The Best Beaches in Capri (and Beach Clubs)
Capri, an island off the Amalfi Coast, is one of the most glamorous and desirable spots in all of Italy. Famous for the Blue Grotto, its luxury hotels, designer shopping, and dramatic landscape, Capri is considered a must see!
Now that you’ve (hopefully) sorted out where to stay in Capri, you’re likely wondering what to do there. One of the things you should do without question is visit the best beaches in Capri Italy. It is a wonderful way to spend a day in Capri.
Below we’ll dive into not only the best Capri beaches, but also the best beach clubs in Capri. If you’re new to Italy and aren’t familiar with beach clubs, no worries, we’ll go over that too! Along with all of the other important information you’ll need to know before you go.
Have plans to visit Positano, too? Don’t miss our guide to the best beaches in Positano (and beach clubs), the best things to do in Positano, and where to stay in Positano!
— How to get to Positano
— Where to stay in Positano
— What to do in Positano
— The best restaurants in Positano
— The best beaches + beach clubs in Positano
The Best Beaches in Capri
Capri Beach Club — What Are They + How Do They Work?
As we mentioned in our best beaches in Positano post, beaches are a big business in Italy. While the seafront in Italy is technically public property, the majority of it is managed by private businesses. In some popular beach towns, up to 90% of the coast is not free to spend a day on. Instead, they’re covered in umbrellas, sun lounger, changing rooms, toilets, showers, restaurants, and more — all costing money to use.
It also means you can expect a clean, well-maintained spot to spend the day at! And it helps keep Italy’s tourism sector alive and well.
I’m sure you’ve seen photos of various beach towns in Italy with perfectly lined up, picturesque rows of sunbeds and matching umbrellas. That’s a beach club!
The name “beach club” might be a bit misleading if you are new to Italy. It can mean a range of things — from a simple beach with a sunbed you must pay money to lay on to something more reminiscent of a typical club, just on a beach. They can also vary greatly in level of luxury.
In general, you should expect to always have to pay for any beach beautifully lined with sunbeds and umbrellas. The closer to the first row (nearest the sea) you are, the more you will pay. If you want an umbrella in addition to the sunbed, it usually requires an additional fee. It’s a beautiful part of Italian culture!
Capri beach clubs in particular are a special experience where often you will find celebrities and other VIPs. While there are a few spots with free access, I would 100% pay to go to a beach club instead.
Beaches in Capri: What to Know Before You Go
Are there any sandy beaches in Capri?
If you are looking for long stretches of white sand, the beaches on Capri are not for you! The beaches here aren’t even like the beaches in Positano, where there are long stretches of coastline mainly covered in pebbles and other smooth rocks.
Instead, the beaches in Capri are primarily covered in sharp, volcanic rocks as you can see in the photos above. No sand for the most part, but there are some with pebbles that resemble what you traditionally think of when you think of a beach. For the most part, they are tiny!
Because of this, sea shoes are a must. If you want proper sea shoes, click here. Personally I usually just wear thick sandals I don’t care about getting wet or potentially damaged. Click here for the ones I bring. Whatever you bring, do make sure the sole is quite thick, otherwise you will be able to feel the pebbles and rocks below your feet. Ouch!
Are the Beaches in Capri Nice?
Yes, the beaches in Capri are nice! Even in the spots without a traditional beach, i.e. areas that are covered in volcanic rocks, private beach clubs have turned them into a fabulous bathing experience. This is because often times the beach clubs are on raised platforms with stairs to drop you into the water, making it easy and painless to get into the water when you want to take a dip.
Are There Free Beaches in Capri?
There are a few free beaches in Capri, but I would recommend splurging for one of the beach clubs detailed below! Many are world famous and it’s easily one of the best things to do in Capri. If you do need a free Capri Italy beach though, they do exist.
The Best Beach Clubs in Capri — A Quick Guide
Below we go into tons of detail about the best beaches in Capri and the best beach club Capri. Since there are so many good options, all for different reasons, we’ve included a fairly extensive list of them.
