Capri & Blue Grotto Day Trip: Ferry, Chairlift & Coffee

Summary

Capri’s colors by ferry with Blue Grotto and mountaintop chairlift

You’ll ride a fast ferry from Naples or Sorrento to Capri with your local guide, slip into the glowing Blue Grotto (if weather allows), soar up Mount Solaro by chairlift, and sip coffee in Capri’s lively piazzetta. Expect real island life—bright houses, sea air, laughter—and moments you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The day really started when we squeezed onto the fast ferry from Naples, dodging a few locals balancing crates of lemons. I kept glancing at the water, half-expecting it to be that wild Capri blue already. Our guide—Francesca—found us on the dock in Capri and waved like she’d known us for years. She herded us into a minibus (air conditioning blessedly on) and pointed out how even the houses here seem brighter, like someone turned up the contrast.

First stop was the Blue Grotto. The sea was calm enough, so we climbed into those tiny rowboats—honestly, I nearly lost my hat ducking through that low cave entrance. Inside was this strange hush except for water lapping against stone. The light really does turn everything electric blue; I tried to take a photo but it just looked… wrong compared to being there. Francesca joked that Neptune himself must have dropped a sapphire in there. If you’re doing a day trip to Capri & Blue Grotto from Naples or Sorrento, hope for good weather—it’s worth it.

Anacapri felt slower, almost sleepy after the crowds at the port. Some of us took the chairlift up Mount Solaro (I did, legs dangling over gardens and roofs), and honestly—I didn’t expect to feel so quiet at the top. There’s wind up there that smells like rosemary and salt. You can see Vesuvius in the haze if you squint. We wandered back down for coffee in Capri’s main square—La Piazzetta—where old men were arguing about football with wild hand gestures and our guide ordered espresso “alla napoletana.” I tried to say grazie in my best accent; got a smile anyway.

We ended back at Marina Grande waiting for our jetfoil home, sand still stuck in my sandal somehow. It’s funny—the chairlift view keeps popping into my head even now when I close my eyes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Capri island tour from Naples or Sorrento

• Meet at Naples or Sorrento port
• Take ferry to Capri island
• Visit Blue Grotto if sea permits
• Boat tour around Capri if grotto closed
• Travel around Capri by minibus
• Stop in Anacapri for stroll
• Optional chairlift to Mount Solaro
• Discover Villa San Michele
• Have lunch on Capri
• Enjoy coffee at La Piazzetta
• Return to Marina Grande port
• Take jetfoil back to Naples or Sorrento

Top questions

How do I get from Naples or Sorrento to Capri?

The tour includes roundtrip fast ferry tickets from either Naples or Sorrento port directly to Capri.

Is entry to the Blue Grotto included?

Yes, admission tickets for the Blue Grotto are included if sea conditions allow entry.

What happens if the Blue Grotto is closed?

If sea conditions prevent entry to the Blue Grotto, you’ll enjoy a shared boat ride tour around Capri instead.

Is transportation provided on Capri?

Yes, shuttle bus transportation around Capri is included during your day trip.

Can I take the chairlift to Mount Solaro?

You’ll have time in Anacapri where you can choose to ride the chairlift up Mount Solaro.

Where does lunch take place?

You’ll have free time for lunch; your guide can recommend spots in Anacapri or near La Piazzetta.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is provided; meeting points are at designated ports in Naples or Sorrento.

How long is each ferry ride?

The ferry between Naples/Sorrento and Capri takes about one hour each way.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

This tour is not suitable for people with mobility problems due to walking and steps involved.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip fast ferry tickets from Naples or Sorrento to Capri, all island transport by shuttle bus, entry fees for the Blue Grotto (weather permitting), a shared boat ride if needed, guidance from an expert local guide throughout, plus plenty of time for coffee breaks and exploring both Anacapri and Capri town before returning by jetfoil in the evening.