Looking to escape the shoulder-to-shoulder tourist throngs that flood Italy’s hotspots? We stumbled upon a hidden slice of paradise during our visit to Capri, the tiny island off the coast of Naples in southern Italy. Capri is just as busy and beloved as any other Italian destination—especially in summer and fall—but the place we discovered felt quiet, romantically beautiful, and pleasantly uncrowded.
Locals even say they often outnumber the visitors. That place is Punta Carena, tucked into the far western edge of the island in an area known as Anacapri.
Life moves at a slower pace here, far removed from the ferry port’s chaos, where tourists pour out like ants at a picnic. Perched at a higher elevation, Anacapri offers sweeping views of the coast and the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s where the island’s rugged cliffs meet the horizon—and where you’ll find the Faro di Punta Carena, the second-oldest lighthouse in Italy.
Built in 1867, the lighthouse still operates today, standing tall and pastel pink on the cliff’s edge like a sentinel guiding ships across the sea.
From the small parking lot and bus stop at Punta Carena, walking paths lead downhill: one to the lighthouse, the other to a private beach club (Lido del Faro) and a free public swimming and sunbathing area. Soft sea breezes temper the radiant sun. The air is filled with the sound of cliff-diving locals plunging into ice-blue, crystal-clear water.
We arrived in the early afternoon after spending the morning at the Blue Grotto, just a short bus ride away. As we strolled down the path toward the shoreline, we came upon Da Antonio, a humble bungalow-style café with panoramic sea views. A local landmark since the 1950s, this charming spot is still popular with islanders. We found a shaded table, ordered limoncello spritzes, and lingered over a leisurely lunch.
After the meal, we simply settled into our chairs and let time drift. There was no rush. No lines. No crowds. Just the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun.
A German couple sat at the next table, doing the same. He had grown up on the island, and they often return to visit family. We chatted briefly—just enough to exchange smiles and stories—then returned to quiet contemplation. This is the kind of place where words seem unnecessary.
As the day unfolded, we decided to stay for sunset. The lighthouse faces directly west, offering one of the best sunset views on the island. The sky turned a brilliant, cloudless blue. The sea shimmered like a carpet of diamonds. Distant boat engines buzzed gently in the background. Seagulls called overhead. Waves lapped against the rocks.
Amazingly, only about six other people had gathered to watch the sun go down. It felt peaceful.
We watched as the orange sun dipped slowly into the horizon and vanished beneath the sea. A stirring finale. A perfect ending to a magical day.
Punta Carena Sunset Timelapse Video
Steve Geiger
Mellow Wanderer Creator/Author
Susan Geiger
Mellow Wanderer Photographer
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