TravelMole

Capri, on the Gulf of Naples, Italy, is moving to rein in over-tourism for the summer 2026, introducing tighter controls on organized tour groups as the Italian island struggles to balance booming visitor demand with everyday life for residents.

Capri turned into a famed destination on the Mediterranean Sea from the 1950s and 1960s when movie stars, celebrities and royalties took their summer holidays there, attracted by its azure waters, limestone cliffs, and stunning sun sets over the Gulf of Naples. However, the boom in low-cost flights (nearby Naples airport attracted 13.27 million passengers in 2025 compared to 6.77 million in 2016) generates mounting pressure on Capri’s limited infrastructure.

The new framework, approved by the local council and expected to take effect from May 2026, directly targets congestion in Capri’s historic center, marina and transport hubs. Last year, the pictorial island saw a total of 2.7 million visitors.

No more than 40 people in groups

Under the new rules, organized tour groups will be capped at 40 people disembarking on the island at any one time. Larger parties will need to split into smaller units, while any group exceeding 20 participants must use headphones or earpiece systems. The use of loudspeakers, megaphones and portable audio equipment is banned outright.

Visual crowd markers are also being phased out. Tour guides will no longer be allowed to use raised umbrellas, flags or poles to keep groups together, a common sight in peak season. In addition, operators must ensure groups remain compact, avoid blocking pathways and do not linger excessively at scenic viewpoints, allowing space for residents and independent visitors to move freely.

The clampdown must preserve Capri’s limited infrastructure. Despite a resident population estimated at between 13,000 and 15,000 people, the island can see as many as 50,000 visitors a day during the summer peak. Most arrive as day-trippers via ferry, hydrofoil or private boat from Naples, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, creating intense surges at key arrival points such as Marina Grande.

These spikes place strain on waste management systems, water and energy supplies, as well as local transport including the funicular and bus network. Officials say the new measures aim to smooth visitor flows, reduce noise and improve the overall experience for both locals and tourists.

For travelers, Capri remains open, but in a more controlled way. Finally to the benefit of both locals and tourists.