Active-Leisure on Capri: 7 best trekking trails

Active-Leisure on Capri: 7 best trekking trails

April 11, 2025

Capri, a picturesque island off the coast of Italy, is not just about luxury resorts and the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and trekkers. The island offers countless opportunities for those who want to explore its natural beauty, taking in breathtaking views and enjoying the proximity of nature. In this article, we will present the 7 best trekking routes in Capri that will allow you to experience the island from a completely different perspective. Each of these trails has its own unique character and offers an unforgettable experience for both experienced hikers and families with children. Get ready for a fascinating journey through the picturesque landscapes, historical monuments and hidden treasures of this fabulous island.

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Sentiero dei Fortini and Passetiello - the two sides of Capri

Let's start our adventure with one of the most famous trails on Capri - Sentiero dei Fortini Borbonici. This trail, about 6 km long, runs along the island's western coast, offering unforgettable views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The trail begins near the famous Blue Grotto and ends at the Punta Carena lighthouse. Along the way, you pass three historic Bourbon forts, which gave their name to the entire route.

Sentiero dei Fortini is ideal for families with children and those looking for an easier route. The path is well-marked and well-maintained, and most sections are relatively flat. The hike takes about 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and the number of stops. It's a good idea to bring water, snacks and sunscreen, as some sections get a lot of sun.

We especially recommend starting the hike from the side of the Grotta Azzurra, which will allow you to enjoy magnificent views of the coast right from the start. The route offers numerous viewpoints where you can take a break and enjoy the panorama of the island and the sea. This is an excellent opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna - we can encounter endemic plant species and lizards hiding among the rocks.

For those looking for a bigger challenge, we recommend the Sentiero di valico tra Capri e Anacapri route, also known as 'Passetiello'. This is a decidedly more challenging route that connects the towns of Capri and Anacapri, leading through scenic areas in the central part of the island. This route requires good physical fitness and adequate preparation.

Passetiello is a trail of about 3 km, which is characterized by significant differences in altitude. The hike takes about 2-3 hours and leads through dense forests, steep slopes and rocky terrain. There are places along the route where you have to climb using your hands, which adds to the adrenaline rush and makes the hike a real adventure.

The reward for the effort is spectacular views of the entire island of Capri, the Gulf of Naples and the Sorrento Peninsula. We especially recommend reaching the vantage point near the Eremo di Santa Maria di Cetrella church for a panorama that will long be remembered.

Comparing the two routes, Sentiero dei Fortini is definitely a better choice for families with children and those who prefer easier hikes. It offers more amenities, such as benches for resting and information boards. Passetiello, on the other hand, is for more experienced hikers who appreciate a challenge and are not afraid of more difficult terrain. Both routes, however, have a common denominator - they provide an unforgettable experience and allow you to discover the true beauty of the island of Capri.

Belvedere del Pizzolungo and the Natural Arch -. pearls of eastern Capri

The next item on our list of the best trekking routes on Capri is the route leading to Belvedere del Pizzolungo. Located on the east coast of the island, this scenic vantage point offers some of the most spectacular views of the famous Faraglioni - distinctive rock formations rising from the sea.

The trail to Belvedere del Pizzolungo begins in the center of Capri and leads through the charming streets of the town, gradually passing into more natural terrain. The trail is about 3 km long and takes about an hour of leisurely walking. It is a relatively easy hike, suitable for most tourists, including families with children.

Along the way you pass lush Mediterranean vegetation, and the smell of herbs and flowers is in the air. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, making for a pleasant and safe hike. When we reach Belvedere del Pizzolungo, a breathtaking view of the Faraglioni and the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea will appear before our eyes. This is the perfect place to take a break, take souvenir photos and savor the beauty of nature.

Not far from Belvedere del Pizzolungo is another attraction - the Natural Arch (Arco Naturale). This impressive rock arch is one of the most recognizable symbols of Capri. To reach it, we need to continue our hike along the path leading along the cliffs.

