Capri and its iconic views
Limestone cliffs plunging into the blue, hanging gardens and the timeless charm of the queen of the Gulf.
Introduction
Loved by the Roman emperors Augustus and Tiberius and made famous worldwide by artists, poets and movie stars, Capri is the limestone jewel of the Gulf of Naples. Marked by a spectacular geography of cliffs plunging into the sea, sea caves, fragrant lemon gardens and Mediterranean scrub, the island holds two distinct yet perfectly complementary souls: the lively, glamorous elegance of the village of Capri with its legendary Piazzetta, and the contemplative, authentic quiet of Anacapri, set on the slopes of Mount Solaro.
From the natural sculptures of the three Faraglioni rising from turquoise waters to the magical shimmer of the Blue Grotto, and on to historic residences such as Villa San Michele and Villa Jovis, Capri offers a unique sensory experience where unspoiled nature, imperial archaeology and high fashion live together in perfect balance.
Information
Type: Premier Tourist Island, Scenic District & Global Icon of La Dolce Vita
Location: Gulf of Naples, Campania Region (divided into the two Municipalities of Capri and Anacapri, opposite the Sorrento Peninsula)
Iconic Spots: The Faraglioni (Stella, Mezzo and Scopolo), the Blue Grotto, Capri’s Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto I), the Gardens of Augustus and Via Krupp, Monte Solaro and Villa San Michele in Anacapri
Main Activities: Island tour by traditional Caprese gozzo boat, scenic trekking (Sentiero dei Fortini, Arco Naturale, Pizzolungo), chairlift to Monte Solaro, archaeological visits (Villa Jovis) and bespoke shopping
2027 Initiatives: “Capri Green Island” project, integrated digital quota system for tourist flows, expansion of the electric minibus fleet, green transition of maritime transport and inclusive high-accessibility routes
Reference Bodies: City of Capri / Municipality of Anacapri / Autonomous Tourist Board of the Island of Capri (capri.it)
The Must-See Stops
1. The Faraglioni, the Gardens of Augustus and Via Krupp
The three famous limestone stacks (Stella, Faraglione di Mezzo and Scopolo) rising in front of the bay of Marina Piccola. They can be admired in all their majesty from the flowered terraces of the Gardens of Augustus, overlooking the scenic hairpin bends of Via Krupp.
2. Capri’s Piazzetta and the Historic Center
Piazza Umberto I, the famous “living room of the world”. A small Baroque space dominated by the bell tower with its clock, from which a web of white lanes and luxury boutiques branches out, leading as far as Via Camerelle and Punta Tragara.
3. Anacapri, Monte Solaro and Villa San Michele
The upper town of the island. From Piazza Vittoria the historic chairlift departs to reach the summit of Monte Solaro (589 m a.s.l.), Capri’s highest point with a 360-degree view, alongside the remarkable house-museum of Axel Munthe (Villa San Michele).
4. The Blue Grotto and the Forts Trail
The most famous sea cave in the world, accessible on small rowboats to admire the play of light that dyes the water an electric blue. From here starts the Forts Trail, a splendid coastal trekking route between Punta Carena and Anacapri.
The Compass Council
Morning Island Tour and Sunset at Punta Carena: Experience the magic of Capri while avoiding the busiest hours. Rent a private gozzo at Marina Grande early in the morning to do the full tour of the island by sea and pass under the arch of the Middle Faraglione. In the afternoon head up to Anacapri to visit Villa San Michele and end the day with an aperitif at the Punta Carena Lighthouse, the westernmost point of the island, to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the sea while tasting a fresh Caprese salad with braided tomato and local oregano.
Logistics & Mobility
How to Get There:
- By Sea: Frequent sea connections by hydrofoil, catamaran or ferry departing from the piers of Naples (Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa), Sorrento (Marina Piccola), and in the summer months from Salerno, Pozzuoli and from the villages of the Amalfi Coast.
- On the Island: Scenic funicular from Marina Grande straight to the Piazzetta in Capri; extensive network of electric minibuses linking Capri to Anacapri, Marina Piccola and the Lighthouse; typical open-top Caprese taxis.
Sustainability and Services 2027: The island administration applies restrictions on the landing of private non-resident motor vehicles to preserve liveability. Internal mobility is enhanced with zero-emission shuttles, e-bikes on permitted routes and digital platforms for priority booking of entry to the Blue Grotto and cultural sites (capri.it).
Visual Routes