Capri is the perfect base for discovering the historic and natural marvels of the surrounding areas. From the enchanting Amalfi Coast to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, there's no shortage of attractions to captivate your imagination. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a journey through the most remarkable sites situated near Capri, allowing you to plan the ultimate Italian adventure.
Transport: how to travel between Capri and the surrounding area
To explore beyond Capri, visitors can take ferries and hydrofoils to and from Naples and Sorrento year-round. During the summer months, connections are also available to and from Castellammare di Stabia, Ischia, Procida, and the smaller ports along the Amalfi Coast. Visitors can also charter private boats with a skipper, for unforgettable excursions to quaint fishing villages, traditional restaurants, and places full of history. Private boat rental is an excellent option for those who wish to independently explore beyond Capri in a personalized way. Several companies on Capri offer this service at the port of Marina Grande, with a wide selection of boats and prices.
Ferries and hydrofoils
Many connections between Capri and the surrounding area are available year-round, with increased frequency during the summer.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and lush gardens. Easily accessible by ferry from Capri during the summer months, this stunning stretch of coastline offers a wealth of attractions for visitors to explore.
Exploring the Villages of the Amalfi Coast
State Road 163 (SS 163) connects the charming fishing villages of the Amalfi Coast, each boasting its own unique allure. Amalfi, the region's namesake town and once a powerful maritime republic, enchants visitors with its splendid historic residences perched high above the sea. Key sites include the Cathedral of St. Andrew the Apostle, and the Paper Museum, which is located in the Valley of the Mills.
Conca dei Marini, Praiano e Positano
Heading towards Punta Campanella, you'll encounter the picturesque villages of Conca dei Marini, Praiano, and Positano – the latter being one of the most iconic locations along the Divine Coast. In Nocelle, you can embark on the awe-inspiring Path of the Gods for a breathtaking hiking experience.
Vietri sul Mare, Maiori e Minori
Near Salerno, you'll find the village of Vietri sul Mare, which is world famous for its hand-painted ceramics found in small workshops tucked away in the historic center. Before leaving the Amalfi Coast, be sure to visit the towns of Maiori and Minori, celebrated for their beautiful beaches.
Pompeii and Herculaneum
The ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were tragically buried beneath ash and pumice during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Today, these remarkably well-preserved archaeological sites offer a fascinating glimpse into Roman life before the disaster.
Pompeii
Once a flourishing city and a major center of the Roman Empire, visitors can reach Pompeii from Sorrento and Naples via the Circumvesuviana railway lines. Visitors can explore the ruins through various thematic routes, including tours focusing on the opulent patrician villas both inside and outside the city walls, such as the House of the Faun and the Villa of the Mysteries. Make sure you also see the Roman baths, which were a beloved social hub for the ancient city's inhabitants.
Herculaneum
Similar to Pompeii, Herculaneum offers thematic routes that allow visitors to delve into the everyday life and ancient dwellings of the time. Notable highlights include the House of the Beautiful Courtyard, the Samnite House, the Roman baths, and the fascinating House of the Papyri – a structure outside the city walls where numerous scrolls written in Greek and Latin were discovered.
Guided tours and skip-the-line tickets
During high season, long queues often form at the ticket offices of Pompeii and Herculaneum. To save time, consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets online, which grant direct access to the archaeological sites.
We advise against visiting both archaeological sites in a single day. Instead, consider combining a trip to one of the sites with a hike up Mount Vesuvius to experience the volcano's crater.
Nerano
As the sun sets over the summer skies, boats and small motorboats leave the harbor of Capri, disappearing behind Punta Campanella. Many of these vessels are likely bound for Nerano, a popular destination for those seeking the finest cuisine that the Amalfi Coast has to offer.
In the small fishing village of Nerano, you'll find numerous restaurants dedicated to local gastronomy and dishes that highlight the flavors of the sea, all accompanied by the exquisite wines of the Lattari Mountains.
Sorrento
Perched on a natural terrace overlooking the sea, Sorrento boasts spectacular views of the entire Bay of Naples. The island of Capri is just a 20-minute hydrofoil ride away from Sorrento's harbor, which is located near the town's elegant historic center – a renowned stop on the 19th-century Grand Tour.
The historic center of Sorrento
Corso Italia, one of Sorrento's most famous streets, leads to Piazza Torquato Tasso, dominated by the statue of St. Anthony, the city's patron saint. The historic center of Sorrento, a maze of narrow alleys, is home to small artisan shops and fruit and vegetable stalls displaying the region's famous Sorrento lemons and wreaths made of red chili peppers.
Sorrento is also an excellent destination for shopping, with prices generally more affordable than in Capri and Positano. If possible, include a visit to the Sorrento Excellence store along the Sorrento state road for a selection of traditional products and a tour of the limoncello factory.
Excursions from Sorrento
Sorrento is an ideal starting point for visiting the surrounding area, with numerous excursions and organized tours that allow you to explore the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Herculaneum and the other towns in the Bay of Naples.
Procida
The island of Procida has been a favorite holiday spot since the ancient Roman era. Visitors are instantly captivated by the vibrant colors and architecture of the Marina Grande fishing village. Here, you can admire the 17th-century Merlato Palace and the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà, founded by sailors in the same century.
To reach the historic center of Terra Murata, follow a small road overlooking Marina Corricella. Once there, you can visit the Dominican Convent of Santa Margherita and the Abbey of San Michele, a museum complex built in 1026 that houses a library with texts dating back to the 16th century.
Procida is an ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities, nature walks, and scuba diving. You could also simply spend the day relaxing on the sun-drenched beaches of Silurenza and Pozzo Vecchio.
Ischia
Ischia, the largest island in the Gulf of Naples, is also known as the Green Island because of its lush vegetation. The island's fertile land is a testament to its volcanic past, which has also blessed Ischia with thermal waters rich in therapeutic properties. These healing waters have made Ischia a popular destination for wellness tourism.
Beyond the spas and thermal centers, Ischia is famous for its beautiful beaches, where visitors can enjoy long days soaking up the sun and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to the beaches of San Montano, Maronti, and Lido, there are countless bays and coves accessible only by sea.
The district of Ischia Porto is perfect for leisurely strolls through narrow streets and past fishermen's houses. On the island's eastern side, you'll find one of its most renowned attractions: the magnificent Aragonese Castle, built by Alfonso of Aragon in the 15th century. This imposing fortress (113 meters above sea level) stands on an islet connected to the ancient village of Celsa by a 220-meter-long stone bridge.
Naples
If you wish to immerse yourself in local culture, Naples is a city that shouldn't be missed. You can plan your visit to Naples before or after your stay in Capri, as the city is typically the departure point for the island, with year-round connections. Naples is known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and extraordinary architecture. Visitors can explore the city's numerous historic monuments, such as the Royal Palace and Naples Cathedral. They can also sample the local cuisine, which includes dishes like pizza and fresh seafood. Naples is also home to numerous museums and art galleries, making it an ideal destination for those interested in culture and history.
The wonders surrounding Capri aren't limited to the locations mentioned above. The region offers countless other fascinating sites and experiences for travelers to enjoy. Whether you prefer to explore the natural beauty of the landscape, savor the flavors of local cuisine, or delve into the region's rich history, there's truly something for everyone in the captivating surroundings of Capri.