Need help planning your Capri day trip? You’ve come to the right place! In this article I have outlined everything you need to know to have an amazing day in Capri.
Including how to get there from all the main cities in the area (like Rome, Naples, Positano and Sorrento), the best tours to join, what to do in Capri in one day, and my personal recommendation for a perfect Capri day trip.
Located in the Bay of Naples, the island of Capri is one of the gems of the Mediterranean. With its rugged coastline, unique sea grottoes, pristine beaches and cute towns, it attracts thousands of visitors every summer.
I’ve been to Capri three times, and love exploring different areas of the island each time. This Capri day trip itinerary is based on my last visit in 2024.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and start planning the perfect Capri day trip!
Contents
Enjoying our private boat cruise in Capri, with the iconic Faraglioni Rocks behind us
How to get to Capri
If you’re thinking about taking a day trip to Capri, here’s some helpful information on how to get there from a selection of popular Italian destinations.
How to get to Capri from Naples
Taking a day trip from Naples to Capri is fairly straightforward. Ferries to Capri leave from two piers: Molo Beverello and Calata di Massa. The crossing is around 28km and costs around 22 EUR.
The fast, high-speed ferry connections depart from Molo Beverello, in Piazza Municipio. The cheaper but slower car ferries leave from the Calata di Massa pier.
The ferry schedules change throughout the year and are weather dependent. The slow ferry takes 1 hour 20 minutes, with the normal ferry taking 50 minutes and the high-speed ferry 40 minutes.
It’s worth mentioning that during the summer months only residents are allowed to bring cars and scooters onto the island, so that you can plan your Italy itinerary and Capri day trip accordingly.
Cruising along the iconic coastline of Capri in Italy
One of the many boat tours in Capri, Italy
How to get to Capri from Sorrento
Day trips to Capri from Sorrento are made easy thanks to the regular ferry connection that runs between the two destinations.
Capri is located around 16km from Sorrento, with the ferry journey taking between 20 to 25 minutes.
Hydrofoils and high-speed ferries run between Capri and Sorrento all year round, with 20 connections every day in the peak summer months.
The cost of a ferry ticket is on average 20 EUR, but this depends on the time of year and the ferry company you choose.
Stopping at Marina Piccola in Capri during our private boat tour for a swimming stop
How to get to Capri from Rome
If you’re thinking about taking a Rome to Capri day trip, then firstly you’ll need to catch a train from Rome’s Termini station to Naples.
You could also opt to take a bus from Fiumicino airport in Rome to Naples’ Piazza Garibaldi train station. Once you’re in Naples, the next step of the journey is taking the ferry from either one of the ports.
The distance between the two destinations is around 270 km — expect the journey to take upwards of three hours.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend Rome as a starting point for your Capri day trip, as you will spend way too long travelling, and not as long in Capri.
It’s better to stay in the Amalfi Coast, and explore other cute towns there while you’re at it!
Chilling by the Colosseum in Rome
How to get to Capri from Positano
A seasonal fast ferry connects Positano and Capri, running between April until late October.
Ferries leave around 7 times a day, taking around 30 minutes to travel the 22km stretch of water, which makes a Positano day trip to Capri super simple.
Prices are upwards of 20 EUR, but can vary depending on the ferry company and the time of day you’re travelling.
Magical Positano at sunset
How to get to Capri from Amalfi
Amalfi and Capri are approximately located about 33 km away from each other. The two destinations are connected by a seasonal high-speed ferry, which makes approximately 7 crossings a day.
Day trips from Amalfi to Capri are really only possible between April and October when the ferry service is in operation.
Ferry tickets cost around 20 EUR, and the journey takes one hour.
People embarking in one of the local ferries in Amalfi, Italy
The iconic Duomo of Amalfi in Italy
Best Capri day tours
For travellers who don’t want to deal with worrying about ferry times, self-driving or catching trains, there’s the option of doing a day tour to Capri. There’s a lot of choice, so here are some of the best organised Capri day trips:
Day trip to Capri from Sorrento
Head off on a fun-filled Sorrento day trip to Capri with this top-rated tour. Begin by meeting your skipper for the day and get ready to see the highlights of Capri aboard a stylish boat.