But to quickly point out our very top picks for those of you that are tl;dr type of people, they are:
THE MOST INSTAGRAM FAMOUS + THE MOST PHOTOGENIC BEACH CLUB CAPRI: La Fontelina
THE MOST LOCAL EXPERIENCE YOU CAN FIND AT A CAPRI BEACH CLUB: Lido del Faro Beach Club
THE MOST UPSCALE AND LUXURIOUS CAPRI BEACH CLUB: Il Riccio Beach Club
THE BEST CAPRI BEACH (NON-CLIFFSIDE) OPTION + THE MOST HIGHLY RATED BEACH CLUB CAPRI: Torre Saracena Beach Club
HONORABLE MENTION: Bagni Tiberio Beach Club
For pricing, location, reservations, and more, keep reading for detailed information on each of the best beach clubs in Capri!
The Best Beaches on Capri —
Marina Grande Capri
The Capri Marina Grande beach is the biggest and main Capri beach. It is directly next to the port where all the ferries and other boats dock in the harbor. There is a free area here, as well as a few paid options.
As it’s directly next to the port, it is by far the easiest to get to, making it a good choice if you’re only visiting for a day. It’s also the beachiest of the Capri beaches, covered in pebbles, allowing you to walk into the water as you would any other normal beach!
Because it’s located in the most touristy part of town, I’d not recommend making this your destination if you are staying on Capri and have time to go elsewhere. There are better beach clubs outside this tourist hotspot. But if you don’t have the time to venture further, here are two good options for you:
Le Ondine Beach Club at Da Gemma
Le Ondine Beach Club is a Capri beach club in Marina Grande. Because you can get here so easily from the port, it is very popular. Look out for the white and blue stripes when searching for it!
Le Ondine Beach Club has deckchairs, sunbeds, umbrellas, towels, changing rooms, and showers available for rent. It is attached to the restaurant Da Gemma, a popular spot for those looking for a meal in Marina Grande.
You can reach them by phone at +39 081 277 9056 or via email at info@dagemma.com.
ADDRESS: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 7
Lo Smeraldo Beach Club
Another beach clubs Capri option in Marina Grande is the Lo Smeraldo Beach Club. Like Le Ondine, it is easily walkable from the port.
Their beach club is split into two parts — the regular beach club and the VIP beach club. The VIP section is in a private dining area that gives you much more space.
The attached restaurant by the same name, Lo Smeraldo, offers stunning table views of the blue water below.
You can contact them to make reservations via email at smeraldo.capri@libero.it.
ADDRESS: Piazza Vittoria, 1
Bagni Tiberio
Bagni Tiberio Beach Club
A short boat ride from Marina Grande is Bagni Tiberio, home of Bagni Tiberio Beach Club! Bagni Tiberio was Capri’s first beach club and has been around since 1926.
Bagni Tiberio is another of the beaches of Capri that is actually a beach (as opposed to the rocky cliffs with beach club platforms built on them). It has clean, crystal clear water and is good for visitors of all ages.
The boat transportation from the main Marina Grande harbor is free for guests of the beach club and restaurant. It picks gusts of regularly.
Prices are subject to change but currently you can get access to a changing room with lockers, showers, toilets, and entrance to the beach for 14€. A sunbed is 12€, sun chair 8€, umbrella 7€, and a private cabin is 12€.
Attached is Restaurant Bagni Tiberio, a casual seaside venue open daily for lunch. If you’re in the mood for something small, there’s also a separate snack bar.
You can reserve your spot online here.
ADDRESS: Via Palazzo a Mare, 41
I Faraglioni
Perhaps the most famous sight in Capri are the Faraglioni, three dramatic rock formations in the sea close to the coast of which Capri is known for. Directly across from them are two popular beach club options: La Fontelina and Da Luigi ai Faraglioni.
Both are accessible by boat shuttle from Marina Piccola for a small fee.
