Day Trips to Capri from Sorrento

Known as "the Pearl of the Mediterranean", Capri is one of Italy's most enchanting islands. It has been a destination for the international jet set since the 1960s, and celebrities continue to flock here for the crystal-clear sea, elegant hotels and Via Camerelle, the street lined with luxury shops.

There is plenty to see and do in Sorrento, and if you are staying for more than a day, I recommend rounding off your holiday with a trip to Capri.

The best option

Capri Day Trip from Sorrento

Guided tour of Capri Island and Anacapri

Discover the charms of Capri with this day tour from Sorrento. Includes boat trip, bus tour of the island, professional guide and free time to explore at your leisure.

From £110 at Hellotickets

With this excursion to Capri from Sorrento, you will spend a full day discovering one of the jewels of the Mediterranean. The tour begins with a transfer from your hotel or meeting point to the port, where you will board the boat to Capri. During the trip, you will enjoy views of the Sorrento coast from the deck of the boat.

Once on the island, you will visit its most iconic spots, such as the Gardens of Augustus and the squares of Capri, and you will have free time to stroll through its streets, viewpoints and local shops. You will then continue to Anacapri, a quiet village full of history and charm, where you can visit Villa San Michele and explore its picturesque white streets on your own.

Recommended if... you want to discover Capri on an organised excursion that combines free time, history and spectacular views.

The most classic boat trip from Sorrento. Capri is very close to the coast and easy to reach. The boat does not just reach the port, but follows the coastline so you can admire the island's charms:

• Grotta Azzurra, Capri's most famous attraction. It is a natural sea cave and it is said that Emperor Tiberius used to swim here. The Grotta Azzurra is quite wide (25 by 60 metres) but the entrance is much narrower. To enter, you will have to lie down at the bottom of a rowboat. Unfortunately, you will not be able to swim, but you will enjoy the contrast between the crystal-clear water and the dark rock ceiling.
• Punta Carena, where the island's lighthouse is located. It is the second largest in Italy and its silhouette is even more impressive at sunset. Near the lighthouse is one of the most beautiful panoramic restaurants in Capri, the Lido di Faro
• Grotta Verde, the green cave or cave of the Turks. Pirates used to hide here to set traps for boats passing nearby
• Faraglioni, three rocky peaks rising out of the sea. They are the undisputed symbol of the island and if you fancy seeing them while enjoying a delicious fish dish, I recommend booking a table at La canzone del mare (Via Marina Piccola 93).
• Villa Malaparte, the rationalist residence of Curzio Malaparte, writer, journalist and poet. It is located on a rocky promontory jutting out into the Mediterranean. It is considered one of the masterpieces of modern architecture.
• Arco Naturale, a rock formation from the Palaeolithic age that has taken on the shape of an arch.
• Grotta Bianca, a cave near Punta della Chiavica. It extends for about 30 metres and is characterised by white rocks. During the 17th century, locals took refuge here to escape pirates.

Once you disembark, you will have the opportunity to take a stroll around Capri, a place that has captivated millions of tourists from all over the world.

For a break in a small green oasis, I recommend a stroll through the Gardens of Augustus and Via Krupp, terraced gardens with views of the cliffs.

Details of interest

• Duration: 8 hours
• Price: from £110
• Recommended for those who want to see Capri's most famous attractions without spending too much

A private experience, perfect for a romantic evening. The routes are usually taken on a Sorrento gozzo, the city's traditional boat. Don't worry, it's a modern boat with a bathroom and a small changing room.

The cruise follows the same itinerary as the previous one, although the Blue Grotto usually involves an extra cost.

You will have an experienced English-speaking captain at your disposal and the fridge will be stocked with water, drinks, prosecco and the famous limoncello. This is an exclusive experience and there are options with different prices.

• Duration: approximately 8 hours
• Price: from £1,300
• Recommended for those who want something more sophisticated

The blue island is a typical summer destination, but I don't recommend visiting in July and August. During these months, Capri's charm is overshadowed by the presence of large numbers of tourists. June is a good option, as is September. However, the best time to visit is in spring, when nature leaves winter behind and the scent of orange blossom and jasmine perfumes the streets.

When there are fewer tourists, visiting the island is easier and it will be easier to find a table at the best restaurants. To enjoy the sea breeze, I recommend Il Riccio, a gourmet restaurant just a stone's throw from the Blue Grotto (Via Gradola 4/11, Anacapri).

Yes, sailing continues during the colder months. However, rough seas sometimes interrupt connections between the islands and the mainland. It is best to check the weather forecast, but don't worry, in the event of cancellations, you will receive a full refund.

With a bit of luck, you can enjoy the sun even in winter. The Blue Grotto remains open and, weather permitting, there is nothing better than a little rest on the public beaches of Marina Grande or Palazzo a Mare. In the evening, I recommend eating at Aumm Aumm (Via Caprile 18).

Capri is a destination that will captivate you, and I am sure you will want to return home with a beautiful souvenir. Beyond magnets and postcards, there are other products worth buying as gifts for yourself or a loved one:

• Perfumes made with local essences. The most famous brand is Carthusia, and its shop is just a stone's throw from the Certosa di San Giacomo, Capri's oldest monastery (Via Matteotti 2D).
• Ravioli capresi, delicious pasta stuffed with caciotta sorrentina (a rustic cheese typical of central and southern Italy), Parmesan and marjoram. You can buy them at the centrally located Capri Pasta (Via Parroco 12).
• Handmade sandals. On the island, the shop to go to is Da Costanzo. In the 1960s, Sofia Loren and Jacqueline Kennedy ordered some custom-made shoes and today it is still a destination for celebrities (Via Roma 49).
• Limoncello, the refreshing lemon liqueur. In Capri, it is still made using traditional methods. You can buy a bottle at the shop on Via Roma 79.
• Ceramics, a very typical souvenir that you can find in many shops. However, the best ones are at Sea Gull (Via Roma 25).

Can I get around Capri using public transport?

The excursions include free time to visit the island. To make the most of your time, it is important to know how to get around Capri:

• Bus. These connect Capri and Anacapri, a small town in the north of the island. Tickets cost around £2 and the journey takes around 20 minutes. These are very small vehicles and can carry around 10 people. Don't worry, the buses run regularly and the service is reliable. You can find the timetables on the transport company's official website.
• Funicular. This connects the port with the town of Capri. The cabins leave every quarter of an hour and tickets cost approximately £1. Important: if you are travelling with large luggage, you will need to purchase an additional ticket.
• Chairlift: departs from Piazza Vittoria, in the centre of Anacapri, to the top of Monte Solaro. From the summit, you can enjoy a breathtaking view. Tickets cost approximately £10 (return).

Of course! You will find taxis at the port and in the central areas, but you can also hail them in the street, which is not very common in Italy. You will recognise them by their somewhat peculiar appearance: they are convertibles and can carry up to 6 passengers. The price of a trip from the port to Capri is usually around £18.