The Best Beach Clubs and Beaches in Capri, Italy | Ultimate Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Capri and looking to spend your days lounging on a spacious, sandy beach, you may be surprised to find that the island’s coastline offers a different kind of beach experience.

While the waters surrounding Capri are stunningly clear and inviting, the beaches themselves are typically small, pebbly coves or upscale beach clubs situated atop rocky cliffs. So, if you’re up for a unique and intimate beach experience, Capri’s beaches are definitely worth exploring.

Capri boasts a number of breathtaking beaches that cater to different preferences. Whether you’re a tourist seeking all-inclusive amenities, an adventurer looking for hidden gems, or a family searching for shallow waters, Capri has a beach for you.

Yes, Capri is home to several fantastic beaches, both private and public, that are located amidst the island’s stunning cliffs and caves. Whether you’re in search of a secluded spot to soak up the sun or prefer the amenities and services of a beach club, Capri has a range of options to suit your preferences.

In terms of traditional sandy stretches, Marina Grande and Marina Piccola are the only two beaches on Capri that fit the bill. These two locations boast pebbled waterfronts, making them ideal for families with children or non-swimmers. These are the only two spots on the island where you can truly enjoy a classic beach day, complete with a shoreline covered in pebbles.

Marina Grande Beach is one of the most sought-after swimming spots on the entire island of Capri. Positioned adjacent to the primary port, this beach offers some of the clearest and most immaculate waters Capri has to offer.

It’s a fantastic choice for those who are eager to plunge into the refreshing waters right after disembarking from the ferry. So, if you’re looking for a stunning beach with easy accessibility, Marina Grande Beach is definitely worth checking out.

The annual average water temperature along the coastline of Capri is approximately 67°F, with variations according to the seasons.

During winter, the temperature averages around 59°F, while in spring it rises to about 61°F. In the summer months, the water temperature increases to a balmy 77°F, and in autumn it remains mild at approximately 71°F.

March sees the coldest water temperature of around 56°F, whereas August sees the warmest at a maximum of 82°F. So, whether you’re planning a winter dip or a summer swim, it’s important to consider the water temperature when visiting Capri’s stunning beaches.

The moment you set foot on Capri’s port, you’ll be greeted with pristine, crystal-clear waters. You will spot the nearest beach, Marina Grande is an excellent choice to explore.

The water surrounding Capri possesses a mystical blue hue that is truly mesmerizing. Many believe that the Blue Grotto is where the water’s brilliance is most pronounced, making it a must-see destination on your boat tour around the island.

The phenomenon is caused by the refraction of light entering the grotto, creating a captivating spectacle of color that can only be described as enchanting.

While many beaches in Capri are private and require payment for access, there are some free options available. Marina Piccola, for instance, has two small free beaches situated on either side of the Scoglio delle Sirene beach establishment.

However, it’s worth noting that these free beaches can become quite crowded during peak season. Fortunately, they are easily accessible from the center of Capri town by walking down Via Mulo and taking the public bus back up the hill.

So, if you’re on a budget and looking for a more affordable beach experience, the free beaches in Capri are definitely worth considering.

The purpose of a beach club is to provide a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere where visitors can relax, unwind and have fun. These clubs offer a wide range of amenities and services, including lounge chairs, umbrellas, and food and beverage options.

They are also designed to create a social and trendy environment, where guests can mingle with like-minded people and enjoy a sense of community. Beach clubs are perfect for those who want to soak up the sun in a lively and fashionable setting, and are often frequented by trendy locals and tourists alike.

So, if you’re looking to enhance your beach experience and enjoy a fun and lively atmosphere, a beach club is definitely worth checking out.

In Italy, most beaches are not free and are typically divided into private beach areas called “stabilimenti” which can be accessed for a fee. These stabilimenti offer a variety of amenities including a clean beach, dressing rooms to store your belongings, outdoor showers, safe swimming areas, restrooms, and often a bar and restaurant.

The daily fee typically includes the use of these facilities, and the cost can vary depending on the location and level of services provided. In addition to these private beach areas, there are also public beaches which are free to access, but they may not offer the same level of amenities or services as the stabilimenti.

Overall, Italian beaches operate on a paid-access model, with private stabilimenti offering a higher level of comfort and convenience for those willing to pay for it.

In Italy, the state officially owns 100% of the coastline, but the regions have leased portions of the coastline, known as “concessioni”, to privately-owned beach clubs or “stabilimenti balneari”.

These concessions can vary in length, and the private beach clubs are typically responsible for maintaining the beach area and providing amenities for visitors. The Italian government sets regulations and standards for the operation of these beach clubs, including rules around beach access and environmental protections.

Overall, while the state technically owns the coastline, the management and operation of the beaches are largely in the hands of private entities through concession agreements.

No, not all beaches in Italy are private. There are still many public beaches in Italy that are free to access and not managed by private concessions. The ratio of public to private beaches can vary depending on the region and location within Italy.

In some areas, private beaches may be more prevalent due to high demand from tourists and locals, while in other areas, public beaches may be more common.

Yes, most beaches in Italy are not free and require a fee to access. Beaches are often divided into private beach areas called stabilimenti balneari or beach clubs, which charge a fee for the use of amenities such as clean beach areas, dressing rooms, outdoor showers, swimming areas, toilets, bars, and sometimes restaurants.

Visitors can pay for access on the day, book for a week or more, or make recurring bookings for the whole summer season.

According to the environmental association Legambiente’s 2022 annual beaches report, less than half of the beaches on Italy’s coastline are free to access. The rest are divided into private beach areas called stabilimenti that can be used for a day fee.

Capri’s beach clubs generally charge a daily fee of EU 25-40 for entrance and a sunbed, with on-site restaurants available for dining. Plan to spend EU 70-120 per person for a full day of lounging and dining. It’s worth noting that prices may vary depending on the specific beach club, time of year, and other factors.

Undoubtedly, La Fontelina is the most luxurious beach club you can find in Capri.

Located across from Capri’s famous Faraglioni rocks, Fontelina beach club can be accessed by foot along a path starting at the Tragara scenic viewpoint. The 300-meter path winds through the fragrant myrtle and broom bushes, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

If you have a booking with La Fontelina, you can access their private shuttle service as a much more convenient way to get to the beach club.

Capri is a short boat ride away from Positano, taking approximately 40 minutes. Visitors can take a ferry or join one of the many boat tours available during the summer months.

Capri is an island located off the coast of Naples, while Positano is a small town on the Amalfi Coast. Capri is larger than Positano and requires many more days to explore, while a visit to the town of Positano can be visited in a day trip.

In Italy, customs regarding dress codes and beach club decorum are becoming more relaxed, but it’s still a good idea to dress appropriately for the occasion. Locals typically dress stylishly for beach club outings, so you might want to consider bringing fashionable beachwear and accessories.

It’s not recommended to wear any formal or business attire to the beach. It’s best to opt for light and breathable clothing, such as swimsuits, shorts, t-shirts, and sandals, that are specifically designed for beach activities and can help you stay cool and comfortable under the sun.

Yes, it is legal to drink on Italian beaches. Visitors can order drinks, including cocktails, Prosecco, and local wine, at the cafes and bars located on most private beaches. However, it is important to drink responsibly and not to disturb other beachgoers or the environment.