Traveling to Capri, Italy: The Right Way

Isola di Capri is one of the most beautiful, sought-after destinations on the planet. But you're here after all, so we don't need to convince you of that!

However incredible an island it is, planning a trip to Capri, Italy (whether for a day, a weekend, or more) can bring about a lot of questions. We're here to answer them for you and give you the information you need to make the best decisions possible regarding your trip overseas.

In this guide, we're going to talk about:

• Where Capri is and how to get there.
• Entry requirements & need-to-know travel policies.
• How to get around the island.
• The best things to do in Capri.

How to get to Capri

Capri is a small island off the coast of Sorrento, Italy. Sorrento is in Southern Italy, off the south/west coast.

It's not that far from Naples, so a lot of travelers stay in Naples and end up taking day or overnight trips to the island.

Because Capri is an island, you can't get to it by car.

Almost all travelers get there by ferry.

Where to catch the ferry

Ferries run multiple times a day and can be taken from Naples or Sorrento.

According to various travel sites, there are additional ferries during the height of tourist season from other nearby locations, but we encourage you to check directly with the ferry booking sites.

When the ferry goes

Ferries depart from both Naples and Sorrento multiple times a day, even as often as two times an hour. During the low season, there may be less availability, but there will still be options.

How long it takes

It's a short ride. From Naples, the ferry takes about 50 minutes. From Sorrento, it's 20-30. That said, keep in mind that there are ferry options of different speeds. While many ferries are high-speed, not all of them are.

How much it costs

Ticket prices depend on several factors, but they're usually anywhere from around 20 euros up, one way.

Alternative methods

There are other ways to get to Capri, apart from the ferry, such as private boats. Additionally, it is possible to helicopter in, but that requires special arrangements, of course.

Capri, Italy travel requirements

There are specific travel requirements that travelers will need to meet in order to vacation in Capri.

Capri, or Isola di Capri, is an island off the coast of Italy, and it is also part of Italy.

Because of that, the entry requirements for the island are the same as those for Italy itself.

Starting in 2026, pre-travel authorization is required

The much-talked-about, long-anticipated pre-travel authorization called ETIAS is on the horizon. ETIAS, short for European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is a new requirement when traveling to Italy and several other European countries.

Once it is in full effect (the latter part of 2026), travelers heading to Italy who do not have a visa will need to apply for ETIAS before their trip. (This excludes EU/Schengen country residents and citizens.)

This change impacts millions of travelers, notably from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Getting ETIAS approval isn't as involved as applying for a visa. In fact, the process is very simple and just takes a few minutes, 100% online.

You can learn more about how to apply for an ETIAS for Italy here.

Some travelers need a visa to go to Capri

While some travelers can head to Italy without a visa, others cannot.

Whether or not you need a visa to travel to Italy, thus Capri, depends primarily on your Nationality, as well as how long you intend to stay.

US and UK citizens don't need a visa for short tourist trips to Capri (fewer than 90 days). However, several other nationalities do.

For instance, travelers with Chinese, Indian, or South African passports need to apply for a visa before going to Italy.

Always check with the Italian Embassy to see whether or not you need a visa before heading abroad.

The visa application process is relatively straightforward, but it does require a bit of your attention and time, and there are application requirements you will need to meet. It's important to apply well in advance of your trip, as the entire process can take several weeks.

You can learn more about Italian visas here.

Sometimes, travel insurance is mandatory

For some visitors, travel insurance is mandatory when heading to Capri (or anywhere in Italy, for that matter).

Who it's required for

Anyone applying for a visa to travel to Italy is required to take out a compliant travel insurance policy.

Now, this isn't to be confused with ETIAS. If you're applying for ETIAS to travel to Italy, travel insurance is highly recommended, but it isn't mandatory.

But if you're applying for a visa, it is.

The insurance policy that you choose needs to meet Schengen requirements, which can be found on your required documents list during the visa application process.

How to get around the island

Because of Capri's popularity, the island gets extremely busy. While it's possible to rent a car, it isn't necessarily the best way to see the island, according to most travelers.

It isn't large. Capri is about 4 miles (6.25 km) long and the entire island itself is 4 square miles.

Walking is the best way to get around the island, but there are other ways too. Public buses are available, and there are also scooter rentals.

You'll find both at the Port of Capri, where the ferry comes in.

Additionally, there are taxis on Capri, but make sure to research the companies and options for availability if this is your preferred way to get around.

The best things to do in Capri

For such a small island, Capri is filled with amazing things to do, whether you're more nature or history-inclined.

In the map above, you'll see some of the most popular sites, and they're really around every corner.

The Port of Capri

The Port of Capri will likely be the first place you see on the Island, as it's where the ferry comes in. Here, you'll find shops, rentals, public transportation, tourist excursions, and beautiful views.

Villa Jovis and Villa Lysis

Both on the same part of the island, these two villas are stunning and historical. Villa Jovis was the main residence for Roman Emperor Tiberius while he was in Capri.

Villa Lysis was home to Count Jacques Fersen, French novelist and poet.

The Natural Arch

On the Eastern side of the island, the Natural Arch is one of the most famous things to see. It's exactly as it seems - a natural stone arch, carved by nature, dating back to the Paleolithic era. It's only a twenty-minute walk from the town of Capri!

Faraglioni di Mezzo

Featured in pretty much every grandiose photo of Capri that you see, these natural stones and arches protrude from the calm, blue waters.

They're viewable from many points along the shores and cliffs of Capri, but you can also take a boat out for an up-close and personal experience.

The Gardens of Augustus

These botanical gardens are just south of the town of Capri and have incredible views, statues, winding pathways, and column-flecked terraces covered in flowers.

The Punta Carena lighthouse

On the south-western edge of the island, this 19th-century lighthouse is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and swimming spots.

Blue Grotto

Perhaps the most iconic tourist attraction on the island, the Blue Grotto is one of the most photographed sea spots on the planet.

With a narrow opening, just enough for a small, single boat, this cave has bright blue waters and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's located on the northwestern coast of the island.

FAQs about Capri

Where is Capri?

How can you get to Capri?

How big is Capri?

Do I need a visa to go to Capri?