Capri's most beautiful beach area on the southern coast, with clear turquoise water and views of the Faraglioni sea stacks. The beach clubs here are glamorous and expensive but the setting is extraordinary.
Marina Piccola is a collection of small pebble beaches and natural rock swimming platforms on the southern coast of Capri island in the Bay of Naples, Campania, Italy. Situated directly below the Faraglioni — Capri's celebrated trio of sea stacks rising dramatically from the water just offshore — Marina Piccola is widely considered the most beautiful beach area on the island. It combines extraordinary scenery with exceptionally clear turquoise water, making it a benchmark Mediterranean beach experience.
The water at Marina Piccola is exceptional in clarity and color, reflecting the pale limestone geology of Capri. The turquoise and deep blue hues are intensified by the surrounding rock faces and the absence of sandy sediment. Snorkeling and diving visibility is among the best on the island, with healthy marine life inhabiting the rocky sea bed around the Faraglioni. Boat tours from Marina Grande on the northern coast route around to the Faraglioni, making the area visible from the water as well as the shore.
Beach clubs here are among the most exclusive and expensive on Capri, with sunbed and umbrella rental costing significantly more than mainland equivalents. Several of the clubs are long-established institutions that have served Capri's celebrity and aristocratic visitors for decades. Restaurants within the beach club complexes serve excellent seafood in an extraordinary setting. Water sports equipment rental, including kayaks and small boats, is available at the beach.
Access from Capri town is by local bus descending to Via Marina Piccola, followed by a further walk down steps to the beach level. The bus route is served frequently in summer and the journey from Capri Piazzetta takes approximately ten minutes. Taxis also serve the route. There is no direct ferry service to Marina Piccola. The staircase descent from the bus stop is manageable for most visitors but not accessible for wheelchairs.
The beach is sheltered by the island's cliffs from northerly weather and catches full southern sun throughout the day. The natural rock formations, including sea arches and the distinctive profiles of the Faraglioni, provide a visual drama unmatched by any beach on the Italian mainland coastline. Exploring directly below and around the Faraglioni by kayak or small boat is a particular highlight, offering a perspective unavailable from the shore.
Amenities
- beach clubs
- restaurants
- sunbed rental
- boat rentals
- water sports
Good to know
- Best for
- couples, snorkellers, swimmers, photographers, sunbathers
Highlights
- Direct views of the Faraglioni sea stacks rising dramatically from the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea just offshore
- Exceptional water clarity and color — among the finest swimming and snorkeling conditions on Capri
- Historic and exclusive beach club concessions on Capri's most scenic southern shore
- Sheltered southern exposure ensuring full sun throughout the day
- Kayak and small boat access around the Faraglioni formations available from the beach
Tips for visiting
- Take the bus from Capri Piazzetta to the Via Marina Piccola stop and descend on foot — taxis are expensive for this short journey
- Beach clubs here are among the most expensive on the island — confirm prices before committing to a full-day rental
- Kayak rental from the beach allows getting up close to the Faraglioni sea stacks, an experience not possible from the shore
- Arrive before 10 AM to secure a sunbed at the more desirable central club sections, which fill quickly in summer
- The bus back to Capri town fills quickly in the afternoon — consider walking up through the Via Marina Piccola steps at day's end
When to visit
Late morning through mid-afternoon provides full sun on this south-facing beach. Visiting in June or September reduces crowd density while maintaining warm water temperatures. Early July and August bring significant crowds and possible bus queues back to Capri town.
Accessibility
Marina Piccola is not accessible for wheelchair users. Access requires a bus journey and a staircase descent from the road to the beach. The beach surface consists of pebbles and rock platforms with uneven terrain throughout.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Faraglioni visible from Marina Piccola?
The Faraglioni are three iconic limestone sea stacks rising off the southern coast of Capri. They are the island's most recognizable natural feature, and Marina Piccola offers the closest shore-level views of the formation.
How do visitors get from Capri town to Marina Piccola?
A local bus runs from Capri Piazzetta to the Via Marina Piccola stop, taking approximately ten minutes. The final descent to the beach is on foot down a staircase. Taxis also serve the route.
Are beach clubs at Marina Piccola expensive?
Yes — Marina Piccola beach clubs are among the most expensive on Capri, which is itself one of Italy's higher-priced destinations. Full-day sunbed rental at the premium clubs costs considerably more than on the mainland.
Is there free beach access at Marina Piccola?
Free public access points exist along the rocky edges of Marina Piccola, but usable beach space is almost entirely occupied by private concessions. Many visitors access the water directly from the rocks between the clubs.