When planning a vacation, it might be hard to include all the places that you want to visit. Capri and the Amalfi Coast are two destinations that tourists like to visit as they offer beautiful scenery, good food, and many activities to experience. These two destinations are worth the visit but if you are on a budget, you might only include one destination in your itinerary.
The Amalfi Coast and Capri are near each other and are easy to go to. If you like visiting many places, the Amalfi Coast may be your best option as there are 13 towns and cities along the coastline. But, if you like a smaller island feel, you will find Capri more interesting.
If you find it hard to pick which destination to pick for your next adventure, we will talk about some of the factors that you can consider when choosing the best place for you.
What Is Better Capri Or Amalfi Coast?
Both Capri and the Amalfi Coast are two popular destinations in Italy that have a Mediterranean landscape.
Is Capri or Amalfi better?
Both Capri and the Amalfi Coast have a lot to offer and the better destination will depend on your personal preference and travel style. There are numerous activities and attractions for tourists to experience in both places.
The island of Capri is located in the Campania region of Italy and is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Southern side of the Gulf of Naples. Amalfi Coast is also located in Southern Italy and it is a 55-kilometer UNESCO-listed coastline that has 13 cities and towns. It also overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Sorrento. You will find some popular destinations along the coastline such as Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
Both destinations are wonderful in their own way so let’s take a look at what makes them worth visiting so you can decide which place is best for you.
Scenery
Capri being an island is home to amazing coastal scenery. Capri Island is also home to colorful houses that overlook the harbor where small fishing boats and bigger boats dock. On the other hand, you will find wonderful scenery, the best beaches, seaside towns, and cliffs on the Amalfi Coast. Since there are several cities along the Amalfi Coast, you can expect to see picturesque villages. You will also see the historical village located in La Rosa dei Venti in Positano.
Cost
Staying in Capri can be more expensive than staying in one of the cities along the Amalfi Coast. Although, that is not to say that the Amalfi Coast is not expensive. There are cities on the Amalfi Coast that are more expensive to stay in. Staying in Amalfi town, for example, is less expensive than staying in Positano. It is all about which city you would like to stay in.
On the other hand, Capri is only divided into two large cities which are Capri and Anacapri. Unlike on the Amalfi Coast, you only have a smaller selection of accommodation, restaurants, and shopping areas in Capri which can make staying there more expensive.
Accommodation
Both the Amalfi Coast and Capri have several options for accommodation, but more so on the Amalfi Coast. With the Amalfi Coast being larger than Capri, you can find several budget-friendly and luxury hotels in different cities.
There are also expensive and affordable hotels in Capri but you’ll find less budget-friendly hotels on the island. There are bed and breakfast places if you are looking for cheaper accommodation in Capri.
Food
You can expect to find a lot of pasta and seafood cuisine on both Capri and Amalfi Coast. Restaurants use locally sourced ingredients and you’ll be sure to experience fresh and authentic Italian cuisine whether you stay in one of the towns along the coastline or on the island.
Attractions
There is no shortage of attractions in both Capri and the Amalfi Coast.
Capri offers a lot of popular attractions and one of them is the Blue Grotto. It is a natural sea cave that is only accessible via rowboats. Giardini di Augusto (The Gardens of Augustus) is also one of the main attractions in Capri. It is a botanical garden that is situated towards the top of the island where you can see Marina Piccola and Via Krupp. The other attraction on the island is the Faraglioni rock formations that were eroded by waves making them rise up out of the sea. Another attraction on the island i Monte Solaro which is accessible via a chairlift or by bus.
Like Capri, the Amalfi Coast also has grottoes that you can visit. Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Cave) is one of the grottoes that tourists visit. Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are some of the popular towns that have the most wonderful views of the sea. There are also popular beaches on the Amalfi Coast such as the Santa Croce in Amalfi and Spaggia Arienzo in Positano. If you like looking at historical places, head on to Vila Cimbrone Gardens in Ravello to see statues, fountains, and other pieces brought into the villa many years ago.
Aside from your regular tourist attractions there are also shopping centers in Capri and on the Amalfi Coast. There are shops where you can find local crafts to bring home as a souvenir. If you are looking for more artisan shops, you will find these shops in Anacapri and on Amalfi town.
Accessibility
You can go directly to Positano and the Amalfi Coast if you are flying in directly to Naples airport. To go to Positano, you can take the bus, taxi, or even private transport if you have arranged it prior to your landing in Naples. The Amalfi Coast is larger than Capri and all the towns are easily accessible by ferry, bus, or taxi.
It is also very accessible to get to Capri from Naples however, the only way to get to Capri is by ferry. Ferry companies dock at Marina Grande, which is the main port in Capri town. Capri is easier to explore than Amalfi as the island is smaller. You can go by foot when exploring the town but a boat ride is the best way to explore the entire island. The travel time to Capri via ferry can take anything between 30 minutes to about an hour depending on the town you will depart on.
Conclusion
Both Capri and the Amalfi Coast are worth the visit and both offer a unique atmosphere. If it is possible, include both in your itinerary. If you are staying in one of the cities on the Amalfi Coast, you can go on a day trip to Capri by buying a ferry ticket or booking a boat tour and joining a lot of day trippers going to Capri.
It is hard to pick which destination is better as both have a lot to offer and are beautiful destinations. Have you picked the best town for your next travel adventure? Let us know if you are going to Capri, the Amalfi Coast, or both!
