We're on a cruise in June with a 15-hour stop in Sorrento, and a 7-hour stop in Amalfi/Positano. We would prefer to take the hydrofoil to Capri from Sorrento on our own, but wonder if it requires reservations for that time of year. The ship offers a shore excursion to Capri, but we would much rather have the freedom to do it our own. Also the excursion doesn't offer a visit to the Blue Grotto, and we would like to be able to do that if we choose. Is the grotto worth it, or is it too touristy? We then thought we would do the Amalfi drive at the shorter stop in Amalfi by the public bus, and then visit a hotel or too. Is that possible?
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA
206 posts
When we stayed in Sorrento, we just walked down to the pier, bought a ticket and got on the next boat to Capri. They really pack them on too. Capri is small, you can do it on your own, if you want. We did the touristy Blue Grotto trip and we had a blast. It was fun getting out of one boat and into another (no dock) and then that boat going over to a third boat so you can pay. The grotto was okay too. Re Amalfi/Positano, buses go back and forth all the time, just find out how often before setting off can deternune how much time you have to visit and get back in time.
Posted by
Boise, ID, United States
158 posts
I don't think you will need reservations to go to Capri. The ferries run pretty often. The Blue Grotto was my favorite thing I saw on the Amalfi Coast and you should absolutely go. During the day it is touristy and there are lines for a tiny boats to take you in and out of the cave for $15-20. Instead, be a little adventurous, wait til 5 when the tide comes up and the boats can no longer fit through the cave opening, and swim in. It makes the experience much more enjoyable.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Be aware if you ferry over to Capri solo that you ck the return schedules. The ferry usually ends in early evening due to cruise traffic in the area.
Posted by
Chicago, Il, USA
126 posts
Reservations are not necessary as there are many ferries to Capri through out the day. Note the return times as they cut off early evening. The Blue Grotto is worth the money as it is an experience. Touristy?... the island of Capri is very touristic, but worth seeing in my opinion. Afternoon times are better to see the Grotto. I've done the Amalfi coast via public bus & also rented a scooter & drove the coast. There is no comparison between the two... rent a scooter in Sorrento drive the coast, stop at a stand along the coastal road have a lemon ice & take in the view. STUNNING! Drive to Ravello have dinner above the clouds over-looking the sea. A PERFECT EVENING!
Posted by
Smithtown, NY, USA
106 posts
I have heard mixed things about Capri, some say it is a "must see" and others say it is mainly shops and tourists, etc. It looks like more than shops to me and I was hoping some others on this board can give me their opinions on whether to devote a day to a trip to Capri while in Sorrento.
Thanks!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Terry: If you have a free day, why not? If it costs you the day you would have for Pompei or to explore the Amalfi coast, then you can skip Capri.
Posted by
Tucson, AZ, USA
134 posts
The part of Capri that is touristy is where the boats dock. Take the funicular up to town. It is very pleasant and you can walk to the other side of the island with beautiful views of the coast and an interesting Monastery on the way. We thought the Blue Grotto was worth seeing, but there was a wait to transfer to the small boat that takes you in as there were several large boats full of people waiting in line.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2026 posts
We were in Sorrento for a few days in late September, and the morning we walked down to the pier to check out the boats to the various destinations...Positano, Capri, etc. I was shocked to see mobs of people and SOLD OUT postings on many departures. I can only guess what June would be like. Buying the tickets was confusing (several companies/prices/itineraries) and getting on the boat was an adventure by itself -- we formed ad hoc study groups with other people in line to figure out which line went with which boat to where. I've done many ship excursions and think the few extra dollars is often worth it.In this case I would certainly believe that to be true if the boat to Capri is your goal. And I heard from others the 2 days were were there (and the weather was lovely) that no boats got into the grotto because the conditions were unfavorable. Or Pompeii....my single favorite thing in all Italy. Have fun whatever you do.
Posted by
Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
290 posts
Like Devra said, walk down to the pier and buy a ticket. Keep in mind that if the seas are too rough the Blue Grotto is out. If you have time and are a bit adventurous, take Joey's advice and rent scooters in Sorrento to see the Amalfi coast. Fabulous! Just watch out for tour buses the size of small cruise ships that tend to take up the whole road.
(BTW, Melissa, the tide does not always come in at 5 PM. It varies from day to day depending on the phase of the moon)
Posted by
Positano,Italy, Salerno, Italy
8 posts
Hi Gay
With your 15 hour stop in Sorrento you can certainly see a good deal of Capri. Take the 8:35 ferry (€ 28. round trip pp) and return at your leisure 18:35 last to Sorrento). The island is beautiful once away from the tourist areas. I took Positano Adventure Walks that do private tours of the island and saw areas that a tourist never sees. They are English speaking and exceptionally knowledgeable. They will meet you at Sorrento pier off your tender. They run €65. pp for the excursion exclusive of transport & lunch. (Great restaurant, reasonable, which for Capri is a miracle!)
Ditto for Amalfi/Positano. The took us after they showed us Amalfi by ferry to Positano and it was great fun. Ferry back to Amalfi. The buses get crowded and RE often late. (ferry Amalfi-Pos-Amalfi €16. round trip.
Posted by
Positano,Italy, Salerno, Italy
8 posts
Hi Gay
With your 15 hour stop in Sorrento you can certainly see a good deal of Capri. Take the 8:35 ferry (€ 28. round trip pp) and return at your leisure 18:35 last to Sorrento). The island is beautiful once away from the tourist areas. I took Positano Adventure Walks that do private tours of the island and saw areas that a tourist never sees. They are English speaking and exceptionally knowledgeable. They will meet you at Sorrento pier off your tender. They run €65. pp for the excursion exclusive of transport & lunch. (Great restaurant, reasonable, which for Capri is a miracle!)
Ditto for Amalfi/Positano. The took us after they showed us Amalfi by ferry to Positano and it was great fun. Ferry back to Amalfi. The buses get crowded and RE often late. (ferry Amalfi-Pos-Amalfi €16. round trip.
Posted by
Chicago, Il, USA
126 posts
Rent a scooter in Capri as it will allow you to drive the island & see the beaches & coves!
Posted by
Brier, WA, USA
34 posts
We were in Sorrento in September and absolutely loved Capri and Positano. We rented a boat and "Antonio" took us around the whole island. It took about 4 hours and cost 100 euros. It was one of the highlights of our trip. But, be aware that because of tides, the Blue Grotto is not always open. It was a high tide when we were there and it was closed.