From Sorrento, you’ll head for Capri’s famous Blue Grotto, arriving early in an attempt to beat the crowds on larger tour boats.
Have some fun inside the sparkling cave, and then head off to the charming fishing village of Marina Grande. Here you can see the remains of an ancient Roman villa which dates back to the first century BC.
Your skipper will chat with you about the culture and history of the area and point out famous local landmarks. Pass by the iconic Faraglioni Rocks, the Green Grotto, the White Grotto, and the Punta Carena Lighthouse.
There’s plenty of chances to stop off and swim in the quiet coves and bays. Overall, the day trip lasts for around 8 hours and includes a skipper guide, a bottle of prosecco, refreshments and snorkelling equipment to borrow.
Click here to see prices & availability for your Sorrento to Capri day trip, or check out the calendar below!
Traditional “gozzo” boats lined up in the harbour of Marina Grande, Capri
Day trip to Capri from Positano
Enjoy a full Capri day trip from Positano aboard a comfortable boat. This boat tour from Positano is a great option if you want to do other stops beyond just Capri.
Along with a small group, the tour takes you across the sparkling sea to see the beautiful coastline of the Sorrentine Peninsula and famous locations around Capri.
This first stop is the traditional fishing village of Marina Grande, where there’s also the chance to see the ruins of the ancient Roman villa near Bagni della Regina Giovanna.
Make sure to make time for a visit to a nearby waterfall. Your skipper will then take you to see the magnificent sea caves in this part of Capri including the Blue Grotto, White Grotto and Green Grotto.
Take some time out and make the most of being in the stunning location by swimming in the sea.
Snacks and drinks will be served aboard the boat, and you’ll have around 3 hours to spend on Capri taking in its top attractions. The day ends with a limoncello before disembarking back in Sorrento.
Click here to book your day trip to Capri from Positano! Or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!
Cruising along the coast of Capri during our boat tour
A catamaran cruise in Capri, Italy
Day trip to Capri from Naples
This Naples to Capri day trip makes spending the day in Capri a breeze. It begins with a pick-up from your accommodation and being driven to the Naples port, where you’ll meet your guide.
Together with the rest of the group, you’ll make the 40-minute journey on the fast hydrofoil boat to the island of Capri.
Once on Capri, a minibus will take you to see Capri’s main port town, Marina Grande. Soak up beautiful views, wander around the Piazzetta, and learn about the island’s history.
Next up during a visit, you’ll pass along charming streets to the Gardens of Augustus.
When it’s time for lunch, you’re in for a treat! A table will be waiting for you at a classic local eatery, where you can enjoy flavours of the regional produce.
After lunch soak up the fabulous views of the Faraglioni, before being accompanied back to Naples by your guide.
Click here to book your Naples to Capri day tour! Or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!
Exploring the hidden grottoes of Capri during our boat trip
Day trip to Capri from Amalfi
Board a classic gozzo boat along with a small group and set off on your Amalfi to Capri day trip. Cruise past this glorious part of the Italian coastline with a glass of prosecco in hand.
The first stop is at the enclave Li Galli islands, where you can cool off with a swim in the turquoise water.
Once you arrive in Capri, your skipper will take you to see the Green Grotto, the White Grotto and the Marvellous Grotto.
There are also plenty of opportunities to marvel at other sites such as the Natural Arch the Faraglioni rocks, and the Punta Carena Lighthouse.
Then it’s time for a lunch of sandwiches, fruit and drinks served on board, and a relaxing time swimming in the water around the boat.
There’s around three hours for you to freely explore Capri before being taken to the protected area of Punta Campanella, before returning to Amalfi in the early evening.
Check out prices & availability for your gozzo boat trip to Capri from Amalfi here, or directly in the calendar below!
Cruising along the coast of Capri, Italy
Day trip to Capri from Rome
Staying in Rome and spending one day in Capri can be a bit difficult. The time it takes to travel between the two destinations means that you’re left with less time in Capri to do sightseeing.
However if you’re set on visiting Capri on a day trip from Rome, I suggest you join this guided tour.
