Five spectacular Capri hiking paths
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Capri is a walker’s paradise, full of incredible views and scenery, so here are five spectacular Capri hiking routes. Wear proper shoes, and long socks or long pants so your legs don’t get scratched. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and bug repellent.
Hiking Via Krupp on Capri
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. 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 can be found right at the top of the trail. At the bottom, you’ll be at Marina Piccola (small marina), a great place for a drink or a swim.
Hiking to the Arco Naturale on Capri
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. 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. Note that 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.
Hike to the top of Monte Solaro from Anacapri
Monte Solaro is Capri’s highest point and as you can imagine offers spectacular views. Allow about 1 – 1.5 hours for the hike, or take the chairlift. The lift is just 12 minutes and you can take it 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”. 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.
Hike the Path of the Little Forts on Capri
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.
Hike to the Villa Jovis
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.
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19 Comments
Madeline
September 27, 2010Simon – 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.
AdriBarr
November 27, 2011What a fantastically informative article, and the photos are glorious. This is my first visit to your beautiful site. Brava!
Angela
January 23, 2012I 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
Madeline
January 26, 2012Thanks so much for your comments AdriBarr and Angela! And Angela September is a perfect time to do these hikes…. hope you get back there!
Esra
July 28, 2012I fondly rensciime about my visit to Capri 10 years ago (before kids!)…what a fabulous island. I loved the funicular, walking everywhere (no cars) and little dogs jogging past us, like they had somewhere important to go. I can’t remember where we stayed, but would love to go back and stay at THIS hotel…thanks for posting, I will put this on my wish list!
Capri for One | .: gibberIsh
August 25, 2013[…] jump-off point for a trek. I was expecting more forest trails, to be honest, but as we walked from Via Vittorio Emanuele heading towards the Arco Naturale, it was more like taking a peek at the gates of Capri’s row of vacation […]
Trollsen Twins - Double The Trouble
July 17, 2015[…] can read about our first day on the island here. On day two we did the hike Via Krupp, which leads to the small hilltop town of Anacapri, “ana” meaning “above” […]
Roman
October 4, 2015Thanks for the tips, they came in handy. The hike to Punta Tragara was rough, so many steps!
Dana
July 10, 2016I am going to Capri in early October and I appreciate the hiking and trails info so much; thank you!
Harry
October 7, 2016We are returning to Capri in June after a visit 8 years ago . What is the best trail to get to villa Lysis ? Grazie
Madeline
October 7, 2016Harry, Villa Lysis, AKA Villa Fersen is close to Villa Jovis — map here:
http://www.hiddencapri.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Villa-Fersen-How-to-arrive.jpg
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December 15, 2016[…] to Anacapri but this may take 2 hours. If you are short on time maybe just hike down or take one of these shorter hiking routes to get curve your hiking fix. Another good hike on the island is to the Natural Arch which starts […]
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December 15, 2016[…] to Anacapri but this may take 2 hours. If you are short on time maybe just hike down or take one of these shorter hiking routes to get curve your hiking fix. Another good hike on the island is to the Natural Arch which starts […]
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September 19, 2018[…] and down the coast during high season, and of course you could even take the ferry to the island of Capri for the day (though I recommend staying […]
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September 24, 2018[…] Take a boat to the lovely islands of Ischia, Procida, or Capri. […]
Wendy L Mednick
January 21, 2019I am afraid of drop offs. Do any of these hike not have steep drop offs?
Laurel L. Barton
January 29, 2019We loved the hike to Villa Jovis on a pretty (and warm!) day in May. Glad we went in the morning! It is imperative to get past the tourist throngs in the shops and main piazzas to appreciate the beauty. Another great island destination is Procida. Little tourism outside of beach season (July & August) and not many sights, but lovely to wander and very good food at reasonable prices.
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May 16, 2019[…] the very end of Capri through the town, and stay on Via Krupp. After a beautiful stroll, you’ll make it to a long winding trail that goes down to the Faraglioni Rocks for an up close and personal picture. Our first day in […]
Richard LEE
May 29, 2019Dear Sir and Madam
Please let me receive the recomendation of Trekking course in Capri island .
Which is the best trail in Capri ?