Visit Capri from Sorrento

Known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean", Capri is one of Italy's most enchanting islands. It has been an international jet set destination since the 1960s and celebrities keep coming back for the crystal clear sea, the elegant hotels and Via Camerelle, the street of luxury shops.

There is plenty to see and do in Sorrento and if you stay for more than a day, I recommend you complete your holiday with a mini cruise to Capri.

The most classic of boat trips from Sorrento. Capri is very close to the coast and getting there is very easy. The boat doesn't just reach the harbour, it follows the coastline so you can admire the charms of the island:

• Grotta Azzurra, Capri's most famous attraction. It is a natural sea cave and it is said that Emperor Tiberius used to swim here. Grotta Azzurra is quite wide (25 by 60 metres) but the access is much narrower. To enter you will have to lie on the bottom of a rowing boat. Unfortunately, you will not be able to swim but you will enjoy the contrast between the crystal clear water and the dark rocky ceiling.
• Punta Carena, where the island's lighthouse is located. It is the second largest in Italy and its silhouette is even more visible at sunset. Near the lighthouse is one of Capri's most beautiful panoramic restaurants, the Lido di Faro.
• Grotta Verde, the green cave or cave of the Turks. Pirates used to hide here to set traps for passing ships.
• Faraglioni, three rocky peaks rising from the sea. They are the undisputed symbol of the island and if you fancy seeing them while you try a good fish dish, I recommend you book a table at La canzone del mare (Via Marina Piccola 93).
• Villa Malaparte, the rationalist residence of Curzio Malaparte, writer, journalist and poet. It is situated on a rocky promontory jutting out into the Mediterranean. It is considered one of the masterpieces of modern architecture.
• Arco Naturale, a rock formation from the Palaeolithic age that has taken on the shape of an arch.
• Grotta Bianca, a cave near Punta della Chiavica. It extends for about 30 metres and is characterised by white rocks. During the 17th century, locals took refuge here to escape from pirates.

Once disembarked, you will have the opportunity to stroll around Capri, a place that has captivated millions of tourists all over the world.

For a break in a little green oasis, I recommend a stroll through the Gardens of Augustus and Via Krupp, terraced gardens overlooking the faraglioni.

• Duration: 8 hours
• Price: about 60 €.
• Recommended for those who want to see Capri's most popular attractions without spending too much.

A private experience, perfect for a romantic evening. Normally, the routes are done on a gozzo sorrentino, the typical boat of the city. Don't worry, it is a modern boat with a bathroom and a small dressing room.

The sailing follows the same itinerary as the previous one, although the Grotta Azzurra usually costs extra.

You'll have an experienced English-speaking skipper at your disposal and in the fridge you'll find water, drinks, prosecco and the famous limoncello. This is an exclusive experience and there are different price options available.

• Duration: about 8 hours
• Price: from 1300 €.
• Recommended for those who want to do something more sophisticated.

• Duration: about 8 hours
• Price: about 50 €.

The blue island is a typical summer destination but I don't recommend visiting in July and August. In these months, Capri's charm is clouded by the presence of a large number of tourists. June is a good option as well as September. However, the best time is spring, when nature leaves winter behind and the scent of orange blossom and jasmine perfumes the streets.

When there are fewer tourists, visiting the island is easier and it will be easier to find a place in the best restaurants. To enjoy the sea breeze, I recommend Il Riccio, a gourmet restaurant a stone's throw from the Blue Grotto (Via Gradola 4/11, Anacapri).

Yes, sailing does not stop in the colder months. However, sometimes rough seas interrupt connections between the islands and the mainland. It is best to check the weather forecast but don't worry, in case of cancellations you will get a full refund.

With a bit of luck you will be able to enjoy the sunshine even in winter. The Grotta Azzurra is still open and weather permitting there is nothing better than a bit of relaxation on the public beaches of Marina Grande or Palazzo a Mare. In the evening, I recommend eating at Aumm Aumm (Via Caprile 18).

Capri is a destination to fall in love with and I'm sure you 'll want to go home with a nice souvenir. Beyond magnets and postcards, there are other products worth buying as a gift for yourself or a loved one:

• Perfumes made with local essences. The most famous brand is Carthusia and its shop is just a stone's throw from the Certosa di San Giacomo, Capri's oldest monastery (Via Matteotti 2D).
• Ravioli capresi, delicious pasta filled with caciotta sorrentina (a rustic cheese typical of central and southern Italy), parmesan and marjoram. You can buy them at the centrally located Capri Pasta (Via Parroco 12).
• Handmadesandals. On the island, the reference shop is Da Costanzo. In the 1960s, Sofia Loren and Jacqueline Kennedy ordered custom-made shoes and today it is still a celebrity destination (Via Roma 49).
• Limoncello, the refreshing lemon liqueur. In Capri it is still made according to the traditional method. You can buy a bottle at the shop on Via Roma 79.
• Ceramics, a very typical souvenir that you can find in many shops. However, the best ones can be found at Sea Gull (Via Roma 25).

The excursions include free time to visit the island. To make the most of your time, it is important to know the means of transport on Capri:

• Buses. They connect Capri and Anacapri, a small town in the north of the island. The ticket costs about €2 and the journey takes about 20 minutes. They are tiny vehicles and can carry about 10 people. Don't worry, journeys are regular and the service runs smoothly. You can find the timetables on the official website of the transport company.
• Funicular. Connects the port with the town of Capri. Cabins depart every quarter of an hour and the ticket costs approximately €2. Important: if you are travelling with large luggage, you will need to buy an additional ticket.
• Chairlift, departing from Piazza Vittoria, in the centre of Anacapri, to the top of Monte Solaro. From the top there is a breathtaking panorama. The ticket costs approximately €12 (return trip).

Of course there are! You will find taxis in the harbour and in the central areas, but you can also hail them in the street, which is not very common in Italy. You'll recognise them by their unusual appearance, they are convertibles and can carry up to 6 passengers. A trip from the port to Capri usually costs around €20.