There’s something quintessentially Mediterranean about the experience of going ashore in Capri from a yacht. It’s a ritual steeped in luxury, history, and timeless beauty. From the moment the yacht drops anchor in the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea, with the island rising like a dream from the water, it becomes clear why Capri has enchanted emperors, artists, and adventurers for centuries.
Approaching Capri by sea reveals whitewashed villas dotting the hillsides, the dramatic cliffs crowned with pine trees, and the inviting, sun-drenched coastlines—all come into focus as your yacht glides toward Marina Piccola or Marina Grande, the two main access points. Most yachts anchor offshore near Marina Piccola on the southern side of the island, sheltered by the famous Faraglioni rock formations that rise dramatically from the sea. The marina itself is too small for larger yachts, so tenders are used to ferry guests to and from shore.
Disembarking by tender is part of the charm. The transition from the private world of the yacht to the vibrant bustle of the island is a sensory shift. Sea spray, the scent of citrus, the flash of bougainvillea against white stone buildings - the island of Capri greets visitors with a vivid welcome. Docking near the Marina Grande, you’ll find a blend of working harbour and polished tourism, with colourful fishing boats bobbing next to luxury speedboats. Pause here for a quick espresso at one of the cafes along the quay perhaps?
Ashore, the first instinct is often to escape the marina and head upward. Capri’s charm lies in its elevation—its narrow lanes, hidden gardens, and sweeping views that open up as one ascends. The funicular is the classic route from Marina Grande to Capri town, a brief and scenic climb that delivers guests to the Piazzetta, the island’s beating heart. The square, more like a stage than a plaza, is flanked by cafes and frequented by locals and tourists alike sipping a coffee or aperitivo while people-watching in a setting that feels like a Fellini film brought to life.
From Capri town, many visitors stroll through the chic streets lined with designer boutiques, gelaterias, and galleries. Yet just beyond the polished commercial district lies a quieter Capri—the gardens of Augustus, with panoramic views over the Faraglioni rocky islets and the sinuous Via Krupp; the serene Certosa di San Giacomo monastery; and walking paths that snake along the cliffs toward Villa Jovis, the ruins of Emperor Tiberius’s Roman palace.
Anacapri offers a more introspective Capri experience. A short taxi or bus ride up the steep, winding road leads to a quieter, cooler part of the island. Here, whitewashed houses, flower-strewn courtyards and artisan workshops define the landscape. You might visit the Villa San Michele, the former home of Swedish physician Axel Munthe, or ride the chairlift to the summit of Monte Solaro for a panoramic view that stretches from the Bay of Naples to the Amalfi Coast.
Lunch on Capri can be an event in itself and there are many excellent restaurants to choose from. Note: your yacht Captain can make reservations well ahead of time at one of the island’s cliffside restaurants. These venues combine exquisite views with fresh seafood, chilled white wine, and an atmosphere of relaxed indulgence. Meals are long, leisurely affairs, designed for conversation and basking in the Mediterranean sun.
Returning to the yacht at the end of the day carries its own satisfaction. As the tender skims back across the water, the island glows in the golden light of late afternoon. There’s a gentle exhaustion that comes from a day of walking, eating, exploring, and simply absorbing the island’s atmosphere. Back on deck, enjoy a cocktail while watching the sun set behind the cliffs, the lights of Capri twinkling to life as night falls.
The magic of going ashore in Capri lies not just in the island’s obvious glamour, but in its contrasts: sea and stone, history and hedonism, private yacht and public square. It’s a place that has mastered the art of timeless allure, and arriving by sea is the most fitting homage to that enduring romance.
