The island in the Gulf of Naples wants to curb mass tourism. From summer 2026, groups of more than 40 tourists and loudspeakers will be banned on Capri during guided tours.
Capri has represented the epitome of Mediterranean elegance for decades: rugged cliffs overlooking a turquoise blue sea, bright villas and luxurious hotels. But what has made the Italian island world-famous is increasingly pushing it to its limits. The island wants to cope better with mass tourism by imposing stricter restrictions on group travel.
While around 13,000 people live on Capri itself, the number of visitors in the summer months reaches dimensions that put a massive strain on daily life. On peak days, it is estimated that up to 50,000 tourists flock to the small island in the Gulf of Naples - with noticeable consequences. The harbors are overcrowded, viewpoints clogged and the historic sites lose their tranquility. To counteract this development, the municipal council has now unanimously approved new regulations for the coming summer season.
In future, only organized tour groups of a maximum of 40 people will be allowed to go ashore. In addition, the use of loudspeakers is restricted during guided tours of the main town of the same name, Capri; groups with more than 20 participants must use wireless headphones to reduce the noise level in busy areas. The identification of the guides will also be more discreet: Instead of flashy umbrellas or banners, tour guides will wear simple tags on their lapels.
Capri thus joins a growing number of European destinations that are focused on limiting the masses of tourists. Similar debates are taking place in Venice, for example, where decades of mass tourism are increasingly affecting the quality of life of residents. The island hopes that the new regulations will not only limit daily overcrowding, but also enable guests and locals to live together more sustainably.