An organised day trip from Rome to Capri will make the day run a lot more smoothly, without having to worry about trains and ferries, and means you can really optimise your time on the island.
The day starts by being picked up from your hotel in Rome at around 6AM. You’ll then be driven to Naples, and along with around 10 others, catch the high-speed boat across to Marina Grande in Capri.
Once in Capri, you will be able to soak up some of the most famous sights dotted around the beautiful islands including the Blue Grotto.
Lunch will then be served before you hop back on the boat to return to Naples and drive back to Rome.
Click here to book your day trip to Capri from Rome! Or check out prices & availability in the calendar below:
Traditional “gozzo” boats lined up in the harbour of Marina Grande, Capri
The best way to do a Capri day trip
The best way to visit Capri on a day trip (in my opinion) is to make your own way there.
If you’re staying somewhere along the Amalfi Coast, day trips from places such as Sorrento to Capri or Amalfi are easily done independently.
All you have to do is take the ferry from the port nearest to where you’re staying, and then explore Capri independently once there.
You can then join a short boat tour directly in Capri (this is what we did). That way you don’t have to worry about strict timings and following a group.
You can enjoy swimming around Capri, and the views of Capri from the sea for a short period of time, and then have plenty of free time to wander around the island.
The top deck of the ferry from Amalfi to Capri, which does a stop in Positano first
View over the harbour and coastline of Capri from Capri town
For example, the first ferry from Amalfi is at 8:30AM. You can then book a boat tour for around 10AM, which will take you to all of the top Capri coastline sights.
This private couple’s boat tour leaves from Capri’s Marina Grande harbour (it’s the exact tour we did, and I can highly recommend it).
The local skipper will take you to a collection of Capri’s coastal attractions including the option to stop off at the Blue Grotto (optional), as well as other stunning sea caves such as the Green, White and Red grottos.
The Faraglioni Rocks, Punta Carena Lighthouse and the Natural Arch are all also included in the 2-hour itinerary, as well as the chance to have a swim in Marina Piccola.
First Lady, the traditional boat we booked for our private boat tour in Capri
Then, after getting dropped off back at Capri’s port, you can spend the afternoon wandering around the sights of Capri. Then all you have to do is make sure to catch the last ferry back to Amalfi around 7PM.
It’s the best way to see Capri because it gives you the most flexibility. You don’t have to spend time waiting around for other people in your group, and you don’t have a boat captain telling you to do quick swimming stops.
You’ll have plenty of time to discover all of the sights of Capri like Anacapri and Marina Grande, eat some delicious local food, and see the Capri coastline from the sea and the famous Faraglioni on a short boat trip.
Click here to book your boat tour in Capri! Or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!
Wandering around the streets of Capri town
Capri one day itinerary
I’ve given you all the details on how to get to Capri from all of the main cities in the area, as well as options for guided yours if you don’t want to make your way there independently.
You can also follow my last suggestion and do a combination of the two; get to Capri independently, and then join a short Capri boat tour once there. You might not be wondering, what is there to actually do in Capri?
Once you’ve reached this idyllic Italian island, what is there to do in a day? Here I outline my suggestions for a one-day in Capri itinerary.
Do a boat trip around Capri
As I already mentioned, no Capri day trip itinerary would be complete without going on a boat trip around the island.
The island’s coastline is strewn with beautiful caves, charming coves and interesting natural rock formations. Join a group tour or hire a private boat for a few hours, and enjoy your time living la dolce vita!
As I already said, I suggest joining a short tour, and to do it first thing when you arrive in Capri.
Cruising along the coast of Capri, Italy
See the Faraglioni from the sea
The famous Faraglioni is one of the most well-known sights in Capri. The collection of three dramatically situated rocks is set just off the islands’ coast in the dazzlingly blue waters of the Mediterranean.
Get the best views of the Faraglioni on a boat tour of the island — the skipper might even drive the boat right through the dramatic stone arch of Faraglione di Mezzo.
Legend has it that you will end up marrying whoever you kiss while cruising under the stone arch of the Faraglioni. So if you’re doing this cruise with your partner, it can be a pretty magical moment!
