Getting There
Just as all roads lead to Rome, ferries leave for Capri from almost every harbor in Campania. Caremar (tel. 081-0171998 from abroad or tel. 892123 from anywhere in Italy; www.caremar.it) runs ferries to Capri from Naples and from Sorrento. Navigazione Libera del Golfo (tel. 081-5520763; www.navlib.it) runs to Capri from Naples, Sorrento, Castellammare di Stabia. Alicost (tel. 089-234892 in Salerno; 089-871483 in Amalfi; and 089-875032 in Positano; www.lauroweb.com/alicost.htm) links Capri to Salerno, Positano, and Amalfi. Alilauro (tel. 199-600202 from within Italy or 081-4972222; www.alilauro.it) runs hydrofoils from Ischia Porto to Capri. SNAV (tel. 081-4285555 or 081-4285500; www.snav.it) runs hydrofoils and catamarans to Capri from Mergellina and Naples (Molo Beverello). Amalficoastlines (tel. 089-871483; www.amalficoastlines.com) offers connections to Capri from Salerno, Amalfi, and Positano. Metrò del Mare (tel. 199-446644; www.metrodelmare.com) also makes daily runs to Capri. Note: Hydrofoil service and the Metrò del Mare are suspended during winter because of bad weather.
Getting Around
Capri gets its name from the ancient Greek kapriae, meaning "island of the wild goats." Indeed, only goats can tread these steep slopes and cliffs with ease. There is much that you can do here on foot -- provided that you are as fit as a goat -- otherwise you'll have to rely on public transportation. The funicolare (funicular) run by SIPPIC (tel. 081-8370420) is the picturesque means of transportation between the harbor of Marina Grande -- where the ferry and hydrofoil landing are -- and the town of Capri, where it arrives in the heart of town, off Piazza Umberto I. Funiculars leave about every 15 minutes for the 5-minute ride, and you need to purchase tickets in advance at the ticket booth by the ferry landing. Taxi stands are at Marina Grande, Marina Piccola, off the Piazzetta in Capri, Anacapri; or you can call one at tel. 081-8370543 in Capri and tel. 081-8371175 in Anacapri. The well-run public bus system is great but quite crowded in the summer, and destines you for a hair-raising ride along the narrow cliff roads that crisscross the island. ATC (part of SIPPIC, above) offers service between Marina Grande, Capri, Marina Piccola, and Anacapri, while Staiano Autotrasporti (tel. 081-8371544 or tel. 081-8372422; www.staianogroup.it) offers service between Anacapri, Faro (Lighthouse), and Grotta Azzurra. Tickets cost 1.30€ ($1.80/90p) for either the bus or funicular. You can also get a 60-minute ticket for 2.10€ ($2.95/£1.50) valid for one funicular run and unlimited bus runs during the time limit, or a day pass for 6.70€ ($9.40/£4.70), valid for two funicular rides and unlimited bus service. You can also rent scooters: We recommend Rent an electric scooter (tel. 081-8375863) with two locations in Capri: Via Provinciale Marina Grande 210 and Via Roma 68.
Note: We recommend you pack light or be prepared to hire a porter for the climb between the ferry landing and the taxi stand or the funicular station. In general, you'll want to wear comfortable shoes -- stiletto heels are definitely not recommended.
Visitor Information
The ACST of Capri is at Piazzetta I Cerio 11 (tel. 081-8375308 or 081-8370424; fax 081-8370918; www.capritourism.com).
