Capri Day Trip from Positano: Is It Worth It?
A common question people ask when traveling to the Amalfi Coast is whether they should stay in Capri for a night or two, take a day trip, or skip it altogether. Short answer: yes, Capri is worth visiting, especially if you love incredible views, luxury, and high-end shopping.
Capri Day Trip: What to Expect & How to Plan Your Day
If you’re planning to visit Capri for the day, I recommend going as early as possible and staying as long as you can. When we were in Positano, we unfortunately had some bad weather, which caused multiple ferry cancellations. Because of that, we didn’t arrive in Capri until the early afternoon, even though I was hoping to get there in the morning. We also had dinner reservations back in Positano that night, so we had to leave around 6 p.m. which meant our time in Capri was pretty limited.
The ferry ride to Capri takes about 30–40 minutes. Once you arrive, you’ll need to take the funicular up to Capri town. Funicular tickets are purchased after you arrive, and while it runs every 10–15 minutes, the wait can be around 30 minutes depending on crowds. The actual ride is only a few minutes long. On the way back down, we ended up taking the stairs instead, definitely a workout, but we didn’t have time to wait.
Once you reach Capri town, I recommend grabbing a bite to eat and a glass of rosé while people-watching in the main square. After that, wander through the shops and walk toward Belvedere di Tragara, the most popular and iconic viewpoint on the island. From here, you get direct views of the Faraglioni rocks, bright blue water, and dramatic cliffs. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to stop here because we had a boat tour scheduled and the line was very long.
Capri Boat Tour: Why It’s a Must-Do Experience
A boat tour around Capri is an absolute must, it was hands down the highlight of our entire time on the Amalfi Coast. Cruising around the island, going under the Faraglioni rocks, seeing insane properties owned by some of the richest people in the world, and being surrounded by the most striking blue water felt like a true “I’ve made it” moment. It was honestly the best time.
Just look how striking this water is!
You can choose to stop at the Blue Grotto, a small cave with glowing blue water. We made a stop there, although it wasn’t really recommended that day due to weather conditions, and I quickly understood why. We were on a private boat tour, so our captain let us do whatever we wanted. We swam into the Blue Grotto holding onto the chains along the rock, and the current was extremely strong, pulling us up and down a few feet at a time. It was definitely sketchy, but also incredible to see the glowing blue water up close.
After our boat tour, we pretty much had to head straight back to the ferry and return to Positano. If we had more time, I would’ve loved to sit down for lunch with a view. Capri is all about the views, whether it’s lunch, dinner, or cocktails, find a spot with a view and you can’t go wrong.
I’ll be honest: if we hadn’t done the boat tour, I don’t think Capri would have been worth it for us. That experience alone made the entire trip to Capri 100% worth it.
Staying in Capri: Is It Worth Spending the Night?
I haven’t personally stayed overnight on the island, so I can’t speak from direct experience, but I did a lot of research comparing a day trip versus staying in Capri. If I were to stay, I’d probably only do one or two nights max (unless you have an unlimited budget).
With a night or two, you’d be able to:
Visit a beach club
Dine at multiple restaurants with views
Explore Anacapri, which is more laid-back and relaxing compared to the busier, ultra-luxurious Capri town
Capri is very expensive, even more so than Positano. If you have a larger budget, staying overnight could be worth it to fully experience the island without the day-tripper crowds and time constraints.
Who is Capri Best For? (And Who Should Skip It)
Capri is glamorous, beautiful, and very much a luxury destination, but it’s not for everyone. How much you enjoy Capri really depends on how you plan to experience it.
Capri is best for:
Travelers who love luxury, designer shopping, and upscale dining
Those who prioritize views and boat experiences
People who want a short, high-impact destination rather than a slow-paced stay
Couples, honeymooners, or celebration trips
Travelers who plan to do a boat tour or private boat day
Visitors who don’t mind crowds in exchange for iconic scenery
If you enjoy feeling a little fancy on vacation and don’t mind paying more for the experience, Capri will absolutely deliver.
Capri may not be the best fit for:
Budget travelers
People who dislike crowds or long lines
Travelers who want sandy beaches and long beach days
Those looking for a very local or authentic Italian village feel
Anyone skipping a boat tour (this really makes the experience)
If this sounds more like you, a day trip to Capri, or skipping it entirely, may make more sense. Other Amalfi Coast towns offer a more relaxed and authentic feel without the high price tag.