Capri vs. Amalfi Coast: Which One is Better? — Destination Dreamer Diaries

The Amalfi Coast and Capri are two places that people hear of and fantasize about checking off their Italian bucket list, but which one is better – Capri or the Amalfi Coast, and are they worth the extra effort to get there?

view of Porto Turistico di Capri — View of Porto Turistico di Capri upon arriving in Capri; July 2018

Are Capri and the Amalfi Coast Worth Visiting?

Yes, Capri and the Amalfi Coast are worth visiting – but seeing both may not be necessary depending on what you’re after while on your trip to Italy.

I went to Italy in summer 2018 with a tour company I trust dearly (Expat Explore) and on that tour.

Wandering around the streets of Capri, Italy; July2018

Where Should I Stay to Visit Capri and the Amalfi Coast?

We stayed two nights in Sorrento, otherwise known as the southern region of Italy that makes a great home base if you want to see the Amalfi Coast and Capri. As a bonus, if you want to eat the best Italian pizza, Sorrento is the place to do it – as this region of Italy is known for pizza.

Sorrento was in fact one of the best slices of pizza I had while in Italy.

Here was the rest of our Italy itinerary and where we stayed:

3 Nights in Milan
2 Nights in Rome
2 Nights in Sorrento with day trips to Amalfi Coast, Positano & Capri
1 Night in Assisi
2 Nights in Venice
1 Night in Sirmione for the Italian Lakes & Lake Garda

Margarita pizza in downtown Sorrento; July 2018

Is it worth Driving along the Amalfi Cosat?

Yes, driving along the Amalfi Coast is a must do when visiting this region of Italy.

On our Expat Explore Tour we had the option to get on a bus that drove us along the coast – and I’m sure you can ask your hotel for similar excursions.

The Amalfi Coast is a stunning drive, and a commanding view of the Italian seaside – but if you get motion sickness easily, I would pass on this one.

However, if you’re like me, and live for photos… do it.

The Amalfi Coast looks like a painting, right?! And this is a no filter shot! It’s one of those things that you can’t believe it until you see it. There are tons of places to eat a meal around there and take in the view.

Why are there so many lemons in Sorrento, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast?

Historians believe that lemons have been growing in Sorrento since around the 16th century. The region can thank its warm and stable climate for its historically rich citrus bounty, as well as its fertile soil. The ground in Sorrento is mainly composed of limestone and old layers of lava from Mount Vesuvius.

Lemons are a huge in the Sorrento region. This is a result of the region’s warm climate and fertile soil, making it a conducive environment to harvest citrus. As a result, know that when you walk into gift shops – you’re going to see a lot of yellow-themed-souvenirs.

Still, walk around – there are cute shops and things to scope out. But I really think you come here to take pictures and enjoy the scenery.

Next, we have Capri.

Which is better: Capri or the Amalfi Coast?

Capri and the Amalfi Coast may be close in distance, but in terms of atmosphere and views – they are worlds apart. Think of Capri in the same sense of Moncao or Mykonos, upscale, known for shopping, and manicured. The Amalfi Coast, on the other hand, is more rugged, scenic beauty – more catered for family vacations, casual meals, and low-key beach outings.

The table below will break down some of the additional differences between Capri and the Amalfi Coast:

🍋🌊 Capri vs. Amalfi Coast 🌊🍋

	🍋 Capri	🌊 Amalfi Coast
🌺 Views & Scenery	Manicured streets, vivid florals, colorful storefronts, and aesthetic beachfronts perfect for photography lovers.	Dramatic coastlines, mountain scenery, rugged rolling Italian hills, and endless ocean views.
💸 Cost	Infinitely more expensive; best for luxury travelers and upscale island vacations.	More budget-friendly; ideal for families, road trips, and travelers wanting more flexibility.
👥 Crowds	Very crowded in high season — and because Capri is smaller, the crowds can feel especially intense at times.	Also very crowded in summer, but the crowds are spread across multiple towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
🛥️ Excursions	Best for wandering, upscale shopping, scenic viewpoints, and strolling beautiful streets.	Best for speed boats, affordable souvenir shopping, beach hopping, and coastal exploration.
🚠 Transportation	Capri relies heavily on ferries, buses, walking, and the famous funicular connecting Marina Grande to Capri town.	The Amalfi Coast is more car, bus, and ferry-oriented due to the distance between the different towns.
✨ Environment	Distinctly upscale and elegant — great for a chic getaway with luxury island energy.	More laid-back and family-oriented, with a local charm and classic Italian summer atmosphere.

I’ll be honest… I kind of liked Capri, better.

Again, I’m photo-and-view goal oriented, and Capri was more… colorful?

In Capri, you’ll have these vibrant warm colored flowers surrounding the greenery, the picturesque, sleek white house’s sitting on the hills, the playfully painted houses residing on the beach…

View of Capri near the ferry area; July 2018

It’s really stunning; especially in the midst of summertime when everyone is taking their holiday in Capri. There are a lot of cute clothing shops around here, so if you’re into that – take advantage.

Something I only learned about the day before going to Capri, is that to get to all of the high-end shopping, fancy hotels, and scenic restaurants… you have to take a funicular, or a cable car, up to Ana Capri.

What is the difference between Capri and Ana Capri?

Basically, Ana Capri is still Capri – but on a higher elevation and more secluded from Capri itself, and it’s where most of the sightseeing is for those taking the ferry for the day to Capri.

