Traveling to Campania: Essential Tips and Where to Stay in Sorrento
Early Start & A Scenic Walk to the Harbor
On the morning of our third day, we woke up early to make the most of the hotel’s earliest breakfast service. After a hearty meal, we set off toward Sorrento’s harbor. Instead of taking the nearby bus, we opted for a leisurely 25-minute walk to soak in the morning atmosphere.
Tip: If you’re driving to the harbor, it’s best to arrive early, as nearby parking spaces fill up quickly.
The day before, we had considered purchasing our ferry tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line and to head straight to the boarding area. However, we were surprised to learn that booking in advance came with an extra €8 fee. The ticket agent advised us to arrive about 30 minutes before departure, assuring us that tickets would still be available. And indeed, when we reached the terminal around 9 AM, the queue was minimal and moved quickly.
Ferry company we used: Caremar
We chose to travel with Caremar, as they offered the best prices – €35 per person for a round-trip ticket to Capri. It’s a good idea to buy your return tickets in the morning, since ferries back from Capri, especially the last ones, tend to sell out quickly. With Caremar, the final ferry back to Sorrento departs at 18:45.
Tip: Online tickets are often more expensive and non-refundable if the weather conditions prevent sailing. Many travelers suggest buying tickets on-site for flexibility.
Our ferry departed punctually at 9:25 AM, and after a smooth 30-minute ride, we arrived at Marina Grande, Capri’s main port, just before 10 AM.
Capri is accessible only by boat and is located in the Bay of Naples, right next to the Sorrentine Peninsula. It’s well-connected to the mainland year-round, making it a perfect day-trip destination from Sorrento.
Exploring Capri – Discovering the Island at Our Own Pace
Upon arrival at Marina Grande, we were immediately approached by several tour operators offering boat trips around the island. However, we decided to explore Capri at our own pace rather than joining an organized tour.
From the port, there are several ways to get around:
We opted for the local buses, which depart from Marina Grande.
Tip: If you’re unsure where to go in the crowded port, avoid arriving right when a ferry docks. The sudden influx of people can make the area overwhelming and chaotic. Don’t stand in any queue without first checking what it’s for—it’s easy to waste time in the wrong line.
We purchased a day pass at the bus ticket counter, which is located to the right of the funicular station. If you plan to take four or more trips, this pass is the best value.
Tip: Each bus stop has separate lines for different routes, making it nearly impossible to board the wrong bus.
Taxi option: If you’re in a group, taxis can be a great alternative. The fare is €20 per ride.
Anacapri – The Island’s Tranquil Retreat
Our first stop was Anacapri, a charming town on the western side of the island. Unlike the bustling streets of Capri Town, Anacapri offers a peaceful, village-like atmosphere, with whitewashed houses and quiet alleys. It’s also more affordable in terms of accommodation and dining. Thanks to its relaxed vibe, it’s highly recommended for families with young children.
Tip: If you choose to walk from the port to Anacapri, consider taking the Phoenician Steps up instead of down. The steps are quite steep, and it’s actually easier to climb up than descend.
Monte Solaro – The Highest Point of Capri
We got off the bus at Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri, where the path splits in two directions – to the right, the chairlift to Monte Solaro departs, while to the left, a charming, shop-lined street leads to Villa San Michele, the former home of Axel Munthe. Like most visitors, we opted for the chairlift to reach the summit of Monte Solaro, the highest point on Capri. The peaceful 12-minute ride carried us above vineyards and juniper groves, with birdsong and buzzing cicadas filling the air.
Ticket prices:
Tip: Safe for families: We used a baby carrier for our little one, making the ride comfortable and secure. We left our stroller and bags at the luggage storage next to the ticket office.
Alternative: If you prefer to hike, there’s a trail from Piazza della Pace that takes about an hour to reach the summit.
Reaching the summit of Monte Solaro rewarded us with one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Capri. We could see the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and even the distant mountains of Calabria on a clear day.
One of the highlights was the statue of Emperor Augustus, pointing towards the sea—a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.
After capturing stunning photos from the viewing terrace, we took a break at „La Canzone del Cielo”, a cozy cliffside café. Enjoying refreshing drinks, sandwiches, and gelato, we soaked in the breathtaking scenery before continuing our island adventure.
After our chairlift ride down from Monte Solaro, our daughter fell asleep comfortably in her baby carrier. Instead of transferring her to the stroller, we grabbed our bags and stroller and decided to take advantage of her peaceful nap by heading to the beach.
Liny slept soundly in the carrier while we took two buses to reach our next destination—Marina Piccola, a stunning beach on the southern coast of Capri. It’s a fantastic spot for a refreshing swim in the sea or simply soaking up the sun on the soft sand and pebbled shore.
Reaching Marina Piccola from Anacapri requires a transfer. First, we took a bus to Piazza Umberto I (Piazzetta), Capri Town’s bustling center. The bus station is conveniently located along Via Roma, just off the Piazzetta. The same stop where we got off was where we needed to transfer to the Marina Piccola bus, making the transition quick and effortless. Within five minutes, our second bus arrived, taking us down to the beach.
Marina Piccola is one of the most popular beach spots on the island, offering breathtakingviews of the Faraglioni rock formations rising dramatically from the sea. These iconic limestone stacks are a symbol of Capri and create a stunning natural backdrop for beachgoers.
This bay is also one of the most sheltered spots on the island—the waters remain calm and warm even on windy days. It’s a favorite among locals, who come here to sunbathe or enjoy a seaside meal at one of the beachfront restaurants.
