[ Cruise Reviews ]  [ Port Reviews ] [ Cruise Chat ]  [ Cruise Links ]  [ News ]

Naples, Italy
Shore Excursion and Port Review
Capri and Sorrento, Italy On Your Own
A Day Trip to Capri and Sorrento

Capri as Seen From the Marina

Tom Ogg

Capri is a small island located off the coast from Sorrento, Italy and is a tourist heaven. While most cruise lines will offer a shore excursion to Capri (usually in conjunction with Sorrento and Pompei) Capri and Sorrento are quite easy to do on your own. In fact, a great day can be had by combining the two.

The Hydrofoil to Capri (Note the Proximity to the Cruise Terminal)

The ferry wharf is located right next to the cruise terminal in Naples. Simply enter the cruise terminal, walk through the shopping area and out the front door. Cross the parking lot to the street and then turn left for about 100 yards.

The Hydrofoil Ticket Counter in Front of the Wharf

You will see people lined up buying tickets for the hydrofoil. It costs 12 euro per person for the hydrofoil to Capri and they leave frequently in the morning.

The Naples to Capri Hydrofoil Docked in Capri

Once you have boarded the hydrofoil, settle in for the 45 minute ride to Capri. You will arrive at a wharf where everyone departs the hydrofoil to start exploring Capri. As soon as you exit the wharf area you will find yourself in the center of the lower town.

Shopping in Capri

There are tons of shops, restaurants, bars and tourists. There is a queue of taxis waiting to take you on an island tour if that is what you want to do. If you are planning on taking the hydrofoil back to Naples in the afternoon, I would suggest that you purchase your return ticket the second you arrive on Capri, as there were several people that found the hydrofoil sold out in the afternoon.There is a funicular that takes you up the hill to the upper town, a pedestrian village  turned tourist attraction. You purchase tickets for the funicular at the very front of the ferry terminal. You can easily spend an hour or two exploring its quaint alleyways, boutiques, shops and other attractions.

The Beach on Capri

There is a small beach to enjoy if you are looking for some sunshine and a venture into the ocean. Be warned, however that there is no sand, just small rocks so be sure to bring something soft to layout on. While Capri is wonderful to visit. One can see just about everything is a few hours and are usually ready to move on to Sorrento before lunch. This is a wise choice. The best way to arrange for your hydrofoil over to Sorrento is to purchase your ticket when you obtain your funicular ticket. You will see the appropriate line to get into. The hydrofoils to Sorrento leave about every half hour, so simply book yourself on one that will leave you enough time to explore Capri to your satisfaction.

Just One of the Many Cafes on Capri

There are lots of cafes to enjoy if you end up with extra time on your hands. Right by the wharf is one that is right on the ocean. There are also many along the main street of Capri.

The Sorrento Hydrofoil Docked in Sorrento

The ride to Sorrento only take about 20 minutes and the view of Sorrento upon arrival is stunning. The town itself resides on top of a cliff that soars from the ocean.

The View of Sorrento From the Hydrofoil

One can enter the city by climbing the stairs near the wharf, but I prefer to head down to the various beach clubs to enjoy the sunshine and relaxation they offer.

Sorrento's Beach Clubs

The beach clubs are built on piers and breakwaters as there is no beach to speak of. While there is a "free" public beach, it is always crowded with locals. A better choice is to patronize one of the beach clubs. These clubs offer restaurants, bar service, sun lounge chairs and an abundant amount of other services. Waiters will bring you refreshments and food right to your lounge chair if your would like. Also, the snorkeling is exceptional in this area, but bring your own snorkel.

The Cliffs Above the Beach Clubs
(Note the Water Clarity)

The view of the cliffs and town high above you is awesome. This is the reason for the piers and breakwaters penetrating the ocean as far as they do. The morning sun does not hit the beach area until around noon. Only by heading out into the ocean can one find sunshine in the morning. Once you have had enough sunshine, it is time to head up into the city of Sorrento itself. Note that there is a lift that you can purchase tickets for that will carry you from the beach clubs into the city. Look for the cave that leads to the lift and purchase your tickets before you enter the cave.

The Trail From the Beach Into Sorrento

Another way to get up into the city is to simply take the trail that leads from the beach and makes its way up the cliff. It is not a difficult walk and only takes about 15 minutes. If you have trouble with stairs and walking uphill, then by all means, take the lift. The trail affords some beautiful views of the coastline.

Sorrento's Quaint Shopping Streets

Once in Sorrento itself, you are treated to wonderful shopping opportunities, quaint shops and boutiques and excellent restaurants. Prices are much better in Sorrento than they are in Capri. The streets meander here and there and one is treated to many wonderful sights.

Downtown Sorrento

Be sure to explore the alleyways leading from the main street in Sorrento. They contain some great shops for unique products. Sorrento has its own lemon liquor that is wonderful served on ice.

Pizzeria Aurora, Downtown Sorrento

We were fortunate to stumble into an excellent restaurant for a late lunch just by chance. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic lunch experience. They offer pizza, pasta and salads in the pizzeria and also offer an extensive wine list. We had a bottle of chardonnay recommended by our waiter and it was downright fabulous. Another two couples from our group happened to wander into the same restaurant and also had an exceptional dining experience.

Sorrento Restaurant

The restaurant is not open during the day, but for dinner only. Besides tremendous cuisine, the restaurant offers a wine list of over 1,500 labels. During November, one of the magnums is opened and shared every Saturday night with all of the guests. I would make a trip to Sorrento just to dine at this restaurant if our lunch experience was anything of a forerunner to the evening dinning experience. Great food, great service, reasonable prices and a great wine list make this a "don't miss" dining experience when in Sorrento.

To help in your planning, here is the hydrofoil schedule as of September, 2005

Naples to Capri and Return (12 euro each way, 30 minutes)

Sorrento to Capri and Return (10.50 euro each way, 30 minutes)

Naples to Sorrento and Return (8.50 euro each way, 30 minutes)

The funicular on Capri operates every 15 minutes and you must purchase your tickets (1.60 euro) in advance of boarding. As mentioned above, if you are traveling round trip from Naples to Capri, be sure to purchase your return ticket upon arrival on Capri as the later hydrofoils tend to sell out.

DO NOT COUNT ON THIS SCHEDULE, IT IS FOR PLANNING ONLY

Ask a Question About a European Port