Wondering Where to stay in Capri? In this post, I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Capri, best hotels in Capri for all budgets, and the best places to stay in each town.
Capri is a beautiful island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrentine Peninsula, on the south side of the Gulf of Naples, in Italy.
The island is characterized by rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and beautiful beaches, such as Marina Piccola and Marina Grande. It is divided into two main towns: Capri, on the eastern side, and Anacapri, on the higher western part of the island.
One of the most iconic landmarks is the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), a sea cave known for its intense blue water. The Faraglioni rock formations are another famous sight. The Gardens of Augustus, Villa San Michele, and the Charterhouse of San Giacomo are popular spots to explore.
Capri is easily reachable by ferry or Hydrofoil from Naples or Sorrento. There are also ferries departing from Amalfi Coast in Positano, Amalfi, Maiori, Cetara, Salerno, and Ischia in summer.
Once on the island, transportation within Capri Town is primarily by foot, as cars are restricted in certain areas. However, there are also buses, taxis, and funiculars available for transportation to different parts of the island.
Where to stay in Capri, Italy first time?
The best areas to stay in Capri are Marina Grande, Capri Town, Anacapri, and Marina Piccola. These are the most popular towns on the island that provide a wide variety of attractions and amenities for tourists.
Capri Town or Marina Grande are the best bases if you prefer a bustling atmosphere with easy access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife. For a more relaxed and authentic experience, consider Anacapri or Marina Piccola.
During my trip to Capri, I stayed at the mid-range beautiful La Residenza Capri in Capri Town. It was a great stay, a terrific location, easy distance from the city center but still quiet enough to have a good night’s sleep. The Staff were very kind, and my room was clean and lovely.
Overview of the best towns to stay in Capri
Here is an overview of recommended areas:
| Marina Grande | is the island’s main port and the first place you’ll arrive if you’re coming by ferry. This area has a lively atmosphere with restaurants, shops, and easy access to the beach. It’s a convenient location for exploring the island. |
| Capri Town | is the main hub of activity. It is famous for its upscale boutiques, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Staying here allows you to be close to the main attractions like the Piazzetta, Via Camerelle, and the Gardens of Augustus. |
| Anacapri | Situated on the higher part of the island, Anacapri offers a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere. It has a charming town center with picturesque streets, local shops, and restaurants. It is close to Villa San Michele and the chairlift to Monte Solaro, which offers stunning panoramic views. |
| Marina Piccola | Located on the southern coast of the island, Marina Piccola is known for its beautiful beach coves. It’s a quieter area compared to Marina Grande and Capri Town. It’s a great place to enjoy the beach and water activities. |
Below is a map of popular areas in Capri for travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Capri, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Capri have been carefully selected by me, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them. If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
4 Best areas to stay in Capri for tourists:
1. Marina Grande
Marina Grande is the main port of Capri. It serves as the gateway to the island, welcoming visitors who arrive by ferry or private boat. Marina Grande is located on the northern side of the island and is the largest and most bustling area in Capri.
The port area of Marina Grande is vibrant and filled with activity during the day and quiet during night most day trippers have left the island. You’ll find a variety of services and amenities here, including ticket offices, shops, souvenir stands, seafood restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Marina Grande is also known for its colorful houses that line the harbor, creating a picturesque backdrop for the boats and yachts.
There are also free public beaches such as Spiaggia Marina Grande beach and Spiaggia Bagni di Tiberio, where you can relax and enjoy the sun, as well as Le Ondine and Lo Smeraldo beach clubs, great spots for families with young children.
Many visitors choose to stay in Marina Grande because of its convenient location and easy access to transportation.
From the port, you can catch boat tours to visit the famous Blue Grotto, as well as bus, taxi, or funicular to the Piazzetta in Capri town with its designer boutiques, the Gardens of Augustus, and the chairlift to Mount Solaro.
Marina Grande is home to the Church of San Costanzo, one of the island’s oldest churches, dedicated to the island’s patron saint. Near the church is the Scala Fenicia.
Scala Fenicia is also known as Phoenician Steps and is the 921 stone staircases linking Marina Grande and Anacapri hill town. The staircase offers beautiful views, and it is a real challenge to climb up.
Overall, Marina Grande is a bustling and lively area that serves as the main entry point to the island, making it a deal base for those who have short time on Capri, one night or two nights.
Best places to stay in Marina Grande:
- Luxury: Luxury Villa Excelsior Parco, 5-star hotel, located between Marina Grande port and the famous Piazzetta.
- Mid-range: Relais Maresca Luxury Small Hotel, 4-star beachfront hotel that has a panoramic terrace with views of Mount Vesuvius.
- Budget: Palatium Mari, 3-star hotel, located within walking distance from the beach and harbor, as well as easy reach from Capri’s famous main square, La Piazzetta.
2. Capri Town
Capri Town is the main urban center on the island and serves as the primary hub for tourism and commerce. The town is characterized by narrow, winding streets lined with upscale boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
The heart of Capri Town is the Piazzetta di Capri (Piazza Umberto I), a charming square that is a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists. Piazzetta is easily reachable from Marina Grande by taking a funicular ride. It is also a 30 minutes steep uphill walk without luggage.
