The island of Capri sits just 5 kilometres off the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula, making a Capri day trip from Sorrento one of the easiest and most rewarding excursions in southern Italy. Whether you take the public ferry or book a private boat, you can be swimming in turquoise water beneath the Faraglioni rocks within an hour of leaving your hotel. Here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect day.
How to Get from Sorrento to Capri
There are two main ways to reach Capri from Sorrento: public ferry or private boat. Each has its advantages.
Public ferry: High-speed hydrofoils run by Caremar and SNAV depart from Marina Piccola in Sorrento roughly every 30 to 60 minutes from early morning until evening. The crossing takes 20 to 25 minutes and costs around 22 to 25 euros one way. Book tickets at the port or online — in peak season, the last ferries back fill up quickly.
Private boat: A far more memorable way to do a Capri day trip from Sorrento is by private boat. You leave on your own schedule, cruise around the island's coastline at leisure, swim in hidden coves, and visit the Blue Grotto without queuing with hundreds of ferry passengers. BlueKeys offers private Capri boat tours from Sorrento with experienced local skippers, snorkelling gear, and drinks on board. A full-day charter for up to 8 people costs from 900 to 1,300 euros — split among a group, it is surprisingly affordable. For larger groups or a premium experience, consider a luxury yacht charter.
What to See and Do on Capri
Capri is small — just 10 square kilometres — but packed with things to see. Here are the highlights for a day trip:
- The Piazzetta: Capri's tiny main square is the island's social hub, ringed by cafes with eye-watering prices (a coffee here costs around 7 euros, but the people-watching is priceless).
- Gardens of Augustus: Beautifully maintained gardens with panoramic views of the Faraglioni rocks and Via Krupp far below. Entry is 1 euro.
- Via Krupp: A zigzagging path cut into the cliff face, connecting the gardens to Marina Piccola. Currently open to walkers (check locally — it sometimes closes for rockfall risk).
- Monte Solaro: Take the single-seat chairlift from Anacapri to the highest point on the island (589 metres). The panorama stretches from the Bay of Naples to the Cilento coast. The chairlift costs 12 euros return.
- Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra): Capri's most famous attraction — a sea cave where sunlight enters through an underwater opening and bathes the interior in an electric blue glow. Entry costs about 18 euros (paid to the rowers in cash). Note: the grotto closes when the sea is rough, which happens frequently.
A Suggested Capri Day Trip Itinerary
If you are taking the ferry, here is a practical itinerary for a Capri day trip from Sorrento:
8:00 — Take the first hydrofoil from Sorrento to Capri (Marina Grande).
8:30 — Arrive and take the funicular up to Capri town (2.20 euros one way). Walk to the Gardens of Augustus before the crowds.
10:00 — Take a bus from Capri town to Anacapri (2.20 euros). Ride the chairlift to Monte Solaro.
11:30 — Visit the Blue Grotto (bus from Anacapri to the grotto entrance, then row-boat inside).
13:00 — Lunch in Anacapri. Try Le Arcate for honest Caprese food at reasonable prices.
14:30 — Return to Capri town. Browse the boutiques on Via Camerelle or walk Via Krupp down to Marina Piccola for a swim.
17:00 — Aperitivo at the Piazzetta.
18:00 — Take the ferry back to Sorrento.
How Much Does a Capri Day Trip Cost?
Budget roughly as follows for a Capri day trip from Sorrento:
- Ferry return: 44 to 50 euros
- Funicular: 4.40 euros return
- Chairlift to Monte Solaro: 12 euros return
- Blue Grotto: 18 euros
- Lunch: 20 to 40 euros
- Buses on Capri: 2.20 euros per ride
Total per person (ferry route): Roughly 100 to 130 euros for a comfortable day. A private boat tour with BlueKeys, split among 6 people, works out to around 150 to 220 euros per person — but includes the boat, skipper, swimming stops, drinks, and snorkelling gear, making it the better-value option for groups.
Tips for Visiting Capri from Sorrento
Go early. The first ferry leaves around 7:30 or 8:00, and those early-morning hours before the Naples day-trippers arrive are golden. The Piazzetta is quiet, the paths are empty, and you can actually enjoy the island.
Wear comfortable shoes. Capri involves a lot of walking on stone paths, cobblestones, and steep stairs. Leave the flip-flops for the beach.
Bring cash. The Blue Grotto rowers only accept cash, and several smaller shops and cafes do not take cards.
Book the Blue Grotto early. If it is open, go first thing. The queue builds rapidly after 10:00 and can reach 45 minutes or more by midday.
Check the last ferry. The last hydrofoil back to Sorrento is typically around 19:30 in summer, but schedules change. Missing the last ferry means an expensive water taxi or an unplanned night on the island.
Private Boat vs. Public Ferry: Which Is Better?
For solo travellers or couples on a budget, the public ferry is perfectly fine. It is fast, reliable, and cheap. But for groups of 4 or more, a private boat tour is the standout choice. You skip the queues, swim in places ferry passengers never see, and the skipper doubles as a local guide with stories about every cave and cove along the way. You can also combine a Capri visit with a wider Amalfi Coast boat tour or a boat excursion from Sorrento.
Book Your Capri Day Trip
BlueKeys offers private boat tours from Sorrento to Capri with local skippers, swimming stops, and full-day itineraries. Explore Capri boat tours, Sorrento boat excursions, or browse all private boats.
