Island of Capri, Italy

When planning your trip to Capri, the first thing you should consider is whether you would like to include a visit to the Blue Grotto / Grotta Azzurra. It is advisable if you want to see the Blue Grotto to book it first thing and try and do it first thing in the morning (or check in the morning for tide times and the weather as the ability to enter the Blue Grotto is extremely dependent on the tide and weather so access times will change day to day.) There are a few different boats to take to Capri, I took the public ferry from where I was staying on the Amalfi Coast – in Sorrento. First things first, when you arrive in Capri, if you want to take a trip to the Blue Grotto, dart your way to join the line in the Marina as soon as you get off the ferry. If not, then trust me when I say do not waste any time on the ground level of Capri nearby the marina. The best and most beautiful way to see Capri is by heading straight to the very top of the island first, to Mount Solaro then spending the day making your way back down again. You will find this will be the least busy and this will be the least tiring method as there is lots of walking to be done exploring the island, and it is much easier to make your way down then try and make your way up the mountain.

First thing to do is make your way right to very top, to Mount Solaro. This involves 3 stages and 3 methods of transportation that will cost you €17.20 up and back (unless you want to walk but I sincerely suggest that if you only have the one day, save your soles and follow the below steps. Hang in there, I swear it’s worth every bit!)

Arriving at Capri by ferry

1. Marina Grande to Capri centre - When you arrive by boat to the island of Capri, you will arrive at the Marina Grande, from here make your way to the ticket sales offices and purchase a ticket to the Funicula. At a cost of €1.80, this railway cable cart is the fastest method to get you to the main centre of Capri, arriving att the Piazzetta.

Entrance to the Funiculare from Marina Grande

1. Capri to Anacapri – The Piazzetta is quite busy and filled with many high fashion stores, souvenir shops and touristy restaurants and cafes. But I recommend not spending much time here at first, as there is still a much prettier pocket of Capri awaiting. Once you reach the Piazzetta, purchase a bus ticket for €1.80 at the bus terminal in Capri located in Piazza Martiri d’Ungheria (along Via Roma near the Piazzetta). Take the 15 minute bus ride bus from Capri up to Anacapri. You will notice the buses here are tiny, fitting about 10-15 people in each, but luckily they are pretty quick and run regularly. My favorite part of Capri to explore was Anacapri. Stop by for a quick bite to eat or a short break to soak in the beautiful environment and then make your way up to Mount Solaro (as there is only one café on the top of the mountain with limited refreshments and facilities on the top of the mountain).

Island of Capri

1. Anacapri to Mount Solaro – The final stage is a climb to the top of Mount Solaro via the chairlift. Fasten yourself in for a breathtaking 12 minute ride with your feet dangling over rooftops and vegetable gardens as you ride up to the 589m ascent above sealevel. The price of the chairlift is €10 roundtrip or €7 one way and I believe it is worth every cent.

Mount Solaro Chair lift

Once at the top you can enjoy the spectacular views above the clouds along the observation decks before making your way back down the chairlift. We decided to spend the majority of our time after this in Anacapri which was filled with local boutiques and independently owned stores run by locals as well as lots of limoncello and local produce.

My must-do list for Capri / Anacapri:

-         Take a boat ride to the Blue Grotto (I was unable to during my stay which is why I suggest making sure you check before you visit on the day)

-         View the Faraglioni sea stacks from the top of Mount Solaro

View of the Faraglioni rocks from the top of Mount Solaro

-          Try a refreshing Limoncello granita as your browse the stores and laneways in Anacapri

Limoncello store, Anacapri

-          Find the Phoenecian steps and see how far you can manage to walk down (and back up!) the incredibly steep steps but don’t forget to stop and take in the astonishingly beautiful view.

The Phoenician Steps, Island of Capri

-          Stop by Pizzeria Aumm Aumm for a slice of their lemon pizza and their Sfogliatelle Napoletane (flaky pastry shell filled with a creamy, sweet ricotta filling)

Lemon Pizza from Pizzeria Aumm Aumm

-          If you have time also visit the Villa San Michele

I would absolutely love to spend more than a day in Capri, so will definitely be planning a return trip to explore even more gems in the area.

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