Capri

Most people visit the isle of Capri as day-trippers from Sorrento or Naples, though small ships sometimes call here as a Cruise Port. It is usually a tender port.

The island has three towns. Local open tenders bring cruise passengers into Marina Grande, a lively little port also used by hydrofoils and ferries from Sorrento and Naples. From there, Capri town and Anacapri are uphill, reached by taxi, funicular or bus.

Capri is renowned for the beautiful Blue Grotto, included on most excursions alongside the villas built by Emperor Tiberius. You can explore the small town squares or take a motor launch to view the coastline.

The Blue Grotto is one of several sea caves around the world flooded with brilliant blue or emerald light. Each cave's particular lighting conditions determine the quality and character of its colour.

In Capri, the tourist office is at Piazza Umberto I; in Marina Grande it is at Banchina del Porto; and in Anacapri it is at Via G. Orlandi, 59.

For island views from the highest point, head to Anacapri and Mount Solaro (1,933 ft.). You can walk if you are very fit, or use the chair lift from its lower station at Piazza della Vittoria in Anacapri; the journey takes about 12 minutes.

The city bus from Marina Grande to Piazza della Vittoria in Anacapri costs 1.80 Euro and is a spectacular journey in its own right, with fine views and very narrow roads. Sit or stand on the right side of the vehicle for the best outlook.

At the top, buy the 10 euro return chair lift ticket and take in the magnificent views. There is also free Wifi at the summit and a genuinely relaxed atmosphere.

Back in Anacapri, take the bus to Capri town for a stroll through its streets, then return to Marina Grande (The Port) on the Funicolare (1.80 euros).

Summer crowds on Capri Island can be exceptionally heavy. To avoid the longest lines, aim to make this trip before 9.30 am or after 2.30 pm.

At the pier you will find attractive open Capri taxis, although they are not cheap. Buses are available too; tickets and further information are at the Ticket Office, to the right as you leave the pier area. The Ticket Office also sells funicular passes, while the funicular itself, to the left of the pier area, is an easy and enjoyable route up to Capri town. The steep journey lasts about five minutes, although queuing for tickets may take longer. It leaves you at the top, just around the corner from Piazza Umberto I, the main square of Capri town. Alternatively, tour operators offer island tours from booths near the pier and in…

The funicular costs 1,80 Euros. A daily bus ticket, including a two-way funicular trip, costs 8,40 Euro.

Touring Capri by boat is one of the best ways to see the island, and Marina Grande offers a wide choice of options.

Capri is associated with “capri” slacks—Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had hers made here—as well as handmade leather sandals and Limoncello, the pleasant lemon-flavoured liqueur made from Capri's lemons.

Totani e Patate (with potatoes) features cuttlefish, which has a much stronger flavour than calamari and is an important part of Capri cooking. It is caught at night in the waters around the island.

The island is accustomed to serving well-filled wallets, and prices reflect that.

The currency is the euro.

Italian is the local language.

Many pavement cafés offer Wifi, but drinks are very expensive here, which can make your cruise line offerings seem like a bargain.

Mount Solaro offers free Wifi ().

For emergencies, call 112.

Most Italian shops and businesses open Monday to Saturday from around 8am to 1pm, then from about 4pm to 7pm. Many close on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings; in the south, the working day can start and finish an hour later. Some northern businesses keep 9am-5pm hours to support international dealings. Traditionally, everything other than bars and restaurants shuts on Sunday, although most towns have a pasticceria open in the mornings, and Sunday opening is increasingly common in large cities and tourist areas.