The route to Arco Naturale is a bit more challenging than the trail to Belvedere del Pizzolungo. It includes steep sections and stairs, which can be a challenge for those with weaker legs or knee problems. However, the effort is worth the reward - the view of an 18-meter-high natural rock arch, formed by thousands of years of erosion, is truly impressive.

The entire route from the center of Capri, through Belvedere del Pizzolungo, to Arco Naturale is about 5 kilometers long and takes about 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and the number of stops. This is an ideal option for a half-day trip to explore the eastern part of the island.

For those looking for a shorter, but equally scenic route, we recommend a visit to the Piazzetta delle Noci. Located in the Matermania neighborhood, this small square offers beautiful views of the sea and is the perfect place for a short rest while exploring the island. The route to Piazzetta delle Noci is easy and short, making it an excellent option for families with young children or those with limited mobility.

Comparing these routes, it is worth noting that the trail to Belvedere del Pizzolungo and Arco Naturale offers more activities and more varied scenery, but is also more physically demanding. On the other hand, the hike to Piazzetta delle Noci is shorter and easier, ideal for a short walk with beautiful views. All these places have one thing in common - they offer unforgettable views of Capri and the surrounding sea, allowing tourists to fully appreciate the natural beauty of this unique island.

Monte Solaro and the trail from Belvedere di Tragara - the crown of trekking on Capri

You can't talk about trekking in Capri without mentioning Monte Solaro - the island's highest peak, rising 589 meters above sea level. The AMDTrail leading to the summit of Monte Solaro is a real challenge for mountain hikers, but also an unforgettable experience offering panoramic views of the entire island and the Gulf of Naples.

The route to Monte Solaro begins in Anacapri and is about 2 km long. Although it is not a long distance, the altitude difference makes the hike quite challenging. The trail leads through dense forests, rocky slopes and offers increasingly beautiful views as you gain altitude. The time it takes to reach the summit is about 1.5-2 hours, depending on your fitness and walking pace.

At the top of Monte Solaro there is an observation deck that offers a 360-degree panorama covering the entire island of Capri, the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrento Peninsula, and on sunny days even the islands of Ischia and Procida. This is the perfect place to take souvenir photos and enjoy a view that will take your breath away.

For those who prefer a less demanding option, there is a chairlift to the top from Anacapri. However, it is worth considering hiking at least one way to fully appreciate the beauty of Capri's natural landscape.

Last, but not least, a fascinating suggestion is the trail leading from Belvedere di Tragara to the Natural Arch. This route, also known as 'Pizzolungo,' offers unforgettable views of the island's east coast and the famous Faraglioni.

The hike begins at Belvedere di Tragara, one of the most scenic viewpoints on Capri. From here, the path follows the cliffs, offering spectacular views of the sea and rocky coastline. The trail is about 3 km long and takes about 1.5-2 hours of leisurely walking.

Along the way we pass many points of interest, including Belvedere del Pizzolungo, where we can admire the Faraglioni from a different perspective, and the remains of a Roman villa. The trail ends at the impressive Natural Arch, from where we can return to the center of Capri or continue the hike to other attractions on the island.

Comparing the two routes, Monte Solaro offers a more challenging hike with the reward of panoramic views of the entire island. This is ideal for those who like a challenge and want to see Capri 'from a bird's eye view'. On the other hand, the trail from Belvedere di Tragara to Natural Arch is easier and more accessible to a wider range of hikers, while offering equally beautiful views, especially of the east coast and Faraglioni.

Both routes have their own unique strengths - Monte Solaro impresses with its panoramic views and sense of 'summiting', while the route along the east coast offers more varied scenery and closer contact with the sea. The choice depends on individual preference and physical ability, but whatever your decision, either route will allow you to discover the unique beauty of Capri and leave an unforgettable impression.

In summary, Capri offers a wide range of trekking routes to suit different levels of experience and preferences. From easy walks with beautiful views, to scenic routes along the coast, to challenging mountain hikes, there is something for everyone. Regardless of the route chosen, an active vacation in Capri is a guarantee of an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to get to know this beautiful island from a completely different perspective.

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