Marina Grande - Capri Island

Summary: Some of the most magnificent and worthwhile destinations to visit in the Mediterranean Sea is Marina Grande, and a must-visit to any keen sailor. Approaching the island, you will be stunned by the colorful buildings and the majestic cliffs guarding the island of Capri. Arriving in Capri, will be another amazing story about ‘La dolce vita!’ If you are sailing the Amalfi Coast, this is definitely a marina to remember.

Marina Grande - Capri Island
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When it comes to living a good life, marina Grande has got more than that to offer. This is home to jaw-dropping epic beauty, world-class hotels and restaurants and delicious cuisines. The dozens of bars and restaurants facing the sea provide a perfect place to anyone who wants to get a good view of this busy port. This means you can spend your vacation here and still fail to get enough of the place.

How to get there

Capri Island doesn’t have an airport, so if you want to get there, you should consider taking a ferry from Napoli for 45 minutes or Sorrento for 20 minutes. Remember also that tickets can be bought in advance for Napoli and Sorrento. 
If you arrive by boat, the port is situated on the northern part of the island.

Capri Island – Italy

Capri Island - Italy

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Features and amenities

Marina Grande is situated inside a natural bay, on the northern shore of the island at 40°33'28.4"N 14°14'34.9"E, on the left side of Porto Commerciale di Capri.

Attention: Be extra cautious when entering or exiting the marina, because the traffic is heavy. 

If you are sailing to Capri, before entering the marina you can contact the harbor master at + 39 081 8377602 or on the VHF radio - Channel 71. While arriving in Marina di Capri, you can request dinghy assistance if needed as it is available 24/7 and can come in hand in strong winds or if this is your first time visiting the marina.

Inside there are 300 boat berths that can accommodate yachts up to 60 meters, and therefore the depth has an average of 8 meters.

For a slip in Marina di Capri you will get free access to the following amenities:

  • Reception
  • Bathrooms and showers
  • Wi-Fi
  • Weather reports
  • 24 hours security
  • Electric cars
  • 24 docking assistance with dinghy

At an extra charge Marina di Capri offers the below services:

  • Diver services
  • Fueling
  • Water
  • Electricity
  • Crane service
Marina di Capri – Italy

Marina di Capri – Italy

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Weather in Marina Grande

The best time for sailing the Capri Island is from May through late October. This is when temperatures are warm on the water and land, with low probability for storms. A more peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere can be enjoyed by planning to sail in May or September - October.

On the other hand, the best time for good weather on the Amalfi coast is typically May through June and September through October. Afternoon temperatures during these periods typically reach anywhere from 22°C to 27°C and visitors avoid the rainiest part of the year. July and August bring temperatures up to 30°C.

The sea currents are moderate, and the marina offers good protection for wind, being tucked into a natural cove sheltered from wind and protected by two large stone breakwaters piers.

The beam wind is NE-N-NW-W.

Dolce far niente – Capri, Italy

Dolce far niente – Capri, Italy

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Transportation

From Marina Grande there are three modes of transport:

  1. Funicular – offers the fastest mode of transport to the city of Capri. An extra charge will be applied for large luggage, that doesn’t include backpack or small luggage. Funicular is closed from January to March, so you need to take other transport options.
  2. Buses – on the island are actually minibuses with a capacity of 10 passengers, because large busses cannot drive the narrow island streets. High season brings long lines at the bus station.
  3. Taxis – have a capacity of maximum 7 passengers, so all crew can ride the same taxi to town. Taxi drivers are usually courteous and can help you have a great experience on the island because they are also excellent tour guides.
Funicular Capri – Italy

Funicular Capri – Italy

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History

The history of the marina starts from the times of the roman empire, when Marina Grande was used as a fishing port during Augustus times, who also built Palazzo a Mare (Sea Palace) and modified by Tiberius, therefore dating from 27-37 A.D. The buildings not only covered considerable ground on the top of the cliffs, which were buttressed by strong walls, but also extended down to the beach, where the north wing was thrown out towards the sea, and must have made a charming abode in summer.

In more recent history, Marina Grande has become a gathering point for artists, writers and actors and it was an entrance port for many celebrities: Axel Munthe, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Gracie Fields, Ernest Hemingway, Sophia Loren, Giorgio Armani.

Capri roman ruins – Italy

Capri roman ruins – Italy

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The vibrant feel of the island and everything it has to offer is an invitation to anyone who wants to have a good experience. Spending some quality time on the Marina Grande as your home away from home, is a perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate, discover and experience new places, laze on the beach and at anchor on remote gulfs.