Amalfi
Capri
Many travelers compare Amalfi and Capri because they are about 50 minutes by hydrofoil from each other and share the scenery of the Tyrrhenian, but they offer different experiences.Amalfi is a town alive year-round with the Cathedral of Saint Andrew and the Paper Museum, while Capri is an exclusive island with the Piazzetta, the Blue Grotto and boutiques on Via Camerelle.In summary: in Amalfi you’ll find 3* hotels from €80–120 in low season, beaches like Marina Grande with sunbeds €25–35 and Travelmar sea links to Positano.In Capri the budget rises (3* €150–250), beaches are small like Marina Piccola, but the views from Monte Solaro (chairlift €14 round-trip) are unbeatable.In this comparative guide you’ll find up-to-date prices, distances between attractions, visit times and step-by-step advice: how to get from Naples to the ports, which months to choose (temperature in °C), where to eat (Pansa, Da Paolino) and how to combine the two in 3–4 days.
Amalfi vs Capri
| Feature | Amalfi | Capri |
|---|---|---|
| Daily budget | In Amalfi an average budget covers: 3* hotel €90–140 per night (Apr–Oct; e.g., Hotel Floridiana), B&Bs from €70–110 (Mar–May).Meals: pizza at Donna Stella €10–14, seafood at Marina Grande €22–35, breakfast at Pansa €5–7. Transport: Travelmar ferry Amalfi–Positano €12 (25 min), SITA bus Amalfi–Ravello €1.80–2.40 (25 min), taxi Amalfi–Positano €70–90 (45–60 min).Umbrella + 2 sunbeds €25–35 at Marina Grande (Jul–Aug).Realistic daily spend: €120–180 per person with mid-range lodging and 2 meals out.✓ Better | In Capri costs rise: 3* hotels €150–250 (May–Sep; e.g., Hotel 4 Stagioni), 4* €280–450 (La Minerva), luxury €600+.Meals: trattoria Verginiello €14–22 per dish, dinner at Da Paolino €24–38 per course, sandwiches at Da Aldo €6–8. Transport: hydrofoil Naples–Capri €22–25 (50–60 min), funicular €2.20 (4 min), bus €2.20 Capri–Anacapri (15 min), open-top taxi €25–35 Marina Grande–Anacapri.Sunbeds at Marina Piccola €35–50. Average daily budget: €180–280 per person. |
| Main attractions | Top Amalfi: Amalfi Cathedral – Cloister of Paradise and Diocesan Museum €3 (45–60 min); Paper Museum €4 with demonstration (30–40 min); Valle delle Ferriere free trekking (6 km round-trip, 2–3 h), waterfalls and ferns; Arsenals of the Republic €3 (30 min).Plus trips to Ravello (5.5 km; Villa Rufolo €7, 60 min) and Positano by boat 25 min.Compact timing: from the Cathedral to the port 400 m, all on foot. | Top Capri: Blue Grotto €18 in rowboat (5–10 min inside, weather dependent), island tour by motorboat €22–28 (2 h); Gardens of Augustus €1.50–2.50 (20–30 min) with view of the Faraglioni; Monte Solaro with chairlift €14 round-trip (12 min), summit 589 m; Villa Jovis €6 (walk 2 km from the Piazzetta, 40 min).Everything revolves around the Piazzetta, Marina Grande and Anacapri, connected by 15 min buses. |
| Food and restaurants | Typical dishes: scialatielli with seafood, lemon delight, Santa Rosa sfogliatella.Where: Pasticceria Pansa (pastries €2.50–7), Trattoria Da Gemma (first courses €18–24, fish mains €26–38), pizzeria Donna Stella (€10–14).Limoncello PGI €10–15 500 ml from Antichi Sapori.Gelato €3–4 on the seafront.Book a sea-view terrace by 20:00 to avoid waits.Cover charge €2–3 often included. | Caprese dishes: caprese ravioli, caprese salad, caprese cake.Addresses: Verginiello (first courses €14–18), Lo Sfizio (brick-pressed chicken €15–20), Da Paolino among the lemon trees (mains €28–38), beach club La Fontelina (lunch €35–60).Coffee in the Piazzetta €2–3, spritz €10–14 at Bar Tiberio.Bread and cover charge €2–3. Book lunch by 13:00 to avoid queues for the Anacapri buses. |
