Top 10 Things to Do in Capri, Italy on a Budget
The simple pleasures of Capri actually don’t cost that much — where to find the best frozen lemonade, sandwich, Bellini… plus, the best place to swim!
Hi, guys… I’m back!
After two long summers of no international travel… I finally returned to my favorite place on earth… Capri, Italy.
Photo credit: Alina Cho
It’s a place I’ve visited every summer for more than a decade.
I mean, I had bangs back then.
Instagram: @thealinacho
Capri is known for its breathtaking beauty…
Fabulous food…
Instagram: @paolinolemontreescapri
And world-class shopping.
Photo credit: Alina Cho
But what struck me the most after a two-year hiatus was just how much joy I found in doing the simple things.
Getting a frozen lemonade… swimming the Green Grotto… eating a sandwich from my favorite deli at Marina Grande.
Believe it or not, not everything is expensive on this jet-set island.
Here are the TOP 10 SURPRISINGLY CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN CAPRI:
1. GET A FROZEN LEMONADE: The first thing I do after taking a taxi up to the center of town is stop at the lemonade stand. My favorite one is located between the Prada store and the funicular. I’ve tried almost every frozen lemonade in Capri, and this one is the best. € 5.
Photo credit: Alina Cho
2. GET A SANDWICH AT SALUMERIA DA ALDO: Many, if not most, who visit Capri have no idea what’s on offer at the main port, Marina Grande. That’s because Capri is one of the few places on earth where all the action is at the top of the mountain, not down by the water. Which is why at the end of every trip, just before I board the ferry back to Naples, I grab a prosciutto, parmesan, and tomato sandwich at Salumeria Da Aldo. In my opinion, it’s the best sandwich in the world. € 6.
Source: Pinchables
Photo credit: Alina Cho
3. GET LUNCH AT GELATERIA BUONOCORE: If you’ve ever been to Capri, you know about the famous gelato line. It can stretch an entire city block… at midnight. But what a lot of people don’t know is that if you step inside Gelateria Buonocore, you’ll find they make real food. And it’s delicious. When I’m running around and hungry, I pop in and grab a sandwich to go. € 7.
Instagram: @gelateriabuonocorecapri
Instagram: @gelateriabuonocorecapri
4. BUY RED PEPPER FLAKES (PEPERONCINO): The red pepper flakes made in Italy are dramatically better than anything you’ll find stateside. Trust me on this. Stop at any grocery store (I go to the one near Aurora) and pick up a bag or two or three. € 6.
Photo credit: Alina Cho
5. DO THE PIZZOLUNGO HIKE: Want to work off all the pizza and pasta you’re eating? Pizzolungo is one of the most beautiful walks in Capri. It starts on the trail just below the Punta Tragara Hotel and winds around the island, past the breathtaking Villa Malaparte and up to the spectacular Natural Arch. Takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Source: Capri.net
Source: Italy Traveller
6. SWIM THE GREEN GROTTO: For all the talk about the famed Blue Grotto (and, yes, it’s worth taking the small rowboat inside the cave to see it), my favorite place to swim around Capri is the Green Grotto. Yes, the water really is that green. And it’s warm — not like the chilly Atlantic.
Source: Trip Advisor
7. GET A BELLINI AT J.K. PLACE: On my last night in Capri, I took a taxi down to J.K. Place, one of the best luxury hotels on the island, to have a drink with its owner, Ori Kafri. Ori said I just had to try the Bellini there. Made with fresh peach juice (not bottled, like the ones at Cipriani), this Bellini is truly the best I’ve ever had. When peaches aren’t in season, J.K. stops making Bellinis. € 28 (includes a selection of snacks).
Photo credit: Alina Cho
8. GET A CAPPUCCINO AT FONTELINA: La Fontelina is the most exclusive beach club in Capri. It also happens to serve the best lunch. One morning, I walked down and arrived before anyone else, and it was pure bliss. Had an amazing cappuccino and enjoyed the view. € 7.
Photo credit: Alina Cho
9. DANCE TO THE SCIALAPOPOLO FOLK BAND: You haven’t experienced Capri until you’ve danced with the Scialapopolo Folk Band. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch them marching through the streets up to the Piazzetta. It’s a sight to see.
Instagram: @thealinacho
Instagram: @amedeokingofcameos
Instagram: @scialapopolo_capri_folk_band
10. GET A FRESH ORANGE JUICE AT BAR GROTTA AZZURRA: Bar Grotta Azzurra has been a Marina Grande mainstay for 150 years. It’s also the last place I sit before getting on the ferry back to Naples. After I grab my sandwich at Salumeria Da Aldo, I walk over, sit in the shade, and order a fresh-squeezed orange juice. It’s my last taste of Heaven before heading home. € 8.
Instagram: @bargrottaazzurra_capri
Photo credit: Alina Cho