We will be in Positano for 3 1/2 days in late june for our honeymoon.

We were thinking of doing a day trip to Capri. Do you think it is worth it? What is there to do there?

How do we get there? Any suggestions for companies to go through?

thanks!

Don't know! Been to Positano 2xs and both days we had designated for day trips rained and the hydrofoils didn't run! There are plenty of companies right on the beach in Positano which run daily hydrofoils between the two-just see which one's schedule works best for you.

I should be keeping a running tally on the opinions about Capri. So far it seems like 99% of those who spent a night or two there loved it. But about 80% of those who did a day trip seem to think it was anything from "not worth it" to "a waste of time". Why? Because a day trip means taking a crowded boat to this island, where you then take a crowded funicular up to the little town. Most people spend the day wandering around the little town elbow to elbow with all the other day trippers doing the same. There is some escape by taking a bus to Anacapri a smaller, less touristy town, but in all honesty most people find there really isn't much to do there. You can also do some walks out to points for great views, but again be prepared to mainly follow the crowds.

Those who stay late, after all those daytrippers leave find a different Capri. A beautiful and quiet island overcome with the fragrance of flowers and a moonlight that is simply magical. The little piazetta is filled with a mixture of locals and well-heeled tourists and the walk to your hotel is probably along a wall covered with blooms and your hotel probably has a magical view out past the rocks into the moonlight sea.

So my suggestion is, since you have so little time, I'd forget Capri as a day trip. You'll miss the best part of it anyway.

A day trip is perfect -- the journey there is extra-quick by hydrofoil. Its a beautiful view as you approach the marina in Capri. The water is almost turqouise (sp?) in spots. I highly recommend the long walk up, or taking a cab straight up to the top of the island, to the lesser-known town of Ana-Capri. That town is less touristy, there are great views of the island & water, and the souvenirs (lots of painted tiles & limoncello liquer) were cheaper up there. There were several limincello places in a row at the top where you do free tastings, and one is more of a mini-factory where they are actually making & bottling it while you watch. I highly recommend the walk up the island, as you criscross through a village to get there, and you feel like you are really getting to know the town, versus feeling trapped in the touristy Capri near the marina.

We were there a few years ago and again last year.

I have to disagree with Patrick.

On a previous post I expressed my opinion and the response by most was very much the same as mine (some dissenting opinions).

On the first trip we wasted a couple of hours going to the Blue Grotto. What a waste of time!!! What a ripoff just to hear someone sing Volaré!!!

Capri is a beautiful island and great for a daytrip.

I only spent a little while in Anacapri. I took the cable car up Mount Solaro and had great views of the Faraglioni - the most photographed spot in Capri.

The town of Capri is indeed crowded. We immediately left for some of the walks shown in their brochure. The most spectacular is probably 10 minutes from the town; Certosa.

There's also another walk that goes by the Natural Arch and over near the Faraglioni. Also spectacular.

Just walking around was great.

The only part we should have skipped was the longest walk; to Villa Jovis. We're not into ruins and that's all it is.

We've been to Sorrento twice and both times passed on Pompeii. So take that for what it's worth.

I would definitely do this. Of course, an overnight stay let's you walk around whith the day crowds gone. I really can't see what the attraction would be at night since the town is very small.

But, of course, I haven't slept over so wouldn't know.

If you have always heard of "Capri" it truly is worth checking out. We took a day trip from Sorrento, first of March...June might be very crowded. The walks out to the points are beautiful.....lots of ups and downs and steps. The two towns, Capri and Anacapri are interesting and the hydrofoil ride over is beautiful. HOWEVER if you are staying in Poistano a trip to the town of Amalfi is nice, AND the lovely town above Poistano they say is gorgeous..(I "think" Ravello). They are closer.. there are a lot of places around Poistano (Pasteum etc).
Pompeii is interesting IF one is into "ancient", but takes a full day.

We did a "cap-ree-tour" and while it was interesting and we met a really cool couple from Australia, it was the least exciting of anything we did while in Italy. I do think it would be nicer to spend the night there. If it was mobbed during the day time in May, it will be worse in June. I'd give it a pass. Do a daytrip up to Ravello instead -- a really gorgeous spot with wonderful views, good restaurants and shops that are just as interesting as anything you'd see in Capri. Just my opinion, based on my limited experience.

Hi nbs,

If you consider that your 3 1/2 days ought to include

1 day in Positano

1 day along the the coast road to Amalfi and Ravello (or take the boat to Amalfi and the bus back)

1 day taking the coast road to Sorrento and a boat ride back to Positano, (or take the boat out and the road back),

you won't really have time for Capri.

I suggest that one evening you take the orange bus to Praiano, have dinner at La Brache or La Strada and then stroll down to the square in front of the church to watch the lights of Positano twinkle at you across the water.

