Capri from Cyprus: Flights, Ferries from Naples and What to See on the Island

Capri has been a byword for Mediterranean glamour since the Roman emperors built their villas here. Even living in Cyprus, the island is a surprise: sheer limestone cliffs, sea in shades of blue you didn't know existed, and narrow lanes of white houses climbing between them. From Cyprus it pairs perfectly with a few days in Naples.

Ferry timetables are cut back in winter and sailings are cancelled in rough seas, so check with the operator on the day.

Why go to Capri

Capri is small enough to explore on foot and by funicular, chairlift and bus, yet it packs in a lot. There are two towns: Capri, with its famous Piazzetta, smart shops and the gardens above the sea, and Anacapri, higher up and quieter, with Monte Solaro rising above it. The Roman emperor Tiberius spent the last ten years of his life on the island and built twelve villas here, the best known of which, Villa Jovis, still stands in ruins on a clifftop.

The views are the main event. From the Gardens of Augustus or the top of Monte Solaro you look straight down to the sea and out across the Bay of Naples, and on a clear day the panorama from Monte Solaro reaches far down the coast.

The direct flight from Cyprus

• Paphos to Naples: Ryanair flies this route seasonally, on Wednesdays and Saturdays in summer 2026, and the flight takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. Check Ryanair for the dates of the 2027 season before you plan.
• Larnaca to Naples: there is no direct flight.
• Out of season, or from Larnaca: fly to Rome. Wizz Air flies from Larnaca to Rome Fiumicino, Cyprus Airways flies Larnaca–Rome Fiumicino from 11 December 2026 (Mondays and Fridays), and Ryanair flies from Paphos. Take the Leonardo Express from the airport to Roma Termini (32 minutes), then a high-speed train to Napoli Centrale, from about 1 hour 8 minutes.
• Time difference: Italy is one hour behind Cyprus all year.

Our Naples and Vesuvius guide covers the city in detail, and our Rome page has more on the flights to Rome.

From Naples to Capri

What to see and do

• The Piazzetta: Capri's tiny main square, lined with café tables, is the place to sit and watch the island go by. In December it has a Christmas tree and blue lights.
• Gardens of Augustus: terraced gardens on the cliffs above the sea, looking over the Certosa. In winter they are free and open 9:00–17:30.
• Certosa di San Giacomo: a 14th-century Carthusian monastery below the gardens, burnt by pirates in the 16th century and closed by the Bonapartes in the 19th. From November to February it opens 10:00–16:00, with last entry at 15:30.
• Villa Jovis: the ruins of Tiberius's clifftop villa, a walk uphill from Capri town. In the colder months it opens Thursday to Sunday, 10:00–16:00, but check the hours before you set off.
• Monte Solaro: the island's highest point, at about 589 metres. The chairlift from Anacapri runs all year; from November to February it opens about 9:30–15:30, and a return ticket costs about €14 (2026).
• Villa San Michele: the villa and gardens in Anacapri, with a balustrade lined with busts and wide views over the island and the sea. It is open all year, 9:00–15:30 from November to February.
• The Blue Grotto: a sea cave where sunlight through the water turns everything a glowing blue. You enter only by small rowing boat, which is paid separately from the €6 entry ticket (2026). From April to October it opens 9:00–18:00; from November to March 9:00–14:00, but it is rarely accessible then because of the sea. It closes whenever conditions are poor, and on 25 December and 1 January. You can reserve for free online through CoopCulture.

Best time to go

• April to October: the main season, when hotels are open, ferries run their fullest timetables and the Blue Grotto keeps its longer hours. Spring and early autumn are the most pleasant for walking.
• May to September: the peak, with the most sailings and the biggest crowds, especially in the Piazzetta.
• November to March: quiet and cheaper, but most hotels close from mid-October to April, ferries are fewer and the sea is too cold for swimming (about 13–15°C). The island's Capri in Winter cultural programme runs from January to March.

Where to stay

• Capri town: close to the funicular, the Piazzetta and the restaurants. The liveliest base, and the easiest for an early boat.
• Anacapri: higher and quieter, close to Monte Solaro and Villa San Michele.
• Naples or Sorrento: if you prefer to visit Capri as a day trip, especially in winter when many island hotels are closed. B&Bs on Capri usually stay open in winter, though some close for a few weeks in January or February.

A three-day plan

1. Day one: fly to Naples (or to Rome and take the train), take the Alibus to the port and catch an afternoon hydrofoil. Ride the funicular up and have dinner near the Piazzetta.
2. Day two: walk to the Gardens of Augustus and the Certosa in the morning, then take the bus to Anacapri for Villa San Michele and the chairlift up Monte Solaro. If the sea is calm, try the Blue Grotto first thing, when it opens.
3. Day three: walk up to Villa Jovis if it is open, then take a boat back to Naples. Our Naples guide has ideas for an extra day in the city before you fly.

Practical tips

• Currency: Italy uses the euro.
• Documents: Cyprus is not in the Schengen area, so there are passport or ID checks when you fly to Italy. Non-EU nationals living in Cyprus should check Schengen visa rules before booking.
• Weather and boats: if the sea is rough, choose the Caremar ferry over the hydrofoil and keep your last day free in case sailings are cancelled.
• Book the Blue Grotto loosely: reserve a slot online, but have a back-up plan for the morning, such as the Certosa or the Gardens of Augustus, in case the sea closes the cave.
• Shoes: Capri is steep, with lots of steps. Wear comfortable shoes, and pack light if you are staying on the island.
• Health: the EHIC covers necessary state healthcare in Italy, but take travel insurance as well.
• More ideas: see our spring trips from Cyprus for other Italian breaks.