Capri: Coastal Paths, Grottos and Island History

If you’re looking for a hotel on Capri, it helps to first sort out your interests for your stay: ancient buildings and villas, coastal paths, boat trips or local crafts each offer a different focus. The island brings together cultural and natural attractions; the places below bring them to life.

Elevated Settings and Historic Sites

Villa Jovis stands on Monte Tiberio, 334 metres above sea level, on Capri’s eastern edge, overlooking the Gulf of Naples. It is considered the most imposing of the residences built for Tiberius. Access arrangements may change; check them before your visit.

Villa San Michele is the life’s work of Swedish physician and writer Axel Munthe. The ancient Phoenician Steps connect the port of Capri directly to the villa via around 900 steps. Their approximate number helps you factor the route into your day without specifying a walking time.

The Museo Archeologico di Capri is housed in the Certosa di San Giacomo. It opened in July 2024; the presentation may change. The exhibition features 120 items, including marble sculptures, frescoes and ceramics related to the island’s ancient history. Another historic villa is Villa Lysis: Count Fersen had it built in 1904, and it reflects his personality.

The thousand-year-old Castello Barbarossa is a castle used by ornithologists in spring to study migratory birds. Here, a historic building and seasonal birdwatching come together.

Coast, Grottos and Paths

The Sentiero dei Fortini is a coastal path running from the Blue Grotto to the Faro di Punta Carena, passing the Orrico, Pino and Mesola forts. The forts were military positions: the British built them in 1806; after taking Capri at Orrico on 4 October 1808, the French expanded them. The path thus combines coastal scenery with the history of these fortifications.

The Blue Grotto is accessed in small rowboats through a low, submerged entrance. Entry is possible only when the sea is calm and there is no wind; check conditions before your visit. The intense blue inside is created when sunlight is refracted through a submerged opening in the rock.

From Anacapri, a bus leaves from the terminal on Viale De Tommaso and reaches the Blue Grotto area in about ten minutes. From there, you can reach the entrance by land before making the required transfer to a rowboat. Journey times and arrangements may vary; check the connection in advance.

Several group boat trips depart daily from the port of Marina Grande, including tours to the Faraglioni and the Blue Grotto. Availability and schedules may vary by season. The Faraglioni are 100 metres high on average. In Anacapri, the cable car to Monte Solaro starts at Piazza Vittoria.

Nature, Crafts and Travel Planning

Capri is home to small mammals, many bird species, including migratory birds, and numerous invertebrates. The waters around the island are also home to many marine mammals, fish, reptiles and invertebrates. Specific wildlife sightings may vary by season.

In Capri’s lanes, you can visit Carthusia’s boutiques and workshops. Master perfumers there continue to work by hand, making fragrances through slow, careful processes. Since visitor arrangements may change, check in advance if you plan to visit a workshop.

Capri’s typical dishes are based on locally grown tomatoes, vegetables, wild herbs and lemons, as well as fresh fish. Offerings may vary from one restaurant to another.

The main ports for ferries to Capri are Naples and Sorrento. Routes and seasonal connections may change; check the schedule for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: San Paolo Bel Sito, Cimitile, Tufino, Palma Campania, Priora, Castello Di Cisterna, Monte Di Procida, Procida

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