Capri & Blue Grotto Small Group Tour from Sorrento

Summary

Capri Island Day Trip: Blue Grotto, Anacapri & Monte Solaro

You’ll get to see Capri’s famous Blue Grotto (if weather allows), ride up to Monte Solaro for epic views, wander Anacapri’s quiet streets, and relax in the island’s gardens—all with a friendly guide who knows every shortcut and story. This tour packs the best of Capri into one easygoing day.

What’s the experience like?

The day kicked off early at Sorrento’s Marina Piccola. There’s this salty breeze in the air—kind of wakes you up better than coffee. Our guide, Claudia, was already waving us over with a big grin. She handed out ferry tickets and pointed out Vesuvius in the distance as we boarded. The ride over to Capri was smooth, just a bit of spray on the deck and seagulls trailing behind us. If you’re lucky, you’ll snag a seat by the window and catch the coastline slipping by.

Once we landed at Marina Grande, things got lively fast. We hopped into a minibus and zipped along the Mamma Mia road—locals really do call it that, and you’ll see why. The road twists above cliffs so high you can spot tiny boats bobbing below. Claudia kept us laughing with stories about Capri’s movie-star visitors and pointed out lemon groves clinging to impossible slopes.

The Blue Grotto was next on our list. We lucked out with calm seas, so we squeezed into these little rowboats—honestly, you have to duck your head to get inside the cave. Inside, it’s dark except for this wild blue light under the water. The boatman sang a few lines of “O Sole Mio,” which echoed off the stone walls. If the weather’s rough, they swap this for a shared boat ride around the island instead. Either way, you get those classic Capri views—arches, hidden coves, and villas perched above the sea.

Anacapri felt quieter than the main town—less crowded, more local. I wandered into a shop selling handmade sandals (the owner’s dog was napping in the doorway) and grabbed a gelato from Buonocore. Pistachio is the way to go here. If you’re up for it, there’s a chairlift to Monte Solaro. It’s just one seat per chair and takes about 12 minutes to reach the top. The view? You can see Naples and Ischia on a clear day. It gets breezy up there—bring a light jacket even in summer.

Back down in Capri town, we strolled through the Piazzetta. It’s busy but somehow still relaxed—locals chatting over espresso at Tiberio Café, tourists snapping photos by the clock tower. Claudia led us through Via Camerelle, where all the big designer shops are lined up like jewelry boxes. I didn’t buy anything but window-shopping here is half the fun.

The Gardens of Augustus were our last stop before heading back. You can smell jasmine and see bursts of color from the geraniums. The view over the Faraglioni rocks is something I’ll remember—a mix of sea air and flowers, with just a hint of sunscreen from other visitors nearby.

Before catching the ferry back to Sorrento, there was time for a quick dip at Marina Grande’s public beach. The water’s chilly but clear, and you’ll hear kids laughing and locals chatting in dialect. On the ride home, everyone was a bit sun-tired but smiling—lots of photos swapped and plans to come back someday.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Capri Island Highlights

• Meet guide at Sorrento port and ferry to Capri
• Ride along Mamma Mia road with scenic views
• Visit Blue Grotto or shared boat tour
• Leisure time in Anacapri for shopping and lunch
• Chairlift to Monte Solaro for panoramic views
• Explore Piazzetta of Capri and Augustus Gardens
• Visit Augustus Gardens
• Shop along Via Camerelle
• Relax at Marina Grande beach
• Ferry back to Sorrento

Top questions

Is the Blue Grotto always open?

No, entrance depends on sea conditions. If it’s closed, you’ll take a shared boat ride around Capri instead.

How much walking is involved?

You’ll walk on uneven streets and some hills, but there are shuttle buses between main spots. Moderate fitness is best.

Can I bring my stroller or pram?

Yes, strollers are allowed on ferries and buses, but some areas have steps or cobblestones.

Is lunch included?

No, but there’s free time in Anacapri for lunch or snacks at local cafés.

Are tickets for the ferry and Blue Grotto included?

Yes, all transport tickets and Blue Grotto entrance are covered in your tour price.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip fast ferry tickets between Sorrento and Capri, shuttle bus rides around the island, entrance to the Blue Grotto (or a shared boat tour if it’s closed), plus an English-speaking guide who’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing. Pick-up and drop-off at Naples port are also available if needed.