| Climate and best time | Amalfi: spring (Apr–May) 14–22°C, sea 16–19°C; summer (Jun–Aug) 26–30°C daytime, night 22–24°C, sea 24–27°C; autumn (Sep–Oct) 22–26°C, rains from October; winter (Dec–Feb) 10–14°C, sea 14–15°C.Top months: May and September.August crowded: hydrofoils full from 10:00 to 13:00. | Capri: similar climate, but more breezy at altitude (Monte Solaro).Spring 14–22°C, summer 27–31°C in the square but cooler 24–26°C in Anacapri, autumn 22–25°C with warm waters, winter 10–13°C.Ideal months: late May and mid-September.The Blue Grotto closes with rough seas: check by 09:00 at the ticket office in Marina Grande. |
| Transport and how to get there | For Amalfi: fly into Naples NAP.Alibus airport–Molo Beverello €5, 25 min; fixed-rate taxi €19. Seasonal ferry Naples–Amalfi €25–28, 1h30–1h45.Alternative: train Naples–Salerno 40 min €5–7, then Travelmar Salerno–Amalfi €10–13 (35–50 min).Along the coast: SITA buses (ticket €2–3), ferries to Positano €12. Scarce parking: garage Luna Rossa €5–7/h. | For Capri: from Naples Beverello hydrofoil €22–25 in 50–60 min; from Sorrento €20–23 in 20–25 min.At Marina Grande use the funicular €2.20 (4 min) to the Piazzetta, bus €2.20 to Anacapri (15 min) or open-top taxis €25–35. Luggage transport: porters €12–15 per piece to the hotel.Pedestrian streets: walking times 10–20 min between the center and the Gardens of Augustus.✓ Better |
| Nightlife | In Amalfi the scene is relaxed: aperitifs on the seafront (spritz €8–10), gelato from Pansa until 21:00.For clubbing go to Africana Famous Club in Praiano (7 km; taxi €35–45 round-trip), or Music on the Rocks in Positano (18 km; taxi €90–120 round-trip).Bars close around 00:00–01:00.Free summer events in the square, check the municipal program. | Capri goes late: Taverna Anema e Core (live music, entry €20–30, cocktails €15–18) open until 03:00.In the Piazzetta bars like Piccolo Bar and Bar Tiberio serve drinks €12–16 until 01:00–02:00.Beach clubs like La Fontelina and Il Riccio offer sea-view dinners (€70–120 per person).Smart dress code, booking recommended by 19:00.✓ Better |
| For families with children | Amalfi is stroller-friendly: Via Lorenzo d’Amalfi is pedestrian and flat for 400 m.Marina Grande beach has lidos with showers and sunbeds €25–35. The Paper Museum thrills children (tour 30 min), the Valle delle Ferriere is shaded (2–3 h round-trip).Short trips: Atrani at 700 m (10 min on foot), Ravello by bus 25 min.Restaurants with high chairs like Marina Grande.✓ Better | In Capri lots of stairs but efficient services: funicular €2.20 up to the Piazzetta, bus to Anacapri 15 min.The Monte Solaro chairlift (round-trip €14) is suitable with an adult.Pebble beaches at Marina Grande and Marina Piccola (sunbeds €35–50).Avoid the Blue Grotto with infants.Pharmacy in the Piazzetta and emergency room Ospedale Capilupi 1 km away (taxi €15). |
| Beaches and nature | Amalfi has Marina Grande in the center, and coves like Duoglio (1.3 km; 400 steps, sunbeds €25–30) and Santa Croce (shuttle boat €5 round-trip, 10 min).Hiking: Valle delle Ferriere (2–3 h), panorama over Ravello.Boat rental 4 h €250–400 without skipper; with skipper 8 h €600–900 plus fuel.Warmer water from June.✓ Better | Capri offers scenic dives: platforms at Punta Carena (Anacapri), lido Bagni di Tiberio (shuttle €10 round-trip, 10 min), Marina Piccola with Faraglioni view (sunbeds €35–50).Trails: Pizzolungo (1.5 h), Via Krupp when open (closures due to landslides).Blue Grotto accessible with calm seas (check by 09:00).Less sand, more rocks and pebbles. |
