Capri sits in the Bay of Naples like a chunk of limestone paradise, just 5 kilometres off the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula. From Sorrento, you can see the island across the water — tantalisingly close. A day trip to Capri is one of the essential experiences of any southern Italian holiday, and Sorrento is the easiest and most popular departure point. This guide tells you everything you need to plan the perfect visit.
How to Get to Capri from Sorrento
Public Ferry or Hydrofoil
The fastest and cheapest way to reach Capri from Sorrento is by public ferry or hydrofoil. Services run regularly from Marina Piccola in Sorrento to Marina Grande in Capri. There are two types of vessel:
- Hydrofoil (aliscafo): 20 minutes, approximately 20 to 23 euros one way. Operated by companies like NLG and SNAV. Fast, enclosed, and comfortable.
- Ferry (traghetto): 25 to 30 minutes, approximately 16 to 18 euros one way. Slower but cheaper, with open decks where you can enjoy the views and fresh air.
In peak season (June through September), services run roughly every 30 to 60 minutes from early morning until evening. In the shoulder months (April, May, October), the schedule is more limited. Buy tickets at the port or online, and arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
Private Boat Tour
The alternative — and, for many visitors, the highlight of their trip — is a private boat tour from Sorrento to Capri. Rather than simply transporting you to the island, a private boat tour turns the journey into the main event. You can also book a dedicated Capri boat tour that circles the entire island. A typical full-day itinerary includes:
- Departure from Sorrento marina (usually 9:00 or 9:30)
- Cruise along the Sorrentine coast with swimming stops in secluded bays
- Circumnavigation of Capri, passing the Faraglioni, the Natural Arch, and the White Grotto
- Visit to the Blue Grotto (conditions permitting)
- 2 to 3 hours free time on the island for lunch and exploration
- Return to Sorrento in the late afternoon
BlueKeys private Capri boat tours start from around 800 euros for the boat (up to 8 passengers), including skipper, fuel, snorkelling gear, and refreshments. Split among a group, this is surprisingly competitive — and the experience is incomparably better than the ferry. For the ultimate experience, consider a luxury yacht charter.
Guided Group Tour
Several operators run organised day trips from Sorrento to Capri, typically combining a boat ride, a guided walking tour of the island, and optional visits to the Blue Grotto or Anacapri. These cost between 80 and 130 euros per person and are a good middle ground between the DIY ferry approach and a private charter.
What to See on Capri
The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)
The Blue Grotto is Capri's most famous attraction — a sea cave where sunlight enters through an underwater opening, creating an extraordinary electric blue glow inside. Visiting requires transferring to small rowing boats that duck through the cave's narrow entrance (just one metre high). The experience lasts about 5 minutes inside the cave and costs approximately 18 euros (paid in cash to the rowers).
Important: The grotto is closed when the sea is rough or the tide is high, which happens frequently. On average, it is accessible about 60 to 70 percent of days during the season. If you are on a private boat, your skipper will know the conditions and can advise. There is no refund if it is closed.
Capri Town (Capri Centro)
From the port (Marina Grande), the funicular whisks you up to Capri town in 5 minutes. The Piazzetta — officially Piazza Umberto I — is the island's famous social hub, ringed by cafes with eye-watering prices (an espresso can cost 7 euros) but an unbeatable atmosphere. From here, walk to the Giardini di Augusto for panoramic views of the Faraglioni and Via Krupp, the spectacular zigzag path down to the sea.
Anacapri
Anacapri is the quieter town at the top of the island, reached by bus or taxi from Capri town (about 15 minutes). Highlights include:
- Villa San Michele: the former home of Swedish physician Axel Munthe, now a museum with a garden terrace offering what many consider the finest view in Campania
- Monte Solaro chairlift: a single-seat chairlift to the island's highest point (589 metres) for 360-degree views of the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and, on clear days, the mountains of Calabria
- Chiesa di San Michele: a Baroque church with a remarkable majolica tile floor depicting the Garden of Eden
The Faraglioni
These three iconic sea stacks rise dramatically from the water off Capri's southeast coast. The largest — Faraglione di Terra — is connected to the island, while the other two stand offshore. Boat tours pass directly through the natural arch in the middle stack (Faraglione di Mezzo), which is a memorable experience. You can also view them from the Giardini di Augusto viewpoint in Capri town.
Budget Tips for a Capri Day Trip
- Take the ferry, not the hydrofoil, if you want to save a few euros each way
- Avoid eating in the Piazzetta — walk 5 minutes in any direction for dramatically lower prices
- Bring water and snacks — everything on Capri costs 30 to 50 percent more than on the mainland
- Walk between Capri and Anacapri via the Scala Fenicia (Phoenician Steps) if you are fit — it takes about 40 minutes and saves the bus fare
- Skip the Blue Grotto if the queue is long — the wait can exceed an hour in peak season, and 5 minutes inside may not feel worth it. Instead, ask your boat skipper to show you the Green Grotto or White Grotto, which are free and often more impressive
When to Visit Capri
May, June, and September are the sweet spot: warm enough for swimming, clear enough for the Blue Grotto, and less crowded than the peak months. July and August bring intense crowds — the island can feel overwhelmed. If you visit in April or October, expect cooler weather but a more tranquil, authentic atmosphere.
Early morning departures are strongly recommended regardless of the month. The first ferry from Sorrento (usually around 7:30 or 8:00) gets you to Capri before the day-trippers from Naples arrive, giving you the Piazzetta and the main sights in relative peace.
What to Wear and Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes — Capri involves a lot of walking on stone paths and steps
- Swimsuit — there are bathing platforms and small beaches near Marina Piccola
- Sunscreen and hat
- Cash — the Blue Grotto entrance and some smaller shops only accept cash
- Light layers — it can be windy at the top of Monte Solaro
Plan Your Capri Day Trip
Book a private boat tour from Sorrento to Capri with BlueKeys — experienced local skippers, swimming stops in hidden coves, and full-day itineraries tailored to your group. Explore all Amalfi Coast boat tours, Capri boat tours, or browse our full private boats collection.
