When spending time on the Amalfi Coast, a day trip to Capri is naturally an excursion many visitors want to take. They dream of sailing across the sapphire waters to hang out on sun-soaked patios and sip Aperol spritz among the rich and shameless. And the best part is that they can do so from just about any base on the Amalfi Coast.
Personally, I took my Capri day trip from nearby Sorrento, but you can also get there easily from such places as Positano, Naples, Salerno, and more. This Capri day trip guide will explain how you can take your own day trip to Capri from wherever you’re basing yourself along the Amalfi Coast.
Afterwards, I also share some of the most vital information you NEED to know before you set sail on your Capri day trip. I mean it—don’t skip this info!
Also read my post on the best day trips from Salerno, of which Capri is one of them!
Why take a Capri day trip?
Maybe you’ve always dreamed of visiting the Isle of Capri… and maybe you’ve just recently heard about it. Regardless, here are some of the most popular reasons for taking a day trip to Capri:
Because it’s famous
Maybe you didn’t even realize, but you’ve been yearning for that Capri sun since you were a child. (See what I did there?) The Isle of Capri, as some fancy people call it, is well-known as a hub for luxury and relaxation.
Perhaps you don’t know much about Capri, but you certainly know it’s ground zero for celebrities and their yachts and other rich people doing rich people things. While wearing capri pants, no doubt. So naturally you want to see what the hell is going on over there.
Because you love Caprese salad
And what else is Capri known for? Well, for being the namesake of Caprese salad, of course! That delicious combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil originated here (hence the name).
Want to eat caprese in Capri? This is your chance! (I’m personally a big fan of eating foods in their namesakes. Like bolognese in Bologna, Parmesan cheese in Parma, etc. I was therefore pretty excited when I got to eat caprese in Capri. It’s the small things, shut up.)
Because you want to get out on the water for a day
Visiting the Amalfi Coast is nice and all (ok, huge understatement) but you can’t help but be drawn to the water after watching the boats and all the boat people having boat fun all day. You want to be a boat person!
I love taking boat trips wherever I am, so during my stay on the Amalfi Coast I knew I wanted to spend a day on the water. But, without having to charter my own yacht and all (which is actually what all my friends did).
Taking a day trip to Capri also includes some fantastic water-based sightseeing. You get to see all kinds of interesting Mediterranean landscapes, swim in the warm waters, sip some suds while relaxing on a boat, and more.
The ability to spend the day on a boat was actually what called me to take my Capri day trip, and it’s also why I would recommend one for you too. Plus, many of the Capri day trips also include alcohol, lunch, and even a limoncello toast at the end. So there’s that.
For the natural beauty
Speaking of interesting landscapes, on a day trip to Capri you’ll get to see all kinds of natural southern Italian beauty. You’ll pass by cliffside waterfalls, interesting rock formations, and caves. Then you’ll have the chance to go inside the Blue Grotto and the Green Grotto and the White Grotto and… there are so many grottoes here.
You can sail through the Faraglioni Rocks and kiss your lover while you do so for good luck. You’ll see lighthouses and beautiful flowers, colorful buildings, and, yeah, tanned bodies on ridiculously oversized yachts. As you bob on by in your flamingo innertube.
Because you want to look for celebrities
They say Capri is one of the many luxury destinations in Italy where you might spot a celebrity or two. But this is total crap because you know they are not hanging out in the busy tourist ports or in the quality-poor restaurants outside the kitschy gift shops. But I digress.
I won’t judge if you wanna tell your friends back home you saw [insert whoever here] on your day trip to Capri. And that he/she asked you for the time and then complimented your capri pants.
Perhaps there’s even a “map of the stars” you can pick up for Capri if you really want to see who you can find. If so, more power to you. Your Capri day trip is yours to do as you please.
How to take a day trip to Capri
Being that the island of Capri is pretty close to some of the most popular areas, it’s easy to get to Capri in a variety of ways.
By far the easiest way is to take an all-day organized tour. This is what I did and what I would recommend to others. It’s really the most hassle-free of all the options.
You can also hire your own private boat. While this may be the most fun way to take a Capri day trip, it’s definitely the most expensive. But maybe you’re looking to check out the island so you can scout some properties to move into. In which case, book that boat, baller.
