Like the idea of having the island of Capri all to yourself for a couple of hours? Want to escape from the crowds of tourists inundating the Piazzetta and Via Camerelle? If so, this is the itinerary for you!
The itinerary through the countryside of Anacapri, starts at Torre della Guardia and ends at the island's lighthouse at Punta Carena .
Here you'll find two alternative routes, one short and one long.
The long route
Take the bus to Anacapri and get off at the 'Cimitero' bus stop (the second stop after the main Piazza Vittoria stop) and from here, take Via La Migliera, a pretty little lane which makes its way through the vineyards and citrus groves and offers tantalizing glimpses of the sea.
After a leisurely 30 minute stroll, you reach the Belvedere del Tuono: a panoramic, cliff edge terrace from where to enjoy spectacular views of the sea and the Punta Carena lighthouse.
Insider tip
To the left of the viewing point, take the little track which passes by a small statue of the Madonna and a cross to reach another breathtakingly beautiful viewing point; this one looking out over the Faraglioni.
Return to the Belvedere del Tuono, and from here, take the path which leads down the mountainside to Torre di Guardia, an old watch tower. From the tower a series of steps lead to the road to Punta Carena.
Feeling hungry? Close to the Belvedere del Tuono, Da Gelsomina serves delicious island cuisine on its sea view terraces. Opposite the restaurant, the Philosophical park combines Mediterranean flora with phrases from western philosophy.
Short route
Take the bus to Anacapri and get off at the last stop (Caprile). From here walk along Via Nuova del Faro for circa 5 minutes until you come to Via Vecchia del Faro (on your left).
Proceed along the Traversa via la Guardia, a little lane which makes its way through rural Anacapri, far from the beaten tourist track. After about 20 minutes you'll reach Torre di Guardia, an ancient watch tower.
Near to the entrance to the tower, a series of stone steps descend to the tarmac road which leads to the Faro.
Two delightful detours
The Pino blockhouse
At the bottom of the steps, walk back up the road for a few meters and follow the signs to the "Fortino di Pino". Bear in mind that the way back from the blockhouse will be entirely uphill and, especially in the hot summer months, it can be hard work!
The Tombosiello blockhouse
About half way along the path which leads to the Fortino di Pino, on your left, you'll find the little track to the Fortino del Tombosiello blockhouse. From here, you'll be treated to a spectacular view of the Punta Carena lighthouse and the bay of Cala di Limmo.
Once back on the tarmac road, take the short cut to the right, through the pine woods, to reach the Faro.
At Faro you can ...
Relax in the sun on the sea edge terraces at the Lido del Faro beach club
Tuck into a tasty caponata at the Da Antonio snack bar
Take a dip in the sea, the cleanliness of which has led to it being awarded the Blue Flag
The return journey
Buses to Anacapri leave every 20 minutes or so. If reach Capri, you'll need to get off at Caprile, and from here catch another bus, heading to Capri or Marina Grande. Of course, you can always call a taxi instead (Anacapri taxi rank: +39 081 8371175)