There is a small bar with good gelato on your left as you go down the street.

Have a lovely honeymoon.

My husband and I stayed in Positano for 10 days this past summer with another couple. The four of us booked a day trip to Capri from Salvatore who has a booth/hut at the big pier. It was the highlight of our stay! I think the price was 80euro per person. Their website is: www.gennaroesalvatore.it. The boat was excellent and I think they limit the trip to about 20 so it's a small group. Lunch at the end in Marina del Cantone was wonderful!! His daughter is the chef at the restaurant where lunch is served and the food kept coming.

The only negative of our trip was the walk we took in 100 degree heat. It ended up being about five miles and we were dying by the time we finished. Others who took the funicular to Anacapri had a great time. I would definatly do that next time.

We really enjoy going to the Blue Grotto - been there a couple of times and this time jumped out of the boat and swam in the cave. Salvatore hates the guides at the grotto and grumbles about them but it's a must see in my opinion. The price of admission is included but we tipped our boat driver a small amount.

Salvatore will also do private boat tours for you to other areas (I don't work for him - just think his service was a 'find' for us and want to share).

Also highly recommend La Cambusa restaurant that faces the beach (above Chez Black). Great food, reasonable price, and wonderful service!

You'll love Positano!!! Ciao . . .

I second the recommendation for Ravello. It's a beautiful little town with great views.

If you only have 3 and a half days, I'd opt for the daytrip to Capri, not the overnight, although there's no doubt Capri is a much less frantic and magical place after dark.

And although it's hokey and touristy, I'd recommend the Blue Grotto trip. When you swim in the cave, your body sparkles with drops of irridescent blue-- an experience you're not likely to forget.

There's only one problem, which is that sometimes the boats don't run from Positano to Capri because of rough water conditions. In this case, you'd have to taxi or bus to Sorrento ( about half an hour) and take the hydrfoil ( 30 min) or regular ferry service (45 min) from the marina.

Good luck with your plans!

Patrick, what are we to do with these Capri dissenters?
It has been known for centuries as a magical island, you just have to have some imagination to appreciate it and have a romantic soul to enjoy it.

Myer, with all due respect, you went to Sorrento and stayed on the plaza in a tiny room, where is your imagination? You had some of the most beautiful views in the world at your fingertips at some of the inexpensive places above the water.

I know romance and beauty are not for everyone, but give Capri a chance after the tour boats are chugging away. And... get off the main squares!

I'd play it by ear, which is easy enough to do, since you don't need to make reservations on the ferry--you just show up. My husband and I spent four days in Sorrento, and had planned on a day trip to Capri. I was busting to see the Blue Grotto. We went down to the pier and were horrified at all the hordes (yes, hordes) of people lined up to go to Capri. We quickly decided Capri wasn't going to be part of our itinerary! We ended up going to beautiful Ravello (one of the prettiest, most serene little hill towns, with amazing views of the water) and Amalfi, and were very happy with our day.

nocinonut,

Our room might have been rather small but we were on the 4th floor with a terrace overlooking the main square and a view of the water.

Since we leave the room right after breakfast and return after dark, luxury was not a high priority.

Maybe next time.

I would definitely go to Ravello as well.

Myer, I am glad you didn't take my post in the wrong way, just a little encouragement on my part to get you out over the water next time! But if you liked your place, all the better.

You will love Ravello, it is quiet and mysterious in the winter, I haven't been there in the summer, probably quite like Capri crowdwise.

I didn't read all of the resposes so forgive me if I repeat someone elses comments. We spent 4 days in positano this August and went to Capri for 1. We took the ferry to Capri and then booked a private boat for 2 1/2 hour excursion around the island. It was the highlite of the stay. We also booked a private land tour but that was a waste of money. You can take a cab from place to place and it's not expensive. It is well worth the time.

Wow -- thank you everyone for your responses! Sounds like there is a range of opinions on this topic.

I think it is something that we'll consider doing but will wait until we get to positano to decide the exact itinerary. It's the last leg of our honeymoon and we'll want to relax and enjoy, so we'll see what the crowds, etc. feel like.

joeyrm7 -- curious how you booked the private tour? also, hope you don't mind if i ask what the costs involved were? i just want to see if that is a feasible option for us.

thanks again!!

topping for nbs

Use this website for the boat tour and other Capri related items
http://www.caprionline.com/tours/capri_tours.html
I used "Aquatica" (his english can be entertaining but then again my Italian is nonexistent). I believe it was about $180 euro's. I went with my wife and 20 & 23 year old daughters and we all agreed that it was the highlite of Capri. We've been there before and did the commercial tour and it was not even close.

Thanks, Joey!