Capri With Kids | Best Things To Do | Where To Stay
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Capri is a gem in the Tyrrhenian Sea, just off Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Fringed with beguiling blue grottos, kissed by the sun at Marina Grande, and crowned by Monte Solaro, the Island of Capri is a great family adventure.
Read on to discover the best things to do in Capri with kids, where to stay, and practical tips on making the most of your family visit.
In a Nutshell
- Best hotels
- Best luxury hotel: Pazziella Garden & Suites
- Best mid-range hotel: Hotel Della Piccola Marina
- Best day trip
Unraveling the Charm of Capri
From its breathtaking sea stacks, known as the Faraglioni Rocks, to its beguiling town center, Capri weaves a magical spell. The best way to experience its myriad charms is to take a Capri Island tour on foot or by private convertible car.
Is Capri Kid-Friendly?
Capri can be enjoyed with children, but it’s important to note that the island is known more for its upscale and sophisticated atmosphere rather than being specifically tailored for kids.
While there may not be dedicated children’s activities or attractions, families can still have a great time exploring Capri’s natural beauty, taking boat trips around the island, visiting the Blue Grotto, or enjoying a stroll through the charming streets. Some beaches also have facilities and amenities suitable for families.
With its boat trips to Blue Grotto, beaches like Marina Piccola Beach, and kid-friendly activities like taking the funicular and exploring the Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto), Capri is a fun family vacation destination. The shallow water of its beaches and the scent of freshly made waffle cones wafting through its city center create an idyllic setting for a family trip.
Best Time To Visit Capri
As the island awakens from its winter slumber, the period from late April to early June showcases Capri at its most resplendent. This is when the Island of Capri glistens under the Mediterranean sun yet avoids the throngs of high-season day trippers.
However, if you’re aiming for the sweet spot between good weather and manageable crowds, September stands out as the optimal month. Imagine viewing Capri without the summer rush or enjoying a serene boat ride around the Faraglioni Rocks – pure bliss!
How Long To Stay in Capri
The Perfect Vacation Duration for an Unrushed Experience
For an unhurried exploration of Capri’s attractions, a stay of one to two nights is recommended. This allows enough free time to embrace the island’s slow-paced dolce vita without the need to rush from one spot to another.
However, it is possible to see the highlights of Capri on a day trip.
The Capri Itinerary for Short and Long Stays
Whether it’s a quick day tour or a languid week-long holiday, there are ample attractions and activities to keep the entire family engaged. Take a private boat tour around the island, or perhaps spend an afternoon at Bagni Le Ondine – the beach club next to Marina Grande, a great spot for older children and adults to swim while the little ones enjoy the shallow water.
How To Get to Capri
You can get to Capri by ferry or book a boat tour. The advantage of taking a tour is that you can pick one with a boat tour around the island and the visit to the Blue Grotto is included.
Getting to Capri By Boat
Many journeys to Capri begin at Naples, Southern Italy’s vibrant city boasting the grand Maschio Angioino and views of Mt. Vesuvius. From Naples, a ferry ride across the blue Tyrrhenian Sea transports you to the beautiful island of Capri. You can book a boat tour to Capri and Blue Grotto from Naples.
Many travelers also begin their journeys to Capri from the charming town of Sorrento. You can book a boat tour to Capri and Blue Grotto from Sorrento.
Getting to Capri By Ferry
Ferries leave for Capri from Naples’ main port, past the stunning Amalfi Coast, to Marina Grande, Capri’s main harbor. On a clear day, the views are amazing.
How To Get Around Capri
Whether by taxi, public transportation, or the island’s famous cable car, getting around Capri is a unique experience. For a scenic route, choose the walking trails that wind their way around the island.
The Capri Funicolare
Capri’s funicolare, a cable car connecting Marina Grande to Capri Town, is a fun experience for a family. The short ride offers sweeping views of the marina, the Tyrrhenian Sea, and beyond. For small children, it’s a thrilling adventure; for adults, it’s a chance to capture photographs.
Where To Stay in Capri
Capri is home to a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to charming 2-star hotels. Many properties offer air-conditioned rooms, room service, and are just a short walk from the town center. Some are nestled among lemon trees, offering a tranquil retreat after a day of exploration.
If staying near the beach is important to you, consider a stay near Marina Grande or Marina Piccola. Marina Grande has a small supermarket and restaurants, so it makes for a good base. Alternatively, Anacapri is family-friendly, but you will be away from the sea.
Best Things To Do in Capri
From a boat ride around the Faraglioni rocks to a visit to the Blue Grotto, Capri offers a myriad of activities. One of the best things to do is to simply wander the town center, indulge in a scoop of gelato, and people-watch in the bustling Piazzetta.
Explore Capri by Boat
If you’re in Capri with your family, you gotta do a boat tour around the island. It’s hands down the best way to see all the amazing sights. You can book a boat tour also from Sorrento or Grotto from Naples.