La Fontelina
If La Canzone del Mare is the beach club that put Capri on the map, La Fontelina is one keeping it there. There is almost no chance that you haven’t seen this beach club if you have access to Instagram — it’s everywhere!
La Fontelina opened way back in 1949 and has been a hot spot ever since. These days it is one of the most exclusive beach clubs in Italy, frequented by celebrities, influencers, and other VIPS. It sells out months in advance so you certainly need to plan ahead if you want to come here!
The beach club spots are reserved for customers of their restaurant. You are not permitted access otherwise. You can, however, make reservations for lunch and access your beach club spot prior to eating. You must make reservations.
Prices here are among the highest I’ve seen in Capri, given that eating at the restaurant is also a requirement. Currently, access to entrance, changing rooms, showers, toilets, and a sun mattress or deck chair is €36. An umbrella adds an additional €18.
You can request a reservation here.
ADDRESS: Via dei Faraglioni, 2
Da Luigi ai Faraglioni
Another beach club Capri option across from the Faraglioni is Da Luigi ai Faraglioni. Not just across from it, but directly below it in a tiny cove. Perhaps the coolest looking spot of all the Capri beach clubs!
Like La Fontelina, you must dine at their restaurant in order to enjoy the beach club. Prices here are the highest of all, at €40 for a sunbed, €30 for a deckchair, €12 for an umbrella, and €20 for a changing cabana.
Reservations are required and can be made here.
ADDRESS: Via Faraglioni, 5
Of the two options here, I would pick La Fontelina over Da Luigi ai Faraglioni.
Marina Piccola
Also in view of the Faraglioni is the bay of Marina Piccola, home of some of the best beaches of Capri.
Torre Saracena Beach Club
Of the three choices here, Torre Saracena Beach Club & Restaurant at Spiaggia Torre Saracena is my main recommendation. Opened since 1906, Torre Saracena Beach Club sits on its own private white pebble beach. One of the best beaches Capri Italy has, for sure!
The beach club offers everything you would expect — sunbeds, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers, and even some pergolas if you find yourself needing some shade. You will need to contact them for pricing information.
Attached there is a fabulous restaurant, rated higher than all of the other beach club restaurants I’ve seen. If you want to spend the day in a beautiful location with food well worth the money, Torre Saracena Beach Club & Restaurant is for you!
ADDRESS: Spiaggia Torre Saracena, Via Krupp
La Canzone del Mare
According to their site, La Canzone del Mare played in a major part in making Capri famous across the world. In the 1950s and 60s, celebrities would flock to both the beach club and the island, in search of the most glamorous summer imaginable.
These days the reviews are nothing to write home about, with people complaining about a wide variety of things. If you’re feeling nostalgic and still want to visit, though, here is some more info.
The La Canzone del Mare beach club is the largest on the island and also the priciest. In low season (until June 16) it is €70 which includes a €35 credit to use at the bar or restaurant. From June 17 on, it is €80 including a €40 credit.
One unique and very cool thing about La Canzone del Mare is that there are two swimming pools onsite. Access to which is included with your beach club ticket!
There’s an attached restaurant featuring traditional Capri cuisine and is open from noon until late afternoon. There’s also a snack bar if you’re looking for something quicker and smaller.
To make reservations, click here.
ADDRESS: Via Marina Piccola, 93
Lo Scoglio Delle Sirene
A third beach clubs Capri option in the bay of Marina Piccola is Lo Scoglio Delle Sirene, which I would only suggest if the other two are booked and you’d like to be in Marina Piccola.
Il Faro
Below the island’s lighthouse is Il Faro, a small bay loved by locals. The sun shines longer here than anywhere else on the island. The sunset from here is spectacular, making it a great spot for a sunset aperitivo!
Lido del Faro
Il Faro is home to Lido del Faro Beach Club & Restaurant. Here you can enjoy the sun as late as 9pm! It is located on the Anacapri side of the island.
Uniquely, Il Faro has a saltwater swimming pool right behind the sunbeds. This means you have the sea directly in front of you + a saltwater pool right behind you for you to choose between all day!