Ana Capri is where you want to eat, do the most shopping, and take a tour of the island by car if you wish. Honestly, my mom and I didn’t do much here. We went for a few hours from Sorrento via ferry to see it, but I’m glad that we did.

There are lots of tourist opportunities: trails and personal tours you could take… or, you do what we did: take some pictures, grab a bite, and go exploring around the heart of it all.

What Surprised Me Most About Capri and the Amalfi Coast

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting Capri to have such strong “day-trip energy” as it’s often remarked as a place many people stay overnight or plan longer vacations around. In reality, it’s much easier and more feasible as a day trip than it is to stay there overnight.

I was also expecting everything in Capri to cost through the roof, even a simple drink or small bite – but as long as you head away from the main touristic streets, the prices were about the same to us as elsewhere in Italy.

As for the Amalfi Coast, I wasn’t expecting the road to be as windy or high up as it was – so plan accordingly if you ever get a little car sick. On the other hand, I also didn’t realize that the views would be so stunning – making the long bus rides extremely worth it.

🍋🌊 How to Choose Between Capri & the Amalfi Coast

⏳ Limited on Time

Honestly, if you’re limited on time — the Amalfi Coast will be an easier trip as it requires less public transportation and is a better location for other day trips.

✨ Luxury / Aesthetic Focused

If you like other more upscale islands like Mykonos , Capri is going to be the perfect place for you with perfectly paved streets and photo-perfect flowers.

🇮🇹 First Italy Trip

I would really suggest the Amalfi Coast, as it better encapsulates that “low-key” vibe found elsewhere in Italy.

📸 Photography Lovers

Both are honestly incredible options for photography lovers, so you really can’t go wrong here!

While in the Sorrento Region, be sure to try a Limencello Granita!

Which One Should I visit: Capri or the Amalfi Coast?

The bottom line is, if you want views and a scenic lunch date – you’ll be sure to get them from both the Amalfi Coast or Capri. Amalfi Coast is more of a rustic, raw beauty, whereas Capri is more of an upscale, chic & colorful one.

You can stay the night in either, but I recommend staying in Sorrento and to visit these places as day trips to save some money for future traveling.

Just be prepared that being on those busses en route to the ferry is the epitome of the saying, “sardines in a can”. It’s a guarantee that you’ll be hot, sweaty, and holding your personal belongings close.

Or, maybe you’re down for the whole immersive experience – go for it. It all depends on what you’re looking to get out of visiting these places, and I hoped this blog post gave a glimpse as to what they’re both like!

🚤⛰️🌊🇮🇹 Capri & Amalfi Coast FAQs 🇮🇹🌊⛰️🚤

🍋 Is Capri worth visiting?

Yes, Capri is absolutely worth visiting while in Italy — as it’s colorful, charming, and fun to wander around while also having opportunities for calm, ocean-view cafés.

🌸 Is Capri better than Positano?

Personally, I did prefer Capri over Positano — as it felt more colorful, manicured, and “exclusive” than Positano.

⏳ How many days do you need for the Amalfi Coast?

I think you need at least a full day on the Amalfi Coast to catch the vibe, but you could spend 2 if you want to enjoy the beach and even up to a week if you want a more leisurely vacation.

👥 Is Capri overcrowded?

I went to Capri in the middle of July, and while it was crowded — it wasn’t unbearably overcrowded. Capri is really quite doable if you’re not a big fan of massive, busy tourist sites.

💸 Is the Amalfi Coast expensive?

The Amalfi Coast was priced a lot like any other touristy place in Italy, but it wasn’t outrageously priced either.

🏨 Which is more expensive: Amalfi Coast or Positano?

Positano is definitely more expensive than the Amalfi Coast, with both meals and hotels costing more.

🚤 Can you do Capri as a day trip?

Yes, you can absolutely go to Capri for the day! This is exactly what my mom and I did while we were based in Sorrento for a night. In fact, I think this was the best of both worlds as we got to see Capri without the expensive price tag of staying on the island itself.

🧳 Is Capri or the Amalfi Coast better for first-time visitors?

I think the Amalfi Coast is better for first-time visitors as it’s more accessible and generally bigger with more to see and do.

If you’re looking for additional advice on traveling in Italy advice, I’ve been all over the country, so click here.

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About the Author

Hi, I'm Stephanie Safdie, a travel writer and content creator based in Paris. Since living here, I've spent years exploring the city and regularly update my Paris travel guides with firsthand experience while also exploring destinations across Europe and beyond as a solo female traveler. I've been solo traveling for the past decade, having visited more than 70 cities and nearly 30 countries before turning 30.

Before moving abroad, I grew up moving all around the United States, having lived in New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Tampa – which sparked my desire to discover and experience new places and cultures from a young age.

As a true writer at heart passionate about being open-minded, adventurous, and diaristic – it's my goal to share honest, practical travel advice, local insights, detailed itineraries, and real-life experiences that go beyond typical tourist recommendations. With over 200 guides published on Destination Dreamer Diaries, I’m here help you plan the most memorable trip of a lifetime with confidence.

When I'm not traveling or working professionally in content creation, you'll find me doing just about anything creative: writing, practicing my photography skills (the large majority of photos featured on this blog were taken during my own travels), playing my music at open mic nights, editing videos for my YouTube channel, cooking, or creating travel content.

Last updated: May 23, 2026