Our trip is this July, high season, but it's our 40th anniversary, so the dates are set. The itinerary has been in place since last August (Naples-Capri-Santorini-Athens), but I am second guessing the Capri part. We have tried to get to Capri as a day trip when cruising through Naples and it hasn't worked out. In July we will fly to Naples, and then have a driver to Sorrento. Currently booked for 2 days at a hotel I found on this forum. Next we are booked for 3 nights on Capri, at double the cost of Sorrento. After reading Rick's article about how beautiful Capri is, but that it is a tourist trap, thinking of extending the Sorrento part of the trip and taking a day trip to Capri. If we don't get into the grotto, we could take a second day trip. Or, keep the reservation in Capri for 3 nights. If you have done either or both, please advise.
In my opinion a day trip is sufficient. It is very touristy. We walked up as the line at the lift was very long. You may not be willing to walk in the heat of summer. Wandered around the town, ate an over priced lunch walked down and returned to Sorrento. Others may have different experiences on Capri.
One thing we did was, as we had a car, was to drive to Salerno. From there we took the ferry and cruised the Amalfi coast, stopping at the famous towns. They are all full of tourists. Neat to see. It took most of a day, but we got an inexpensive tour of the towns and the coast.
Enjoy your trip.
A day trip was plenty for me too. Just go very early, and head up to Anacapri. Things don’t really get mobbed up there until lunchtime, but then it’s a free for all. I managed to squeeze in a boat ride in the morning too. You can get a lot done with a little time. I was out of there by 3pm, and it was a very enjoyable day all around.
I spent 3 nights in Capri, and I don’t think a day trip is enough. I think about 2 nights is the sweet spot. Capri has several great attractions that you cannot fit in a day trip (Gardens of Augustus, Villa San Michele, boat ride around the island, Monte Solaro, several walking paths with great views).
The blue grotto is not a highlight.
It really depends on what you’re looking to get out of Capri. If it’s to say you went, a day trip is fine. If you want to actually experience Capri, a day trip isn’t enough.