The Piazzetta is surrounded by a variety of cafes, bars, and artisan workshops selling handmade sandals and jewelry. You can enjoy a cup of coffee or a gelato while people-watching and soaking up the lively atmosphere.
The Piazzetta is home to major landmarks and attractions like the Church of Santo Stefano and the Ignazio Cerio museum to learn more about the history of Capri.
Capri Town is a haven for luxury shopping. Via Camerelle and Via Le Botteghe, for example, are Capri’s most fashionable streets, lined with high-end boutiques and designer stores.
Within an easy walk from the square, you’ll see the Charterhouse of San Giacomo, and the Gardens of Augustus, offering stunning views of the Marina Piccola, the Faraglioni rock formations, and Via Krupp.
History buffs can explore the Roman ruins of Villa Jovis, which is the former residence of Roman Emperor Tiberius. The 20th-century Villa Lysis built by the Parisian nobleman Jacques Fersen nearby is also well worth checking out!
There are numerous scenic trails starting Capri, including the Via Tragara walking the trail to the Belvedere di Tragara lookout point, the walk to La Fontelina natural arch, or the longer hike to Pizzolungo.
Capri has numerous pebble beaches including Marina Piccola, Palazzo a Mare, and Marina Grande. There are many excellent clubs around Marina Piccola, including the La Canzone del Mare.
Capri is an ideal base for luxury vacation, lively nightlife, and high-end shopping with lots of five-star hotels, top clubs, fine restaurants, and designer boutiques.
Best places to stay in Capri Town:
- Luxury: Capri Tiberio Palace
- Mid-range: La Residenza Capri
- Budget: To Be Capri
3. Anacapri
Anacapri offers a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere compared to its bustling neighbor, Capri Town. It is a picturesque town situated at the highest point of the island, known for its narrow, winding streets, historical sites, natural beauty, and panoramic views.
Anacapri can be reached by taking a bus from Marina Grande, Piazzetta, to Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri. But you can also take the island’s traditional open-air taxis, which is more expensive but fun!
One of the most famous attractions in Anacapri, Villa San Michele is a stunning villa-turned-museum built by the Swedish physician and writer Axel Munthe. The villa offers breathtaking views of the island and houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, sculptures, and artwork.
You can take a journey to the top of Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island of Capri. You can reach the summit by taking a chairlift from Piazza Vittoria. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Capri and the Bay of Naples.
Visit the Church of Santa Sofia, a charming church located in the heart of Anacapri. The church is known for its colorful ceramic floor depicting various religious scenes.
While the Blue Grotto is accessible from Capri Town, you can also reach it from Anacapri by taking a bus or taxi to Marina Grande and then hopping on a boat tour. Explore the enchanting Blue Grotto, known for its mesmerizing blue waters and unique rock formations.
Anacapri offers several scenic walking and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. One popular route is the Path of the Forts, a trail connecting Punta Carena lighthouse and the ruins of Damecuta that takes you along the coast and offers stunning views.
Additionally, there is also the small Via Migliera walkway winds through Anacapri, by the vineyards, and ancient woodlands, taking you to the Belvedere del Tuono viewpoint.
There are no sandy beaches in Anacapri, but you can find rocky coves with beach clubs such as the Lido di Faro, where you can sunbathe and swim.
Anacapri has a more laid-back and local feel compared to Capri Town. Explore the charming streets lined with local boutiques and craft shops, where you can find handmade ceramics, sandals, and other traditional products. After some shopping, enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants, savoring authentic Italian cuisine.
In terms of accommodations, Anacapri also has a wide range of accommodation options, and they tend to be cheaper than Capri Town, making it a great base for those traveling on a budget.
Best places to stay in Anacapri:
- Mid-range: Hotel Orsa Maggiore
- Budget: Hotel Villa Ceselle
- Budget: Hotel Bussola
4. Marina Piccola
Marina Piccola is a scenic and picturesque marina located on the southern coast of the island. Translating to “Little Marina,” it is the smaller of the two main marinas on the island, with Marina Grande being the other.
Marina Piccola is easily reachable by bus or on foot from Capri Town via the stunning Via Krupp which starts beneath the Gardens of Augustus, or via the old Via Mulo.
Marina Piccola offers breathtaking views of the crystal-clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, rugged cliffs, and stunning rock formations. The backdrop of the Faraglioni, three iconic rock formations rising from the sea, adds to the beauty of the marina.
Marina Piccola is home to Marina di Mulo and Marina di Pennauro, located close to the Church of Sant’Andrea. These beaches are free public beaches and known for their clear waters and scenic surroundings. There are also numerous private beach clubs in the area.
Marina Piccola is a departure point for various boat tours and excursions. You can take a boat tour around the island, exploring the picturesque coastline and enjoying the views of the Faraglioni and other landmarks.
Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade of Marina Piccola. The pathway offers stunning vistas of the sea, the cliffs, and the surrounding landscapes. Enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the area as you walk along the coast.
Best places to stay in Marina Piccola:
- Mid-range: Hotel Weber Ambassador
- Budget: Villa Olga Luxury Capri
- Budget: Diva La Canzone Del Mare
See more:
In conclusion, Marina Grande, Capri Town, Anacapri, Marina Piccola, Capri are some of the best areas to stay in Capri. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of Marina Grande and Capri Town, or the authenticity of Anacapri and Marina Piccola, Capri has something for every traveler.
I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.