isabel

Just about every post here, plus virtually every guidebook, says this is a BAD idea. Go in the off season or stay overnight is the collective wisdom. Well we can't do either of those on this trip. So my question is - will it be so bad as to be a frustrating waste of time? or if I am prepared for a less than optimal experience will it still be worthwhile?

We will have 7 and a half days (eight nights) based in Sorrento. My original itinerary had us with only 4 days/5 nights and I wasn't even considering Capri, but now with the added days I am re-examining it. I see the first boat is at 7:45 and the last one back to Sorrento is at 18:30. So here are my questions:

1) If we got that first boat will we likely still have to "wait an hour for the funicular"?
2) How about the bus to Anacapri or the chair lift? Seeing both the towns, and the views are my main interests - not so much shopping or dining.
3) Any tips as to how to maximize crowd control - eg go to Anacapri first - or see Capri first and go there later?
4) Will we have time to go to Anacapri (and maybe Villa San Michele) and take the chair lift?
5) Can we buy our return ferry tickets in the morning to assure we get on that boat?

Flame123

I can't tell you how the trip is from Sorrento, but I CAN tell you that many years ago, I actually did a back and forth trip from ROME, yes ROME. It was, as you write, the only way I could do it at that time and I did not want to miss it.

I was NOT sorry. Yes it was not optimum, yes we had about 3-4 hours total on the island itself. BUT we enjoyed it and were very pleased with ourselves in the end that we chose to take that trip.

Next time, and there is ALWAYS a next time when visiting Italy and being hit with the "bug" to go back, you may have more time to enjoy and spend time there. That is my own thinking anyway.

chazzarelli

I'm going to Capri/Amalfi coast in September, and I've been finding that alternatives are hiring a private boat, renting a boat (w/ a driver) or even renting a boat and you can drive on your own. They have services that will take you all around the island, drop you off and let you explore for the majority of the day and then get you back to Sorrento. This option of course is a bit more expensive, but if your time is limited and you want to do it, it is a way to enjoy Capri!

soniastall

Hello Isabel,
I have been to Capri from Sorrento a month ago. It is a stunning island, but very crowded.
We were glad to have a guide, because he knew how to control the crowd. His name is Alberto, you can reach him by emailing [email protected]. He is a gentleman, very informative and charming. He took us for wonderful walks on Capri and Anacapri. He showed us beautiful architecture and panoramic sites. We visied Villa san Michele, the church of San Michele, took the chair-lift and walk to the amazing Natural Arch. In few words IT IS WORTHWHILE to see Capri and if you have a guide who knows what to do, you save time and don't have to hire a private boat
Have a wonderful time
Sonia
p.s. we also visited Amalfi, Emerald cave and Ravello's villas with the same guide. Villa Cimbrone is a must!

isabel

Thanks for your replies. I'm glad to hear at least some people think it is worth doing even if not the "best"way.

Private boat not in my price range. As to private guide, I've usually found that if you do your research there's not much point, and in some cases can detract from the experience. Obviously if you don't have time to research it well ahead of time a guide can be beneficial. Sometimes they can "get you in" to something, that kind of thing that you can't do on your own. Soniastall, did you guide drive you around the island or just go with you on public transportation?

Anyway, I'm thinking we'll have time to see what we want - we could have close to ten hours. Just not sure if there is a better strategy - like heading for Anacapri first versus seeing Capri town first, that sort of thing.

Nadia

Of course it is possible. It may not be ideal, but a day or even a few hours in Capri is better than missing it. You won't have time to see the Blue Grotto or if you must, do it first. You don't have to catch the first boat from Sorrento. The whole beauty of Capri is not rushing but leisurly enjoying la dolce vita and taking in the beauty. When you arrive at Marina Grande, enjoy the shops around the harbour and then take the funicular or a taxi or the bus up to Piazza Umberto. Stroll and browse the shops, visit Villa Jovis and Villa San Michele. Have a late lunch in Piazza Vittoria using the chairlift to get up, and enjoy the walk back down.

Ann1

Going to Capri for a day trip is very feasible. Most people do that. People from cruise ships have far less time than you do and they do it. You don't need a guide or private boat. Just take the aliscafo there and back and get around on public transportation. In season will be very crowded so you may have a problem with the buses. We saw the blue grotto on a day trip to Capri. Just either take the bus past Anacapri or get a ticket for the boat as soon as you arrive at the dock. The aliscafo and boat to Capri are on at the same dock. Just see what you can and if you miss anything it will give you good reason to return. Ask for a round trip ticket. I know if you take the aliscafo from Ischia to Capri you can get a round trip but I don't know about other ports.

nanaof7

Just wondering what the crowds will be like in mid October. We wonder if we could do this day trip on our own or would we see more taking a tour. If you have been in Capri at this time please advise. Thanks.

Ann1

nanaof7: Capri is good in October. Some things will be closed, but almost everything is still open and the big crowds are gone. It can be chilly, but that's good because the heat in the summer can be oppressive. If you do some homework and plan out your time, you can easily do it without a guide. Buses are no problem in October and it's easy to get around. IMO guides for Capri are a waste of money. It's a small island.

chazzarelli

When I spoke of a guide - I was talking about a guide on a boat. I've found services that will take me around the island on a boat, and then drop me off and let me explore the island on my own. I think this is a great alternative to the public transportation available, and is not too expensive IMO.

I agree that a guide on the island would be a waste.