| Shopping | Amalfi is local craftsmanship: handmade paper at La Scuderia del Duca (notebooks €8–25), Vietri ceramics (€15–60 for plates), PGI limoncello €10–15 500 ml.Artisan sandals in workshops on Via dei Mercanti (€60–120).Evening markets in summer in Piazza Duomo.Few luxury brands, many family-run shops. | Capri is luxury: Via Camerelle with Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton.Craftsmanship: made-to-measure sandals from Canfora or Da Costanzo (€180–300), Carthusia perfumes 50 ml €62–80. Chic souvenirs in the Piazzetta and Via Roma.Card payments are widespread, but bring cash for the Blue Grotto and small workshops.✓ Better |
| Safety and practical tips | Amalfi is safe, but watch out for thefts on the beach and crowded buses.Avoid driving on the SS163 in August (traffic, curves).Wear shoes suitable for pebbles.Emergencies 112, coast guard 1530.Health facility: Ospedale Costa d’Amalfi (Castiglione di Ravello, 3 km).Cash useful for small bars (€20–50). | Capri is very controlled; avoid overcharges: ask the taxi fare in Marina Grande (posted).Blue Grotto often cash only €18, bring €30 extra for tips.Pedestrian streets: trolleys with large wheels.Emergencies 112, hospital Capilupi (1 km from the Piazzetta).Strong sun: SPF 30+ sunscreen and 1–1.5 L of water per person per day. |
| How many days do you need | Minimum 1 day for the Cathedral, Marina Grande and Valle delle Ferriere.Ideal 2–3 days: add Ravello (Villa Rufolo €7, Villa Cimbrone €10) and an afternoon in Positano (ferry €12).Timing: compact center, walking transfers 10–15 min.Perfect as a base for excursions along the Amalfi Coast. | Minimum 1 day for the Piazzetta, Gardens of Augustus and island tour 2 h.Ideal 2 days: Blue Grotto (weather permitting), Monte Solaro (chairlift €14) and Villa Jovis (€6).Transfers: bus 15 min between Capri and Anacapri.Book the return hydrofoil after 18:00 to avoid lines. |
| How to combine the two cities | From Amalfi to Capri by hydrofoil about 50 min with NLG or Alilauro €25–30 (Apr–Oct).Morning departures 09:00–10:30, return 17:00–19:00.In low season via Sorrento.Tip: leave early, shady seats on the deck.Ticket online 24 h in advance. | From Capri to Amalfi same route: about 50 min, €25–30. If the sea is rough, return via Sorrento (20–25 min) and SITA bus or Travelmar ferry to Amalfi (€12, 25–50 min).Check the weather by 08:00.Consider a light suitcase for ups and downs in the Piazzetta. |
The Verdict
Choose Amalfi
Ideal profile: couples or friends who want sea, local cuisine and a base to explore the Amalfi Coast with a mid-range budget.Recommended period: May or September (22–26°C).Budget for 2 days: 3* lodging €200–280 total, meals €120–160, local transport €20–40. Itinerary: Day 1 – Cathedral (45 min, €3), lunch at Donna Stella (€12), afternoon at Marina Grande (sunbeds €25).Day 2 – Valle delle Ferriere (2–3 h), afternoon in Ravello (Villa Rufolo €7).Evening: desserts at Pansa and stroll on the seafront.
Choose Capri
Ideal profile: romantics and lovers of views, shopping and evenings at Taverna Anema e Core.Period: late May or mid-September (24–26°C).Budget for 2 days: 3* hotel €300–450, meals €160–220, transport/island €40–60. Itinerary: Day 1 – funicular €2.20, Piazzetta, Gardens of Augustus (€2), lunch at Verginiello, afternoon at Marina Piccola (sunbeds €40), evening Bar Tiberio.Day 2 – Blue Grotto (€18) and Monte Solaro chairlift (€14), sunset at Punta Carena.