Just off the coast of Naples, the small island of Capri is a popular summer destination. Its blue waters, ever-present sunshine, the beauty of its craggy landscapes and the discreet charm of its small towns attract many visitors every year. The island isn’t very big, but its rugged terrain and the varied atmosphere of its different areas mean that choosing where to stay in Capri is important.
After all, you won’t necessarily be staying there for very long. So it’s best to choose your accommodation according to your desires for beaches, walks, visits or nightlife.
This accommodation guide will give you an idea of the best places to stay in Capri. We’ll take a look at each of these places, detailing the general atmosphere, nearby points of interest, how easy it is to get around, the entertainment on offer and the type of accommodation and rates available. Finally, we suggest hotels or tourist rentals in different budget ranges to help you make your choice.
Main information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting accommodation in Capri, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view. They should give you a better idea of the town and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Capri:
- $ this small hotel, one of the cheapest you’ll find in the center of Capri
- $$ this accommodation, well located in Anacapri and very good value for money
- $$$ this luxury establishment, 2 minutes’ walk from the small central square, one of the best places to stay in Capri
Map of different areas to stay in Capri
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Capri, you’ll find on the map below all the recommendations for accommodation in Capri that we’ll be sharing in this guide. You can also use it to locate the various neighborhoods we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Capri
Best places to stay in Capri
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Capri.
Stay in Capri's historic center
On arrival at the main port, you can take the funicular or climb hundreds of steps to reach the historic center of Capri's old town. With its unique charm and lively atmosphere, this is the heart of the island and the best place to stay in Capri.
The little town is a real tourist attraction, and well worth a stroll to discover its winding streets and white houses. The central square, Piazza Umberto or Piazzetta di Capri, offers magnificent views of the surrounding area. It's also a very chic place, with major fashion brands, luxurious hotels and restaurants. If you choose to stay here, you'll be able to stroll at your leisure, even in the evening, which is very pleasant.
From here, it's easy to explore the surrounding area on foot, provided you don't mind a bit of elevation change. Here are the main points of interest
- the Villa Jovis, the ruins of Emperor Tiberius' former residence, which can be discovered after a short hour's hike, with viewpoints all along the way
- the beaches of Marina Grande, to the north, and Marina Piccola, to the south, are within easy reach, albeit at the cost of hundreds of steps up and down!
Beyond these nearby locations, it' s easy to reach the rest of the island. In fact, most buses pass through Piazza Umberto, and you'll be able to get everywhere this way. For example, the second largest town, Anacapri, is less than a quarter of an hour away by bus. This central location is another advantage if you choose to stay in the historic center.
Of course, it's also the liveliest place on the island. It's no problem to go out at night and enjoy the restaurants and bars, especially during the high season from June to August. This is a good reason to stay here: the rest of Capri is much quieter.
In terms of accommodation, you'll find hotels in the very center of town or in the immediate vicinity, as well as a few individual tourist rentals. On the downside, of course, prices are very high, especially in high season. So book well in advance to get the best rates.
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Unpretentious, this tiny hotel is well placed in Capri, and one of the least expensive. The few rooms available are clean and comfortable, and the view is magnificent. A very good choice for a cheap stay in Capri itself.
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Five minutes from the quiet Piazzetta, this 2-star hotel offers simple, clean and comfortable rooms. One of its major assets is its magnificent view of the sea and surrounding hills from its terrace. Very reasonably priced for its location, it's an excellent choice for staying in the center of town on a "reasonable" budget.
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Popular with the jet set, this 5-star luxury hotel is a benchmark for the stars. If your budget allows, you'll be right at the heart of the action, among the hottest stars. Of course, the rooms, pools and service are all beyond reproach.
Quiet accommodation: Anacapri
To the west, in the hills, the town of Anacapri offers a very different atmosphere from the chic "capital". Quieter but above all more authentic, it's a great place to stay when you're not looking for a night out.
It's very pleasant to stroll along its narrow streets, and discover, for example, the church of San Michele Arcangelo.
In the surrounding area, the most important places to visit are the following:
- monte Solaro, the highest point at almost 600m, offers incredible views. You can climb it on foot if you're brave, or take a short chairlift from Anacapri
- villa San Michele displays Roman remains found during excavations in Capri. It also offers a unique panoramic view of the surrounding area
- to the north, the Blue Grotto takes its name from the water and the play of light that makes it so dazzling. It's one of the island's most popular tourist spots, and can only be visited by boat
Even if you don't stay on the island, you're sure to stop by and discover them.
