Is your cruise ship in Italy anchored in the Bay of Naples and you have little time to explore? Do you want to organize a day trip to Capri? Then this itinerary and tips are just what you need to see the best of Capri Italy in a quick day trip! The best Ideas for a day in Cruise Port Capri.
Cruise Port Capri is an island in the Gulf of Naples. It is just a few nautical miles from the Sorrento peninsula. The island was once attached to this. Today, Capri is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Capri is loved for its dramatically steep coastline, its sea caves tucked into the cliffs, and the glamorous yet casual atmosphere of its island villages.
Capri is an island with a thousand faces. You can walk the paths along the cliffs above the Mediterranean in total solitude. Or you can take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the rocky coast. Or you can get lost in the lively bustle of the Piazzetta and shop in the most fashionable boutiques in the world.
Capri Italy has always been one of the most cosmopolitan islands in the Mediterranean. Also much loved by the international jet set and Hollywood celebrities. While the cafes and restaurants were once the favorite haunts of artists, writers, intellectuals and the aristocracy, today you’re still likely to run into movie stars, famous athletes and famous faces of TV and entertainment.
It’s not uncommon to look up from your cappuccino in the Piazzetta and find your cafe table next to your favorite actor’s. And to dine with a view of the sea just a few seats away from the hottest musician of the moment. Or spin the club floor from elbow to elbow with a supermodel. Or take a dip in the sea alongside a sports celebrity.
While paparazzi are always present, on Capri Island there is always a little more respect for the privacy of VIP visitors. Of course, this is another reason why it can be such a popular destination for those who are always in the spotlight. So with a bit of luck, it won’t be difficult to meet your idols face-to-face on this small island….
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Exploring the Island
From the Marina of Capri where you are likely to arrive with the tender of your cruise ship, or the boat from Sorrento or Positano, you can easily reach the Piazzetta by cable car. The ride takes about 4 minutes and the picturesque red train departs every 15 minutes.
Close to the Marina, there is also the bus station, from which routes depart to all the island’s attractions and a taxi rank with Capri’s signature open-top taxis. For those who want to explore the island independently, you can rent a scooter. The center of the towns of Capri and Anacapri are both closed to traffic, so can only be explored on foot.
The Island of Capri is divided into three areas: Marina Grande, where the marina and port are located, Capri, with the Piazzetta at its center, and Anacapri, the highest village on the island. The centers of both the towns of Capri and Anacapri are closed to traffic. There is a single road open to traffic which runs from the Marina Grande port to Anacapri. With a secondary road branching off to Marina Piccola (on the southern coast), the Punta Carena lighthouse, and the area near the Blue Grotto.
Tips For Cruise Port Capri in One Day On Your Own
- 9:00 a.m. – Capri Boat Tour and the Blue Grotto
- 11:30 a.m.- Chairlift to the top of Mount Solaro and the Cetrella Hermitage
- 12:30 p.m. – Villa San Michele
- 2:30 p.m. – In and around Capri’s Piazzetta
- 4:00 p.m. – Return to the Port
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9:00 a.m. –The Blue Grotto
Duration: about 2 hours l Cost: about 18 euros l Entrance to Grotto: 14 euros I Buy your boat tour ticket online!
This is probably also the most famous tourist attraction in Capri. This attraction attracts hundreds of visitors every day. Board one of the small wooden rowboats that will transport you inside and to another magical blue world. Try to arrive at Capri as early as possible and make your way to the private jetty in Marina Grande first. This is the departure point for boat trips to the Blue Grotto. This is at the same dock where most ferries from the mainland arrive.
Buy a ticket for the Capri boat tour that includes a visit to the Blue Grotto. You can either take the full circle tour, which includes the thrill of sailing through the arch into the dramatic Faraglioni rock formations, or the shorter tour, which only sails up to the Blue Grotto and back. We recommend that you opt for the full circle tour but it depends on your schedule and choice!
We had to wait a while for the boat before we were transferred to one of the many small rowing boats that enter the Blue Grotto. So keep in mind that it can get quite warm on open water. We won’t give too much away and you should discover it for yourself!
