Faraglioni di Capri
Capri is pure romance: breathtaking views, the deepest blue sea you’ve ever seen, and the sweet scent of lemon blossoms floating in the air. The luminescent Grotta Azzurra, the impressive peaks of the Faraglioni and the Palazzo al Mare are famous among travellers, but to give yourself a real treat, go snorkelling from the beach of Marina Piccola. It is said to be the place where Odysseus almost surrendered to the song of the Sirens. The myth fits perfectly with the allure of this island.
Arrival in Capri: Marina Grande
The ferry docks at the port of Marina Grande, where our adventure begins. It is a former fishing village now bustling with colorful houses, drying fishing nets, vibrant cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Here you will find the ticket offices for all maritime and bus services as well as the funicular station.
Right behind the main promenade, you’ll find the ticket offices for ferries, buses and boat tours and the funicular station.
The funicular is a cheap and fast way to reach the Piazzetta of Capri in 5 minutes. It is the true heart of the island, with its breathtaking views. A few meters away there is also the bus station which leads to the nearby town of Anacapri.
In Marina Grande you can also opt for a boat tour of the island which will show all the beauties of the island that can only be seen from the sea, such as the various caves.
Exploring Capri’s Iconic Landmarks
The Faraglioni Rocks
The first image that comes to mind when thinking of the Island of Capri is undoubtedly the Faraglioni—three towering rock formations rising from the sea just a few meters off the coast. There are three equally worthwhile ways to admire them.
- Boat Tour: the most iconic view is from the sea. A boat tour not only allows you to get up close to the rock stacks but, if the sea is calm, even lets you sail through the “Lovers’ Arch”, a natural opening in the central rock.
- Marina Piccola: a more affordable yet equally impressive alternative is to view the Faraglioni from sea level at Marina Piccola beach, located directly behind Marina Grande and easily reachable from Capri’s main square, the Piazzetta.
- Gardens of Augustus Terrace: the quickest and arguably most scenic viewpoint is from this iconic and panoramic terrace, which offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Faraglioni and the surrounding coastline.
Gardens of Augustus (Giardini d’Augusto)
If you’re spending just a few hours in Capri and want to capture the island’s most iconic photo with the Faraglioni in the background, a visit to the Gardens of Augustus is an absolute must. These beautifully landscaped terraces are filled with vibrant flowers and offer stunning panoramic views over the Faraglioni and Marina Piccola Bay on one side, and the Certosa Valley, Monte Tuoro, Monte Tiberio, and Monte San Michele on the other.
How to Access:
- From the Piazzetta: It’s a comfortable walk or a short bus ride from the centre of Capri.
- By Foot from Marina Piccola: An additional scenic trail begins directly at the Gardens of Augustus and leads to the beach of Marina Piccola.
Ticket Price: Entry is approximately €2.50 per person.
Getting to Marina Piccola
Marina Piccola is a charming beach on the southern side of Capri, known for its crystal-clear waters and sheltered position beneath the cliffs. With stunning views of the Faraglioni rocks, it’s one of the best spots on the island for swimming, sunbathing, and even snorkeling. Thanks to its location, it stays sunny for most of the day and offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling Marina Grande.
Marina Piccola can be reached via several options:
- Walking: From the central Piazzetta in Capri, stroll to Marina Piccola along well-signposted pedestrian routes. This acces is for free.
- Scenic Route via the Gardens: After exploring the Gardens of Augustus, follow the dedicated pathway that leads down to the beach at Marina Piccola. This access is also for free.
- Boat Access: Alternatively, opt for a boat tour from Marina Grande that not only highlights the island’s wonders but also drops you off directly at Marina Piccola.
The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)
The Blue Grotto is one of Capri’s most celebrated natural wonders, and also the most exclusive. It is accessible only at low tide, and it captivates with its shimmering, luminous blue waters: a truly magical experience.
How to Reach the Blue Grotto
- By boat tour from Marina Grande, which circles the island and includes a stop at the Blue Grotto.
- Or, walk or take a bus from Anacapri to Gradola, then transfer to a rowboat for the final entrance.
Gradola is the only wat to reach the area near the Blue Grotto on foot from Anacapri. It’s a scenic walking path leads you to the spot just above the cave entrance. From there, you can admire the exterior of the grotto and even swim in the nearby waters. However, entry into the Blue Grotto itself is only possible by sea, using small rowboats operated by licensed local boatmen.
Entrance to the Blue Grotto costs €18 per person, it depends on the tour operator. Due to its popularity, there can be long waiting times, so early visits are recommended.
Exploring Anacapri and beyond
Anacapri is one of the two municipalities that make up the island of Capri. Located on the highest part of the island, it was once connected to the port by a long stone staircase, the Phoenician Steps, which is still accessible today with its 921 carved steps. Anacapri is the quieter, more laid-back side of the island, far from the celebrity spotlight. It’s filled with artisan boutiques, flower-lined squares, and charming pedestrian alleys paved with stone.
The quickest way to reach Anacapri is by taking a direct bus that departs just a few meters from Capri’s main square, the Piazzetta.
The Anacapri chairlift is the most scenic way to enjoy the island’s best panoramic view. It takes you to the top of Monte Solaro, the highest point on Capri at 589 meters (1,932 feet) above sea level. From up here, the view is absolutely breathtaking: the entire island of Capri stretches out below you, with Mount Vesuvius, the Gulf of Naples, and the Sorrento Peninsula in front. On clear days, you can even see as far as the Calabrian mountains, the Apennines, and the stunning Amalfi Coast in the distance.
Anacapri lighthouse
For those who particularly love exploration, it is recommended to go to the extreme tip of the island, up to the Anacapri lighthouse, which is located beyond the village of the same name.
In particular, it is recommended to reach the Anacapri lighthouse at sunset, to admire the sun disappearing behind the horizon. This is certainly the most beautiful point on the island to admire the view.
The Anacapri lighthouse is relatively easy to reach on foot, but at least for the return trip it is advisable to take the bus that takes the traveler back to the center of Anacapri.
The Phoenician Staircase of Capri
To conclude the one-day Capri tour, head back to Marina Grande via the Scala Fenicia. It is a historic staircase with 921 steps connecting the port to Anacapri. Though once believed to be built by the Phoenicians, it was actually crafted by the Greeks in the 7th and 6th centuries BC. The view from the steps is breathtaking. Historically, the staircase was used to transport goods and water from the port, with women carrying heavy vases up its steep incline. Today, it’s a free, scenic, and slightly challenging way to return to the base while soaking in history.
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