Marina Grande beach
Marina Grande is the central beach of Capri, a bustling hub where ferries from Naples and Sorrento dock, disgorging throngs of tourists onto the pier before sailing back. These visitors often find themselves meandering in dense clusters across the island, initially spending at least half an hour idling in line for tickets to the funicular, a bus, or a sightseeing tour. As one crowd begins to disperse, another soon follows, freshly disembarked from the latest vessel. At first glance, the fenced-off stretch of coast behind the ticket booths may go unnoticed. After all, many don't come for the beach. But when a few spare hours emerge before the return journey, a visit to Marina Grande beach becomes an enticing option, conveniently close by.
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Beach description
Located just behind the ticket offices, Marina Grande beach is a mere five-minute walk from the port. With a 300-meter stretch of beach, pristine waters, and a shallow entry, it offers everything necessary for a relaxing respite from the rocky terrain of Capri. At Marina Grande, the sun shines for most of the daylight hours, ensuring a warm and pleasant experience.
Like all beaches on the island, Marina Grande features a mix of shingle, ranging from large to small, as well as rocks and reefs. Special shoes are a must-have on Capri to comfortably navigate the terrain. The sea entry is gentle, with depths starting at about a meter, making it safe for children to wade in the shallows.
Near the beach, the port bustles with activity. A variety of vessels, including large and smaller boats, longboats with 12 seats, and boats for five, moor off the pier, swaying gently as they await tourists. A stone pier separates the beach from the port, and the designated swimming area is significantly larger than in other locales. Close to the shore, the water may become turbid after a storm, bringing ashore algae, but beyond 10-15 meters, it is crystal clear. Some particularly sensitive tourists may detect a diesel odor, although there are no visible oil stains on the water. The beach is a popular choice among hotel guests and tourists, especially during the high season. There is no need to search for the beach, as it is the first one that greets travelers upon their arrival on Capri. The swimming season begins as early as the end of May, though the water temperature is still cool, ranging from +20 to +22˚C.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit Capri for a beach vacation is during the late spring to early fall months, when the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the island's stunning beaches and clear blue waters. Here's a breakdown of the ideal times:
- Late Spring (May to June): The island is less crowded, and the temperatures are comfortably warm. The sea is beginning to warm up, making it a good time for those who prefer a quieter vacation.
- Summer (July to August): This is the peak season when Capri is bustling with tourists. The weather is hot, and the sea is at its warmest, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. However, be prepared for crowded spots and higher prices.
- Early Fall (September to early October): The crowds start to thin out, and the weather remains warm enough for beach activities. The water temperature is still pleasant, and you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Ultimately, the best time for a beach vacation in Capri depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and prices. Late spring and early fall offer a balance of good weather and fewer tourists, while the summer months provide the classic beach holiday experience.
Video: Beach Marina Grande
Infrastructure
Marina Grande is surrounded by a variety of hotels that cater to different budgets. While they are not overly expensive, they do offer a touch of luxury. Room rates begin at 200 euros per night. On the higher end, the most opulent villas can reach up to 1000 euros per night. Take, for instance, the five-star Villa Marina Capri, a spa hotel conveniently situated near the harbor. Guests can enjoy amenities such as two expansive pools, a wellness center, and designated sunbathing areas. Capri is renowned for attracting affluent tourists, and the Marina Grande area is no exception, with its array of restaurants and cafes. However, prices here tend to be more affordable than those found in the heart of the capital at Piazzetta - the central square of the town, which shares its name with the island.
The primary attraction on the beach is the boat excursions that circumnavigate the island. The excursion desk is conveniently located nearby, and boats depart from Marina Grande as soon as they are filled. These tours typically last between one and two hours. Additionally, the lower funicular station near the port offers a swift 5-minute journey to the city center.
On the beach, visitors will find a range of facilities:
- Children's area for the little ones to play
- Equipped slope for the disabled, ensuring accessibility for all
- Free public beach for everyone to enjoy
- Sunbeds and parasols available for relaxation
- Changing cabins for convenience
- Showers to rinse off after a swim
- Toilets for comfort and ease
Weather in Marina Grande
Best hotels of Marina Grande
All hotels of Marina GrandeUseful information
The most popular sights in the Marina Grande region:
- Phoenician stairs
- Gardens of Augustus
- San Michele Church
- San Giacomo Monastery
From Marina Grande it is possible to go up to the center of Capri by the Phoenician stairs. It was cut in ancient times, there are about 1000 steps in it. It is faster and easier to get there by funicular. Going up to the center of the island, it is worth going to the Augustus Gardens. Here are beautiful views, observation platforms, a monument to Lenin and a mosaic with a portrait of Maxim Gorky. It offers views of the Via Krupp road, built in the 20s of the last century. Cars, however, do not go on it, but it looks wonderful. Here, not far from Piazza Umberto 1 (aka Piazzella), there are the 17th-century church of San Michele with luxurious mosaic floors and the 14th-century monastery of San Giacomo. The monastery has not been working since the 19th century, but a museum is located here. And during the heat it’s nice to walk along his cells. From viewing platforms there is a view of the bay Marina Piccolo with the same-name beach.
Useful facts:
- A ticket for the funicular and a bus is single. It’s more profitable to buy a ticket for 6.70 + a 1 euro deposit on a card. It makes it possible to use any transport, except taxi, for 1 day an unlimited number of times.
- The Via Krupp road is blocked by a barrier. It has been closed for the last five years. Local authorities say, this is to prevent the danger of a collapse.
- When visiting the Gardens of Augustus and the Giacomo Monastery, it is possible to purchase one ticket, which will cost 3 euros. Separate entry to the monastery - 4 euros.