Capri The Faraglioni of Capri

The Faraglioni are three blocks of rock which have survived coastal landslides, erosion by the sea and all manner of atmospheric corrosion. The rocks have each been given a name: the first, still attached to the land, is called Stella, the second, separated from the first block by a stretch of sea; Faraglione di Mezzo and the third, Faraglione di Fuori or Scopolo, in other words the head or promontory stretching into the sea.

The Faraglione di Fuori is the habitat for a famous species of Podarcis sicula coerulea and is the only place where it can be found. It is thought that, following the separation from the mainland, a sort of protective chromatic adaptation resulted in the lizards' scales assuming the blue tones of the sea and sky. The height of the Faraglioni is, on average, 100 meters. In the Faraglione di Mezzo is characterized by a cavity, a natural tunnel which has become famous throughout the world.

The Romans were especially fond of this area of Capri: in ancient times scattered with splendid villas and shady ninfei, later to become the much sought after retreat of artists in the nineteen hundreds and now home to exclusive residences and luxury hotels.