A day trip to Capri is a popular choice for boomers visiting Italy. Many experience this magical isle on a cruise excursion while sailing on a Mediterranean cruise. Others plan a Capri day trip as part of their Italian land adventures.
When Debi Lander (ByLanderSea) explored Naples, Italy, her fun-filled itinerary included a day trip to Capri. Read on as Debi shares her first-hand experience visiting this enchanting Italian island.
Many travelers dream about visiting the Isle of Capri, but unfortunately, plans often get pushed aside. Any island requires arrival by boat, and Capri is no exception, unless you can afford to helicopter in. (There is no flat terrain for an airport.)
I finally made a day trip to Capri from Naples, while in the Naples and Amalfi Coast area. The Italian island did not disappoint. Capri is a real jewel. I urge you to seriously consider putting it in your travel plans.
The dazzling retreat, with its rugged cliffs and turquoise waters in the Tyrrhenian Sea, has long captured the imagination of emperors, artists, and travelers. Whether you’re a history buff, active boomer traveler, nature lover, or simply seeking la dolce vita, Capri delivers.
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Table of Contents
Arrive by boat at Marina Grande on a day trip to Capri
Hop an early morning ferry from Naples, Ercolano, Sorrento, or Positano to arrive at the port of Capri, Marina Grande, Capri’s principal port and gateway. As you approach, I suspect you’ll be captivated by the steepness of the island, the switched-back road leading to the summit, and the colorful fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. Just ashore, you can browse the many shops lining the waterfront.
Ascend to Anacapri
As part of a small group tour, I soon boarded a van designed to navigate the narrow, winding roads for the ride up to Anacapri, the village on the island’s upper slopes. As the ride starts, the van climbs steeply, hugging the cliffside roads that offer panoramic views of the deep blue water below.
The twists and turns provide a thrilling journey, with sheer drops on one side and lush, terraced landscapes on the other. (Pick the side of the van for the view or security you want.) Passengers often find themselves gasping, some with terror, at the breathtaking landscape of the rugged coastline, the far-off islands, and the Mediterranean horizon.
The ascent to Anacapri takes you through quaint neighborhoods with whitewashed buildings and colorful bougainvillea draped over walls. The ride, which is typically about 15 minutes, feels like an exhilarating adventure, with each turn revealing a new and stunning vista.
As the van approaches Anacapri, the atmosphere becomes quieter and more relaxed than the busier Marina Grande, signaling your arrival in a more tranquil part of Capri. My guide led us on a short walk past a walled cemetery and offered suggestions for our free time.
Ride the chair lift to Monte Solaro
I chose to take the chair lift to Monte Solaro. The single chairlift travels slowly, so don’t be concerned or nervous. You pass above vineyards, olive groves, and the town on the right-hand side.
The lift climbs all the way to the summit of Monte Solaro, Capri’s highest peak at nearly 2,00 feet above sea level. The panoramic vistas of the Bay of Naples and Amalfi Coast are genuinely jaw-dropping.
The surreal color of the water astonished me, and I was transfixed by looking down on Capri’s famous three limestone towers, the Faraglioni. Take photos and selfies, but you can’t capture this 3-D magical landscape in a picture.
This is a lookout where I wished to linger, perhaps dine at the restaurant or enjoy a drink at the many small tables. Unfortunately, I was part of a group tour, but if you are on your own, plan to stay at the top for an hour. It’s an extraordinary spot.
Shop in Anacapri
When you return down the chairlift, explore the lovely, rather pricey shops along the path. Lemons are the theme, and you’ll find lemon ceramics of every type.
You’ll also see everyday items like tea towels, Christmas ornaments, and lemon-flavored foods such as salts, spices, and limoncello. I do not think they missed any lemon-inspired products—shoes, blouses, tee shirts, sunglasses, and hats.
Visit the Villa San Michele Gardens
Continue to follow the path along the ridge toward Villa San Michele Gardens. The villa was once the home of Swedish physician and writer Axel Munthe. Now, it’s a museum filled with Roman artifacts and enchanting gardens offering a peaceful retreat.
