Ask anyone and they will tell you that Sorrento and the beautiful Amalfi Coast should be on your Italy itinerary.
I mean, the Amalfi Coast consistently makes the list of the best places to visit in Italy.
Of course, there are so many things to do in Sorrento that you could stay busty for a long time, but when you are ready to venture out, then you should definitely consider exploring to the surrounding area!
An Amalfi Coast road trip is a great way to see the beautiful area along the mainland in southern Italy.
During your time in southern Italy, I would also recommend that you include a visit to Capri, Italy, the hidden gem of an island just off of Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
Surrounded by beautiful turquoise waters and hillsides dotted with lemon groves, the island of Capri will have you feeling like you have been transported to an island oasis. Whether you go on your own, or with a group, getting to Capri from Sorrento is quite easy.
I will warn you though, you will probably fall in love with the island (and the Amalfi Coast), so you might want to turn your Capri day trip into an overnight trip. I know we were glad that we did!
Follow our tips to help make the most out of your time in Capri.
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Getting To Capri from Sorrento
There are several options for traveling to Capri from Sorrento. You can take the ferry, the high speed ferry, hire a private boat, do a trip to Capri with a tour company. We will outline all of these options below so that you can choose the one that is best for you.
Sorrento to Capri Ferry
Catching a ferry is one of the most economical ways to enjoy a day in Capri. With this option, you are responsible for the logistics of your own travel.
For some, this can be a little overwhelming while in a foreign country. Don’t fear though, we have you covered.
Ferries depart Sorrento’s port heading for Capri, Italy every 30-45 minutes, especially during the Amalfi Coast high season of April-October.
The ride to the island takes about 30 minutes and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking! The ferry companies have ticket counters in Marina Piccola at the port in Sorrento just a short walk from town.
Once you arrive at Marina Piccola you will want to walk down toward the docks and the cafe in order to find the ticket office. After descending down the stairs, you will see the ticket office ready to sell you tickets.
Choose one and get your ticket for the desired ferry time that you would like. Just let them know which ferry option you would like to purchase. You have the choice of a one-way ticket, a round-trip ticket for the same day, or a round-trip ticket with a return on a different day.
If you are traveling during the high season, I would recommend reserving your ticket in advance online as the ticket offices can get quite crowded with tourists during the high season.
Sometimes the boats even sell out! Ticket prices range from $17-25 USD. You can check the schedule and purchase tickets online here.
After purchasing your ferry tickets, now you just need to find your ferry. Just approach a dock worker with your ticket and they will direct you to the ferry that you need to be on.
We have found there really isn’t a rhyme or reason to this. We tend to be ushered on to the next ferry leaving regardless of the time that is printed on our ticket. LOL!
Pro Tips:
- Be one of the first ones to board if you would like to sit outside.
- Sit on the left side of the boat for the best views of the coastline!
- Be aware that you are departing from Marina Piccolo. Sorrento has two marinas and you need to be sure you are at Marina Piccolo.
Private Boat Tours from Sorrento to Capri
If you would rather avoid the crowds then you may want to consider hiring a private boat from Sorrento to Capri. Of course, a private boat trip from Sorrento is going to cost you quite a bit more money, but it does allow you a lot of flexibility.
This is going “big time” for your day trip! LOL!
There are several companies and many individuals that will use their personal boats to take you from Sorrento to Capri. Many will even include some other activities so that you can make a whole day out of this amazing experience.
This allows you to customize your trip from Sorrento and, of course, avoid the crowds of tourists and avoid standing in line!
You can even turn this into a boat tour if you want. A boat tour from Sorrento around the island is a great way to get a beautiful perspective of Capri. To customize your boat tour, just speak to the captain.
You can probably even include some time to swim and some free time to explore the island during your boat tour from Sorrento!
If you can get a small group together to split the cost, it would make hiring a private boat even more affordable!
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Day Trip to Capri With a Tour Company
Although we usually prefer to venture out on our own for our excursion, another option would be to take a day trip to Capri with a tour company.
Taking an organized day trip to Capri with a tour company allows you to sit back and relax while someone else does all of the work for you.
Don’t get me wrong though, there are several times that we have used tour companies to do day trips. Most are very organized and conveniently do all of the work for you. They often even provide you with meals to ensure that you have the best possible experience.
When choosing day trips, we tend to always go with the small group tours. A small group tour ensures that you get a more personalized experience. We have also found that small group tours feel less rushed.
Here, there are several price ranges and options to choose from for day trips. Some will even go around the island with you.
This allows you to choose a custom tour that meets your needs both financially and with a guide to help you get the most out of your time on the island.
Most tours will provide your transportation around the island and also have guided activities for you to partake in during your day trip to Capri. Some also allow you the flexibility to have some free time to explore on your own around the island.
