hello,

we arrive @ capri on tuesday the 24th of june by ferry departing from positano at 5pm. we will spend the whole day of the 25th in the island and we will return to naples in the morning of thursday, june 26th.
we would like a recommendation regarding where to stay at the island? in capri or anacapri? Also if anyone suggests a hotel in particular? we want to see the blue groto and faraglioni rocks, hiking with a nice scenery, etc. we know that blue groto and faranglioni are on opposite sides. is there a tour or boat that you could rent that borders the whole island, or what would you recommend to be able to visit these two sites? any recommendation also to avoid the crowds?

thank you !!!

Avoiding crowds in Capri during the day in summer is not really an option - esp the blue grotto. To enter you have to lie down in the bottom of a row boat (assuming the seas are calm - if rough you can't get in at all). Maximum is 4 people lying back against each other.

You can get the boat by descending a stairway cut into the side of the cliff or by transferring from a motor launch (about 25 people)at sea outside the grotto.

If you hire a boat to circle the island I assume you also have to transfer from that boat to the row boats at sea outside the grottoes. I know these privately hired boats are available but have no idea of the cost.

As for where to stay you need to give your budget in euros and how many "we" is.

nytraveler gives you good advice - the blue grotto requires you to transfer into the "rowboat armada." no matter how you arrive.

Private boats, with crew, are available for half or full day rentals. Depending on the number of people in your group and hours of rental you need, they will run you perhaps 350 EUR - 900 EUR per boat.

As far as good hotels, Capri can be pricey... not sure of your budget? There are many 5-star hotels scattered on the island. They are beautiful. I like the Capri Tiberio Palace (been there twice), J.K. Place Capri (wonderful product - love JK hotels in Rome and Florence), or the Hotel Caesar Augustus (best view from the pool of any hotel on Capri!). Book through a Virtuoso advisor (or other consortium) to get "free" amenities at some of these high-end hotels.

If budget is a concern, look at La Minerva. Less expensive with some great views from the balconies. This one sells out quickly though and you're less than 45 days out...

As far as avoiding the crowds... as nytraveler says, it's not going to happen during the day in June. But after about 6 PM when all the day-trippers and cruise ship visitors leave... the locals come out. You'll enjoy your evenings - we always did! Have fun.

Well since you are staying such a short time (arriving late, leaving early) I am going to suggest you stay down at the marina where the ferries come and go. We stayed at Hotel Maresca, very pleasant. The thing is, IMO, there is a fair amount of hassle in getting yourself and your luggage beyond the marina. Then the full day you have, if you want to do a boat tour, you can head out from the marina early, hopefully before the throngs arrive for their day trip. Or get a day bus pass and explore the island - maybe starting in Anacapri and working back down. I'd suggest adding a night or two if possible, then staying near Capri town.

We stayed 4 days on Capri and were unable to see the Blue Grotto due to rough water. The weather was gorgeous the entire time. Suggest you check periodically to see if Blue Grotto trips are running and plan your schedule around that.

We stayed in Capri town at the Villa Sarah, up the hill from the main town square. It was pleasant and quiet and had a lovely view of the sea and a very nice pool. We enjoyed Anacapri during the day. There is lots to see and do there. Capri town is pretty hectic while the day trippers are there but lovely in the evening and early morning. We actually preferred Capri to the AC.

Stayed at Capri Wine Hotel last week--a lovely, quiet, small hotel just below Capri town on the way up from the port. Owners were so helpful with recommendations for meals. Nice breakfast included, served in the garden. I found Capri to be gorgeous, but I hated the crowds. The Blue Grotto was closed on the 3 days of our visit--sea didn't cooperate.