Walking in Capri is not just about strolling through the heart of the “Salotto del Mondo” (Living Room of the World).
Amid the shopping streets and the typical vacation hustle and bustle, or along the evocative paths where every step is filled with sentiment, like the one in Tragara, there is an island waiting to be discovered, especially in the vast world of hiking. The “Passetiello” trail stands out as one of the most iconic paths, a must for true nature lovers and avid hikers. It is certainly one of the most scenic routes, not only for its immersion in the Mediterranean scrub but also for the variety of landscapes that unfold before the visitor’s eyes. This old mule track, an ancient road connecting Capri and Anacapri, starts from the Due Golfi area, just a few steps from the center of Capri, and climbs along the rocky ridge, eventually reaching the Anacapri territory in the Cetrella valley. The trail is for enthusiasts, as it includes several challenging sections with long uphill stretches, and it is crucial to wear appropriate clothing and, especially, proper footwear.
In the first part of the trail, you will encounter a Leccio forest, one of the three remaining fragments of this type of oak forest on the island, with typical Mediterranean flora. The path then merges into a mixed forest of deciduous trees, which thrive in the area due to the marine currents that rise and create an ideal microclimate. Finally, the Passetiello is reached, where, after climbing a steep rock stairway, the stunning view of the Faraglioni and Marina Piccola unfolds.
Reaching the Cetrella valley with its hermitage concludes the fascinating journey. Here, you’ll find a typical chestnut grove and the Anginola valley, home to a pine forest of black pine (Pinus nigra), a tree species originally from Asia Minor and the mountain ranges of Eastern Europe. From Cetrella, you can return to the center of Anacapri via another trail, or ascend further to Monte Solaro by taking the cable car.
To reach it, you can start from Due Golfi. After passing through the inhabited areas and cultivated fields, you’ll enter the Leccio woods and the high Mediterranean scrub, ultimately reaching the Cetrella valley near the ancient Hermitage of St. Mary, with a magnificent view of the Faraglioni. The altitude reached is 589 meters, and the total walking time is about 3 hours.
