Capri & Blue Grotto Day Trip from Sorrento by Fast Ferry

4.96

(161 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I felt a weird mix of nerves and excitement at Sorrento’s port—maybe it was the early morning air or just not knowing what Capri would actually feel like. Our guide, Francesca, waved us over with this big smile that made it all less intimidating. The ferry ride was fast but not rushed; I remember the salty spray on my face and some kid giggling every time the boat bounced. When Capri’s cliffs showed up out of nowhere, someone behind me whispered “Mamma mia,” which made a few of us laugh. It was cheesy but honestly kind of perfect.

The Blue Grotto was the part I’d heard about but didn’t really believe until I was there—lying flat in a tiny boat, ducking my head as we slid through that low opening. Inside, it was quiet except for our rower humming softly in Italian (I tried to hum along but gave up). That blue glow is real—like swimming pool water lit from below—but somehow softer. I still think about that color. If you’re looking for a classic “day trip machu picchu cusco” moment where you just stop thinking and stare, this is it. Getting back out into the sun felt almost too bright.

Anacapri surprised me—I expected crowds but found these sleepy little lanes with lemon trees and old men playing cards outside cafés. Francesca pointed out her favorite bakery (I bought a pastry called “torta caprese”—so good I almost went back for another). The chairlift up Monte Solaro is slow enough that you can hear birds and smell pine needles. At the top, everything feels far away: sea on all sides, boats like dots below. I took way too many photos and none of them really got it right.

We ended up in Capri town at La Piazzetta where everyone seemed to be either people-watching or being watched—I couldn’t tell which was better. There’s this mix of perfume from fancy shops and espresso from tiny bars; locals chatting with hands flying everywhere (I tried copying their gestures but probably looked ridiculous). By the time we caught the ferry back to Sorrento, my feet hurt and my head was full—in a good way.