Capri & Blue Grotto Day Trip from Naples or Sorrento

Summary

Capri’s cliff roads, glowing Blue Grotto and Anacapri’s quiet charm

You’ll ride cliffside roads above Capri’s sea, slip into the glowing Blue Grotto by boat (weather allowing), explore Anacapri’s quiet streets with time for gelato or wandering, and end with a stroll through lively Capri town — all with local transport, ferry tickets and a guide who knows every shortcut.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of salt air as we stepped off the ferry in Capri — it kind of wakes you up, even if you’re still half-dreaming from an early start in Naples. Our guide, Paolo (he grew up here — you could tell by how he greeted every other person), herded us onto a minibus and we zipped along the so-called “Mamma Mia” road. Honestly, I gripped my seat tighter than I’d admit. The cliffs drop right down to that wild blue water and scooters whizz past like it’s nothing.

I didn’t expect the Blue Grotto to be so tiny at the entrance. We waited our turn in these little rowboats, ducking down to squeeze inside. Suddenly it was just this hush and then that crazy electric-blue glow under the rock ceiling — I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t catch what my eyes saw. The boatman hummed something old and Italian; his voice echoed around us. It was one of those moments where you forget about your phone for a second.

Afterwards we wound up in Anacapri. It’s quieter up there — fewer crowds, more locals chatting outside shops. I got gelato (fig flavor — Paolo said it’s best here) and just sat on a bench watching two old men argue about football in dialect. If you want, there’s this chairlift up Monte Solaro for views over the Bay of Naples; some people did it but I just wandered instead. The sun felt different on my skin up there — softer maybe? Or maybe that was just me being sentimental.

We finished in Capri town itself, near the Piazzetta where everyone seems to pause for espresso or people-watching. Via Camerelle is lined with glossy shops but honestly, I liked watching locals greet each other more than window shopping. The whole day felt packed but not rushed — maybe because Paolo always seemed to know when we needed a break or a story about his childhood here. Anyway, I still think about that blue light inside the grotto sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour of Capri highlights

• Travel from Naples or Sorrento to Capri by ferry
• Ride the Mamma Mia road along the cliff
• Visit the Blue Grotto by boat or minibus
• Enter Blue Grotto if weather permits
• Take shared boat ride around island if grotto closed
• Go up to Anacapri town
• Enjoy leisure time shopping or eating gelato in Anacapri
• Optionally ride chairlift to Monte Solaro viewpoint
• Visit Piazzetta, Capri’s main square
• Shop along Via Camerelle luxury street

Top questions

How do you get from Naples or Sorrento to Capri?

The tour includes round-trip ferry tickets from Naples or Sorrento to Capri.

Is entry to the Blue Grotto included?

Yes, entrance ticket to the Blue Grotto is included if weather permits entry.

What happens if the Blue Grotto is closed?

If sea conditions close the grotto, you'll do a shared boat ride around Capri instead.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from Naples port are included in your booking.

Is there free time during the tour?

You’ll have free time both in Anacapri and Capri town for exploring or relaxing.

How do you get around on Capri during the tour?

The group travels by minibus between main sights on Capri island.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are welcome; they can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap.

How long does it take to reach Anacapri from Capri town?

The drive up takes about 15-20 minutes by minibus along winding roads.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip ferry tickets from Naples or Sorrento, all island transport by minibus, entrance fees for the Blue Grotto (if open), pickup and drop-off at Naples port, plus plenty of free time in both Anacapri and central Capri town — all guided by someone who really knows their way around these winding roads.