Skip Capri?

We are making our first trip to Italy next month and are planning to skip Capri. From watching Rick's TV show and various guide books, Capri just does not interest us. Instead we will spend a day at Paestum.

Of course, it partly depends on how much time you have, which you don't state. Having been to the Emerald Grotto, also on the Amalfi Coast, I wouldn't go to Capri for the Blue Grotto. To me, it's one of several inexplicable RS enthusiasms, which costs a lot for a minor, touristy experience. However, we found more of interest on Capri on our daytrip than we expected, and were sorry that we hadn't stayed a night. We went directly to Anacapri, where we visited the villa (can't remember the name) with beautiful gardens and an interesting interior. We also viewed the remarkable tile floor of the church of San Michele, and enjoyed wandering the streets a bit.
If you have time remaining after seeing your stated targets, I would set my priorities as follows: Amalfi, Ravello, Sorrento, Paestum. If you still have a day, then consider Capri.

Frankly, I don't think Capri has had much appeal since the ancient Romans were there. A day or two in Sorrento; a trip to see the amazing Greek ruins would top my list. That said, two years ago some friends and I had a week in Sorrento. We took a boat trip from Sorrento to Amalfi Town that included a stop off of Capri for some swimming. Now that was truly a great time!

On my trip to the Amalfi coast, I spent 1 night in Capri - and am very glad i did. I skipped the blue grotto, as the lines were long, and quite honestly, it really didn't fascinate me. What I did really enjoy was getting up early, and my Brother and I hiked up to Villa Jovis. It was a spectacular morning, and perfectly clear. We enjoyed an amazing view from the top, seeing clearly for miles with not a cloud in the sky. The day prior, we took the ski lift to the top of the other "mountain".

To each his/her own, but I am glad we went to Capri and suggest to friends to spend a night.

Glenn

I've been to Capri many times and don't care for it. First time was in the early 60's as a child... I actually like the Blue Grotto but it's a hassle to get there. Long line to buy tickets for boat out there, 30 min boat ride, then you have to climb into a small, very rocking row boat... after exiting the grotto, they wouldn't let us out of the rowboat until we tipped them (that was shocking to me), have to climb out of the rocking rowboat and back into the bigger boat, 30 min back to port. Takes a lot of time for 5 minutes in the grotto.

Been to Capri several times in the past 8 yrs (keep trying to like it!) and find it crowded, claustrophobic, Rodeo Dr insanely expensive stores, and steep climbing/walking. It's also expensive to get there. What we do like on Capri is renting a little private speed boat (from the Banana Boat business there) and spending the day driving ourselves all around the island, stopping wherever we want to swim and picnic.

Every place else we've been on the Amalfi Coast we love... as well as Sorrento (my favorite place in Italy), Pompeii, Herculaneum, Mt. Vesuvius, etc.

We visited Capri last September as a day trip from Sorrento. We had a private guide who spent the day with us and took care of all the logistics and because of this, we were able to see and do a tremendous amount. We enjoyed the day and our private guide and driver however Capri would not be on my list of places to return to. It was extremely crowded (but in fairness I was there in early September) and I just felt that Capri lacked the charm that I craved. That said, I'm glad I visited Capri because otherwise I would have wondered if I was missing something by not seeing it.

On the flipside, I didn't expect to love Sorrento as much as I did and wound up really falling in love with the town and wishing we had spent more time there. Have a wonderful trip!

Capri has been on my "to see" list for forty years but never makes it to the top. I love the Amalfi Coast (even more than Sorrento), Paestum, and Naples and return to these places as often as I can.

If you have the time to spend a couple nights in Capri... I find it fascinating. The entire ambiance of the island changes when the day-trippers leave. I got into a street futbol match a few years and had a great time.

After the last ferry departs, the locals come out in the evening and it's a wonderful place to be. But as mentioned, NOT SO MUCH in the day. We're not fans of the Blue Grotto experience, but there's plenty of other things to enjoy on Capri... if you've got the overnight opportunity. Otherwise, if you're just day-tripping, and for many that's the case due to time or budget constraints, then there are probably better options for you on the Amalfi coast.

Considering the places you've seen, I'd suggest you skip Capri. It's a nice boat ride, and a pretty island, but we were not overly impressed. I think you could better spend your day elsewhere. (Tim, did you by chance see the Blue Grotto off the island of Vis in Croatia? That was a great one.)

Every place in the world has some bit of merit if you look hard enough.

Capri barely squeaks in.

Capri and especially the Blue Grotto were highlights of our first trip to Italy. I have a short video from inside the Blue Grotto and I still enjoy replaying it. The Axel Munthe house and gardens were great as was the church of San Michele. Don't miss Capri!

Someone posted this a couple of years ago and I thought it was hilarious.... Dave Barry's take on the Blue Grotto.... (page 262-265)

http://books.google.com/books?id=8nx8v2FVZ24C&pg=PA263&lpg=PA263&dq=dave+barry+blue+grotto&source=bl&ots=lq-dpSI48d&sig=z76McWrsV85gfZm5_nCZliT90WU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=hhxHU7TCFuTYyAH3xIGYBQ&ved=0CCkQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=dave%20barry%20blue%20grotto&f=false

That was so hilarious Dawn... thank you!