You can also take the ferry to Capri from a number of locations on the Amalfi Coast. This will get you from Point A to Point B, plain and simple. But, you won’t get all the other perks of the Capri day tours like swimming in the ocean, snorkeling, bobbing up and down in a flamingo inner tube, etc. You won’t get to check out the natural beauty as much. You’ll just go straight to Capri and back.
If you’ve got specific Capri things to do on your bucket list, this is the no-nonsense way to ensure you get the most time on the island itself during your day trip. If you’re like me and you want to experience what’s around the island too, a day tour might be the best for you.
The following sections are instructions on how to take a day trip to Capri from some of the most popular mainland locations.
Sorrento day trip to Capri
Sorrento is one of the most popular bases in the Amalfi Coast area (even though it is technically not part of the AC). This is where I was staying when I took my Capri day trip in 2019 and getting there was super easy.
I opted for one of the organized day tours to keep it as simple as possible. Here are some of the most popular Capri day trips from Sorrento:
- Capri and Blue Grotto Day Tour from Naples or Sorrento – Includes admission to the magical Blue Grotto and lots of time on Capri.
- Full-Day Small-Group Cruise to Capri Island from Sorrento – On the way, you’ll also visit the Marvelous Grotto, the Green Grotto, and Faraglioni rocks.
- From Sorrento: Capri Boat Tour with visit to the Blue Grotto – Also includes snacks, drinks, beer, a bottle of prosecco (ok, keep going…), snorkeling equipment, swimming stops, and more.
- Check out all Sorrento to Capri day trips here to see if there’s a better fit for you. You can even find a handful of private day trips here too.
How to take the ferry from Sorrento to Capri and back
All high-speed Sorrento > Capri ferries leave from Sorrento’s Marina Piccola and leave numerous times throughout the day. The trip each way takes between 20-30 minutes and you can choose from a couple of different ferry companies. The most user-friendly ones are:
Also read: my post on how to spend a fabulous 5 days in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.
Salerno to Capri day trip
While not technically “on the Amalfi Coast,” Salerno is an excellent transportation hub for the entire area. As such, you can easily get to Capri from Salerno too. But, since it is a bit further away, you may pay a little bit more for your Capri day trip. Here are the most popular Salerno to Capri options:
- Small Group Tour from Salerno to Capri by Boat – This one includes all the good stuff: bottled water, alcoholic beverages, snacks, lunch, beach towels, plus time on the island as well as swimming stops and a ride through the Faraglioni Rocks.
- From Salerno: Small Group Li Galli Islands and Capri Boat Tour – Small group on a traditional gozzo boat, swimming in the Li Galli islets, bevs/snacks/lunch provided, and excellent reviews.
- Check out all Salerno to Capri day trips here. They have lots of private options and great deals for groups.
Ferry from Salerno to Capri
Unfortunately, there are no direct ferries from Salerno to Capri. In this case, you would need to take a ferry from Salerno to another Amalfi Coast city like Positano or Amalfi, and then take the ferry from there to Capri.
That’s already like half of your day. In this case, I would absolutely just book one of the organized and direct tours above.
Also check out: 13 Big Reasons Salerno Makes the Best Base For Your Amalfi Coast Trip
Amalfi to Capri day trip
Given that Amalfi (the town) is one of the most popular on the Amalfi (Coast), there are many Amalfi to Capri day trips to choose from. Here are some of the most well-reviewed:
- Full-Day Capri Island Cruise from Amalfi – Includes snacks and beverages (+ prosecco), seeing all the beautiful natural sights, and 4 hours of free time on Capri. (The description mentions only Positano or Praiano, but you can indeed take this from the Amalfi port.)
- Capri All Inclusive Boat Tour + City Visit – Includes all the usual stuff, but also an open bar all day, all taxes and fees, light lunch + snacks and fruit, snorkeling equipment and inflatables, and more.
- See all Amalfi to Capri tours here. There are a lot to choose from that are only subtly different. There are also a lot of private tour offerings for groups. (This is a great way to cut costs!)
Amalfi ferry to Capri
And if it’s just time on Capri you’re looking for, you can easily take the Amalfi ferry to Capri. You won’t get to see all the nature or go swimming or sip prosecco, but you will get there in just one hour.
