Faraglioni Capri -
Capri Island Atraction

Faraglioni Capri- learn what makes these Isle of Capri Italy attractions so unique, where to catch the best view and the photo, and how to sail around them

What is the Faraglioni of Capri?

The view of the Faraglioni from a boat

Long before there were Roman Emperors, medieval monasteries, elegant hotels and villas, and all the other Capri attractions, there was the timeless Faraglioni of Capri…

Faraglioni Capri is 3 iconic limestone rocks (some say there are four of them) sticking out of the crystal blue seas off the southeastern corner of the island.

They have been braving the erosion from wind, rain, and sea for millennia and have stood there equally tickling the imagination of passers-by today and two thousand years ago.

Having been around for so long, they actually deserved to each get their name!

Not sure how to get to the island of Capri? It's best reached if your cruise ship docks in the port of Naples. You can reach Capri island on your own or take one of the tested Viator shore excursions. Some smaller cruise ships may also anchor in front of Sorrento - you can get to Capri from there, too!

What is so special about the Faraglioni of Capri?

The natural arch of the Faraglioni seen from the boat

First of all, people are so amazed at the Faraglioni because they are a truly natural wonder: it took thousands of years for the wind and the power of sea corrosion to form this geological wonder.

Next, their shape is all so dramatic!

The first stack, Stella (the Star), is attached to the mainland and is 109m high. It's rounded on top.

The second one of the Faraglioni in Capri, di Mezzo (the Middle One) is 81m high and has a natural tunnel, roughly 60m in length, that passes right through it and makes the whole setting even more magical and picturesque. The cavity is big enough for a small boat to pass through.

The third rock, the Faraglione di Fuori of Scopolo, 104 meters high is the habitat of the famous blue lizard, the Lacerta viridens faraglionensis, which can be found exclusively living on this very rock and nowhere else in the world.

Why is the lizard blue? A theory says that after the rocks got separated from the mainland, as a result of the geographical and genetic isolation, the lizards’ scales assumed and kept the blue color of the sky and the sea.

Although not so prominent, there is also the fourth faraglione, which is flatter and closer to the Tragara. It is called Monacone, named after the sea lion “monaca” that used to live there up until the last century.

Because of all of this, they have been inspiring poets, painters, and writers for centuries. You will often find them featured in photos, advertisements, commercials (remember the video for D&G's Light Blue perfume?), and on social media, which always adds to their popularity and becomes one of the main reasons why tourists come and visit the isle of Capri when docking in Naples or Sorrento.

The Romans were especially fond of the area around the Faraglioni. They considered it sacred as they used many of the natural coves in the cliff to build the nymphei and their villas to enjoy the stunning setting.

Where is Faraglioni Capri located?

This stunning rock stack is located off the southern coast of the isle of Capri, in the Tyrhennian sea.

It can't be seen from the port of Naples as it is hidden behind the island.

The stack closest to the coast is only about a 100 meters away from the island (328 feet) - but the coast is rugged there and there so no way to get close to the stack at the sea level.

Where from can you get the best photo of Faraglioni Capri?

Getting a good photo of Faraglioni in Capri

The last time my husband and I were in Capri in the spring of 2022, we were also in search of a good spot to take a photo of the Faraglioni. So here is a step-by-step guide on how to get there from the Marina Grande where your hydrofoil will dock when coming from Naples.

First you would have to take the funiculare from the Marina area to the top of the cliff where the Town of Capri is. The funicular station entrance is visible from the dock where your hydrofoil arrives - you will locate it easily.

Next, you would walk from the upper funicular station to Piazza Umberto I or the famous Capri Piazzetta, the central square where many shops and cafes are.

Then you would head to Via Vittorio Emanuelle, the main shopping street of Capri, also lined with nice little hotels. Go all the way down to the end of the street.

There you will turn right into Via Matteotti where you will pass by one of the Carthusia perfume shops and an ice-cream and limoncello stand.

From this street you will also have a great view of the Certosa San Giacomo, or the Carthusian monastery.

Limoncello and lemon granita stand in Capri

Get some refreshment half way to the View of the Faraglioni

Certosa San Giacomo in the town of Capri

At the end of Via Matteotti you will reach the entrance to the Augustus Gardens, marked by a gate and the sign with its name.

Sometimes they charge the entrance fee (depends on the season) to the Gardens (a few euros).

Walk through the Augustus Gardens to reach the belvedere spot for the Faraglioni

From there, follow the scenic pathways inside the beautifully landscaped gardens until you reach the highest point.

From there, you will enjoy the views of the sea and the beautiful Faraglioni.

The view of the Fraglioni from Augustus Gardens

The view of the Faraglioni from the Augustus Gardens

What are the best tours of the Faraglioni of Capri?

On Viator, our trusted tour partner, there are many Capri boat tours on offer but what I tried to do is hand-pick the ones that depart from Naples and offer pick up in Mollo Beverello, the place a few minutes walk from your cruise ship's dock in Naples.

They do last long so just check ahead if they get you back in time for your ship's sailaway.

Also, my suggestion is to check the weather forecast ahead. Namely, the trip to Capri takes at least 30 minutes and if you have tendency to get seasick on boats, you might not enjoy the ride if the sea gets choppy.