When deciding to visit Capri, I knew immediately that I wanted to explore it by sea. I also knew that I didn’t want to be one of many people in a “boat tour” so I began exploring my options. I soon realized that renting a private gozzo (traditional wooden island boat) with my own captain for the day was within my budget and I didn’t hesitate to book it. I always believe when traveling that it’s worth splurging (within your means of course) if it allows you to experience things from that country you would never experience back home. It’s those moments that truly create memories for a lifetime.
I initially contacted my captain 11 months in advance (yes, I’m aware I’m a psycho planner) but it worked out since his prices ended up increasing quite a bit by the time my trip arrived and he was willing to honor our initial agreement which was amazing! If you’re not a lunatic planner like me and instead decide to take a spur-of-the-moment trip to Capri, you can easily find captains walking along the water offering you deals to hire them for the day.
LOOK FOR THESE BOAT TOUR HIGHLIGHTS WHEN BOOKING
- Snorkeling gear, water noodles, and fun floating devices
- A cooler with ice cold water
- The ability to bring a bottle of wine (if not already provided) and nibbles such as strawberries, Italian bread, olives, etc.
- Bluetooth speakers to set the mood (my captain and I opted for a mix of traditional Italian music and Ed Sheeran)
- Punta Carena Lighthouse
- Scugnizzo” statue (a bronze statue of a young boy giving a welcoming wave to people coasting the sea)
- Visit a grotto (Green, White, Coral, Champagne)
- Faraglioni (the famous oceanic rock formation you’ve probably seen everywhere, also pictured above)
things to see and do
on the island of capri
Stroll Piazza Umberto I
Visit Monte Solaro
A mountain on the island of Capri, its peak is the highest point of Capri which means it offers incredible views. If you’re lucky to be visiting on a clear day, the best views can be experienced by riding the Monte Solaro Chair Lift.
Tickets are sold separately which means you have the option to purchase a one-way ticket to the top then hike down afterward or purchase a “return ticket” and ride the chairlift back down the mountain which is what I did.
The chair lift was built in 1952 and although it was completely overhauled in 1998, it still resembles a chair lift built in 1952. Essentially it’s a wooden chair secured to a metal pole with a thin metal safety rod placed in front of you at waist level. Do keep in mind that the safety rod can be swung upwards and doesn’t actually lock into place, however, it does a decent job of keeping your bag safely in your lap.
If you’re afraid of heights, the chairlift is a 12-minute ride 1,932 feet above sea level and moves quite slowly. I personally witnessed a woman panicking on the way up and verbally willing the chair lift to end. Once she arrived at the top her friends were able to calm her, but do keep in mind that you have the option to hike down should you experience any sense of fear on the way up.
Try Torta Caprese
Torta Caprese is a traditional flour-less chocolate, and almond cake originating from Capri. When I asked my boat, captain Antonello where I could find the best slice on the island, he immediately recommended Buonocore Gelateria and went on to rave about their homemade ice cream and fresh cones.
When I arrived, there was a line formed which further confirmed I had chosen the right spot. I ordered a slice of torta caprese to-go and I also grabbed a cone with 2 scoops of gelato to eat while walking along the water. Since this was my first slice, I don’t have much to compare it to but overall it was enjoyable, and hey, when in Capri.
getting there
options of getting to Capri
During this trip, I based myself in Sorrento since I was visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the Volcano Vesuvius. For that reason, purchasing a round-trip ferry ticket (Sorrento to Capri) from the ferry terminal in Sorrento, was the easiest and most affordable option. This also allowed me the opportunity to spend a couple of hours touring Capri by boat (once I arrived on the island) in a private gozzo with captain, but then afterward, I also had a few hours to explore the island of Capri before catching the ferry back to Sorrento later in the day.
Since I prefer my free time exploring, not be “timed” as part of a package, I booked everything separately and it also worked out cheaper this way. If you prefer to have things planned for you, I’ve included some options below from group boat tours to private tours, full-day excursions, and more!