If you take a boat tour around the island of Capri, you will see one of the island’s famous landmarks, the Arco Naturale, or Natural Arch. The experienced boat drivers will bring you so very close to the rocky cliffs (I could touch them!) where you can look up and enjoy the arch  and look around you to admire the incredible blue of the water in the area just below the Arco Naturale. The blue of the sea changes countless times as you travel around Capri, from turquoise, to azure, to a deep electric blue around the Faraglioni. Everyone has their favorite, and I think mine is this intensely clear and bright turquoise around the base of the Arco Naturale.

The last time I went to Capri we decided to take a walk to view the Arco Naturale from above. This is an easy and enjoyable walk for those who want to enjoy a piece of Capri away from the crowds and a beautiful view without having to climb endless stairs. (There are some steps, but mostly at the end of the walk as you approach the Arco Naturale.) Start the tour in Capri’s famous Piazzetta. Amidst the cafes and people, locate this lovely arched walkway, called Via Le Botteghe, and head away from the maddening crowd.

The street climbs gently but steadily, passing some of the most beautiful houses and gated entrances. Soon you will find yourself walking amid interspersed houses and the countryside of Capri, with vegetable and flower gardens. Along the way we found this amazing private cactus garden.

Soon you will reach a crossroads, below, where you want to follow the signs to the left. You are almost there!

The sign next to the Arco Naturale one caught my attention: Cleanliness and silence are indications of civil respect. Shhhh …

Not long after reading that sign you will find yourself silenced by the incredible natural beauty at the overlook above the Arco Naturale. I stood there in awe, listening to the sound of the wind blowing through the pine trees and the seagulls calling one another with strange cries that echoed in the mountains above. And that blue, that intense blue.

When you can tear yourself away, head back on the same pathway. Just five minutes from the Arco Naturale is a well-situated restaurant that would make a find resting point and excellent lunch spot. The walk takes about an hour roundtrip from the Piazzetta going at an easy pace. If shopping for Capri fashions isn’t your style, head out of town and enjoy this beautiful walk!

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