Check out the Amalfi ferry to Capri schedules and buy tickets here on Positano Jet.
Looking for a more active adventure too? Don’t miss your chance to hike the Path of the Gods! It’s unforgettable.
Day trip to Capri from Positano
Positano is arguably the most well-known and popular city on the Amalfi Coast. This is going to be the hub from which you can get just about anywhere.
Many of the tours already listed also offer pickups in Positano as well. Here are some of the most popular day trips to Capri from Positano:
- Full-Day Capri Island Cruise from Positano – Includes snacks and beverages (+ prosecco), seeing all the great natural sites, and four hours of free time on Capri.
- Capri All Inclusive Boat Tour + City Visit – Includes all the usual stuff, but also an open bar all day, all taxes and fees, light lunch + snacks and fruit, snorkeling equipment and inflatables, and more.
- See all Positano to Capri day trips here to choose the best one for you and your travel buddies.
Ferry from Positano to Capri
If you’re looking to take the ferry back and forth from Positano to Capri, check out the timetables and buy tickets here at Positano Jet. The trip will take just 30 minutes each way.
Interested in more intriguing Italian day trips? Spend a day or two in Tivoli, just outside of Rome. Click on that link to see my full guide!
Naples to Capri day trip
You don’t even have to be staying on the Amalfi Coast to take a day trip to Capri. Even those of you sticking to Naples will be able to spend a day on the water here. Check out the most popular Naples to Capri day trips here:
- Capri and Blue Grotto Day Tour from Naples or Sorrento – Includes admission to the magical Blue Grotto and lots of time on Capri.
- From Naples: Island of Capri Full-Day Tour with Lunch – See the Blue Grotto, have lunch at a restaurant, and get a guided tour of Capri so you can actually learn about it!
Ferry from Naples to Capri
The ferry from Naples to Capri takes about 50 minutes. You can see timetables and buy tickets from these ferry companies: (Remember to search for Napoli instead of Naples.)
Capri day trip from Rome
If you’re absolutely dying to take a day trip to Capri and you aren’t going to find yourself any further south than Rome, even you’re in luck. Yes, you can take a day trip to Capri from Rome. I’m not saying it’s going to be the most enjoyable day, but it’s still possible. If this your goal, check out these Rome to Capri tour options:
- Capri Day Trip from Rome – 13 hours, lunch, air conditioned transportation, and dedicated guide included.
- There are a few others but the reviews are just so bad I’m not even going to point you in that direction. A Capri day trip from Rome is technically doable, but there are better ways to spend your time in Italy, for sure.
Ferry from Rome to Capri
If you’d rather take a ferry to Capri and you find yourself in Rome, you also have limited options. Instead, the recommended itinerary would be to take the train from Rome to Naples and then catch a ferry to Capri from there. Don’t make things harder on yourself.
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Important Capri day trip information: What you NEED to know
Before you head out on your day trip to Capri, there are a few things you absolutely need to know first. This is largely to help you manage your expectations so you can have the most enjoyable experience possible.
If you think your Capri day trip is going to be some movie-worthy magical experience, you may be disappointed. If you know what you’re getting into, you’ll be able to have a better time.
1. Expect huge crowds.
Like, an unenjoyable amount of people. Summer in Italy is peak season, and summer in the Amalfi Coast is just absolute chaos. I’m talking literally elbow to elbow here.
Lots of lines, almost nowhere to get a table for lunch, crowded streets and shops. Spoiler alert: you were not the only one who thought a day trip to Capri would be a good idea.
2. Expect rude service.
That many people crowded onto a tiny island during the hot summer months in a land where air conditioning ceases to exist? It shows, and it shows in the attitudes of those you’ll come into contact with.
It reminds me a lot of Venice actually – a city utterly dependent on tourism but that absolutely despises tourists and makes no effort to hide their disgust in you. That accurately sums up my interactions with the locals on the island of Capri.
We stopped into one hole-in-the-wall for a beer. The beer they served us was long expired and tasted truly rancid. When we tried to tell them (and that we weren’t going to pay for it) we got literally screamed at and bullied. Eventually we “settled” on paying for half the cost but what a nightmare that was. It was clearly a scam to rob money from tourists.