Things to do on a Day Trip to Capri
Honestly, there are so many things to do in Capri town that you could easily spend several days or a week here and still not get bored. I know though, you are doing a day trip to Capri, so I have to stay focused!
First things first though, you are on Capri! One of my very favorite places on Earth! Take a moment to soak in the beauty that surrounds you around the island before you just jet off to check items off of your bucket list.
Now, let’s dive into the things to do on a day trip to Capri!
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Visit the Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto, the Grotta Azzurra, is one of Capri’s top attractions, and one of the reasons that so many tourists flock to Capri. What makes the blue grotto so popular?
Well, you see, the sunlight passes through an underwater cavity that illuminates the Blue Grotto cave creating a gorgeous blue reflection that everyone must experience at least once in their life!
I mean it, the Blue Grotto is truly breathtaking!
I would recommend visiting the Blue Grotto first thing in the morning as it can often get very crowded here as the day progresses.
You can buy Blue Grotto tours from various guides at the harbor on the Island of Capri, or you can book a tour in advance.
Personally, I would recommend booking your Blue Grotto tour in advance. This guarantees you a spot and allows you to view all of the details of the tour prior to paying.
We recommend taking a boat tour around the island that includes the Blue Grotto.
A boat tour provides you with an opportunity to really see the island of Capri. There are boat tours that are only a couple of hours, or boat tours that last all day, the choice is yours! Just no matter what, do a boat tour!
Take the Funicular and Explore the Island of Capri
Your ferry to Capri from Sorrento dropped you off in the Marina Grande area of the island.
The Marina Grande area is a popular area with shopping, bars, and a small beach. The Marina Grande is as far as some tourists get, but I say that you have to move on! There is so much more to see than just the Marina Grande.
Now, take the funicular up the mountain to explore the town of Capri. This cable car is so much fun and a great experience to start your day!
You can buy tickets at the tobacco shop in Sorrento’s port if you would like. This will prevent you from having to wait in line once you arrive on this island.
Do Some Shopping on the Island Capri
Shopping in Capri town center is truly an epic experience. I was in awe of all of the beautiful handmade sandals and gorgeous Italian clothes.
Make your way down Via Camerelle for the best fashion experience on the island. Here you will find top Italian designers and the latest in Italian fashion just tempting you to bust out your credit card!
If you aren’t into the high-end shops on Via Camerelle, then head up to Anacapri for a less expensive shopping experience. I love strolling through the whitewashed houses and shops of Anacapri.
Not only did they have a great variety of merchandise, but the prices were a little more my speed.
Of course, we also loved looking at all of the beautiful Italian pottery and sampling all of the amazing limoncello!
Head to the top of Monte Solaro
Taking the chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro was one of our favorite things to do in Capri. You board the chair lift right off of Via Caposcuro in Anacapri. There are signs everywhere, just be on the lookout.
Our journey to the top was actually quite epic. I mean, we saw ‘flying nuns’. It’s true! On the way up, Marty and I passed a group of nuns coming down the mountain. We got the biggest laugh out of seeing the ‘flying nuns’!
While the ride on the chair lift is awesome in itself, nothing beats the views you are greeted with when you get to the top of Monte Solaro.
Marty said, “This is the most spectacular thing I have ever seen.”
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Michelle Snell-Founder/Writer
Born and raised in Texas, Michelle Snell graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master’s Degree from Texas Wesleyan University. Her passion for travel has taken her all over the world. She has received multiple awards for her writing. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Travel Awaits, Fort Worth Magazine, Fort Worth Weekly, NewsBreak, Voyage Dallas, Ella Inspires Magazine, and more. You can view her complete profile on MuckRacks.
Olivia
Sunday 13th of September 2020
I didn't realize how close Capri was to Sorrento! What an awesome day trip idea - I'd especially love to see the blue grotto!
thattexascouple
Monday 14th of September 2020
It makes for a perfect day trip. You will have to add it to your list for next time :)
Krista
Sunday 13th of September 2020
I'll keep this in mind when I visit this area! Thanks for the great tips.
Lannie travels
Sunday 13th of September 2020
This reminds me of such great memories of my trip to Capri! Great guide to getting there and a bit about the island too!
Michele
Sunday 13th of September 2020
Italy is very high on our bucket list. I am not sure how far away that is with the current situation but I am definitely pinning this for when we make it there. It sounds like an amazing day trip!
Rachel
Sunday 13th of September 2020
WOW! What a bucket list thing to do. Capri looks stunning and I would absolutely love to see the view from Monte Solaro. Incredible!!
thattexascouple
Monday 14th of September 2020
Monte Solaro was amazing. We just stood there in awe!