Hiker's Paradise

Hiker's Paradise

While Capri may first conjure up chichi caffés and Gucci stores, it's also a wonderland of idyllic pathways running beside cactus-covered cliffs and whitewashed Arabian houses overlooking some of the bluest water on Earth. So when Capri Town swarms with summer crowds and begins to feel like an ant farm, take to the hills -- in a few minutes, you can find yourself atop a cliff without a trace of humanity in sight.

The island is a novice hiker's paradise, with plenty of moderate hikes that lead to stunning vistas. One of the simplest routes is to take Anacapri's Via Caposcuro and Via Migliera south to the Belvedere di Migliera, a lookout point above a cliff on the island's south side. For another great hike, from Capri Town follow Via Camerelle-Via Tragara past the ritzy hotels and villas to the terrific southside vista, within spitting distance of the Faraglioni rocks. From here there's a path leading down to the secluded beaches under the Faraglioni.

From the area around the island's famous Arco Naturale, descend hundreds of steps past the Grotto di Matermania to find the stunning southern hillside path called the Via Pizzo Lungo, passing several famous villas. At Via Arco Naturale, you can climb the hill to see this famous natural rock bridge that overlooks the sea. To return to town, exit the Via Pizzo Lungo onto enchanting Via Tragara and head back to Capri Town. A short but dizzying hike descends the cliff beneath the Giardini di Augusto. Just beneath the gardens the famous Via Krupp was closed for many years, because of the risk of falling rocks, but was restored to its former beauty in 2006.

After the path straightens out, there's a path on your left; veer left where it divides, and you'll come to the Grotta dell'Arsenale, a large cave in the base of the cliff and one of Capri's most secluded beaches. Once you're back on the main path, you can go downhill to Marina Piccola. Capri is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and the good news is that its trailways allow you to discover its every nook and cranny.