the prices, which are among the highest on the island here, as well as the crowds at midday when ferries arrive with day trips from Naples.

It suits couples, travellers who are visiting for a few days and want to make the most of every hour, and those who don't want to deal with transport at all. It's not the most economical choice, nor the quietest in August, but it's certainly the most practical.

1. La Residenza Capri

Located a few minutes' walk from the Piazzetta, with a pool and garden that act as an oasis in the bustling centre. Suits couples who want comfort without having to stray far from the shops and restaurants.

• Average cost: 220 to 350 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

2. Capri Tiberio Palace

A luxurious hotel above the Piazzetta, with a spa, indoor pool, and rooms with sea or island views. Aimed at those seeking a more opulent stay without losing proximity to the centre.

• Average cost: 450 to 700 € per night
• Ideal for: couples seeking luxury

3. Hotel Canasta

A quieter spot, close to the centre but far enough from the hustle and bustle of the Piazzetta, with a pool and views of the island's interior. A good choice for those who want a bit more tranquillity without sacrificing easy access on foot.

• Average cost: 200 to 320 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, small families

Marina Grande: the port, for families and budget-conscious travellers

Marina Grande is Capri's port, where ferries arrive from Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. It's a more relaxed area than the centre, with fish tavernas, a small pebble beach, and access to the funicular that takes you up to the Piazzetta in a few minutes. The atmosphere is simpler and less cosmopolitan, which many consider an advantage.

It suits families with children, those arriving late in the evening or leaving early in the morning by ferry, and travellers who want to avoid the centre's inclines. The downside is that in the evening there's less activity and fewer entertainment options than in the centre.

4. Capri Inn

A small accommodation above Marina Grande, with balconies directly overlooking the sea and the boats entering and leaving the port. Ideal for couples who want a view without paying the centre's prices.

• Average cost: 180 to 260 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

5. Capri Wine Hotel

A villa converted into a small hotel, with a garden, pool, and breakfast on the terrace overlooking the port. The owners assist with transfers from the port, which is useful if you're travelling with luggage.

• Average cost: 250 to 380 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

6. Capri Marina Suite

A suite-style apartment next to the port, with a small kitchen and balcony, useful for those who want a bit more independence than a classic hotel room. A good base for families with one or two children.

• Average cost: 150 to 220 € per night
• Ideal for: families, couples

Anacapri: the budget-friendly base with a view

Anacapri is the island's second settlement, higher up and quieter than Capri town centre, with lower accommodation and dining prices. Here you'll find Villa San Michele and the starting point of the Path of the Gods, and from there you can also take the chairlift to the summit of Monte Solaro. Connection to the centre is by regular bus, a journey of approximately fifteen to twenty minutes.

It suits travellers with a more limited budget, those who want quiet evenings, and couples who value a view more than the centre's vibrancy. The disadvantage is that you always need a bus or taxi to reach the Piazzetta and the Blue Grotto.

7. Hotel Biancamaria

Located on Anacapri's main pedestrian street, with easy access to shops and restaurants. The rooms are simple but clean, with a balcony, and prices are among the most reasonable on the island.

• Average cost: 120 to 180 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, budget travel

8. Hotel San Michele

A classic hotel with a pool and garden, built on a cliff with views reaching Naples on clear days. A good choice for those who want comfort without the centre's prices.

• Average cost: 160 to 260 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, families

9. Capri Bougainville

A small hotel with a pool, a quiet location, and renovated rooms with blue and pink hues. Suits couples who want something more personal than a large hotel complex.

• Average cost: 140 to 210 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

10. Hotel Bussola

A family-run establishment with personal service, a garden, and a quiet atmosphere, just off Anacapri's pedestrian street. A good choice for those who want a warmer, more hospitable stay.

• Average cost: 130 to 190 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, families

Tragara and Marina Piccola: for romantic holidays

The area around Via Tragara and Marina Piccola is on the island's southern side, with views of the famous Faraglioni rocks. It is quieter and more expensive, with hotels that built their reputation on views and privacy. The distance from the centre is short in kilometres, but the journey is usually made on foot or by taxi, as the roads are narrow.

It suits couples celebrating something special, travellers who want luxury and peace, and those who don't mind walking a little further to reach the Piazzetta. It's not the most convenient area for families with young children due to the many steps.

11. Hotel Punta Tragara

Built on a cliff with direct views of the Faraglioni, partly designed by Le Corbusier, with two pools carved into the rock. One of the most photographed hotels on the island and ideal for couples wanting something unforgettable.

• Average cost: 500 to 800 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, romantic holidays

12. Villa Marina Piccola ai Faraglioni

A villa with a garden and sea views, near the small beach of Marina Piccola. Suits couples or small groups who want more space and privacy than a classic hotel room.

• Average cost: 300 to 450 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, small groups

13. Villa Patrizi

Located halfway between the Piazzetta and Marina Grande, with a pool and island views. A good choice for those who want to combine close proximity to the port with peace and quiet.

• Average cost: 170 to 240 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

Comparison of areas at a glance

Area	Ideal for	Price range/night	Distance from centre
Centre, Piazzetta	first visit, couples	200 to 700 €	0 minutes, you are in the centre
Marina Grande	families, budget	150 to 380 €	5 to 10 minutes by funicular
Anacapri	budget travel, tranquillity	120 to 260 €	15 to 20 minutes by bus
Tragara, Marina Piccola	romantic holidays, luxury	300 to 800 €	10 to 15 minutes on foot

Practical information for your trip

Capri does not have its own airport, so the usual route is to fly to Naples and from there take a ferry or hydrofoil to the island. If you're looking for flights to Italy, it's worth checking prices for both Naples and Sorrento, as both cities have regular ferry services to Capri. If you're arriving from Naples, you'll first need to get from Naples airport to the city centre and then to the port for the ferry. Many travellers combine Capri with a stop in Naples before or after the island.

Within the island, getting around is by local bus, which connects the centre, Marina Grande, and Anacapri, by open-top taxi, or on foot, as distances are short but the roads have many steps. The funicular between Marina Grande and the Piazzetta is the quickest solution if you're carrying luggage.

Accommodation prices vary greatly depending on the season. In winter, when few hotels remain open, prices are low, but options are limited. In spring and autumn, they are at more reasonable levels, while in July and August, they almost double compared to May or September. If you plan to go in summer, book accommodation at least two to three months in advance, especially for the centre and the Tragara area.

If you want to see more of the region, Portofino and other coastal towns in Italy are good ideas for continuing your trip, and many visitors also add a stop in Rome before or after the island, as train journeys from Naples are short.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best area for a first-time visit to Capri?

The historic centre around the Piazzetta, because everything is within walking distance and you won't need to learn bus routes from day one.

Where should I stay in Capri on a small budget?

In Anacapri, you'll find the most reasonable prices on the island, with easy bus connections to the centre in fifteen to twenty minutes.

Which area is best suited for couples looking for something romantic?

The area around Via Tragara and Marina Piccola, with views of the Faraglioni and a quieter atmosphere than the centre.

Do I need a car in Capri?

No, private cars are almost never allowed for visitors. You'll get around on foot, by bus, by taxi, or by funicular.

What is the best time of year to stay in Capri?

May, June, and September, when the sea is warm but the island isn't packed with day-trippers.

How close to the centre should I stay if I arrive by ferry?

If you arrive late or leave early, Marina Grande is the most convenient base, as it's right next to the port.

Can I stay in Capri and visit the Amalfi Coast in one day?

Yes, there are seasonal ferry services to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, although services are significantly reduced outside of summer.