Capri & Blue Grotto Day Trip from Naples or Sorrento

Summary

Capri’s blue caves, Anacapri chairlift rides, and lively piazzas

You’ll catch a fast ferry from Naples or Sorrento to Capri with port pickup included, cruise into the surreal Blue Grotto if weather allows, ride the chairlift above Anacapri for wild views, and wander lively piazzas with your local guide leading the way—plus time for lunch and small discoveries along winding streets.

What’s the experience like?

“So this is Capri?” That’s what I said, probably too loud, when we stepped off the ferry from Naples. Our guide, Antonio, grinned and pointed at the jumble of pastel houses climbing up from Marina Grande. The air had that salty-sweet smell — sunscreen, lemons, diesel from the boats. We squeezed onto a minibus (I’m not sure how they drive those roads) and zipped up the Mamma Mia Road. I get why it’s called that now; my stomach dropped at every turn but in a good way. Antonio kept telling stories about movie stars who used to hide out here — he swears he saw Sophia Loren once but who knows.

The Blue Grotto was open — not always a given — so we climbed into these tiny rowboats. You have to duck way down to slip inside, which made me laugh nervously. Inside it was quiet except for water lapping and some Italian singing echoing around. The blue light really does look unreal; I tried to take a photo but honestly it didn’t come close. Back outside, sun in my eyes again, we headed for Anacapri. The chairlift up Monte Solaro is slow and kind of peaceful — legs dangling over gardens and roofs below. At the top you see all of Capri spread out like someone’s postcard collection. I just sat there for a minute not saying much.

Anacapri itself felt slower than Capri town — old men playing cards in the shade, kids chasing each other by a gelato stand. We wandered little streets (I bought limoncello I probably overpaid for) before grabbing lunch at this place Antonio recommended. He ordered for us — something with tomatoes and cheese that tasted like actual sunshine. Later we drifted through La Piazzetta in Capri town where everyone seemed to be watching everyone else. If you’re into people-watching or just want to feel part of some big Mediterranean story, it’s perfect.

I missed seeing Villa San Michele because I got distracted by a cat sleeping on a wall (priorities), but others in our group said the gardens were worth it. On the ferry back to Sorrento I could still taste salt on my lips and hear bits of that boatman’s song stuck in my head. It wasn’t perfect — crowds here and there, sunburn on my nose — but I keep replaying those quiet moments above the island or inside that blue cave whenever things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Capri island tour from Naples or Sorrento

• Meet guide at main port
• Catch fast ferry to Capri
• Board minibus for scenic drive
• Visit Blue Grotto by boat
• Explore Anacapri village
• Take chairlift to Monte Solaro
• Enjoy panoramic views
• Visit Capri main square La Piazzetta
• Optional visit to Augustus Gardens
• Relax at Marina Grande beach
• Return ferry to Naples or Sorrento

Top questions

Is Blue Grotto always open during this day trip?

No—entrance depends on sea conditions; if it's closed you'll visit another island attraction instead.

Does this Capri & Blue Grotto tour include ferry tickets?

Yes, round-trip fast ferry tickets between Naples or Sorrento and Capri are included.

How do you get around Capri on this tour?

The tour uses shuttle minibuses on the island; all transport is included.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

The itinerary includes time for lunch in Anacapri; meals are at your own expense unless specified otherwise when booking.

Are port pickup and drop-off included?

Yes—pickup and drop-off at either Naples or Sorrento port are included in your booking.

What if I'm arriving by cruise ship?

You can join from either Naples or Sorrento main ports; provide your ship details when booking for smooth coordination.

Can children join this Capri day trip?

Yes—children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in strollers or prams.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

No—the tour involves steps and uneven ground; it's not wheelchair accessible or suitable for those with limited mobility.

What’s included

Your day covers port pickup and drop-off from Naples or Sorrento, round-trip fast ferry tickets to Capri, all shuttle bus transport around the island with your local guide leading each stop, admission tickets for the Blue Grotto (if open), plus an alternative boat tour if sea conditions close it—leaving plenty of time to explore Anacapri’s streets or relax over lunch before heading back across the bay.