If a day trip to Capri is bad, then what does one do during the day to avoid the crowds?
 

I have been convinced by the various posters here that recommend an overnight stay on Capri to see it in a better light. I have a night at La Minerva reserved for mid-September.

So the question is, since I will be arriving on a Thursday am with all the day trippers and departing Friday late afternoon or early evening with all the day trippers, what do I do during the day to avoid all the day trippers???

Do you like to walk? If so, walk out (up) to the Villa Jovis; side benefit is the great views. Also, the circular walk to the Arco Naturale and then along the coast to Via Tragara is a great walk. Either way, you'll have to do some climbing, but I think clockwise might be a little easier. We took both of these walks (last June) - lots of spectacular scenery and very few other people. We liked La Minerva, by the way!

Hi Cheesehead,

To escape the crowds in Capri town proper, I hiked to Villa Jovis (only 4 other people up there) and took the boat tour around the island. Delightful 2 hours! Highlight of the visit to Capri.

I have spent the day on Capri when I have not seen nary a soul, take some of the isolated paths. Get a good map and set off on your own, most of the crowds stick close to the towns. Have fun.

Those are great suggestions! We like to walk. We LOVE to boat. It will only be a one night stay, so I will will do "town time" late afternoon & evening.

I second the vote for Villa Jovis and/or the Arco Naturale/Grotta Matermania walk. Pack decent walking shoes and bring water, especially for Villa Jovis (which is a long walk all uphill).

We rented a moped and drove all around the island. Anacapri, Marina Piccolo (a great swimming spot and lovely place for lunch). The lighthouse at the end of the island where there were nothing but extremely tanned italians (and us white-as-ghosts compared). We were able to get a good feeling of the whole island. Though I wouldnt have missed the boat trip we took around the island - lovely!! Or the walk up to Villa Jovis - which had gorgeous views!

I think you should stay 2 nights!

If you stay 2 night - you dont have to move around so much - lugging bags, etc.

Also, day trippers make great people-watching. We sat by the Marina - had a beer (with free peanuts!) and watched the people go by.

I can't understand why tourists don't like touristy destinations.

I can't understand why tourists go to great pains to not look like tourists.

If you're a tourist going to a tourity destination, so be it!!!

We've been to Capri twice. What I wouldn't recommend is the Blue Grotto.

Aside from that it's a beautiful island. Some areas have many tourists others have few. There are many paths and street.

Sit in the main square as you get off the funicular from the marina and there are a lot of people. Walk from there and the crowds diminish. Take a bus to the other side - Anacapri and walk around there. Take the cable car up the mountain. There were very few people up there and I got some great photos.

LOL Myer! I look and act like a tourist and visit touristy spots everywhere I go, don't mind it a bit!

However, there is always a smart way to do things and that is what I am trying to look for with my post. Thanks for your thoughts.

NNolen - good idea about the water. Ack - ALL uphill??

Steviegene: Do you recall any details about the moped? - Place, Price?

We considered two nights on Capri, but time is a little two tight. Besides, we are staying free on the mainland so why pay hotel rates when not necessary?

LOL HappyCheeshead, and believe me I am NOT laughing at you..I am laughing at your post and the way you worded it..too precious! And a very good question by the way.

You have received a lot of good answers. Better then I could have given as when I have been on Capri we have stayed several nights and consequently spent the time while the daytrippers were enjoying Capri by a pool (getting skin cancer no doubt) and just relaxing.

Do enjoy beautiful Capri and thanks for your charming post..I needed a good chuckle!!!

Cheesehead,

Yes the "walk" up to Villa Jovis is all uphill and a bit of a hike. Take water and cameras!