The iconic “Faraglioni” rocks of Capri in Italy
Swim in Marina Piccola
Enjoy a refreshing dip in the warm waters around Capri. The town of Marina Piccola boasts the island’s biggest beach and is an ideal spot for swimming.
We did this as part of our boat tour, but you can also reach Marina Piccola from the land if you want to do it later in the day and visit other areas of the island during your boat trip.
Jumping into the crystal-clear water of Marina Piccola in Capri, Italy
Visit the Blue Grotto
Considered a must-see destination when visiting Capri, the Blue Grotto is a really popular sea cave.
The water inside the cave is brilliantly bright blue thanks to the sunlight that illuminates the cave from an underwater cavity.
The only downside is that the cave is so popular that it gets really busy. Tour boats have to wait for a long time to enter the cave and by the time you get inside, it can feel underwhelming.
Personally, we skipped it. Our skipper asked us what we wanted to do and we opted for more swimming time in Marina Piccola, as I don’t like caves and wasn’t interested in visiting.
That’s the good thing about booking a private boat tour. You can adapt the itinerary to your liking, and especially if you don’t want to see the Blue Grotto, you don’t have to wait hours for the rest of your group to visit it.
But it’s still considered a must-see in Capri!
Exploring hidden sea caves and grottoes during our Capri boat tour
Explore Capri Town & the Piazzetta
Soak up the many historic streets, local eateries and cute boutiques in Capri Town and the famous Piazzetta. You can easily spend a few hours exploring all of the stores and places to eat around the charming town.
Relax at the Giardini di Augusto
The idea of German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp, the Gardens of Augustus are a beautiful botanical garden.
Created in the early twentieth century, the gardens are made up of a collection of flower-strewn terraces that overlook the Faraglioni rocks and the Bay of Marina Piccola. Entrance costs 1.50 EUR.
The view over the Faraglioni of Capri from Giardini di Augusto
Admire Via Krupp
Connecting the Giardini di Augusto with Marina Piccola down below is a steep, twisting footpath called the Via Krupp.
The path is made up of a number of hairpin bends as it snakes its way up around 100 metres in elevation. Visitors are rewarded with panoramic views out across the sea.
The iconic bends of Via Krupp, with the Faraglioni Rocks of Capri in the distance
Go for a ride on the Seggiovia di Monte Solaro
Located near Piazza Vittoria, the chair lift of Anacapri takes travellers up and over the sloping landscape of Capri, providing incredible views of the island from the top of Monte Solaro.
The journey to the top takes around 13 minutes and costs 14 EUR for a return, or 11 EUR for a single trip.
From here you can soak up the views of the Gulf of Naples and spot Mount Vesuvius, the Gulf of Salerno and Ischia Island.
Explore Anacapri
The historic commune of Anacapri is perched up high on Mount Solaro, away from the glitz and glamour elsewhere on the island.
Famous for its picturesque views of the Bay of Naples, tranquil atmosphere and sleepy streets, you can reach the town by hiking along a trail or catching the chairlift.
Exploring the famous “piazzetta” of Capri, Italy
View over Marina Grande and the sea from the piazzetta of Capri, Italy
Capri day trip cost
Capri is an expensive destination, but the cost of a day trip to Capri doesn’t have to be really expensive.
The amount you spend on the trip will vary depending on where you’re travelling from. Day trips to Capri from Rome, for example, will cost more than if you travel from somewhere close like Amalfi.
Train tickets from Rome to Naples range between 10 EUR to 30 EUR, depending on the time of day and how far in advance you have booked them.
You will then have to pay for the ferry from Naples to Capri, which is around 22 EUR.
A day trip to Capri from Sorrento is very affordable, as you only need to pay the ferry, which costs on average 22.50 EUR for a round trip.
Exploring the streets of Capri Town
From Almalfi or Positano to Capri, the ferry currently costs 26.50 EUR for a round trip on the fastest boat.
You should keep in mind that you will also have to pay a disembarkation fee when you arrive in Capri, which is around 2.50 EUR.
Tours are usually more expensive, as they often start at around 100 EUR per person, but you need to take into account that they often include all transfers, and often even meals.
