Marina Grande

Marina Grande – Capri: The Gateway to Italian Island Glamour

Perched on the northern coast of the legendary island of Capri, Marina Grande is the island’s main port and a vibrant hub of Mediterranean charm, luxury, and nautical prestige. As one of the most iconic marinas in Italy, it is not only a practical point of entry to the island but also a window into the enchanting blend of natural beauty and jet-set glamour that Capri is famous for. Marina Grande welcomes a diverse range of vessels, from local fishing boats and ferries to elegant motor yachts and sailing cruisers. While relatively compact compared to larger Mediterranean ports, the marina provides approximately 300 berths, including around 40 slips reserved for visiting yachts, and can accommodate vessels up to 60 meters in length. Due to the marina’s popularity and limited space, it’s highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season (June to September), when the port is bustling with activity.

Despite its small size, the marina offers a solid range of facilities for yachts and their crews. Berths are supplied with fresh water, electricity (including 220V and 380V options), and dockside waste disposal. There are also fuelling services, 24-hour security, and assistance with mooring and provisioning. Though there’s no extensive repair yard onsite, nearby mainland facilities in Naples or Sorrento can handle more complex servicing needs. Port authorities are professional and used to handling a high volume of luxury traffic with efficiency and courtesy. Marina Grande isn’t just about the yachts—it’s a visual and cultural experience. Upon docking, visitors are greeted with a stunning panorama of colourful buildings rising up the cliffs, a lively waterfront, and an atmosphere that feels like a movie set. The piazzetta-style promenade is lined with gelato shops, upscale boutiques, and cafés where visitors sip espresso while watching tenders zip to and from superyachts anchored just offshore.

A short funicular ride or taxi from the marina brings you to Capri town, the island’s chic centre filled with designer fashion stores, historic villas, and elegant restaurants. Capri has long been a playground for the international elite, attracting stars from Hollywood to high society, and it still buzzes with a stylish, yet unpretentious energy. Iconic spots like La Fontelina beach club, Via Camerelle shopping street, and the glamorous Quisisana Hotel are all within reach for guests mooring at Marina Grande.

The natural beauty surrounding the marina is also breathtaking. Yachters use Marina Grande as a base to explore world-renowned sites like the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), Faraglioni sea stacks, and the crystal-clear coves around the island. Many choose to anchor offshore and visit the island by tender for a truly cinematic arrival. The weather in Capri is ideal for yachting, especially from late spring through early autumn. Summers are sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging between 26–32°C (79–89°F), and mild evenings perfect for alfresco dining. The Tyrrhenian Sea is generally calm, making it perfect for cruising, and the dramatic coastline offers plenty of scenic anchorages.

In essence, Marina Grande is more than just a place to dock—it’s a destination in its own right. It offers a taste of Capri’s legendary lifestyle, where natural beauty, nautical charm, and Italian elegance come together in unforgettable harmony.