You’re out there on the water, looking up at the cliffs, spotting little beaches, maybe even seeing some cool sea creatures. It’s a great adventure for the kids and a chill-out time for the parents.
The big rock formations, called the Faraglioni, are the best part. There’s this tradition where if you kiss under the arch of the Faraglioni, it brings you good luck. Who doesn’t want a bit of that?
Blue Grotto Adventure: A Cave Exploration Like No Other
Yes, this photo is mine and the Blue Grotto is that amazing!
Perhaps the most interesting thing to do in Capri is to explore the Blue Grotto. This sea cave, illuminated by an eerie blue light, is accessible by a rowboat during low tide. Older kids will find this tour absolutely fascinating, as will their parents.
There are two ways to reach the Blue Grotto. You can either book a boat tour from Naples or Sorrento that will take you around Capri and to the Blue Grotto. This is the easiest way to do this without all the hassle. Go to the ticket office at the port and book a boat directly for the Blue Grotto.
Although the Blue Grotto is heavily touristed, it’s truly worth braving the crowds for this otherworldly experience.
To maximize your enjoyment and minimize waiting time, it’s best to arrive as early as possible. If you go around noon on high season, it’s possible that you will ned to wait for over an hour to enter the cave. Keep in mind that you only stay in the cave for about 5 minutes.
If you go to Capri with a boat tour from Naples or a boat tour from Sorrento, then you’ll do the Blue Grotto early.
The journey to the Blue Grotto starts with a boat ride from Marina Grande. After a scenic trip along Capri’s coast, you’ll reach the grotto where you’ll transfer to a smaller boat.
This smaller boat, expertly helmed by a local guide, is small enough to fit through the narrow cave entrance. To enter the cave, you’ll need to lie flat in the boat – a bit of an adventure in itself!
Once inside, the grotto’s ethereal blue light creates an atmosphere of wonder. The Blue Grotto is a unique experience.
Piazzetta: Capri’s Living Room in the Open Air
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La Piazzetta, the small square in the center of town, is a hive of activity and a great spot to soak in the Capri vibe. Watch the world go by from one of its outdoor cafes while enjoying freshly-brewed Italian coffee.
If you’re looking for a place to eat with a view in Capri, Pulalli has a prime spot overlooking the lively Piazzetta, which means you get to people-watch while tucking into some seriously tasty food. They’ve got all the Italian favorites on the menu, all made with fresh, local stuff.
Also just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the well-known Piazzetta, La Capannina dishes up authentic Caprese food in a warm and inviting ambiance.
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Anacapri
Anacapri, nestled high in the hills of Capri, offers a more peaceful and authentic experience than the sometimes bustling lower town. The picturesque beauty of Anacapri lies in its narrow, winding lanes, brimming with local artisan shops selling handcrafted items, and offering glimpses of stunning ocean views.
Anacapri gives you a peaceful, laid-back vibe, where things just seem to slow down a bit. It’s like stepping into a quieter, calmer world when you visit this part of the island.
Monte Solaro and Its Chairlift
Monte Solaro stands as the highest point in Capri, offering unmatched panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea. There’s also a cafe there, so it can be a nice break.
This is where this iconic image of Capri is taken from.
A thrilling way to reach the peak is by taking the chairlift from Anacapri. As you gently ascend on this 13-minute ride, you’ll pass over lush green vegetation and catch glimpses of the azure Mediterranean Sea.
Is this doable with little kids? We did it with our kids (youngest is a toddler) and held them on our lap, but it was a bit stressful. If you are not comfortable with carrying your little kid on you, you can skip the chairlift.
The journey offers a blend of adventure and natural beauty. Once at the top, visitors are rewarded with a 360-degree view that stretches across the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and even further away.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply someone seeking a unique experience, the chairlift to Monte Solaro is one of the highlights of a visit to Capri.
Villa San Michele
A highlight of Anacapri is the Villa San Michele, a gorgeous villa with lush gardens that offer panoramic views over the Bay of Naples.
Villa San Michele stands as a testament to the enduring dedication and artistic endeavor of Swedish doctor and writer, Axel Munthe, during his time on the island of Capri.
Today, the villa is open to the public as a museum.
Best Beaches in Capri with kids
When visiting Capri with kids, there are several beaches worth exploring. All of these beaches have pebbles with small sandy stretches. Don’t expect long stretches of sandy beaches in Capri.
- Marina Grande, located near the ferries, is the largest and most accessible beach on the island.
- Bagni di Tiberio, a private beach club, can be reached by a short boat ride or walk from Marina Grande and offers a restaurant.
- Marina Piccola provides a stunning view of the Faraglioni rock formations but can get crowded. It has both a free public area and private beach clubs like Bagni da Gioia.
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