What we did (taking the ferry there, then joining a boat tour once in Capri), was probably the most expensive option, but it worked better for our plans and travel style.
The distinctive cliffs and coastline of Capri, Italy
Marina Piccola, in Capri Island, as seen from the sea
Is Capri worth visiting?
Yes, Capri is really worth visiting on a day trip. The island is extremely beautiful and even if you’re only spending one day in Capri, you can see a lot of the famous sites and soak in a little of the island’s culture too.
However, if your Italy travel budget allows for it (Capri is pricey after all) and you have some time in your Italy itinerary, I actually suggest not doing a day trip, but spending at least one night in Capri.
That way you can see it after all the day trippers leave, enjoying the beauty of the island to yourself, and without rushing around all day.
Cruising along the iconic coastline of Capri in Italy during our private boat tour
Do you need travel insurance for a Capri day tour?
After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.
You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your Italy travel insurance with Heymondo.
Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).
Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.
As a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!
Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!
A traditional “gozzo” boat tour in Capri, Italy
What to pack for a day trip to Capri
You don’t really need much besides your usual beach essentials, or whatever is already on your Italy packing list, to go on a day trip to Capri, but I listed below a few essentials anyway, just to make sure you don’t forget.
Power bank – You will need your phone to capture photos of Capri, show your tour or ferry bookings and Google map your way around, you don’t want your phone to run out of battery half-way through the day!
Fast-drying towel – I love these towels because they take up little space and dry quickly. If you’re planning on swimming during your Capri day trip, it’s good to have one on you.
Stainless steel water bottle – save money and reduce plastic consumption by bringing your own water bottle and refilling it on the go.
Sunscreen – You’ll be out on the water and under the sun all day, you don’t want to ruin your trip by getting sunburnt!
A traditional “gozzo” boat in Capri, Italy, entering one of the many sea caves
Where to stay for your Capri day trip
In this article I have outlined how to get to Capri from a variety of different cities, as there isn’t one single place from which you Capri day trip should start.
That said, personally I think that the best places to stay to visit Capri are along the Amalfi Coast, specifically Positano or Amalfi.
This is because you can combine your Capri trip with a wider Amalfi Coast itinerary, and if you’re staying in Amalfi or Positano the ferries set off from there, so you don’t have to add travel time to the harbour to your already long day.
Here are some of the best places to stay in Amalfi or Positano for every budget.
Budget: Holidays Baia D’Amalfi – While the words “budget” and “Amalfi Coast” don’t often go together, this hotel is pretty affordable and is located right by the harbour, perfect to get the ferry to Capri!
Click here to book your stay at Holidays Baia D’Amalfi!
Mid-range: Albergo S. Andrea – This hotel has beautiful views over the Duomo of Amalfi. For an affordable mid-range choice, it doesn’t get much better than this!
Check out prices & availability at Albergo S. Andrea in Amalfi here!
Luxury: Le Sirenuse – This is the luxury hotel in Positano by definition. With its gorgeous design, impeccable service, stunning views and central position, it’s the perfect place to treat yourself.
Click here to book your stay at Le Sirenuse in Positano!
Enjoying the beautiful views in Positano, Italy
Final thoughts on the best day trip to Capri
There you have it, the ultimate guide on the best Capri day trips! Have you visited Capri before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!
It was my third time visiting Capri, but since I was very young the first two times I visited, I have to admit I remembered very little about this beautiful island.
I arrived in Capri this time and saw it as if it was the first time, and I have to admit I loved it. It’s such a gorgeous island, with cute towns, picturesque harbours, beautiful crystal clear water and stunning scenery.
Alongside our day trip to Pompeii, discovering the ancient ruins of Pompeii and hiking the Path of the Gods, exploring the island of Capri was one of the highlights of my Amalfi Coast trip.
There are many popular day trip destinations in Italy, like Cinque Terre, Lake Como and Pisa, but I have to say that Capri is probably my favourite one. Especially if you visit Italy in summer, it’s a must-see on any Italy bucket list.
I hope you found my Capri day trips guide useful in planning your own day tour to Capri! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!
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