Capri is likely one of the most visited destinations in Italy, and that is with good reason. This small island on the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrento Peninsula boasts abundant natural beauty, glamour, and history. Planning a Capri day trip from the Amalfi Coast or southern Italy is a great addition to any itinerary as there is so much to do, see, and eat on the island.
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Getting to Capri
Whether you are coming from Naples, Sorrento or Positano and whether you want to travel independently or via organised tour, there are several ways to reach Capri from the Italian mainland.
Naples to Capri
If you want to get to Capri from Naples, these are the best options available to you!
By Organised Tour
Maybe you’re only staying in Naples during your time in the region and would love to visit Capri. If this is the case, perhaps an organised group day tour would be best for you.
With this full-day tour, you will be picked up and dropped off from your accommodation, then sail to the island of Capri on a hydrofoil.
The tour will then include time with a professional guide on the main Marina Grande, a short bus ride to Anacapri to see the more rural side of the island, and then a journey back to the center of the island to enjoy a local lunch.
This tour is great if you’re looking to see the island on more of an off-the-beaten-path route rather than in tourist hubs.
If you’re looking to spend your day trip to Capri from Naples mainly at sea, this full-day tour is a great option.
You’ll take in the Gulf of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius from the sea and spend time swimming close to the famous Faraglioni Rocks. You’ll also pass through the sparkling White and Green Grottos. This is a great option for those keen for a boat tour around the island.
Afterwards, spend a few hours exploring the island in whichever way you’d like before returning to Naples in the late afternoon.
You can also opt for this private tour that leaves from Naples or Sorrento or this private day tour that leaves from Naples along with Positano and Sorrento.
By Ferry
If heading to Capri independently is what you prefer, then one of the most important things you’ll need to plan is how you will reach the island.
Naples has two ports with ferries heading to Capri and the one you take will depends on the ferry. Calata di Massa is for slow and regular ferries and Molo Beverello services high-speed ferries.
There is only about a 20-minute difference between the high-speed and slow ferries, with the high-speed taking around 40 minutes, and the slow ferries taking a little over an hour to Capri.
Ticket costs vary depending on the boat that you take and your point of departure. The Naples to Capri ferries run between every half hour and every hour also depending on the boat you take. You can view ferry schedules here.
Sorrento to Capri
If you’re based in Sorrento, then follow these options in order to reach the island!
By Organised Tour
There are great options for Capri tours with a guide if you prefer to not visit independently.
This boat tour of Capri is a full-day experience with different options depending on how you prefer to see the island of Capri.
With hotel pick-up options available, you’ll head directly to the famous blue grotto to experience its intensely blue waters and then spend time at two spots in nearby water to snorkel and swim.
A traditional Caprese salad or sandwich lunch is also included as well as 4 hours to then spend independently on the island as you wish.
Another option is this full-day tour from Sorrento, which includes accommodation pick up and drop off. On departure, you’ll take a boat ride past the rugged Sorrentinian peninsula, the Villa Pollio Felix, (the most important Roman archaeological site in Sorrento), and then past Massa Lubrense.
Once arriving you have the option of taking part in a tour of the island at an additional cost or exploring on your own. After the visit to Capri, there is then a one-hour tour around the island with an expert acquainting you and informing you on the area before heading back to Sorrento.
By Ferry
If you’d prefer to go independently, you can take the ferry to Capri. It only takes about 20-30 minutes to get from Sorrento to Capri but tickets cost a bit higher than from Naples depending on the boat that you take.
Ferries depart just about every 15 minutes and leave from the port of Marina Piccola which is close to the town center of Sorrento.
If you’re looking to save some money on your trip but have your eye set on Capri, consider going from Naples rather than from Sorrento. You can view ferry schedules here. Note that you can also visit Capri as a day trip from nearby Salerno if you happen to be based there.
Positano to Capri
If you’re using Positano as a base on the Amalfi Coast and are looking to get to Capri from there, there are a few options open to you depending on what you are after.
By Organised Tour
For those staying in Positano during your Amalfi Coast trip, this full-day tour is a great way to experience the island of Capri. The tour is around 8 hours and begins by meeting at the departure point in Positano before being whisked away from the Amalfi Coast by a traditional Caprese “gozzo” boat.
After your time at sea, you’ll arrive on the island with about 4 hours of free time to explore the island as you wish. This is the perfect time to check out the less-visited Anacapri before heading back to the boat to make your way back to Positano.
If a more in-depth tour by boat to Capri from Positano is what you’re interested in, this full-day tour is perfect. After meeting at the pick-up point, you will be transferred by minibus to the port of Piano di Sorrento to depart by boat.
Drinks and snacks are also served on board. After 3-5 hours on the island as you wish, you’ll sail back to Sorrento to enjoy local Sorrentinian Limoncello to wrap up the day.
By Ferry
If you opt for your Capri day trip from Positano to be spent independently, you must be aware of the ferry schedules and locations. It is also important to know that the route from Positano is seasonal and only available from April until the end of October.
