Sitting in the Bay of Naples, Capri is one of Italy’s most famous and dazzling islands. Surrounded by crystalline waters and boasting a plethora of upscale restaurants, hotels, and boutiques, it’s no surprise that Capri’s coastline is freckled with yachts in the peak summer months. And while the island may cater to the rich and famous, there is plenty to do to satisfy the average tourist’s taste and budget.
Take a look at four low-key and inexpensive things to do in Capri.
Take a Boat Tour of the Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a sea cave in which sunlight passing underwater shines through to create a blue reflection that illuminates the cavern. It’s one of Capri’s most evocative sites, charming generations of visitors for decades. The blue hue is supposedly strongest between the hours of noon and 2:00 p.m.
An average boat tour can cost between $25 and $100.
Stroll Through Augustus’ Gardens
Augustus’ Gardens are botanical gardens located steps away from Capri’s city center. Created by German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp in the early 20th century, they’re immaculately maintained and overflow with dozens of kinds of Mediterranean flora. Toward the back of the gardens are terraces that offer panoramic views of the sea as well as Capri’s iconic Faraglioni.
Entrance to the gardens costs €1.50 ($1.64) and is free to children under 12.
Get Up Close and Personal with a Boat Tour of Capri’s Faraglioni
The island’s neighboring Faraglioni is one of its most recognizable sites. These rock formations were created by the crashing of the waves which eroded their strong foundations over the millenia. Capri’s Faraglioni are composed of three sea stacks, each of which has its own name. The first, still attached to the island, is called Stella (meaning star); the second is called the Faraglioni di Mezzo; and the third is referred to as Faraglioni di Fuori or Scopolo.
An average boat tour can cost between $25 and $100.
Visit the Dreamy 19th-century San Michele
Built at the end of the 19th century by Swedish physician and author Axel Munth, the villa is surrounded by a small yet beautiful garden that has been called one of the most beautiful in Italy. With dozens of rare and exotic flowers and trees, it’s not hard to feel transported to a mystical fairytale land. The villa is also home to a museum housing an impressive art collection of drawing from the ancient Romans, Etruscans, and Egyptians.
Entrance to the villa costs €10 ($10.95).
Asia London Palomba
Asia London Palomba is a trilingual freelance journalist from Rome, Italy. In the past, her work on culture, travel, and history has been published in The Boston Globe, Atlas Obscura, The Christian Science Monitor, and Grub Street, New York Magazine's food section. In her free time, Asia enjoys traveling home to Italy to spend time with family and friends, drinking Hugo Spritzes, and making her nonna's homemade cavatelli.