Ideal for families: The calm waters and stunning scenery make it a great choice for families with young children.
How to Get to Marina Piccola
Our bus dropped us off near the Sant’Andrea Church, the closest stop to the beach. From here, a stairway along Via Mulo led us down to the shore.
Baby stroller alert: Since there were many stairs, we had to leave our stroller behind. Fortunately, a public restroom and changing area were located next to the bus stop, where a helpful attendant allowed us to store our stroller safely while we enjoyed the beach.
Tip for parents: A baby carrier is much more practical than a stroller for getting to Marina Piccola.
At the bottom of the stairs, we arrived at the Scoglio delle Sirene (Siren’s Rock), the heart of Marina Piccola Bay. This area is home to the free public beach (Spiaggia di Marina Piccola), a fantastic spot for families looking to relax by the sea.
The shore is covered in smooth pebbles, so bringing water shoes is a good idea for extra comfort.
The crystal-clear turquoise waters and the incredible scenery instantly captivated us. Liny absolutely loved the sea and sunshine, making it one of the most memorable moments of our trip.
Where to eat: If you plan to stay longer, consider dining at one of the beachfront restaurants, such as Le Sirene or Ristorante Ciro a Mare, which serve delicious seafood dishes and refreshing drinks.
After the Beach – Returning to Capri Town
After a relaxing beach experience and soaking in the spectacular coastal views, we made our way back to the Piazzetta. Marina Piccola proved to be the perfect spot for a peaceful seaside escape. The calm atmosphere, stunning landscape, and clear waters made our visit unforgettable.
Even if you only have a short time on Capri, Marina Piccola is worth a visit.
Important note: During peak summer months, Capri’s local buses can get crowded. If a bus is full, stay flexible with your schedule and be prepared to wait for the next one.
As we stepped into Piazzetta, a charming yet vibrant little square unfolded before us. Officially named Piazza Umberto I, this is the beating heart of Capri, where all roads seem to converge. Whether you’re arriving from the port, Anacapri, or any other corner of the island, sooner or later, you’ll find yourself here.
During the day, the Piazzetta is buzzing with tourists, making it nearly impossible to miss. But beyond being a meeting point, it’s also a place to soak in the essence of Capri.
The Piazzetta is lined with lively cafés and bars, where woven chairs and cheerful umbrellas invite visitors to take a seat and enjoy the moment. The funicular, which shuttles people between Marina Grande and the Piazzetta, emerges right into the square, constantly spilling out groups of eager travelers and locals.
Whether it’s an espresso or a chilled spritz, the Piazzetta is an ideal spot to sit back, people-watch, and soak in the island’s unique rhythm.
Santo Stefano Church and the Iconic Campanile
Standing at the edge of the square is Santo Stefano, Capri’s largest church. Next to it rises the Campanile, the town’s iconic clock tower, which chimes every fifteen minutes, adding a magical soundtrack to the lively scene. Its majolica-tiled decorations and timeless presence make it one of Capri’s most beloved landmarks.
A Touch of Modern Art in a Historic Setting
Beneath the shadow of the Campanile, the Piazzetta often hosts temporary contemporary art installations, reflecting Capri’s ongoing cultural significance.
During our visit, we saw a monumental sculpture titled „Walking in Beauty”, portraying an exotic female figure. The artwork served as an invitation to embrace harmony with nature and fully immerse ourselves in the island’s enchanting landscapes.
From the Piazzetta, it’s just a 15-minute walk to one of Capri’s most breathtaking attractions—the Giardini di Augusto (Gardens of Augustus).
A quick lunch stop: Before heading to the gardens, we grabbed a bite at a small pizzeria, indulging in delicious pizza and pasta before recharging with a refreshing coffee.
The garden’s entry ticket is only €2.5, and children under 12 enter for free.
Travel tip: Buy your tickets online to skip the lines, especially in peak season.
https://www.capriculturaeturismo.it/en
The Gardens of Augustus are terraced botanical gardens, home to vibrant Mediterranean plants and blooming flowers. At the center stands the Aphrodite Fountain, surrounded by majolica-tiled benches, offering the perfect spot for a quick break and scenic photos.
The garden’s panoramic terrace, perched 91 meters above the sea, provides an unforgettable 180-degree view of the Faraglioni rocks and the shimmering blue waters below.
If you’re short on time, this is one of the top places to visit in Capri—the views alone are worth the trip!
From the gardens, you can spot Via Krupp, a legendary zigzagging pathway that winds its way down to Marina Piccola. Although we didn’t walk it, even the view from above was spectacular.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t linger as long as we wanted in the gardens, as we needed to catch our 6:45 PM ferry from Marina Grande.
A short bus ride from the Piazzetta took us down to the harbor, giving us just enough time to wander through the small souvenir shops before boarding. By 7:15 PM, we arrived back in Sorrento, strolling leisurely through its lively evening streets, admiring the bustling market stalls and charming ambiance.
As we settled onto our terrace for the night, reminiscing about the day’s adventures, our little one drifted into deep sleep, while we excitedly planned the next day’s journey.
Final Thoughts – Capri’s Unforgettable Charm
Even with just one day on Capri, the island completely enchanted us. While we didn’t get to see everything, we gathered priceless memories that will stay with us forever. Smart planning and flexibility were essential, especially with a toddler.
The Piazzetta’s energy, the breathtaking views from the Gardens of Augustus, and the charming streets of Capri made for a perfectly magical day.
We’ll definitely be back to uncover even more hidden treasures on this extraordinary island!
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