During that time, ferries depart every half an hour in each direction and take around half an hour.
The departure point for ferries from Positano is at the Spiaggia Grande beach, so keep this in mind if you plan on taking luggage to Capri as there are many flights of stairs down to reach the ferry pier. You can view ferry schedules here.
Capri Day Trip Itinerary
Although it’s a stunning island with so much to offer, there is plenty that can be done in just a day and you won’t be left without much missed.
From the lush landscapes, the fresh Caprese meals, and the pristine waters, your time on Capri won’t disappoint you no matter how you choose to spend it.
The Blue Grotto
Ah, the Blue Grotto. There are few places (if any) more familiar and recognizable than this beautifully aquamarine place. Although it is the most visited destination on the island, it’s a must-visit destination and of of the best things to do in Capri.
There are many blue grottoes in different locations in the world, but Capri’s “Grotta Azzura” is certainly the most famous.
Due to scientific phenomenon and thanks to a large hole in the rock beneath the water’s surface, the red light gets filtered out of the cave and results in the beautiful blue color of the grotto.
Queues are quite long since you will need to join a tour boat once arriving at the Marina Grande to visit the Blue Grotto. Because of this, it’s recommended to arrive early in the morning or book with a private company in advance to avoid long queues.
The entry to get into the cave is quite small so be prepared to lay down on the boat to get inside! Also, be prepared for joyous singing boat skippers once you reach inside the grotto. Regardless of how you get there, a day on Capri is not complete without visiting the Blue Grotto!
Anacapri
If a one-day Capri itinerary for you sounds much better spent away from the glam of the center of the island. To get away from the hefty tourist crowds, make your way to the other side of the island, Anacapri.
Anacapri can easily be reached by public bus departing from the Capri town terminal located in Piazza Martiri d’Ungheria. Busses run every 15-20 minutes in the peak season, cost 2 euros each way, and take about 20 minutes.
A great way to see the island from above is from the highest point on the island, Monte Solaro. Monte Solaro can be reached by funicular.
The chairlift up takes about 12 minutes and offers the most spectacular views of Capri and the surrounding area. This includes the historic center of the town and the trees right below your feet.
Afterwards, spend some time wandering the alleys of the historic center and wrap up your time by grabbing lunch at the wonderful restaurant, L’Angelo del Gusto.
Marina Piccola
The beautiful bay known as the famous spot where Ulysses (Odysseus) was supposedly seduced by the music of the sirens, is Marina Piccola. If you’re looking for a great beach spot by the Faraglioni Rocks, Marina Piccola is the perfect location to catch some sea and sun.
Marina Piccola is one of the sunniest spots on the isle of Capri and is the perfect place to grab a glass of wine and watch the world go by.
It is located on the southern end of the island and can be reached by bus from the town Piazzetta or also by a 15-minute walk. If you’re going to Marina Piccola on foot, take Via Roma to Due Golfi, then take the stairs down Via Mulo for a lovely walk to the Marina.
Have more time?
If you have more time in Capri and will be staying longer than a day, there is still a plethora of things to do to spend your time on the island.
One of the best places to pass the time people watch on the island of Capri is at the main Piazza, Piazza Umberto I. Grab a drink or dinner and spend time watching the world go by in the center of the town full of all walks of life. Who knows who you may see pass you?
For more of a unique visit, head to the Punta Carena lighthouse on the southern end of the isalnd. The wonderous Punta Carena lighthouse towers at the tip of the island and is the second tallest in Italy. It is also among the most important of all those guarding the Tyrrhenian Sea.
There is also a beach in the area if you’d like to go for a swim, as well as cafes and restaurants. You can also visit the nearby Villa San Michele to see some unique artwork and gardens.
Looking for a true souvenir to bring home? Capri is known for their custom handmade Sandals. Supposedly Jackie Kennedy is who made these famous and brought their popularity to the rest of the world.
There are various sandal makers throughout the island but the most well-known is Canfora. Head to the shop to have your Caprese sandals made for you to bring home as the perfect souvenir.
Where to Stay in Capri
To Be Capri – Well located in the town of Capri, this is a good mid-range choice. This hotel has simple double rooms and family rooms to choose from and some even include a kitchenette.
Villa Calypso – The lovely hotel within easy walking distance of the main square in Capri Town, there are a range of luxe and spacious rooms, views of the Mediterranean Sea and an excellent breakfast served daily.
Villa Castello Apartments – If you’re looking for a self-catering option (or simply want to imagine what it would be like to live on the island!), then these flats are a wonderful choice. Situated in Capri Town, there are several apartments available ranging in size.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Capri hotels!
No matter if you’re doing a Capri day trip from Naples, Positano or Sorrento, the island is truly one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean that will leave you in awe. There’s a reason why it is one of the most visited destinations in Italy and a Capri itinerary should certainly be a part of your trip to the Amalfi Coast.
Are you planning to spend one day in Capri? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
