Capri is a walker's paradise, full of incredible views and scenery, so here are five walks to experience it firsthand. Wear proper shoes, long socks or long pants so your legs don't get scratched, and don't forget a hat, sunscreen, water, and - in June through August - bug repellent.
1. The famous Via Krupp (photo above), considered to be one of the prettiest roads in the world, reopened in June 2008 after a 30 year restoration. To get there, start at the Piazzetta Umberto I in Capri, and follow Via Vittorio Emanuele to Via Matteoti, which then hits Via Krupp. Before heading down the path, consider visiting the beautiful Gardens of Augustus or the Carthusian Monastery, both right at the top of the trail. At the bottom, you'll be at Marina Piccola (small marina), where you can have a drink or go for a swim.
2. From the Piazzetta in the town of Capri head down Via Vittorio Emanuele to Via Camerelle, then follow Via Tragara towards the Arco Naturale (Natural Arch, photo above). Follow the signs, stopping at Le Grotelle restaurant for a drink or lunch, and then head down a steep hill to the gorgeous Cave of Matermania. From there, the path takes you down to the Punta Tragara, with incredible views of the famous Faraglioni rocks. This trail has lots of steps, both up and down, but the end part from Punta Tragara back to the town of Capri is an easy wander.
3. Hike to the top of Monte Solaro, Capri's highest point (photo above). Allow about 1 - 1.5 hours for the hike, or take the chairlift, which is just a 12 minute ride and which you can take up or down. There are a few trails up, but the easiest is from the main square in Anacapri: head towards the Villa San Michele, but before reaching the villa, take a narrow road to your right signposted "Monte Solaro", and follow it to the top (which is visible the entire time anyway). Once up there, don't rush down: you'll have a 360 degree view of the island, so buy a drink or lunch at the top and enjoy.
4. There is a relatively new walking path along the coast between the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra, photo below) to the Lighthouse, called the Path of the Little Forts, or The Old Walk of the Forts (photo above). Both ends of this 6 km trail can be reached by bus, but the path is easier if you start at the lighthouse and walk to the Blue Grotto rather than the reverse. If you can, time it to watch the sunset. Allow about 3 hours for the hike and note that while tour boats are going in and out of the Grotto you can not swim - but wait until 5 pm and you'll likely be allowed in the water. Here's a good detailed description of this walk.
5. It's a somewhat strenuous 45-minute walk, but worth it: head to the Roman ruins of Villa Jovis from the town of Capri. You'll see incredible views and can visit the archaeological ruin, which was built 2,000 years ago by the Emperor Tiberius.
More details on the hikes: If you prefer to hike any of these with a guide, I highly recommend Giovanni Visetti. Use the detailed route instructions and elevation maps on his website, or hire him as a private guide. Or, buy the Sunflower Guide, which has excellent instructions and maps of hikes on Capri and all over the Amalfi Coast.
The challenge with Capri is that it can be difficult to get away from the tourists. Walking is a great way to do it (and so is spending time in the town of Anacapri). But if the island in high season isn't your thing, consider visiting the nearby island of Ponza instead. Or, if it's off season and you're not sure about the weather, spend time on Ischia, which has lots of natural hot springs and spas.
Photo of Via Krupp from www.istockphoto.com Photos of natural arch and of view from Monte Solaro by dr_tr; Photo of Sentiero dei Fortini by Fiore S. Barbato; Photo of the Blue Grotto by A Journey Round my Skull
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The first one, with the splendid picture, looks absolutely beautiful. I will definitely try and go there one day, thank you for brining it to my attention :)
Posted by: Simon | January 29, 2010 at 08:46 AM
Great content and it's so helpful for me. But it's so weird that your blog is in a mess through my explorer. Is that my explorer problem? But it's pretty normal when exploring other blogs.
Posted by: adidas tracksuit | September 17, 2010 at 12:45 AM
I love hiking, especially hiking with close friends. It gives us the physical strength and bonding time to share updates of our pesonal and professional lives. Not only that, hiking also gives us the free spirit to commune with nature. For sure, it will be an experience of fun and excitement. However, to ensure that it will be a quality time, it is best to prepare everything that we need to avoid hassles. Hydration is a must.
I have never been to Capri. Reading this blog gives me the longing to visit the location now. Seeing the pictures and the exact instruction of the hiking path, I feel like I am ready to pack my things and buy a ticket online to Italy today, you cannot believe how enthusiastic I am.
Via Krupp is like a way to eternal bliss. I can sense how serene it is, thus it appeared to me that hiking in this place is like simultaneously journeying inward. What a relaxing moment it will be. Further, I can imagine how historical the place is. Hiking there is just like hopping in a time machine and revisit and re-appreciate the grandeur of the previous societies.
I also agree with you that hiking is the best way to avoid tourists, to reach the most beautiful hidden spots and take time to enjoy the views. I actually enjoy hiking off season, because you get the best prices on hotels and plane tickets. It is true that the weather sometimes hits you back and makes it harder to be hiking and enjoying the walk, but there are always options of indoor activities, like museums and even visiting local shops, cafes and spending time chatting with the locals.
For educational and general information, I feel that a guide will be of help. Our questions from our curiosity about the scenery will be answered in details. Capri is for sure my next adventure travel with close friends. Will follow your hiking trail and take my own pictures of Capri to share with other hikers out there. I hope that the food and refreshments will also be rewarding. If it is, then I will feel like i am in a paradise.
Posted by: Emarie | September 27, 2010 at 03:57 PM
Simon - thanks!
Emarie - glad you enjoyed the post! Please post back with photos if you go - though Capri is not the best in off-season. Go either at the very beginning of the season or the very end for fewest tourists and best hiking weather.
Posted by: Madeline | September 27, 2010 at 07:24 PM
What a fantastically informative article, and the photos are glorious. This is my first visit to your beautiful site. Brava!
Posted by: AdriBarr | November 27, 2011 at 10:28 AM
I went on 3 of those hikes and they were all spectacular! Villa Krupp, Monte Solaro and Villa Jovis. It was late Sept. 2010 and perfect weather! I love Capri and I look forward to doing them again and the other two! Thanks for the post! Angela
Posted by: Angela | January 23, 2012 at 05:29 AM
Thanks so much for your comments AdriBarr and Angela! And Angela September is a perfect time to do these hikes.... hope you get back there!
Posted by: Madeline | January 26, 2012 at 08:37 PM