Cruise port · Italy · Western Mediterranean
Capri cruise port guide
Capri is a glamorous limestone island in the Bay of Naples and a tender port, famous for the Blue Grotto, the Faraglioni sea stacks and chic Capri town. A funicular climbs from the harbor to the Piazzetta in minutes, and from there you can explore gardens, villas and the quieter village of Anacapri.
- Blue Grotto
- Island boat trips
- Coastal views
- Luxury shopping
- Couples
Photo: Mentnafunangann, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Italy
- Region
- Western Mediterranean
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- Italian. English is widely spoken in shops, restaurants and boat companies.
- Currency
- Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, though cash helps for buses and small shops.
- Best time to visit
- May–September
- Average highs
- 57–82°F through the year
About Capri
Capri has drawn visitors since the Roman emperor Tiberius ruled the empire from his clifftop villa here. Today the island mixes designer boutiques and celebrity-spotting in Capri town with whitewashed lanes, lemon trees and dramatic sea views around every corner.
Most port days combine a boat trip around the island, which may include the Blue Grotto, with time in Capri town and Anacapri. The island is crowded in summer, and getting around means queues for the funicular, small buses and taxis, so efficient planning pays off. It’s ideal for couples and anyone who loves coastal scenery; travelers with limited mobility should note the steep paths and steps.
Where cruise ships dock in Capri
Capri is a tender port. Ships anchor offshore, and tenders or local boats land passengers at Marina Grande, the island’s main harbor. The funicular from Marina Grande to Capri town’s Piazzetta takes only a few minutes, though lines can be long. Small public buses and open-top taxis run to Anacapri and other points. Boat tours and Blue Grotto trips leave from Marina Grande. Allow at least four to five hours to combine a boat trip with Capri town; tender service can be suspended in rough seas.
Best things to do in Capri on a cruise
- 1
Blue Grotto
nature
Sunlight entering through an underwater opening turns this sea cave an electric blue. Boats from Marina Grande take you to the entrance, where you transfer to a small rowboat and lie back to pass through the low opening. Waits can be long, and visits are canceled when the sea is rough.
- 2
Boat trip around the island
scenery
A trip around Capri takes about an hour and passes the Faraglioni rock stacks, sailing through the arch in the middle one, plus the Green and White Grottoes. It’s often the best way to appreciate the island’s cliffs and runs even when the Blue Grotto is closed.
- 3
The Piazzetta and Capri town
culture
Capri’s little main square, Piazza Umberto I, is lined with café tables under a clock tower. Wander Via Camerelle for designer shopping or the quieter lanes beyond. A coffee here is expensive, but the people-watching is part of the experience.
- 4
Gardens of Augustus
scenery
These terraced flower gardens look out over the Faraglioni and down the zigzagging Via Krupp path below, which is often closed because of rockfall. It’s a short walk from the Piazzetta and one of the island’s most famous viewpoints.
- 5
Anacapri, Villa San Michele and Monte Solaro
scenery
Higher and quieter, Anacapri is home to Villa San Michele, built by Swedish doctor Axel Munthe, with gardens and an ancient sphinx looking out to sea. A chairlift rises from Anacapri to the summit of Monte Solaro, the island’s highest point, for sweeping views.
- 6
Villa Jovis
history
The ruins of Emperor Tiberius’s palace crown the island’s northeastern cliff. It’s about a 45-minute uphill walk from the Piazzetta through quiet lanes, rewarded with views across to the Sorrento peninsula and few crowds.
Capri weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 5714 | 5714 | 5815 | 6217 | 6820 | 7624 | 8127 | 8228 | 7826 | 7222 | 6619 | 6016 |
| Low °F (°C) | 5312 | 5312 | 5412 | 5814 | 6418 | 7222 | 7825 | 7926 | 7423 | 6820 | 6217 | 5614 |
| Rain in (mm) | 2.666 | 2.153 | 1.949 | 1.129 | 1.743 | 1.026 | 0.512 | 1.128 | 2.153 | 2.665 | 3.897 | 1.846 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
What to eat and drink in Capri
Insalata caprese, tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, is named after the island. Try ravioli capresi, filled with local cheese and marjoram, and torta caprese, a flourless chocolate and almond cake. Lemons appear in everything from granita to limoncello, often made right on the island. Expect high prices around the Piazzetta; trattorias in Anacapri or along the side lanes are better value.
Tips for your port day
- Head to Marina Grande early. Lines for the funicular, boats and buses grow quickly by late morning.
- Book a Blue Grotto trip with a backup plan; it closes often in choppy seas, and an island boat tour is still worthwhile.
- Carry cash for small purchases and bus tickets, and expect higher prices than on the mainland.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Capri’s lanes and paths are steep, and some viewpoints require long walks.
- Leave a large buffer for the return tender; queues at the harbor can be long in the afternoon.
Cruise lines that visit Capri
Often on the same itinerary
Capri cruise FAQs
Is Capri a tender port?
Yes. Ships anchor offshore and passengers are tendered to Marina Grande, the main harbor, where the funicular and boat tours depart.
Is the Blue Grotto worth it on a cruise?
It can be magical, but waits are long and the visit inside lasts only a few minutes. It closes in rough seas, so treat it as a bonus rather than the only plan.
How do you get from Marina Grande to Capri town?
Take the funicular, which takes just a few minutes, or a taxi or bus. You can also walk up a steep path in about 20–30 minutes.
Can you see Capri and Anacapri in one port day?
Yes, if you start early. Combine a short boat trip, the Piazzetta and the Gardens of Augustus with a bus to Anacapri for Villa San Michele or the Monte Solaro chairlift.
Is Capri crowded?
Yes, especially from late spring to early fall. Arrive early and explore quieter corners like Villa Jovis and Anacapri to escape the busiest spots.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.