The island of Capri is just off the coast of the Sorrento Peninsula and has dramatic rock formations, electric sea blue coves and is home to superyachts, luxury shopping and amazing restaurants. If you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast then a trip to Capri is an absolute must.
How do I get there?
The only way to get to Capri is by boat or ferry.
If coming from the port of Naples you can take a high speed ferry from either Piers Molo Beverello or Calata Porta di Massa and it takes about 50 to 60 minutes. There are over 20 ferry trips per day from Naples and it costs from £21 / €25 / $28 per person.
You can buy tickets directly at the Port at the ferry companies ticket offices however if you are travelling in the high season (July / August) its best to book in advance online here Omio – Naples to Capri Ferry.
There are also ferries to Capri from Sorrento and in the summer there are also routes from Positano, Amalfi, Salerno, and Ischia. These are direct trips out to the island and take around 30 minutes and cost from £21 / €25 / $28 depending on the time of day you leave and return.
We have made many day trips out to Capri and every time have done so with our own boat. There are a number of boat hire companies in Sorrento and Amalfi which you can see signs for at the docks or check out and book in advance online via SamBoat.
There are a number of boat hire options whether you have a boat licence for a larger boat or a smaller boat if you don’t have a licence to; having a skipper or self-drive.
We have always taken a boat without a skipper as they are very easy to use and it is easy to navigate out to Capri and you can do so at your own pace and cruise around the amazing superyachts that are always anchored along the Amalfi coast.
A skippered option however gives you the freedom to relax, or if you are not confident with boats, and will take you to explore places you might miss and they are better placed guide and to moor up at places to swim, snorkel or to eat at the many cliff and sea side restaurants along the stunning coastline.
SamBoat is the best site to look at your boat options, prices and to book. There are plenty of boat hire places in Amalfi if you are after a last minute hire. The boat hire company will give you instructions on how to moor at Capri.
What is there to do on Capri?
The Blue Grotto! But we’ll provide more details on that shortly.
Once you’ve taken your boat right around the island, which takes around an hour, or your ferry has dropped you off – there is plenty to see and do on the island.
In the main Piazzetta you’ll find plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. Check out Trip Advisor for restaurant options on the island.
After some refreshments you can head to the Monte Solaro chairlift in the Piazza Vittoria in the charming village of Anacapri.
The chairlift has 156 chairs with an ascent time of 13 minutes and it gives you an amazing 360° panorama of Capri. Monte Solaro is the highest point on the island of Capri at 589 metres or 1932 feet above sea level.
There’s a bus that can take you there from Marina Grande in Capri and takes around 15 minutes. There can be long queues for the buses in the busy months of July and August so if you’re in a rush take a taxi or if you have time you can walk which will take around 40 minutes.
You can buy tickets at the bus stop in Anacapri or at the entrance to the chairlift and a return ticket costs from £9 / €11 / $13 depending on the time of year.
A key note is the chairlift is only made for a single passenger. There is a safety bar but it is easily lifted so riding with very young or very active children is not recommended!
Boat tours
An alternative option to getting a ferry from the mainland is a boat tour which can either be a private hire or with a group.
There are a number of operators and options to chose from with Get Your Guide one of the best sites to review and book as well as Mondo Guide who can plan exclusive private excursions not just for Amalfi but across Italy, Spain and France.
Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a natural sea cave famous for its striking blue light caused by sunlight reflecting off an underwater cavity and the seawater below. Access into the cave can only be made in small rowboats and the amazing azure light and the echo of waves create an unforgettable experience.
The cave is 60 metres long and 25 metres wide but the entrance is narrow, just 2 metres wide and 1 metre high which is why small rowboats, which hold a maximum of four passengers and the skipper, are needed to guide through the cave’s entrance.
Many of the boat tours, either from the mainland or from the Capri Marina Grande, include a stop at the Blue Grotto but check this is the case when booking.
Tickets for entry into the Blue Grotto are purchased from a floating ticket office at the cave entrance. You then transfer into a rowboat to enter the cave.
Tickets cost £15 / €18 / $20 but are free for children aged under 6.
The Blue Grotto may close during rough seas or high winds so bear this in mind if you are planning a day trip to Capri.
