The Lighthouse of Punta Carena dominates the Southwestern coast of the island of Capri. Looming behind the lighthouse, there is the precipice of the Migliera, lined with defense walls built by the British at the start of the 19th century in order to protect Capri from invasion. In front of the lighthouse, the sea extends all the way to Sicily.
The lighthouse, 'faro' in Italian, was built in 1866. The second tallest in Italy (after Genoa), it is among the most important of all those guarding over the Tyrrhenian Sea. At Punta Carena the seabed descends extremely quickly and, at only 500 meters from the coast, is already 600 meters deep.
Our insider tip
This has to be the best place on the whole island in which to sit and watch the sun setting over the sea, an aperitif in hand.
Sensational in the summer, Faro is wonderful in the winter too - when the sea is at its most powerful.
Caressed by crystal clear water and bathed in the sun all day long: it's not surprising if Faro is the islanders' favorite beach. Then there's the beach club, with a series of private sun decks and steps leading down into the sea; a snack bar serving panini and salads; and a water edge restaurant where to enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner.
Bar and beaches at the Faro
Free beach
Da Antonio - Snack Bar and sun lounger/ deck chair rental
Lido Del Faro - Beach club and restaurant
How to get to the lighthouse and Punta Carena
By bus, from the main Viale Tommaso de Tommaso stop, in Anacapri.
On foot, walking along Viale Tommaso de Tommaso and Via Nuova del Faro (40 minutes circa)