Book tickets in advance for the Capri Boat tour: from Sorrento: Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and optional Blue Grotto
An Insider Tip: After visiting the Blue Grotto, ask the skipper to let you off at the stairs next to the grotto instead of taking the boat back to Marina Grande. Climb the stairs to the top and hop on the bus to Anacapri so you don’t waste time in the long line at the bus terminal in Marina Grande. You only have one day in Capri!
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11:30 a.m. Chairlift to the top of Mount Solaro and the Cetrella Hermitage
Duration: 12 minutes l Cost: about 11 euros l Opening hours: March – October: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm; November – February: 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Upon your return to Marina Grande, board a bus to Anacapri (a 20 minute ride). From here, take the chairlift to the summit of Monte Solaro.
From Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri, the chairlift leaves every 12 minutes to the top of Mount Solaro. At the top of Monte Solaro, you really have one of the most spectacular views over the bays of Naples and Salerno. From here you can descend the mountain slope by chairlift or on foot. We recommend walking back down. If you decide to walk (about 30 minutes on foot), take a moment to visit the Hermitage of Cetrella down the way.
Santa Maria a Cetrella is a Franciscan chapel and hermitage in Anacapri. It is referred to as “Capri’s most otherworldly church”. The chapel contains a Madonna image that is venerated by pilgrims. It was built in the Middle Ages, including stucco siding, with a low vaulted ceiling.
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12:30 p.m. Villa San Michele
Entrance: around 7 euros l Opening hours: from 09:00 am until 1 hour before sunset
You’re probably hungry by now! A nice idea is to stop for lunch at one of Anacapri’s restaurants. Anacapri is Capri’s highest town and still retains the typical languid, island-like village air. We recommend wandering the winding streets of the city center and stopping at the small craft workshops, quiet churches, and pretty squares with traditional houses. Feel the real Capri.
Or to save time just grab a quick snack and go straight to Villa San Michele. Built by the Swedish physician and writer Axel Munthe, this former residence is now a museum displaying Munthe’s collection of archaeological finds.
Villa San Michele is the life’s work at Capri of the Swedish physician and author Axel Munthe (1857–1949). It is surrounded by an impressive garden, which recently won the prize as Italy’s most beautiful private park. Behind it is the Barbarossa mountain, that Axel Munthe turned into a sanctuary for migratory birds.
Axel Munthe recounts the story of his life and the creation of the Villa in The Story of San Michele (1929). It became one of the first international bestsellers in modern time. The tale that then captivated countless readers all over the world, lives on in Villa San Michele. In its rooms and garden and in the Egyptian sphinx, that silently watches the sea from its balustrade.
The gardens are recognized as some of the most beautiful in Italy. From here you have the most panoramic view over the Amalfi Coast. Unforgettable!
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2:30 p.m. In and Around Piazzetta
Take a bus to go back to Capri. Make sure to stop for a coffee or a refreshing drink in the bustling Piazzetta.
Piazzetta is the social center of Capri. Everyone who visits the island has to pass through it. Sit at a café table on one of the many nice terraces and order a drink. Watch the world go by for the next hour and enjoy!!
After a drink in the Piazzetta, you can stroll along the Via Camerelle. It is famous for the luxury shops and designer fashion boutiques that line the street.
When you’ve had your eyes full of window displays, continue along Via Tragara until you reach the breathtaking, scenic view of the Faraglioni rock formations. Don’t forget to take it all in. Another lifelong memory to never forget.
Take a few pictures of the Faraglioni here and make a huge impression at home! The Faraglioni are the eternal guardians of the coast of the island. These towering sea stacks are the perfect backdrop for your Capri holiday snap. The dramatic rock formations bring good luck to all who kiss their beloved as they pass through the natural stone arch. So remember this well!
You can then return along Via Tragara. But instead of continuing on Via Camerelle, you can now take the road up to the right (Via Padre Reginaldo Giuliano). Continue until you reach Via Fuorlovaldo and Via Le Botteghe.
Once you’re in the Piazzetta, you can take the funicular down to the harbor and hop on a hydrofoil back to the mainland!
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Some more Highlights of Capri
*Gardens of Augustus and Via Krupp
You will remember Capri, especially for the most scenic views. For one of the prettiest in all of Capri, walk a few steps from the Piazzetta to the Gardens of Augustus.
