Small Group Tour to Blue Grotto, Anacapri and Capri

Exploring Capri can be a magical experience, but doing it solo often means navigating crowds, confusing schedules, and missing out on some of the island’s best spots. This small-group tour offers a well-paced, curated way to see Capri’s top sights in about six hours, guided by knowledgeable locals who know the ins and outs. The tour kicks off at Marina Grande, with a priority visit to the famous Blue Grotto, followed by charming stops in Anacapri and the bustling Piazzetta di Capri, with options to go up to Mount Solaro for panoramic views.

What I really appreciate about this tour is its balance of guided insight and ample free time—you’re not just herded from one spot to another. Instead, you get the chance to learn about the island’s culture and history from guides like Luigi or Giorgio, who are praised for their friendliness and knowledge. I also love that the tour includes Blue Grotto tickets, saving you the hassle of waiting in long lines or arranging your own boat trips. A second highlight is the small group size—a maximum of 23 people—which makes the experience feel more personalized and easier to enjoy than a big bus tour.

One minor consideration is the price—$138.29 per person— which is a fair investment considering the included entries, the guided experience, and the convenience. However, for those who love a leisurely climb, a chairlift to Mount Solaro is available at an additional cost (€14), so expect to spend a bit more if you want that particular view. Also, if sea conditions prevent access to the Blue Grotto, the tour adapts by offering a shared boat ride around the island’s coast, which many reviews find just as scenic.

Key Points

• Expert local guides enhance your understanding and help you avoid long lines.
• The Blue Grotto visit is a highlight and generally well-organized.
• You get ample free time to explore towns, shop, or relax.
• The small group size makes for a more relaxed experience.
• The tour strikes a good balance between guided sightseeing and independent exploring.
• The cost includes most major sights, making it good value for a day trip.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting at Marina Grande

The adventure begins at the lively Marina Grande, Capri’s main port. From there, your guide, likely someone like Luigi, will introduce you to the day’s plan and set expectations. I love that the tour leaves early enough to beat some of the crowds, giving you a head start on the day’s highlights. Plus, the pickup and drop-off included mean you skip the hassle of figuring out local transportation—making it especially practical if you’re short on time or new to the island.

Visiting the Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is the star attraction, famous for its natural light that bathes the sea in an otherworldly blue glow. Thanks to the reviews, I know guides like Giorgio are appreciated for their friendly and humorous approach, which makes the wait more bearable. The ticket is included, so you don’t waste time on ticket lines, although weather does influence accessibility. When sea conditions are unfavorable, the tour includes a boat ride around the island’s perimeter, allowing you to enjoy the stunning coastline and the iconic Faraglioni rocks from a different perspective.

Delving into Anacapri

From the Blue Grotto, you’ll head to Anacapri, a quieter, more relaxed side of the island. Narrow streets, pastel-colored buildings, and artisan shops make for a charming walk. Many reviews highlight Luigi’s storytelling as locals share cultural tidbits along the way. You’ll get about an hour here, which is enough to browse boutiques or snap photos of panoramic views. If you’re feeling energetic, the optional chairlift to Mount Solaro offers sweeping vistas of the entire island and beyond, at an extra cost (€14).

Ascending Mount Solaro

The summit of Mount Solaro offers the kind of view that makes you catch your breath—stretching across the island, the Bay of Naples, and the distant mainland. The chairlift is a comfortable way to reach the top without much effort, but keep in mind it’s an optional expense. Many travelers find the view worthwhile, especially since the other stops are more about strolling and absorbing the atmosphere.

Exploring Capri’s Town Center

Back in Capri’s main town, the Piazzetta is an energy-filled square lined with cafes and boutiques. Free time here is a chance to soak in the lively scene, do some shopping, or indulge in a gelato. Several reviews, including one from Patricia G., mention that the tour guide, Terry, was flexible and went out of his way to ensure guests could visit the Blue Grotto first thing, avoiding long lines.

Visiting the Gardens of Augusto

The Giardini di Augusto is a peaceful stop with stunning sea views. It’s perfect for a quick stroll, admiring the colorful flowers, statues, and the vista of the Faraglioni. While the gardens are not included in the ticket price, many find it well worth the few euros to experience this tranquil spot for a few moments of quiet amid the busy day.

Ending the Day at Marina Grande

Returning to Marina Grande in the late afternoon, you get a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights while watching the sunset. Many reviews highlight how relaxing it is to wind down here, with some mentioning how the tour gives you a snapshot of Capri’s essence—picturesque, lively, and full of surprises.

Who This Tour Is Best For

If you love guided experiences that combine historical insights with stunning scenery, this tour suits you well. It’s especially good for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive taste of Capri’s highlights without the hassle of planning every detail. The small-group format ensures a more intimate, less rushed feel, ideal for those who prefer a relaxed pace.

Travelers with moderate fitness levels will find the itinerary manageable; however, those with reduced mobility might find some parts — like the chairlift — less accessible. The tour’s price includes many major sights and skip-the-line access, making it a good value for the convenience.

Families and couples will appreciate the personalized touch, especially with friendly guides like Luigi, who get glowing reviews for their humor and local knowledge. Solo travelers will find this a safe, social way to explore the island comfortably.

The Sum Up

This small-group guided tour offers an engaging, well-organized way to see the best of Capri in a single day. It combines important sights like the Blue Grotto and Gardens of Augusto with authentic local charm, thanks to guides who make the experience lively and informative. The inclusion of Blue Grotto tickets and transportation adds convenience, while the optional mountaintop chairlift offers an extra dose of panoramic beauty.

When compared to exploring alone, this tour provides valuable insights and avoids the stress of logistics—plus, you’ll be sharing the experience with like-minded travelers who often leave glowing reviews. It’s particularly suited to those who want a taste of Capri’s highlights without sacrificing the joy of a guided, small-group adventure.

For anyone seeking a balance of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and ease of travel, this tour stands out as a practical, enjoyable choice. Just go prepared for some walking, bring your camera, and be ready for a day filled with some of Italy’s most unforgettable sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, transportation on the island is by shuttle bus, and the tour includes Capri port pick-up and drop-off, making logistics easy.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Are tickets to the Blue Grotto included?
Yes, the tour provides Blue Grotto admission tickets, saving you from waiting in line and handling the booking yourself.

Can I visit Mount Solaro?
You can ascend to Mount Solaro via a chairlift, which costs an additional €14. It’s optional but offers stunning views.

What happens if the Blue Grotto is closed?
If weather or sea conditions prevent access, the tour switches to a shared boat ride around the island’s perimeter, which many reviews find equally scenic.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
This tour is recommended for travelers with a moderate fitness level. It’s not suitable for those with reduced mobility due to some walking and the chairlift.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes an expert local guide, transportation, Blue Grotto tickets, and a shared boat ride if the grotto is closed. Food, drinks, and the Mount Solaro chairlift are not included.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked about 60 days ahead, indicating it’s a popular choice for visitors planning their Capri day trip.

This Capri tour offers a great balance of focus, scenery, and ease, making it a fantastic way to enjoy the island’s highlights in one memorable day.