Faraglioni and August Gardens: Capri's Best Views

The three rocks that shape the island

The Faraglioni are three limestone rock towers rising from the sea off Capri's southeastern coast. The first, the one closest to the mainland, is called Faraglione di Terra or Stella; next comes the Faraglione di Mezzo; the farthest is the Faraglione di Fuori, also known as Scopolo.

The Faraglione di Mezzo is crossed by a large opening in the rock, a natural arch beneath which boats pass. The blue lizard lives on the Faraglione di Fuori, a variety of the sand lizard that has also made the rocks famous among naturalists.

From the Piazzetta to the gardens

The natural starting point is the Piazzetta, that is Piazza Umberto I, reached by funicular from Marina Grande. From here, leave the center and continue on foot toward the south side, following the signs for the August Gardens and the Certosa di San Giacomo.

The route is short and passes through alleys and stretches between white walls and private gardens. It is worth walking without haste: the beauty lies in how the island changes tone as soon as you move away from the crowd of the square.

August Gardens: the viewpoint

The August Gardens are a succession of terraces with flower beds, hedges, and blooms that change with the seasons. The most appreciated part is the parapet overlooking the sea, from which the Faraglioni appear in their most scenic position, one behind the other, with the cliff dropping sheer below.

Stopping here is also useful for getting your bearings. You can understand the shape of the island, its steeper southern side, and the real distance between the rocks and the shore, which often escapes in photographs.

Via Krupp from above

From the gardens you can also see Via Krupp, the road with tight switchbacks carved into the rock face descending toward Marina Piccola. It was commissioned at the beginning of the twentieth century by the German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp, and its zig-zag design is one of the most photogenic details in the panorama.

It is important to know that the road may be closed, usually for safety reasons related to the rock. So it is pleasant to view it from above, but before planning a descent on foot it is wise to check the route status with the Comune di Capri or official sources.

When to go for the best light

The panorama changes a lot over the course of the day. In the morning the light is crisp and brings out the colors of the sea; in the late afternoon the rock warms to richer tones and the shadows lengthen the shapes of the rocks.

During the central hours of summer the light is high and flat, and the gardens are more crowded. Outside the busiest months the visit is calmer, and the blooms make the terraces pleasant also in spring and early autumn.

Other ways to see the Faraglioni

From the gardens you can observe the rocks from above; to change perspective you can go down toward Marina Piccola, where the sea is closer, or see them from the water on a boat trip. From the boat you can appreciate the true height of the towers and pass, when conditions allow, under the arch of the Faraglione di Mezzo.

These are three complementary views: the viewpoint for the overall picture, the coast for closeness, the sea for proportions.

Practical tips for your stop

To enjoy the panorama without stress, it is worth keeping a few things in mind:

• Wear comfortable shoes: the streets toward the gardens alternate climbs and steps.
• Bring water and sun protection, because the terraces offer little shade in the hot hours.
• Leave time for a walk through the gardens, not just for the photo from the parapet.
• Pair the visit with the nearby Certosa di San Giacomo, if you want to round off the morning.
• Respect the flower beds and plants: they are the heart of the place.

Check before you go

Opening hours of the gardens, conditions of the paths, sea connections, and the funicular may change because of the season, weather, or maintenance. Before setting out, check the updated information on the official channels of the Comune di Capri, the navigation companies, and the funicular operator.