Reservations for the beach club must be made in advance. It includes two large sundecks and a few smaller, more private sun terraces tucked into the cliffside. Its privacy makes it great for couples, families, or a group a friends!
Entrance is €85 and includes entrance, sunbed, umbrella, towel, shower, private sea access, a changing cabin, wifi, pool access, and a €50 credit to use at the restaurant and bar.
The Lido del Faro restaurant features fresh, local ingredients and is open daily from noon until sunset. You can enjoy it at the restaurant or have it delivered to your sunbed!
Reservations can be made by clicking here.
ADDRESS: Str. Faro di Carena
The Blue Grotto
I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous Blue Grotto in Capri. Near it up on the cliffs are some more beach clubs Capri.
Wondering if you can swim in Blue Grotto Capri? The answer is no, you cannot. It is both illegal and dangerous. But you can see it via rowboat! My top recommendation is this Private Gozzo Boat Island Tour which includes a visit to the Blue Grotto.
Il Riccio Beach Club
Il Riccio Beach Club is located at Capri Palace, one of the best hotels in Capri. As Capri Palace is a 5 star luxury hotel, one of the nicest on the entire island, the beach club is as glamorous as can be expected. So glamorous, in fact, that there is currently a Dior pop-up shop on the terrace, presenting the exclusive Dior Riviera collection.
The beach club offers sea access down the spectacular cliffs via a zigzag staircase. Guests can rent sunbeds and loungers.
Il Riccio the restaurant is the fanciest dining option of all the above listed beach clubs. Featuring Mediterranean seafood dishes, it is very highly rated and a great place to visit even if you don’t opt for this beach club. There’s also an Il Riccio Sea Lounge located on the terrace overlooking the sea.
Reservations can be made by emailing concierge@capripalace.com.
ADDRESS: Via Gradola, 4
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN CAPRI:
Go on a photo tour of the island via vintage Fiat. The best way to see the island with a local and capture photos that you will cherish for the rest of your life! Cannot recommend this more. Click here to reserve your spot.
If the above tour is sold out, I recommend this photoshoot experience.
Grab an espresso or an aperitivo in the center square Piazzetta. A celebrity-packed meeting place for locals and visitors.
Shop on Via Camerelle, a street world famous for its luxury shops and designer boutiques. Also visit Via le Botteghe for more shopping.
Visit Belvedere Tragara, a scenic overlook facing the Faraglioni rock formations.
Visit Faro Di Punta Carena, a historic lookout point with cliffs and the Punta Carena lighthouse.
Visit the Gardens of Augustus (Giardini di Augusto), a popular botanical garden with sea views dating back to the early twentieth century. Also stop by Saint James’ Charterhouse, a 14th-century monastery, nearby.
Take the funicular to Mount Solaro for the best (and highest) panoramic views of the island.
Visit Villa San Michele, a highly rated villa museum full of ancient art.
Dance the night away at Taverna Anema e Core.
Go on a beaches + caves group kayaking tour. Click here to reserve your spot.
Go on a beaches + caves group stand-up paddle board tour. Click here to reserve your spot.
Take a cooking class (+ wine pairing) with a local. Learn to make Ravioli Capresi, a traditional Eggplant Parmesan, and a Caprese lemon cake. Click here to reserve your spot.
Go on a winery tour. Click here for more info.
Go boating, of course! There are a few different ones I recommend, depending on what you are looking for:
Private Gozzo Boat Island Tour. A three hour private tour on your own Gozzo boat. You will visit the Blue Grotto, as well as many other lesser-known hidden caves and rock formations. The best option.
2 hour boat tour with happy hour. This is a group (shared) tour and doesn’t include a visit to the Blue Grotto due to the long wait times that entails. It is incredibly reasonably priced and highly rated!
Capri Island boat trip + Blue Grotto visit. The least expensive option available by far. If you want to see the Blue Grotto, this is a good choice. Note that the Blue Grotto entrance fee is not included in the price of this tour.
Like this post? Please save and share it on Pinterest!
