Monte Solaro Chairlift
The articles I write may include affiliate links for which I receive a small commission for any bookings made at no additional cost to you
I spent four days on the beautiful island of Capri and taking the Monte Solaro chairlift up to the tallest point on the island for a stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Naples was easily one of the most memorable parts of my journey.
Sure you could hike your way up to the 589 meter peak, but why stress when a quick 13-minute ride takes you directly to the top?
If you’re ready to explore Capri, here’s a full guide on how to take the Monte Solaro chairlift, including how much tickets cost, where to buy them, and safety tips for taking the (somewhat) rickety lift.
Where To Take The Monte Solaro Chairlift
You take the Monte Solaro chairlift (and buy tickets) from Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri.
Once you get to the piazza, head up the brick steps towards a white building with a small half dome roof. It should have the words “Seggiovia Monte Solaro” printed in blue across the top.
This is where you buy tickets and hop aboard the chairlift! There are 156 seats are available and it takes about 13 minutes to get to the peak!
There were no lines when I visited by myself in November, but it can get quite busy during the summer season so do your best to get there early!
How To Get To Piazza Vittoria In Anacapri
I stayed in town and only had to walk 5 minutes from my B&B to get to the main square.
If you’re staying in Capri however, you’ll need to take the bus or a taxi to get to Anacapri.
It’s about a 10 minute drive through the island’s narrow and winding roads. The bus stop is located near the Piazzeta and should run every 15 minutes during high season but probably less frequently during shoulder of off season so double check the schedule beforehand.
Where To Buy Tickets & Much Do They Cost?
As of 2025, there's no way to book your tickets in advance. You have to buy them in person from the ticket booth mentioned above.
Tickets cost €11 one-way or €14 roundtrip. It's cheaper buy roundtrip tickets but I personally really enjoyed hiking down the mountain as it offered a different perspective. If you do decide to get roundtrip tickets though, make sure to store the return ticket in a safe spot because if you lose it, you'll have to pay another €11.
Alternatively, if you're taking a day trip to Capri from Sorrento or Amalfi, you can purchase a guided tour of the island that includes tickets. These tend to be more comprehensive packages and if you're already staying on Capri, a hosted tour probably isn't worth it.
Monte Solaro Chairlift Schedule
Like many of Italy's other attractions, the chairlift's operating times fluctuate depending on seasonality and demand.
For the upcoming 2025 season, here are the general schedules.
| Month(s) | Operating Hours | Days |
|---|---|---|
| January | Closed | — |
| February & March | 9:30 am – 4:00 pm | Every Day |
| April & May | 9:15 am – 5:00 pm | Every Day |
| June & July | 9:15 am – 6:00 pm | Sunday – Thursday |
| June & July | 9:15 am – 8:30 pm | Friday & Saturday |
| August | 9:15 am – 6:00 pm | Sunday – Thursday |
| August | 9:15 am – 8:00 pm | Friday & Saturday |
| September & October | 9:15 am – 5:00 pm | Every Day |
| November & December | 9:30 am – 4:00 pm | Every Day |
Safety Guidelines
The Monte Solaro Chairlift was built in 1952 but completely overhauled and reopened in 1999. It's a little bit of an older system but still functions smoothly and offers a unique experience of the island.
If you've ever been on a ski lift, it's pretty similar to that.
All of the seats are made for a single passenger and there's only a simple (easily lifted) metal bar for security.
As someone with a fear of heights, it was definitely unnerving at first, but as long as you stay calm and seated, it's a relatively safe process.
There aren't too many reported accidents or injuries involving the chairlift. The most notable incident happened way back in 1993 before the remodel when 11 people jumped off in order to escape wild bushfires.
That being said, the chairlift is exposed to the elements so if it's storming out or there are some unforeseen natural circumstances, exercise some common sense and wait for the event to be over.
The Monte Solaro chairlift is free for children (under 8 years old) to ride in their parent's lap, but I'd caution against it. Of course, it depends on your child, but if they're very young or active, make sure they're strapped securely to you with a carrier or sling of some type.
My Experience Of Taking The Chairlift
As I mentioned earlier, I have a huge fear of heights, and while I'm a regular at this point on the Maokong Gondola in Taiwan, this is a completely different story as the seats are fully exposed (and we're not in stable cabins).
So, let's talk about the experience.
After you buy the tickets from the blue and white building, you'll head up the stairs to ride the chairlift. The line usually move pretty quickly and there are clear footprints that mark where to step and wait for the chairlift.
The operators do a great job of guiding you to the appropriate position and once the chair comes swinging around, you simply sit down and pull the metal bar over your lap.
It's a pretty straightforward experience, but if you're an anxious person like me, here are some tips to streamline your experience:
Prepare for your trip with sunnies, sun screen, and a hat! The ride is pretty exposed.
Move your backpack to the front so that you can sit properly on the seat
Free up both hands and make sure that any loose objects are securely tucked away
The ride can look a little intimidating at first, but once you're actually seated, gravity does its job and your chances of falling are pretty slim.
The ride takes you up the mountain and features incredible views of Capri from all around. You'll see the buildings of Anacapri first and as you get higher, the ocean will begin to peek around the corner.
So sit back, relax, and just enjoy the ride. 13 minutes is a surprisingly long time!
As you arrive towards the summit, you'll see the platform in front of you.
The biggest criticism of the Monte Solaro Chairlift is that it's not the easiest to get off. The chairlift keeps moving at a consistent pace and you kind of have to coordinate and hop off just in time.
As you approach the platform, get ready by lifting the metal bar and scooting forward in your chair.
3, 2, 1, hop off!
The operators will do their best to cue you but I'm sure they've seen some embarrassing falls or trips in their time...😅
What To Do On Monte Solaro
Now we're at the peak! Congratulations! Wasn't that an easy process?
So now that you're on Monte Solaro, here are some of the best things to do:
Explore the views from Belvedere Monte Solaro: this is the panoramic viewpoint offers 360 views around the island (and oceans). There's even a little cafe so you can grab an espresso or spritz and chill for a while!
Visit the Fortino di Bruto: this historic blockhouse played a major role in the battles between Britain and France during the 1900s.
Hike to Cetrella Hermitage: this 15th-century chapel overlooks Marina Piccola and is a quiet escape from tourist crowds on the central viewing platform.
Honestly, the best thing to do on Monte Solaro is simply to take in the views and bask in the nature. Capri is an opportunity to slow down and Monte Solaro just perfectly encapsulates that.
What To Do After Your Afternoon On Monte Solaro
After you've spent an afternoon chilling at the peak, it's time to make your way back down.
You can take the chairlift again or hike down the side of the mountain. The path is well-marked and quite a relaxing stroll but just note that there aren't very many lights. If you plan on hiking in the evening, it might be best to take a headlamp (or at least make sure that your phone is charged).
Once you get to Anacapri, grab a bite of delicious pasta at Le Arcate and then head to Faro di Punta Carena to watch the sunset. If you're done with Anacapri, you can make your way to Capri town to enjoy nightlife activities or look to this list for more exciting inspiration!
If you're headed back to the mainland, here's a two day itinerary for Naples or a detailed pick at the best places to visit in Italy!
More On Travel Through Italy:
PIN IT FOR LATER
