Capri & Blue Grotto Day Trip from Sorrento with Chairlift

Summary

Capri’s chairlift views, Blue Grotto glow, espresso in the square

You’ll ride a fast ferry from Sorrento to Capri with a local guide, duck into the glowing Blue Grotto by rowboat if conditions allow, float above Anacapri on Monte Solaro’s chairlift, then enjoy free time for lunch before sipping espresso in Capri’s lively main square. Expect laughter, sea air, and a few surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the ferry rail leaving Sorrento, I caught that first salty breeze and realized—this wasn’t just another day trip. Our local guide waved us on with a grin (he called himself “Antonio but not the singer”), and we all shuffled into our small group. The crossing to Capri was quick but loud—kids giggling, old ladies trading stories in rapid Italian, and that weird mix of sunscreen and coffee in the air. I tried to take a photo but mostly got someone’s elbow.

The famous Mamma Mia Road is even twistier than it sounds. Our shuttle climbed up toward the Blue Grotto, with Antonio pointing out lemon groves and laughing at my attempt to say “Grotta Azzurra.” The cave was open (apparently it isn’t always), so we squeezed into tiny rowboats—honestly, I almost chickened out when the boatman told me to duck low under the rock arch. Inside: silence except for dripping water, and this unreal blue light bouncing off everyone’s faces. It felt like being inside a secret.

Anacapri came next—a quieter side of Capri where laundry flaps between pastel houses. The chairlift up Monte Solaro is slow enough that you can hear your own heartbeat (and maybe your stomach if you’re nervous about heights). At the top, wind whipped my hair around and I could see all the way back to Sorrento’s coastline. Lunch after was simple: ravioli capresi at a little trattoria where the owner winked when I asked for more bread.

Later we wandered Capri town’s narrow lanes—window shopping for sandals I couldn’t afford—and ended up in La Piazzetta. Sitting there with an espresso, watching locals greet each other with two kisses and tourists fumble their coins… I don’t know, there was something comforting about it. We finished at Augustus Gardens, flowers everywhere and views down to Marina Grande where our ferry waited. Even now I still think about that blue light in the cave—it doesn’t really leave you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day tour of Capri and Anacapri

• Meet guide at Sorrento port
• Board fast ferry to Capri
• Take shuttle along Mamma Mia Road
• Explore Blue Grotto or boat ride
• Travel to Anacapri town
• Ride chairlift to Mount Solaro
• Enjoy panoramic views at summit
• Have free time for lunch
• Shuttle to Capri main square
• Drink espresso at La Piazzetta
• Stroll shopping streets and Augustus Gardens
• Return to Marina Grande pier
• Ferry back to Sorrento
• Tour ends in Sorrento

Top questions

How long does the Capri & Blue Grotto day trip from Sorrento take?

This is a full-day tour departing from Sorrento port in the morning and returning by evening.

Is Blue Grotto entry included in this tour?

Yes, entrance tickets to the Blue Grotto are included if sea conditions allow access; otherwise a shared boat ride is provided.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; meeting point is at Sorrento port with drop-off there as well.

What happens if the Blue Grotto is closed?

If sea conditions close the cave, you’ll enjoy a shared boat ride around Capri instead.

Is lunch included on this Capri day trip?

No set lunch is included; you’ll have free time in Anacapri to choose your own meal.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap; prams or strollers can be used during parts of the tour.

Is this Capri day trip suitable for people with mobility issues?

No, this tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility problems due to uneven terrain and steps.

Will there be free time during this day trip?

Yes, you’ll have free time in Anacapri for lunch and exploring on your own.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip fast ferry tickets between Sorrento and Capri, all shuttle bus rides around the island, entrance fees for the Blue Grotto if open (otherwise a shared boat ride), an experienced local guide throughout, plus pickup and drop-off at Sorrento port so you don’t have to worry about logistics.