From here you have a panoramic and beautiful expansive view over the Faraglioni on one side and the dramatic Via Krupp on the other. This as it makes its way up the steep slope of Mount Solaro.
*The Natural Arch and Pizzolungo
This breathtakingly beautiful ring path runs along the east side of the island. The route passes by the Materania Cave. It is said that rites to the god Mitra were once held here. Furthermore, a beautiful view of the Faraglioni rocks towering over the Mediterranean just offshore. Not forgetting the beautiful scenic view of Tragara.
*Villa Jovis
At the top of Mount Tiberius, you will find the remains of one of the 12 island villas built by this Roman emperor. To get there, you have to hike uphill for about 45 minutes, but once you reach your destination, the view is a well-deserved reward for your efforts!
*The Charterhouse of San Giacomo
This was once a monastery where the Cartel monks of Capri grew flowers and herbs. These were used as the basis for their artisan perfumes. The complex has also been used as a prison and, still, as a secondary school. It is now a museum with both a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
*Punta Carena Lighthouse
After Genoa, Punta Carena has the largest lighthouse in Italy. Located on the western shore of the island. This point is one of the islanders’ favorite places to go for a swim. It is warmed by the sun until the evening which makes it the perfect vantage point to enjoy a beautiful Mediterranean sunset.
*Marina Piccola
On the southern shore of the island, opposite the towering Faraglioni rocks, Capri’s most beautiful beaches beckon. Here luxury yachts anchor off the coast to enjoy the calm seas and warm breezes that this sheltered side of the island has to offer. Surely you have to make a selection for your “Capri in one day”.
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Info for Cruise Port Capri in One Day
How much does One Day in Capri cost?
The average cost for a day on Capri is about EUR 100 per person. This includes fast ferry tickets, a boat trip around the island, a light lunch and bus and funicular tickets,
How much time should I plan to see the highlights on Capri?
For a quick look at the Piazzetta and Anacapri, you need at least 4 hours. So plan at least 7 hours if you also want to take a boat trip on the island. To really discover Capri and see all the sights and monuments on the island, you really need at least three days.
A very good reason to come back to this magical island!
Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?
You can always buy tickets for the ferry directly at the port if there are still tickets available. There are many ferries but during the summer months of July and August and on weekends it is a good idea to book your tickets in advance. This is especially true for the afternoon ferries from Capri to the mainland, which are often sold out. And you certainly don’t want to miss your departure, do you? Although an extra stay on Capri is of course not a punishment….
Timetable Capri Ferry – Online Booking
When is the best time of year to visit CRUISE PORT CAPRI IN ONE DAY?
The best months to visit Capri are April and May. Also September to early October… especially is very nice for day trips.
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Organized tours
Joining a shared group tour of Capri is often a more affordable option than exploring the island on your own. Capri tours from Sorrento begin at about EUR 55 a person for a full-day tour, whereas if you come to Capri on your own, just the high-speed ferry ticket can set you back as much as 40 euros a person. The ticket office for the boat to Capri is easily found in the Marina.
When you like it easy and organized there are tours available;
From Capri Port
Capri Boat Tour with Blue Grotto Priority Tickets skip the line Duration 2 hours l Departing from Capri l from €18 per guest
Capri La Dolce Vita Boat Experience Duration 2 hours l Departing from Capri small group l from €56 per guest
From Sorrento:
Sorrento Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and optional Blue Grotto. Duration 7 hours l Departing from Sorrento l €98 per guest
Sorrento Coast and Capri Seaview Duration 10 hours l Departing from Sorrento l €55 per guest
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Conclusion
It’s already quite clear. There is simply too much to do in too short for CRUISE PORT CAPRI IN ONE DAY! It is therefore wise to choose in advance what you would like to see. Planning a day too full is not great because then you will forget to enjoy it intensely and to store all the beauty of this island in your memory.
It is for sure; Capri gets under your skin. You definitely want to come back here to enjoy this wonderful island longer and more relaxed.
The jet-set of Hollywood was right! It is a magical island. When you think of spending longer in Italy and the Amalfi coast we have a splendid LXRY! Hotel selection for you at our website.
When you have another great Cruise Port Tip for Capri please share it with us in the remarks below!