As already mentioned, this is a very quiet, wilder area. Once most of the tourists have left at the end of the day on the last ferry or towards the center, you'll discover a village atmosphere. Of course, restaurants and cafés will still be open, with a majority of locals and a few travelers. So you'll easily find something to eat not far from your accommodation.
As for where to stay in Anacapri, there are fewer options than elsewhere on the island. However, the offer has grown recently, from fairly luxurious and comfortable hotels to Airbnb-type rentals and bed and breakfasts. The area is also considerably less expensive than elsewhere. If you're planning to stay in Anacapri, don't wait too long to book your accommodation, so you'll have more choice to suit your budget and taste.
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In the heart of Anacapri, this fully-equipped apartment is practical, clean and comfortable. It's a great choice for a family stay at a reasonable price, while enjoying the small-town atmosphere.
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This charming little 3-star hotel is located in a quiet street, close to shops and restaurants. Clean rooms, lovely terrace and gardens. Perfect for staying in Anacapri on a budget.
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A worthy representative of the Jumeirah luxury chain, there's nothing to complain about here. This 5-star hotel is a veritable museum of works of art, with magnificent views, a double Michelin-starred restaurant, modern rooms of unprecedented luxury and impeccable service. The best place to stay in luxury, but with prices to match.
Enjoy the beach: stay in Marina Grande
Capri's reputation is based not only on its relief and viewpoints, but also on the turquoise color of its waters. You can swim in small coves or from the deck of a boat. The largest and most beautiful beach, albeit modest, is Marina Grande. If you choose to stay right on the beach, you'll be able to make the most of it.
Located right next to the main port, it's easily accessible. However, it's important to remember that the center of Capri is perched on top of a hill, so unless you take the funicular, it's hard to get there on foot. So it's best to choose accommodation right next door if you're looking for a seaside holiday.
As far as sightseeing is concerned, you'll need to take the funicular a lot! It's a great way to visit the old town and the surrounding area, but you can also take a bus to reach more remote areas. On the other hand, you'll be well placed for boat excursions, most of which leave from the main port, right next door. A small compromise if you choose to stay by the beach.
There are several hotels on this part of the coast, so don't worry about that. There are also a number of restaurants and bars close to the port. In less than 10 minutes, you can easily reach the center of Capri, again at the price of a funicular ticket! Be aware that these accommodations are popular with the Neapolitan and Italian jet set, and that rates are high.
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Just a stone's throw from the beach, the Palatium Mari is ideally located. It offers very reasonable prices for its location, comfortable rooms, three-star rating and beautiful setting.
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This luxury hotel overlooks the port. It's an ideal location for staying by the sea. You'll enjoy a top-quality bar and restaurant, in a chic, relaxed atmosphere. The rooms and views are magnificent.
Can we stay in other parts of Capri?
With the areas already mentioned, we've covered most of Capri's accommodation options. With a length of 6 km and a width of 3 km, it doesn't take long to do the trick! Of course, outside these areas, it's possible to stay in more out-of-the-way accommodations. But does this mean you have to go further afield?
If you can find the perfect place to stay, why not? As long as you're willing to walk a bit, you should be able to easily reach a bus station. From there, you'll be able to reach all 4 corners of the island in less than 20 minutes, no matter where you choose to stay.
However, we advise you to give priority to the places we've mentioned, if only to find a restaurant or small shop easily when you need one.
Summary
As you will have read in this guide, Capri is small and you can reach all 4 corners by choosing to stay in one place. However, as mentioned above, your choice of accommodation will depend on what you’re looking for. If it’s thechic atmosphere of the jetset and trendy bars, Capri is the place to stay. For a quieter, more authentic stay in the wilderness, opt for the west and Anacapri. Finally, if you want to make the most of the beach, opt for a hotel or rental on the shores of Marina Grande.
A few final tips to bring this guide to a close. First of all, make sure you choose where to stay well in advance, especially if you’re coming in summer. Not only are prices high, but the nicest accommodations are taken by storm and fill up very quickly. This is true all over Italy, but especially here! Finally, take comfortable but sturdy shoes: Capri’s paths can be very steep. With these precautions in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy your stay in the magnificent setting of one of the most mythical spots on the Italian coast