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Getting to Capri
Getting to Capri is relatively simple during most of the year, you might have difficulties at peak times (second half of July to August) and during holidays or bank holidays. For those travelling by car, you can board from Porta di Massa in Naples (Naples Port Area exit) or from the port of Sorrento. The company that organises the transfer is Caremar (www.caremar.it). During busy periods you should try to book the ticket in advance to avoid long waits. It should also be noted that in many periods of the year, from March to October and during Christmas, it is forbidden to take private cars to the Blue Island because of its small size and its well-organized local public services. For those arriving by air from Capodichino airport there are two ways to arrive at the port, the bus service Alibus (www.alibus.it), with departures every 20 minutes, or by taxi, in this case it is better to ask for the flat rate that is around twenty euro plus any surcharges depending on luggage and time. Those arriving by train to Napoli Centrale station can reach the port by tram number 1, buses 152 and R2 or by taxi, always asking for the flat rate that is around ten euro. There are several possibilities to reach Capri from the ports, if you want to take the ferry, which is the cheapest way, you must go to Porta di Massa, at the Tirrenia pier, which is reachable through Pisacane passage on Marina di Napoli road or you should reach Sorrento (Sorrento Peninsula exit). If you want to reach the island by hydrofoil you must reach the port of Beverello in Naples from where Caremar, Alilauro (www.alilauro.it), Snav (www.snav.it) and Navigazione Libera del Golfo (www.navlib.it) leave.
Three companies
The last three companies have recently joined in the consortium LMP (www.consorziolmp.it) that takes care of transfers to Capri from the ports of Castellammare di Stabia, reachable from Naples by Circumvesuviana trains (www.vesuviana . com), which depart from the Central Station of Sorrento, also accessible through the Circumvesuviana, Positano, Amalfi and Salerno that can be reached by taking the highway Port Exit or by train (www.trenitalia.it). Arrived in Capri you land at the port of Marina Grande from here you can take the funicular, which arrives in the Piazzetta area in Capri, or you can take a bus of either SIPPIC Autotrasporti and Staiano Autotrasporti (www.staiano-capri.com). There are of course many taxis too, for those who want to arrive more comfortably in their part of Capri. For those who decide to spend just one day in Capri, it is advisable to join groups that refer to local tour guides and take the private buses that connect Marina Grande and Anacapri Piazzetta. This is the most convenient and fast way to move among the narrow and impervious streets always crowded with tourists.
Capri most famous grottos
Capri boasts a total of 65 caves, here are the most famous and interesting. Going east from Marina Grande the first major cave you'll find is the Grotta del Bove Marino, which takes its name from the rumbling caused by the waves that hit the rocks. Close to it there are the White Grotto, with its two lakes, and the Wonderful Grotto, that is accessible through a tunnel filled with artificial stalagmites, one of which has the shape of the Virgin Mary or "Madonnina". Once passed the Faraglioni, here is the Cave called "The Hotel of the sailors", it has two entrances and blue-green water. Then there is the Arsenal Grotto, 20 meters long and since Tiberius time a wonderful water lily pond. Farther on we find the Grotto of the Arch with inside the ruins of ancient buildings. Then there is the Cave of the Ferns, known for its remains of the Neolithic age.
Afterwards there are the Green Grotto, for the emerald colour of its waters that has a long tunnel that leads to a very intimate cove; the Red Grotta, for the colour of the vegetation on its walls. Also worth a mention are the Grotto Marmola, with its smooth and shiny walls, the Cave of the Krupp Cannon, so called for the loud noise caused by the waves that bang on its walls; the Bright Cave, whose water is lit by an underwater opening which makes it emerald green; the Grotto of the Saints, so called because of the presence of some rocks that resemble statues of saints; the Grotto of the Sail, 60 meters long and with a spectacular 30 meters opening. Last but not at all least the Blue Grotto, certainly the most famous cave of the island, perhaps of the world (see the specific chapter).