A First-Timer's Guide to Anacapri
Anacapri is the quieter of Capri's two towns, set high on the western side of the island, and for many first-time visitors it's the better place to sleep. Villas in Anacapri trade the bustle of the Piazzetta for gardens, open views and a slower rhythm, while keeping the rest of the island a short taxi ride away.
If you're planning a first stay on Anacapri, here's what we tell our guests before they arrive.
Where Is Anacapri?
Anacapri sits on the upper, western part of the island of Capri, in the Bay of Naples off the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Capri town occupies the lower saddle to the east, above the harbor at Marina Grande. Anacapri is above and beyond it, on a broad shelf of land beneath Monte Solaro, the island's highest point.
That position explains its character. It's more spread out than Capri town, with more gardens, vineyards and lemon trees between the houses, and it tends to feel more lived-in than visited.
How Do You Get to Anacapri?
There's no airport on the island, so the journey ends by boat. Most guests fly into Naples International Airport and take a ferry or private boat to Marina Grande from Naples or Sorrento; our listing for Villa Immacolata puts the crossing from Sorrento at about 30 minutes. From the harbor, a taxi climbs the winding road up to Anacapri.
Once you're settled, the town itself is easy to explore on foot, and buses and taxis link it with Capri town and the coast.
What to See and Do From Anacapri
The western side of the island holds some of Capri's most rewarding places, and most are within easy reach of Anacapri:
- Monte Solaro: a chairlift rises from the town to the summit, with wide views over the island and the gulf.
- Villa San Michele: the house and gardens built by the Swedish doctor and writer Axel Munthe, close to the town center.
- The Blue Grotto: the sea cave on the northwest coast, entered by small rowing boat when the sea is calm.
- Coastal walks: paths along the western side of the island pass old forts and look out over open sea.
- Evening light: the western side of the island looks out to open sea, and Villa Giada's listing highlights its sunset views.
Plan the Blue Grotto for a calm morning and Monte Solaro for a clear day. Both depend on the weather.
Villas in Anacapri and Nearby
The home we list in Anacapri itself is Villa Immacolata, a whitewashed house in classic Neapolitan style dating to the early 17th century. Columns frame the garden stair, palm and citrus trees fill the grounds, and the rooms are individually themed, from an Artist's Room with antique bathtubs to a Venetian Room built around an 18th-century bookcase. Modern comforts sit alongside the history: a heated pool, an exercise room, a steam and sauna bath, and a cook, gardener and light housekeeping six days a week. According to our listing, Villa San Michele is about 350 meters away, the town of Anacapri about 750 meters and Monte Solaro about 1.6 kilometers.
Our other homes on the island are listed under Capri. One that suits the Anacapri side is Villa Giada, whose listing description places it in Anacapri's quieter surroundings, about 850 meters from the Damecuta helipad and 2 kilometers from the Monte Solaro chairlift. It has a pool with a diving board, lemon trees, a tiered garden with sea views, a vegetable and herb garden, and a butler, with a private chef available (food and drink at additional cost).
If you'd prefer to stay closer to the Piazzetta and visit Anacapri by day, Villa Aiano is a good counterpoint. It sits on a hill in the Capri town area, about 2.5 kilometers from Anacapri according to our listing, with views across the gulf to Vesuvius, a pool, a pizza oven and a private funicular.
Is Anacapri Good for Families?
Yes. Anacapri's quieter streets, larger gardens and slower pace make it a natural fit for families and multi-generational groups. Villa Immacolata's listing includes baby equipment and a home theater, and a house with its own garden means children have space to play without heading into town.
For couples, the appeal is different: long evenings, west-facing views and the feeling of having a corner of the island to yourselves.
When Should You Visit Anacapri?
Late spring and early autumn are the easiest times to visit. May, June and September bring warm days and a swimmable sea without the peak crowds. July and August are hot and busy across the island. Winter is mild and very quiet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anacapri quieter than Capri town?
Yes. Anacapri is more residential and spread out, with more gardens and fewer day-trip crowds. Capri town is livelier, especially around the Piazzetta in the middle of the day.
How far is Anacapri from Capri town?
It's a short drive by taxi or bus up the island's main road. Villa Aiano, near Capri town, is about 2.5 kilometers from Anacapri according to our listing.
Do I need a car in Anacapri?
No. Taxis, buses and walking cover most of the island, and our concierge can arrange transfers from the harbor to your villa.
Making Anacapri Your Home on Capri
Anacapri is the version of Capri that many returning guests end up choosing: higher, greener and calmer, with the island's best-known sights still close by. Every villa we offer is personally inspected before it joins our collection, and we check each home again before you arrive.
If that pace appeals, our home in Anacapri, Villa Immacolata, is a fine place to begin, and our wider Amalfi Coast collection is there when you want to see more of the region.
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