Capri is the perfect place to spend a dream summer; its stunning crystal-clear waters and golden beaches make it the ideal destination for seaside tourism, ranging from a peaceful family vacation to one full of fun with friends. However, if we asked when the best time to visit Capri is, the answer might pleasantly surprise us.
The island is so rich in history, culture, and natural wonders that it continues to offer valid reasons for a visit even in other seasons of the year. Let’s discover together the beauty of Capri in every season!
Autumn
The season following summer is a great time to plan a trip to Capri. You can go on hikes, walk the trails in a calmer and more relaxed atmosphere. The still pleasant climate also makes it possible to enjoy some beach days, without the crowds that characterize the warmer months. Just make sure to bring the right clothing, and even a rainy day can turn out to be enjoyable if you choose the right activities.
For example, you can plan a visit to Tiberius’ Villas. Did you know that the Roman emperor didn’t just have one villa built on Capri, but 12? The ruins are scattered throughout the island, but only 3 have preserved their original structure: Villa Jovis, Villa Damecuta, and Palazzo a Mare.
A route full of beautiful views is the one that leads from the Piazzetta along the Pizzolungo walk, a few kilometers where the landscape takes on wonderful hues, especially with the warm, enveloping colors of autumn. The stunning view of the Faraglioni and the Sorrento Peninsula is the reason why you cannot miss this captivating path!
Finally, for trekking enthusiasts, we recommend reaching the highest point of the island, Monte Solaro, almost 600 meters high, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire island, with the Gulf of Naples and Salerno. There is a more convenient way, taking the cable car from Piazza Vittoria, but for those who aren’t afraid of an hour’s walk, it’s also possible to climb to the top on foot.
For all these reasons, you should definitely consider this season when thinking about when to visit Capri!
Winter
It might seem like an unusual time to plan your visit, but in reality, even in winter, the island offers incredible experiences. If you’re wondering when to go to Capri, why not choose this season full of festivities and magical moments to spend with family? Just follow a few simple precautions: check the weather and sea forecasts to avoid any travel issues and pack warm clothes!
In this season, even a simple stroll in the center of Anacapri can pleasantly surprise you. The second municipality of the island, equally beautiful but with a less pronounced tourist appeal, is less affected by the winter closures of businesses. The best way to explore it is undoubtedly to get lost in the little streets and squares of its historic center, stopping at its charming attractions: from the Church of Santa Sofia to the Church of San Michele, from Casa Rossa to Via Giuseppe Orlandi and Piazza Boffe.
And if the cold keeps you from lingering on the island’s beautiful beaches, don’t worry: you can take advantage of the time to visit some fascinating museums. Still in Anacapri, we recommend a visit to Villa San Michele, the beautiful home built in 1885 by Axel Munthe, a young doctor who decided to settle here and create a villa on the remains of an ancient chapel dedicated to St. Michael; and to Castello Barbarossa, an ancient fortress dating back to the time of the independent Duchy of Amalfi. Both sites are open year-round.
Spring
The season of rebirth is perfect for a visit to Capri for many reasons. The soft light that colors the horizon, the mild climate, and the blooming trees… And it’s possible to enjoy all of this at its best because there are still few tourists on the island. Also, although it’s still too early for swimming, the weather is perfect for long, pleasant walks. One of the most beautiful walks on Capri is the Sentiero dei Fortini, which runs along the sea from the Blue Grotto to the Punta Carena Lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll find three forts that once served to defend Capri: Orrico, Pino, and Mesola. The forts are ancient military outposts built by the English in 1806 and expanded by the French after the capture of Capri; the path is marked with informative tiles and signs, and the walk takes about 3 hours.
Finally, we recommend taking advantage of the temperate spring climate to climb the magnificent Phoenician Steps: 921 steps that connect the Marina Grande port with Anacapri, once the only access to the “high” part of the island before the carriage road was built in the second half of the 19th century. Its name comes from the hypothesis that it was built by the Phoenicians, although in reality, it is a Greek construction. The path begins at Marina Grande, near Palazzo a Mare, and along the way, you’ll encounter beautiful sights such as a chapel dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of Anacapri, crosses carved into the stone, and an ancient masonry gate, once the boundary between the territory of Capri and Anacapri.
So, the answer to the question “when to go to Capri?” is simple… any time of year is perfect for a trip to this beautiful island!
