A leisurely stroll or an uphill hike to the summit of Monte Solaro, via the Migliera viewing point.
There's a place on the island of Capri where the land dominates the sea, where, instead of fishing, the islanders till the soil and where the scents of the vegetable gardens, vineyards and lemon groves is far stronger than that of the sea.
This place is the Migliera, on the sunny southern slopes of Monte Solaro.
A stroll along the Migliera
This itinerary starts from Piazza della Pace in Anacapri (referred to locally as Piazza Cimitero, because it's next to the town's cemetery). Piazza della Pace is the second stop in Anacapri if you are travelling by bus from Capri and it is from here that buses to the lighthouse and the Grotta Azzurra depart. Via La Migliera begins right next to the piazza.
Via La Migliera is only just over a kilometer long and is almost entirely flat. Lined with grape vines (the island's excellent wine is made here), vegetables patches and small B&Bs, on various occasions the little lane opens out to reveal a number of unexpected glimpses of the sea and the neighboring island of Ischia.
Moments of blissful relaxation?
If, after having strolled along the lane, all you want to do is relax in the peaceful, sun drenched countryside, there's no better place to do just that than Da Gelsomina, a fabulous restaurant with panoramic pool located in the immediate vicinity of the Migliera viewing point. Opposite the restaurant, the Philosophical Park has a unique walking path with majolica tiles placed along the route inscribed with philosophical quotes.
The lane ends at the Belvedere del Tuono , one of Capri's most dramatic viewing points. From this cliff edge terrace, perched directly above the sea, visitors are treated to amazing views of the lighthouse of Punta Carena. From here, climb up the little track to the left, past a little statue of the Virgin Mary and an iron cross, to reach the Belvedere sui Faraglioni, from where Capri's gigantic sea stacks magically appear, in all their glory.
At this point, you have two options: to continue on and upwards to the summit of Monte Solaro, or to walk back to the center of Anacapri the same way you came.
From the Migliera to Monte Solaro via Monte Coccuzzo (for expert hikers only!)
From the Belvedere sui Faraglioni, continue up the mountainside. The path is not particularly dangerous but the terrain is rough and extremely steep in places, making it suitable for expert walkers only. A twenty minute uphill climb will bring you to the top of Monte Cocuzzo: 500 meters above sea level.
From here, the views extend across the whole of the Bay of Naples, Vesuvius and the islands of Ischia and Procida on one side; the Sorrentine peninsula, the Amalfi Coast and the islets of Galli on the other. Further in the distance, Licosa point and the Lattari Mountains can be seen. Below, the Faraglioni, continue to stand guard over Capri. From Monte Cocuzzo, the footpath continues as far as Monte Solaro, where you'll find a bar serving refreshments.
From Monte Solaro you can:
Take the chairlift down to the center of Anacapri
Walk back down the mountain, making a detour to see the hermitage of Cetrella