Capri on a Budget: Free Views & Cheap Eats Guide

Ferry costs & booking

From Positano to Capri: €20-25 return. Book direct at the ferry dock (5-minute walk down from Brikette) or online via Travelmar/NLG. Don't book tour packages—they add €10-15 for nothing.

Smart timing saves money: Take the 8:15am or 9am ferry out (€11-13 one way). Return around 5pm-6pm to dodge the last-sailing chaos. In July-August, book 2-3 days ahead online to lock the cheaper rate. Off-season (Oct-May), show up at 8am and buy at the dock—you'll usually get space and save the booking fee.

From Salerno (if arriving by train): Salerno-Capri ferries cost €18-22 return and take 1 hour. You'll arrive at Marina Grande same as the Positano ferry. Check Salerno transport if you're combining this with a Positano leg.

At Marina Grande: You'll dock at the main port. Walk 50m right to the funicular (€2 each way) up to Capri town, or take the bus to Anacapri (€2). Don't take taxis—they charge €15-20 for a 5-minute ride.

Free & cheap viewpoints

Anacapri is where the budget magic happens. Skip the crowded Capri town piazzetta (overpriced coffee) and head straight to Anacapri by bus (€2 from Marina Grande, 15 mins).

Monte Solaro chairlift (€12 return): Worth it. 12-minute ride to 589m summit with 360° views over the Bay of Naples, Amalfi Coast, and the Faraglioni rocks. Open 9:30am-5pm (shorter in winter). This is your one splurge—the views are unbeatable and it's far cheaper than the Blue Grotto.

Villa San Michele gardens (€10 entry, or free from outside): The terrace has sweeping views. If you're tight on budget, walk to the public belvedere just past the villa entrance—same view, zero cost. We've walked past at sunset and the free viewpoint is almost as good.

Punta Carena lighthouse walk: From Anacapri, walk 30 minutes downhill (or bus €2) to Punta Carena. Free lighthouse viewpoint, rocky swimming spots, and far fewer tourists. Bring snacks and water—it's remote. Walk back uphill takes 45 mins.

Via Krupp & Giardini di Augusto (€2 entry): In Capri town, these gardens overlook the Faraglioni rocks. Via Krupp itself (the hairpin path down) is often closed, but the gardens are cheap and the view is the one you see in photos. Worth €2 if you have it.

Beach & swimming spots

Marina Piccola public beach (free): From Capri town, walk downhill 20 mins (or bus €2). There's a small public section between the paid lidos. Bring your towel, water, and snacks. Rocky entry but clear water. Gets crowded by 11am—arrive early.

Punta Carena rocks (free): Best free swim spot. Flat rocks for sunbathing, ladder into deep water. Locals swim here. No facilities—bring everything. There's a small bar 100m up the road if you need drinks.

Skip the lidos: Lidos (private beach clubs) charge €15-30 for a sunbed. Not worth it on a budget. Towel on public rocks = free.

Where to eat cheap

Capri and Anacapri are expensive. Plan ahead. A sit-down lunch on Capri's main square costs €20-30 per person. Here's how to eat for €10-15 total:

Bring snacks from Positano: We always tell guests to grab panini, fruit, and water from Positano before the ferry. Positano prices are high, but Capri is worse. A bottle of water is €3-4 on Capri vs €1-2 in Positano.

Pizza al taglio near Marina Grande: There are 2-3 takeaway pizza spots within 100m of the ferry dock. €3-5 for a big slice. Not amazing, but it's fast and cheap. Eat at the benches by the port.

Anacapri side streets: Walk 2-3 blocks off the main Anacapri square and you'll find small sandwich bars and focaccia shops. €5-8 for a filled focaccia and a drink. We've eaten at \"Bar Gabbiano\" (near the bus stop)—decent and half the price of the square.

Skip the lemons: Capri is famous for lemons, but the limoncello and lemon granitas are tourist-priced. Save that for Positano where it's cheaper and often homemade.

What to skip (save your money)

Blue Grotto (€18 total): €14 boat ride + €4 rowing boat entry. Often closed due to waves or wind. When it's open, you get 5 minutes inside a cave with blue water. Honestly? The free viewpoints give you better value. We've had guests skip it and spend that €18 on the chairlift + a good lunch instead—they were happier.

Taxis: Capri taxis are a scam for tourists. €15-20 for a 5-minute ride that costs €2 by bus. Always take the bus.

Restaurants on Piazzetta Umberto I (Capri town square): Coffee is €6-8. Lunch is €25+. You're paying for the view of other tourists. Walk 3 blocks away and prices halve.

Designer shopping: Capri has Gucci, Prada, etc. Unless you're window-shopping, this is not a budget stop.

Sample €45 day from Brikette

This is what we recommend to guests who want the full Capri experience for under €50:

8:15am: Ferry from Positano (€22 return, booked online 2 days ahead).

9:30am: Arrive Marina Grande. Grab cheap pizza slice (€4). Bus to Anacapri (€2).

10:30am: Monte Solaro chairlift (€12 return). Spend 30-45 mins at the top.

12:30pm: Walk to Punta Carena lighthouse (free). Swim off the rocks. Eat packed lunch.

3pm: Bus back to Anacapri (€2). Walk down to Capri town (30 mins downhill, free).

4pm: Giardini di Augusto (€2). Quick walk around, photos of Faraglioni.

5pm: Funicular down to Marina Grande (€2). Ferry back to Positano (covered by return ticket).

Total: €46. You've seen the best views, swam in clear water, and skipped the tourist traps.

Practical tips from the hostel

Bring a backpack with: Water (1L per person—refill at public fountains in Anacapri), snacks, sunscreen, hat, swimsuit, towel, phone charger. Capri has limited shade and everything is overpriced.

Ferry weather: Ferries cancel in rough seas (Nov-Mar especially). Check the morning forecast or ask at the Positano dock. If it's borderline, have a backup plan—see our day trip alternatives.

Crowds: July-August, Capri gets 15,000+ day-trippers. Go early (first ferry) and hit Anacapri first—most tourists stay in Capri town until 11am, so you'll have Anacapri to yourself.

Luggage: Don't bring luggage. There's no storage at Marina Grande. If you're leaving Brikette the same day, ask us to hold your bags—we'll keep them until you return.

Walking: Capri has hills and stairs. Wear good shoes. Flip-flops are fine for the ferry but not for walking around.

Related guides

Getting there: Positano to Capri ferry directions (times, dock location, tickets).

If you have more budget: See our full Capri day trip guide with more options.

Other budget day trips: Amalfi Coast day trips (Pompeii, Amalfi, Ravello).

Save on transport: Transport money-saving guide (passes, hacks, off-peak).

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