If you just follow the path (what I did as I did not have time for the villa), you see fabulous panoramic views of the Gulf of Naples, Marina Grande, and Mount Vesuvius, the Italian volcano that erupted in 79 AD burying Pompeii and Herculaneum. This is another spectacular overlook.
Visit and Shop in Capri Town
After regrouping, we headed to Capri Town. The piazza is known as the “living room of the world,” a bustling square that acts as the island’s social hub.
The main attraction in Capri Town is the tall clock tower with a beautiful blue face and, of course, the scenic views. I wandered the narrow streets lined with designer boutiques, artisanal sandal makers, and shops selling locally made perfumes like Carthusia, crafted from Capri’s native flowers.
Capri watches have become popular. They are a flashy brand with colorful and artistic designs that appeal to locals and visitors alike. The flagship Capri Watch boutique is located in Capri Town and has become a landmark for tourists. Many visitors purchase these watches as souvenirs.
Although I was tempted to buy a watch or bottle of limoncello, I simply enjoyed the gelato, the atmosphere, and the landscape.
Cruise around the Island of Capri
We returned by van to Marina Grande, where we boarded a boat for a tour around the island. I was expecting a run-of-the-mill boat tour, but this outing surprised me. The guides were very knowledgeable, and I was impressed by the captain’s skill at navigating in and out of the grottos or cave entrances.
After leaving the dock, we noticed a statue up on a hill, almost glowing with reflected sunshine. Zooming in with my camera, I noted it was a merman. The guides said the statue represents a mythical sea creature looking out toward the sea.
See the White Grotto
Next, we paused at the White Grotto, one of Capri’s most enchanting natural wonders. Its stark white limestone walls shimmered in the sunlight and contrasted against the glittering azure water.
What makes the White Grotto particularly interesting is the statue of the Virgin Mary perched high within the cave. Visible from below, the figure added an air of reverence to the Grotto. A narrow staircase carved into the rock leads up to the statue, creating a breathtaking scene of spiritual devotion blending with the natural environment.
Cruise through the arch in the Faraglioni rocks
We passed by more caverns and saw villas and resorts clinging to the steep cliffs. The highlight was passing through the arch in the Faraglioni—three towering rock formations that rise majestically out of the sea just off the island’s coast.
The Faraglioni have been shaped by thousands of years of erosion from the wind and sea. Their striking appearance has made them a symbol of Capri and a favorite subject for photographers and artists. They say you will stay together if you kiss while passing through the arched rock.
Visit Punta Carena Lighthouse
We then approached the rather unusual Punta Carena Lighthouse, built in 1867 and one of the oldest and most powerful lighthouses in Italy. Its red and white exterior stands out against the Tyrrhenian Sea’s rocky coastline and incredible azure waters.
For over 150 years, Punta Carena Lighthouse has served as a critical navigational aid for ships traveling through the Gulf of Naples. Sunset lovers, take note: The lighthouse area is ideal for watching sunsets, as it provides one of the best vantage points on the island.
Admire the world-famous Blue Grotto
Finally, we came around the island to the opening for the iconic Blue Grotto. We did not get to go in, as you must pre-plan and make reservations.
Instead, we watched as others left their boats and got on smaller rowboats with an owner/guide. He would make them lie down to fit into the narrow Grotto entrance, and he did likewise as he rowed in. (Note: if the waves are too rough, you can’t go into the Blue Grotto.)
Once inside, I was told visitors could sit up and relish the mystical glow of the illuminated Blue Grotto. (If I ever get to return, I’ll make plans to see it.) An interesting historical note is that Roman Emperor Tiberius used the Grotto as a private swimming pool during his exile on Capri.
We finished our circumnavigating the island and had just enough time back in Marina Grande to buy a few souvenirs before boarding our returning ferry.
All in all, the day trip was far more than I expected. Capri surpassed its hype for me, and I will always remember it fondly. How I wish I could spend a night and see the sunset and sunrise the next morning overlooking the magical Bay. Dream on.
