Is Capri worth a visit

[BufordTJustice]

Off to Italy next week. Will be spending a few days around Amalfi coast. We were considering a day trip to Capri but the return ferry price (from Sorrento) for my family of 4 is approx E200. Considering Capri is rather expensive I imagine it could be an expensive day out. Is it worth it?

Weather was lovely when we were there in October half term. Def low to mid 20’s, felt higher at times (in Pompeii in middle of day!). Plenty of people around the outdoor pool at the hotel but not many in it as it was quite chilly (we went in twice though as well hard). All the coast was v cliff-y, didn’t see any easy beaches so didn’t try the sea at all. But it was generally gorgeous and sunny while we were there, no idea how typical that is.

I've been told by a few Italians that the nicest way to visit Capri is not to actual step foot on the island, but take a boat trip around it.

@TalipesmumThanks. That’s good to know. I know it can vary but as long as it’s dry, reasonably warm (T-shirt weather) and sunny, everything feels and looks better! Useful to know that it’s too chilly for pool. That will save me the bother (and ££) of looking for accommodation with a pool.

I went thirty years ago with 6 year old DD, and found it absolutely beautiful, one of the most stunning places I've ever been.

Blue grotto - interesting and pretty but missable.

What I liked was wandering round Anacapri and the Villa St Michele (might have spelt that wrong) the little square, the shops, and the VIEWS. This tiny high lump of rock soaring out of the sea, and the glorious view looking down of a sparkling deep blue ocean.

Had a good meal at a hotel (pizza, probably), bought some fancy kids' clothes at an expensive clothing shop (because I did daft things like that in those days) and vowed to come back with husband and higher budget. I never did, and regret it.

I liked it better than Pompeii, although as a history/Roman enthusiast that was the main point of the trip, and I'm glad to have seen it (twice) but it was dreadfully HOT and rather crowded. However, it must be seen. That sinister but oh-so-innocent volcano looming at the end of the cart-wide streets....

It's nice but you could get the service bus to Positano which is lovely. The bus follows the Amalfi coast road, it's very cheap, but a lovely journey. You could still get the ferry back if you all feel you want a boat trip.

It’s worth knowing that even in the main square, the wild prices are outside, but inside the cafes was a ton cheaper.

Very expensive, crowded, & ultimately boring

I went third week of October and it was 25/26 most days, which is pretty hot when walking around, especially in Pompeii where there's no shade. It was cool in the evenings. Hotel pool was still open.

Nothing to do there, apart from people watch and shop.

Now full of tourists

20 years a go a coffee and gin and tonic was £25

Best bit, boat ride to it from Sorrento

There’s plenty of sports, and people take out small boats.

i went there with my parents 35 years ago.we stayed in ischia for a week. The ferry trip to the capri was rough. Lots of people vomiting and children scared.

capri itself was nice. Not busy at all but that might be because visiting it decades ago.

No not really. The views were nice, the ride there was hair-raising for me with a fear of heights, other than those things & the pricey shops I can't really remember it.

We went to Capri for the day as part of a walking holiday so we weren't hanging around the town. I remember some kind of chair lift - like single chairs wobbling up a cable. Fun! The walk was fine but why bother going over there when there's lots of good walks on the mainland? Check out Pompeii - get the train.

Thank you everyone for lots of helpful feedback. We are going to give it a miss and instead focus on Pompeii and Positano (to include a ferry to Amalfi.

If you're going to Pompeii I'd highly recommend going as early as possible in the morning as it gets very hot and crowded and there's no shade. If you're limited as regards time I'd recommend booking a private guide to show you the important sights, it's a huge place.
My son and DIL did a trip to Positano in may as part of their visit to the Amalfi coast, they said it was absolutely heaving and the huge crowds detracted from it. I would go to Ravello instead. In my opinion Amalfi is only worth going to for the church, not much else there of interest, I far preferred Capri.

Liked Amalfi but we loved Ravello - particularly the Villa Cimbrone gardens. We caught the bus up from Amalfi although a taxi might be less terrifying.

You can get boats/ferries from Sorrento to Positano and further stops.

Hated Capri. So busy. Wouldn't go again.

Yes, we went 20 years ago with DH in our 20s and I remember the beautiful views from Monte Solaro so clearly. As for the chairlift -'it's one of the few things I've ever done, maybe the only thing I've done, where even though you are on your own you can't help but smile all the way through, and you see that it's had that effect on everyone else too which makes you smile even more. I'll remember that chair lift for the rest of my life - so unique!

I wasn't a huge fan of Capri Town. My abiding memory of that is a load of designer shops and rich-looking people sat drinking at cafes.

You could do a day Trip to Ischia and visit one of the thermal water parks

Thermal pools are not open to children although there is a child area at the Poseidon Thermal Gardens. Cost is 45€ per adult and under 12s are half price. Getting there on a ferry to make the most of a day could be tricky.