This hilltop town on Capri's western side has winding lanes, artisan workshops, and the Villa San Michele museum. The chairlift to Monte Solaro leads to Mediterranean views.
Anacapri perches 150 meters above sea level on the western side of Capri island. In this small Italian town, you'll walk past artisan workshops making sandals and ceramics, pause at the 18th-century Church of San Michele to admire its majolica floor, and take a chairlift up Monte Solaro for views across the Bay of Naples. The town's narrow lanes wind between white Mediterranean houses, where geraniums and bougainvillea spill from window boxes.
Getting to Anacapri
From Naples or Sorrento, take a ferry to Marina Grande port on Capri island. Direct buses run from the port to Anacapri every 30 minutes, with the journey taking about 15 minutes. The bus stops at Piazza Vittoria, the main square of Anacapri. For a more active approach, climb the Phoenician Steps – 921 stone steps that zigzag up from Marina Grande to Anacapri, following the path used by locals for centuries.
Views from Monte Solaro
At 589 meters above sea level, Monte Solaro is Capri's highest point. A single-seat chairlift carries you from Piazza Vittoria to the summit in 12 minutes. From the top, look north to spot the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, or south toward the mountains of Calabria on clear days. The summit has a café serving coffee and light meals at the viewing platform.
Villa San Michele
Swedish physician Axel Munthe built Villa San Michele in 1885 on the ruins of an ancient Roman villa. The gardens contain Roman statues and marble columns set among Mediterranean plants. Each window frames a different view – the Bay of Naples from one, Mount Vesuvius from another. The villa's rooms display Munthe's collection of ancient artifacts, including a Roman Medusa head and floor mosaics.
Historic Center and Churches
Walk on the wooden platform above the Church of San Michele's floor to see the 1761 majolica masterpiece by Leonardo Chiaiese depicting Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden. The white facade of Santa Sofia Church, built in the 16th century, dominates the main square with its twin bell towers. Along Via Giuseppe Orlandi, stop at Casa Rossa, where Roman statues discovered in the Blue Grotto are on display.
Swimming and Beach Areas
Instead of sandy beaches, Anacapri has rocky swimming spots. At Lido del Faro, metal ladders lead down to the water, where you can swim in deep, blue water. The beach club has a seawater pool, sun loungers, and a restaurant serving fresh seafood. Local swimmers gather at the natural rock platforms near Punta Carena lighthouse, especially during sunset.
Walking Trails
Walk the Sentiero dei Fortini coastal path from the Blue Grotto to Punta Carena lighthouse, passing three 19th-century forts. This 6-kilometer trail takes about two hours, with signs explaining the local plants and rock formations. The Via del Migliara path leads through small vineyards and olive groves to a viewpoint above the southern coast, where you can watch boats sailing toward the Faraglioni rocks.