3. Expect everything to be way overpriced.
The issue with the beers was worsened by the fact that they were €8 a piece. For a small bottled beer. What a joke. But that’s Capri in the summer.
Everything you want to buy there – food, drinks, souvenirs, etc. – is going to be grossly overpriced. Like, exorbitantly. And the quality is going to be shit.
4. Expect it to be difficult to get into restaurants.
There are only so many tables to go around on an island that small with such huge crowds. And most of those visitors are also on a day trip to Capri. And they’re all hungry. Just like you.
Don’t get too hung up on one particular eatery if you don’t have a reservation. Be prepared to eat wherever you can find space. (But you know you should never eat at the empty restaurant when all the rest are full. Just saying.)
5. Expect something to go awry.
I’m just saying, it wouldn’t hurt to go ahead and expect your boat to break down in the middle of the ocean before you even get there.
Luckily, I’ve spent enough time in Italy to know that this is just how things go. My expectations are already tremendously low when it comes to Italian logistics. So, when our boat suddenly died on the way to Capri, my husband and I just looked at each other and silently communicated: “Yeah, that checks out.”
By some miracle another boat was able to stop and, I think, refill our gas for us. Thankfully we were only stopped for about half an hour. The sun was out and it was so relaxing on the water… you have to just expect things like that will happen and take it all in stride.
6. Expect to not even get into the Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is famous and will be a selling point of your Capri day tour. BUT, it comes with a catch. There’s a good chance you won’t even get to go inside at all.
You’ll see when you get there but… it’s chaos at the Blue Grotto. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason beyond “first come, first served.” There are tons of boats waiting to get in and it gets crowded.
Basically, you have to wait until someone gives you the go ahead… which could be hours. There’s never a guarantee. On our trip, the captain took a poll as to whether or not we wanted to attempt it (even though a trip to the Blue Grotto was promised in the tour). When some said they did, we then waited. We waited for over an hour before the people who wanted to go admitted defeat, and off we went to Capri.
So, even if your tour says it includes a trip to the Blue Grotto, keep in mind that that’s probably conditional. I mean, they will take you to the Blue Grotto most likely, but getting inside is a different story.
7. Keep an open mind
I’m sharing all of this to let you know what a day trip to Capri was like for me. Your experience may be quite different. The only way to know is to go! If a day trip to Capri is something you want to do, I highly encourage you to do it!
It won’t take too much of your time and it doesn’t cost an unreasonable amount. You’ll still get to see beautiful natural sites and drink booze on a boat off the Amalfi Coast. Life is freaking good. Even if you are just sitting there waiting to be rescued.
What to pack for a day trip to Capri
If you’re taking one of the above Capri day trip tours, there are a few essential things you’ll need to remember to pack.
Bathing suit and cover up – Your day trip will likely also include swimming in the ocean and there isn’t really anywhere to change. Plan to wear your bathing suit during your tour under some loose clothing or a dress. I love bathing suits from Cupshe and throwing on a summer dress as a cover up.
Waterproof sandals that are also comfortable walking shoes – Make sure to wear something like Chacos, Tevas, or Keens that make both great boat shoes and comfortable walking shoes for when you’re on the island.
Dry bag – Leave the fancy purse at your hotel and keep everything you’re going to take on your Capri day trip in a dry bag. These are perfect for boat outings!
And don’t forget the usual:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen – Make sure it’s reef-friendly!
- A super handy Amalfi Coast guidebook
- This priceless Italy customs and culture guide
Where to stay in Capri
You can absolutely stay the night in Capri if you don’t want such a fast-paced day trip. If you’re interested in actually experiencing Capri, this is the best way to do it. You’ll get to experience the island before and after the day trip crowds leave. You’ll probably get to eat where you want and walk without crowds. Beautiful!
If you’re looking to spend more than just one day on Capri, check out these popular hotels:
- Il Giardino dell’Arte – Gorgeous rooms and property, an outdoor swimming pool, air conditioning (!!!), and excellent reviews.
- Villa Calypso – Super posh, amazing views, lots of happy customers.
- Da Gelsomina – More great views, a restaurant on site, a terrace, ahh it sounds so nice.
- See all Capri hotels here – There are so many good ones!
More info for your Capri day trip
- Staying the night? Find great places to stay and book your room here.
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