THE BEACHES OF CAPRI

You’ve arrived on the most glamorous island in the Mediterranean, and you obviously want to treat yourself to a day at the beach filled with total relaxation! But be careful: while Capri’s beaches are all fantastic, they aren’t all the same or equally accessible. Keep reading for a complete guide to Capri’s main beaches, and choose the one that best suits you and your needs!

by R. Cascone

You’ve surely seen countless photos of the sea around Capri, with its hues ranging from turquoise to deep blue—a true feast for the eyes! Don’t expect to find vast white-sand beaches here, though: nothing could be further from the truth! The island’s beaches are in fact small, rocky, and sometimes nestled between cliffs, and there’s no shortage of coves and inlets often hidden amid the wild landscape. Here’s a complete list of Capri’s beaches—all incredibly charming!

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The Faraglioni rocks

1. Marina Grande

Ideal for those who don’t want to venture onto rough terrain and accessible to everyone, Marina Grande beach is also the largest on the island. Located just a short walk from the port and therefore easy to reach, it’s a pebble beach, making it suitable even for young children. But that’s not all: here you’ll find both beach clubs and public beach areas. It’s also perfect for spending a few relaxing hours before heading back aboard a ferry!

2. Marina Piccola

The beaches of Marina Piccola are among the most popular with visitors, as you can swim here with a view of the Faraglioni. Accessible on foot or by bus, the two small beaches here—separated by the Sirene rock—are also made up of gravel and pebbles. The only downside is that the sun disappears in the early afternoon: Marina Piccola is therefore the ideal choice for those who want to take a dip first thing in the morning. You’ll also find beach clubs here (note: Capri’s beaches are always quite expensive, especially in high season) or a stretch of free beach—a feature not to be overlooked!

3. Palazzo a Mare beach or Bagni di Tiberio

Just a few minutes from Marina Grande lies a beach that is undoubtedly a favorite among families with children: Palazzo a Mare Beach, with its crystal-clear waters and pebble seabed. The stretch of public beach is quite narrow, though; the rest is occupied by the “Bagni di Tiberio” beach club, so named for the presence of some ruins from Emperor Augustus’s ancient summer residence. You can reach the beach with a 10-minute walk or by taking a small boat that departs from Marina Grande; here you’ll also find a restaurant highly popular with tourists that offers fresh seafood and traditional Capri dishes.

The "Bagni di Tiberio" beach club. Photo credits bagniditiberio.com

4. Gradola

Looking for a wilder spot to explore? Gradola is the place for you! It’s not really a beach, but rather a cliff equipped with platforms and ladders from which you can dive into the beautiful waters off Capri. The area is picturesque because it’s located near the famous Blue Grotto, and the water is always clean. To get there, take the bus headed for the Blue Grotto, and don’t forget your water shoes!

5. Punta Carena, near the lighthouse

Where do the locals go for a swim? They’ll probably tell you they come here, to the Punta Carena Lighthouse! Again, there’s no sandy beach here, just a narrow rocky shore. It’s recommended mainly for adults, since the water gets deep fairly quickly; plus, it’s the only “beach” where you can watch the sunset over the sea. You’ll find a few beach clubs here, but to the right of the lighthouse there’s also a public area. I recommend going there even just to enjoy an aperitif at sunset: it’s a romantic experience of incredible beauty.

6. Faraglioni

Want to take an unforgettable dip? Then head to the rocky shore at the foot of the island’s three most famous rocks, the Faraglioni! Accessible via a trail that starts at the Punta Tragara viewpoint, you’ll find only private beach clubs here, complete with restaurants and a shuttle service back to Marina Piccola. Remember to book in advance! Space is limited and demand is very high during the busiest months.

Prices at Capri’s beaches range from €35 to €100. The most exclusive ones cost even more, so keep an eye on your budget to avoid any unpleasant surprises!
During peak season, the beaches fill up early in the morning. A tip: reserve your spot on the beach so you don’t miss out!
Always check the accessibility of the beaches: some aren’t suitable for people with limited mobility or strollers.
Always bring a mask, snorkel, and especially water shoes: they’ll come in very handy, you’ll see!