🇮🇹Capri

Discover Capri with kids: the glowing Blue Grotto, a chairlift to Mount Solaro, Roman ruins at Villa Jovis, and boat tours past the iconic Faraglioni sea stacks.

Your family guide

Capri with kids: glamour, grottoes, and ancient history

“An island where Roman emperors once retreated, and your family can too.”

— San & Jo

Capri is one of those places that genuinely takes your breath away the moment you arrive. The turquoise water, the dramatic cliffs, the pastel-coloured harbour: it all feels almost too beautiful to be real. And the good news is that this famously glamorous island is far more family-friendly than its jet-setter reputation suggests.

From rowing into the glowing Blue Grotto to riding the chairlift up Mount Solaro, Capri packs in experiences that kids will talk about long after the holiday is over. Add a boat tour around the iconic Faraglioni rock stacks, a wander through the ruins of Villa Jovis, and a scoop of gelato in La Piazzetta, and you have a trip that works brilliantly for the whole family.

One thing to know before you arrive: no private cars are allowed on the island. That actually makes it a wonderfully relaxed place to explore on foot, by local bus, or by taxi. The island is compact, the paths are well-marked, and the views around every corner make even the uphill stretches worth it.

Campania, ItalyIsland in the Gulf of Naples

May to OctoberBest time to visit

PremiumPrice level

Best things to do

Why we love Capri for families

Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)

Rowing into this sea cave feels like entering another world. Sunlight filters through an underwater entrance and turns the water an electric, glowing blue. You enter lying flat in a small rowboat, which children absolutely love. Go early in the morning for the best light and shorter queues.

Go at 9am to beat the crowds

1-2 hours

Boat tour around the island

This is the highlight of most family visits to Capri. A boat tour takes you past the Faraglioni rock stacks, the Green and White Grottoes, and the dramatic coastline that you simply cannot see from land. Kids love spotting the caves and arches from the water.

Book a shared tour to keep costs down

2-3 hours

Mount Solaro chairlift from Anacapri

The single-seat chairlift from Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri to the island's highest point is a genuinely thrilling ride for children and adults alike. The views over the Gulf of Naples from the top are spectacular. Younger children will need to share a seat with a parent.

Visit Anacapri first, then take the lift up

Half a day

Villa Jovis

Built around 27 AD, this is one of the best-preserved Roman villas in Italy and the former palace of Emperor Tiberius. It takes a steep 45-minute uphill hike from Capri town to reach, but the ruins of the baths, courtyards, and clifftop position make it genuinely impressive. A great way to bring Roman history to life for curious kids.

Bring plenty of water for the uphill walk

2-3 hours including the hike

Gardens of Augustus

These lush terraced gardens offer some of the most photographed views on the island, looking out over Marina Piccola bay and the hairpin turns of Via Krupp. It is a lovely, easy stop for families and a great spot to let younger children run around while you take in the scenery.

The view of Via Krupp from the top terrace is unmissable

45-60 minutes

La Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto I)

Capri's charming main square is the beating heart of the island. Sit at a cafe, order a granita or a limoncello, and watch the world go by. Celebrities, billionaires, and locals all share this tiny square, and the people-watching is world-class. A relaxed stop that the whole family can enjoy.

Visit in the evening when the square really comes alive

30-60 minutes

Sentiero dei Fortini coastal trail

This scenic hiking trail follows the western coast of the island past historic watchtower forts, with dramatic sea views the whole way. It is manageable for families with older children and offers a quieter, more adventurous side of Capri away from the tourist crowds.

Start early and bring sun protection and snacks

3-4 hours

Arco Naturale

This striking natural limestone arch on the island's eastern side is a rewarding short hike from Capri town. The arch itself is enormous and frames a perfect view of the coastline and clear blue water below. A great spot for family photos and a fun geology conversation with the kids.

Combine with a walk to Grotta di Matermania nearby

1-2 hours

Our verdict

How Capri scores for families

Kids

The Blue Grotto, the chairlift, and the boat tours deliver genuine wow moments for children. The car-free island makes it safer and more relaxed to explore, though steep paths and steps can be tricky with a pushchair.

History

Roman emperors chose Capri as their private retreat, and Villa Jovis is one of the best-preserved Roman palaces in Italy. The island's layered history from the Jurassic era to the present day gives curious families a lot to explore.

Food

Capri's cuisine is outstanding. Fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and lemon-everything make for delicious family meals. Ravioli capresi and torta caprese are must-tries. Prices are high, but the quality matches.

Nature

The dramatic cliffs, sea caves, rock stacks, and coastal trails make Capri a genuinely spectacular natural destination. The Faraglioni alone are worth the trip.

Budget

Capri is one of Italy's most expensive destinations. Accommodation, restaurants, and boat tours all carry a premium price tag. Day trips from Naples or Sorrento can help manage costs for budget-conscious families.

Planning your visit

How long should you stay in Capri?

1 day

Day trip

Arrive by ferry, hit the Blue Grotto and La Piazzetta, take a boat tour, and head back to the mainland. Busy but doable.

sweet spot

2 days

Sweet spot

Two days lets you explore both Capri town and Anacapri, take the chairlift up Mount Solaro, hike to Villa Jovis, and enjoy a relaxed dinner without rushing.

4 days

Deep dive

Four days gives you time for the coastal hiking trails, a beach afternoon at Marina Piccola, and a truly unhurried pace. Perfect if you want to feel like a local rather than a tourist.

Fun facts

Things about Capri your kids will remember

An emperor's private island

Emperor Augustus loved Capri so much he turned it into his personal holiday retreat, building villas, temples, and gardens. His successor Tiberius went even further and built twelve villas on the island. Villa Jovis is the grandest that still stands today.

Rocks older than the dinosaurs

The dramatic rock formations you see all around Capri, including the famous Faraglioni sea stacks, date back to the Jurassic era. That means the island's bones are over 145 million years old, older than most dinosaurs.

The most photographed rocks in Italy

The Faraglioni rock stacks are so iconic that major fashion brands including Giorgio Armani and Calvin Klein have used them as backdrops for their campaigns. Your family photo there will be in very stylish company.

Taste Capri

What to eat with your family in Capri

Ravioli capresi

Must try

Da Paolino

This is the dish to order in Capri. Light pasta parcels stuffed with aged cheese and marjoram, served with a simple tomato and basil sauce. You can also find them fried as a starter, which kids tend to love.

Lemon spaghetti

Kids love it

Da Paolino

Capri's lemon trees are legendary, and this simple pasta dish lets them shine. Da Paolino serves it beneath actual lemon trees in their garden, which makes for one of the most memorable family dinners on the island.

Torta caprese

Daily treat

Various pasticcerias in Capri town

A dense, fudgy almond and chocolate cake that is a staple dessert across the island. It is naturally gluten-free and absolutely delicious. You will find it in almost every pasticceria and restaurant in Capri town.

Caprese salad

Safe choice

Giorgio al Cucciolo

Yes, this classic dish is said to have originated right here on Capri. Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Simple, fresh, and perfect for children who prefer lighter meals.

Fresh seafood at sunset

Local favourite

Giorgio al Cucciolo

Giorgio al Cucciolo is beloved for its locally caught seafood and its extraordinary view of Mount Vesuvius across the water at sunset. The grilled fish and seafood pasta dishes are outstanding, and the setting makes the meal feel truly special.

More places in Naples & Campania

6 places

Herculaneum

Herculaneum is a beautifully preserved Roman site near Naples, perfect for families who want vivid history, stunning mosaics, and a quieter alternative to Pompeii.