Capri Getting around

Funicular railway

The funicular railway takes visitors to the center of Capri in just 5 minutes, via a panoramic route which cuts through the island’s lemon groves and terraced vegetable gardens. Departures are every 15 minutes or more frequently still when demand is particularly high. In the rush hour passengers are likely to have to queue before boarding.

Small dogs are allowed in the funicular car, but must be muzzled and kept on a lead. Tickets can be purchased at the funicular railway ticket office in the center of Capri or in Marina Grande, to the left of the port, where the ticket offices for the various hydrofoil and ferry companies are located.

Bus

Traveling around Capri by bus is simple thanks to the island's bus network which covers the majority of the non-pedestrianized areas. During the summer months buses run frequently. Times are subject to variation and passengers are advised to check times at the main ticket office close to the Piazzetta.

Unico Capri tickets can be purchased on the bus, in the ticket offices in Marina Grande or in Capri, in the vicinity of the Piazzetta. Tickets are valid for all types of public transport and are available in three categories: corsa singola (single journey), orario (hourly) and giornaliero (daily).

Passengers who leave a deposit of just 1 euro at the ticket office can request the use of a rechargeable Smart Card, which allows them to pay for all of their journeys in advance. The deposit is reimbursed when the Smart Card is handed back to the ticket office.

Top tip: To experience some of the most breathtaking views of the island of Capri, and if you do not suffer from vertigo, take the bus which snakes its way up the cliffs to Anacapri, (make sure you travel on the right hand side of the bus!)

Taxi

Taxi stands are located at the port, by the Piazzetta in Capri, and all those places where tourists gather. Capri's taxis, always kept in perfect condition and sparklingly clean, are more-often-than-not stylish, open-top models. Passengers are advised to wear a hat or headscarf and sunglasses.

Fares are established by the taximeter. Prices of tours of the island of Capri by taxi are, on the other hand, negotiable: decided upon with the driver according to the time of year, the length of the tour, the itinerary etc.

Scooter

In high season, only vehicles owned by residents are allowed to circulate on the island. So, renting a scooter is the ideal choice for those holidaymakers keen to explore the island without relying on public transport or taxis. The main rental points are located in Marina Grande, right next to the docks, and in the towns of Capri and Anacapri.

Chairlift Monte Solaro

The summit of Monte Solaro is the highest point on the island (589 meters above sea level) and can be easily reached by Anacapri's chairlift, built in 1952 by the engineer Francesco Uliscia and modernized in 1998. During the journey, which lasts approximately 15 minutes, you have a marvelous view of the whole of the historic center of Anacapri. You sail over the roofs of the town’s houses, vegetable gardens and citrus groves, which are at times so close that you feel you could almost brush them with your toes.

The chairlift is situated in Via Caposcuro 10, just steps away from Ancapri's central Piazza Vittoria and Villa San Michele, and is easy to include in a day trip devoted to all of the island's most beautiful viewing points. From the terraces built on the summit of the mountain, there are breathtaking views of the Faraglioni of Capri, the Bay of Naples and the Bay of Salerno.

By sea

Nobody should leave Capri without having first sailed around the island's dramatically beautiful coast. All kinds of craft are available: dinghies, traditional wooden 'Gozzi', motorboats, and sailing boats. Those who have a nautical license can rent or charter boats without a crew although, especially whilst on vacation, they many choose to leave the responsibility of navigating the waters around Capri to an experienced local sailor, and simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

During a tour around the island time can be made for a meal in one of the many sea edge restaurants specializing in fish and sea food dishes.

For a picnic lunch on board – featuring delicious Panini Capresi filled with mozzarella cheese, sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil - these are often prepared by the crew members themselves. To keep drinks cool, boats are equipped with iceboxes or small refrigerators.

Tours around the island of Capri are arranged for both individuals and large groups. The classic tour lasts approximately an hour and 45 minutes and includes a stop at the Grotta Azzurra, which is accessed aboard one of the traditional rowing boats. In high season visitors may find they have to wait for as long as an hour before being able to enter the legendary cave.

Those coming to Capri with their own boat can moor at the island's well-equipped tourist port. Given the high demand for mooring space during the summer season, boat owners are well advised to book well in advance.