Last Updated on August 12, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
There is something almost surreal about arriving in Capri by boat. The Faraglioni rising out of the water as you approach, the pastel buildings stacked impossibly up the cliffside, the whole island looking exactly like a painting you’ve seen a thousand times but somehow more beautiful in person.
I first visited Capri on a family trip to Italy in 2019, on a day trip booked somewhat last-minute from our base in Sorrento. We didn’t have a full itinerary, just a boat, a willingness to wander, and the sense that a day here would be enough. It wasn’t, of course. It never is. But it was a very good day.
You might be wondering if a single day on Capri is even worth it. The quick answer: yes, a day trip to Capri is absolutely worth it — even without staying overnight. From Sorrento or Positano, you catch a boat (or ferry) to Marina Grande or Marina Piccola, head up into town, spend a few hours wandering, and swing by the Blue Grotto on the way back (if part of your boat tour). One day is not enough to see everything, but it is enough to fall in love with it.
Set Sail
There seem to be many options for where to leave on a boat from the mainland to the island of Capri. Our boat left out of Massa Lubrense, a quaint coastal town located just a few kilometers from Sorrento. After boarding your boat, you set sail towards the island of Capri, with the Sorrentine Peninsula fading behind you.
The beauty of the open water, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast behind you, and Capri in front of you, is absolutely magical. Depending on the boat tour you hire for your trip, they might be able to make a stop to float on the water, have a sandwich and a beer on board, and even let you take a swim in the beautiful blue water!
If you’re not staying somewhere with a concierge, Capri boat tours on Viator are a reliable way to book in advance — both private and small-group options are available departing from Positano, Sorrento, and Massa Lubrense. For a day trip, pack light and pack smart. A bag of your boat and beach essentials plus a beach towel is all you really need.
Arriving in Capri
As you approach the island, you’re greeted by the sight of the famous Faraglioni rock formations rising dramatically from the water. Bring a real camera if you have one; you’ll want to capture this in high-res!
Disembarking in Marina Grande, you’re immediately immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of Capri. Narrow cobblestone streets wind their way through charming piazzas full of fragrant citrus trees, while chic boutiques and inviting cafes make you want to explore even further.
From the Marina Grande, it’s all uphill. There are 3 ways to get up to the main Piazzetta at the top of the mountain: the funicular, bus or taxi, or walking up the winding roads. In the heat of summer, I do not recommend the latter. We ended up hiring a taxi to take us up to the top and back down later in the day, but if you’re up for a unique experience, the funicular takes you over lemon groves, dropping you directly in the Piazzetta. In peak season, it can take a little while to get a taxi, so taking the funicular is typically your fastest option.
Exploring Capri
Once at the top, take your time exploring the streets of Capri…the shops, the delicious places to get gelato, a café to get a refreshing drink. Capri is a luxury destination, so make sure to check out some of hotels, too, to plot a future trip…you’re sure to want to come back!
You’ll notice that all over Italy, including Capri, you’ll find cats sunbathing, sitting on steps or in doorways, wandering around the streets. For us, it really added to the charm of this beautiful island!
See The Blue Grotto
Once you load back onto the boat, and if they haven’t taken you there already, make sure they take you to see the Blue Grotto. No visit to Capri would be complete without experiencing the legendary Blue Grotto! Unfortunately, the weather turned in late afternoon, and we were met with some wind, rain, and rough seas on our way back. Considering it’s extremely tight getting in and out of the Blue Grotto, it was too rough and unsafe for us to go in.
We were disappointed, but we will absolutely aim to see it on a future trip, as we’ll definitely be back to Capri!
If you want to make sure the Blue Grotto is on your itinerary, booking a dedicated Blue Grotto tour on Viator gives you a structured experience with a guide who knows the tides and timing.
Capri is entirely doable as a day trip, but it’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back with more time and a reservation at La Fontelina. If you’re based in Positano or Sorrento, a day on the water is one of the best things you can do on the Amalfi Coast. For a broader look at the coast, my Amalfi Coast hotel guide and Italy travel hub are good places to start planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Without question. I first visited Capri on a last-minute boat trip from Sorrento in 2019, and it’s still one of my favorite days from that entire trip. You won’t see everything in a day, but you’ll leave wanting to come back, which might be the whole point.
Boats leave regularly from Massa Lubrense (a short drive from Sorrento), from Sorrento itself, and from Positano. If you’re not staying somewhere with a concierge to arrange it for you, Capri boat tours on Viator are the easiest way to book ahead. Both private and small-group options run from all three departure points.
Yes, if you can! Especially in peak season (June through August), when the good boats sell out fast. None of them are what I’d call cheap, so I’d rather you spend a little time comparing options than get stuck scrambling.
Technically, yes — realistically, no. You can absolutely do Capri in a day: the boat, the funicular up to the Piazzetta, a wander through town, the Blue Grotto if the water cooperates. But it’s the kind of place that makes you want to book a stay on a return trip.
Usually, yes! Though it’s weather-dependent, since the entrance is tight and rough seas can make it too unsafe to enter. Fair warning from experience: I had a day trip where the weather turned in the afternoon, and we couldn’t get in.