Italy scenic roads: Augustus Gardens and Via Krupp in Capri

A scenic road in Capri Island, visiting the Gardens of Augustus, Via Krupp, admiring the 3 big rocks called Faraglioni

Country sightseeing tour - Scenic Drive - South Italy - Campania

Itinerary: Capri, Marina Piccola, Via Krupp, Gardens of Augustus, Faraglioni, Gulf of Naples

Located in the Gulf of Naples, Capri (pic n°3) is a limestone island that has always attracted intellectuals, artists and common tourists thanks to its incredible beauty. Capri is just a small island, and yet it is an irresistible mix of history, nature, and culture that paved the way to the unique myth of Capri.

There are many things to do and see in Capri, but the real symbol of this island is a group of three big rocks emerging from the sea, called Faraglioni (pic n°5). These three natural sea stacks owe their existence and their particular shape to thousands of years of erosion by the wind, rain, and waves. Today their average height is about 100 meters. In order to better recognize them, the three stacks have their own names: "Stella" or "Faraglione di Terra" is the one nearest (and linked to) the island, "Faraglione di Mezzo" is the middle one, which has an arch at its base, and "Faraglione di Fuori" or "Scopolo" is the farthest one. This last rock is also worldwide famous because it is the only habitat of the legendary and beautiful blue lizard.

You can admire their might from many lookout points, but the Gardens of Augustus probably offer the most amazing views. The Gardens are a group of terraced botanical gardens full of flowers and plants, perfect for a romantic walk or a peaceful relaxing moment enjoying the blissful landscape. The wide popularity of the Faraglioni rocks is also due to the magnificent view over them that you can enjoy from these Gardens.

Via Krupp (pic n°2) is a winding and picturesque trail (a pedestrian road) that connects the Gardens of Augustus (pic n°4) with Marina Piccola (pic n°6), the beach area located on the southern coast of the island. Due to the limestone origin of the island, the road has always been subjected to possible landslides, so that it is often closed because of maintenance. It offers a magnificent sea view, and it is pleasantly surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation.

Both the Gardens and Via Krupp trail were built in 1902, at the request of Friedrich Alfred Krupp, a German steel tycoon who was in love with Capri. He especially decided to build Via Krupp because he wanted a more convenient and faster way to reach from his house his yacht in Marina Piccola. So this is the reason why one of the most spectacular and scenic roads in the world was built.

Some pictures of Capri Island:

Panoramic view (pic n°1); Via Krupp (pic n°2); Capri (pic n°3); Gardens of Augustus (pic n°4); the 3 big rocks called Faraglioni (pic n°5); Panoramic view (pic n°6)