Introduction : Panoramas à couper le souffle depuis les Jardins d’Auguste (Giardini di Augusto)
The Gardens of Augustus, or Giardini di Augusto in Italian, are one of Capri’s most iconic lookout points. Perched between sky and sea, these terraced flower gardens deliver classic Mediterranean panoramas: deep-blue water, vertical limestone cliffs and the three rocky stacks known as the Faraglioni. For photo-enthusiasts, quiet contemplators or anyone who enjoys a gentle stroll through a well-kept horticultural setting, the Gardens of Augustus are almost a must-see.
Nestled in the heart of Capri, the gardens were laid out in the early 20th century and today stand as a lovely example of a public garden blending topiary, colourful flowerbeds and carefully framed sightlines. Their terraced layout allows views over the island’s southern coast and offers scenes that change with the light: pink-tinged dawns, golden midday sun, and blazing sunsets behind the Faraglioni. These views aren’t just pretty — they tell the geological and human story of Capri: the sea shaping the rock, historic routes like the famous Via Krupp, and the old villas visible in the distance.
This guide aims to be both informative and practical: it explains how to reach the Gardens of Augustus (including exact addresses and opening times), highlights the viewpoints you shouldn’t miss, lists current ticket prices in euros, and shares local tips to get the most from your visit — how to avoid the crowds, the best times for photos, and transport options. You’ll also find suggested itineraries and complementary activities like walks to Via Krupp, boat trips to the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) and the Faraglioni, and nearby food recommendations.
Because every visitor seeks something slightly different — slow contemplation, a photo session, a hike or a boat excursion — this guide covers several scenarios. Whether you have a few hours in Capri or a full day, the Gardens of Augustus fit naturally into your plans to deliver a memorable moment and truly breathtaking views.
1) Présentation détaillée des Jardins d’Auguste : emplacement, histoire et atmosphère
The Gardens of Augustus are officially located at: Giardini di Augusto, Via Matteotti, 80073 Capri NA, Italy. Their central-southern position on the island makes them easy to reach from the Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto I) and the nearby shopping streets. Historically, the gardens were created in the early 20th century by industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp, later redesigned to become a public space. The planting mixes Mediterranean species — laurel, agave, bougainvillea and seasonal flowerbeds — with stone features that blend seamlessly into Capri’s urban fabric.
On arrival you immediately sense the intent to create carefully framed viewpoints: terraces, stone balustrades, cobbled paths and stairways guide your gaze toward the sea and the famous Faraglioni. The atmosphere is both horticultural and panoramic: tourists, photographers, couples seeking romance and locals enjoying the morning cool all mingle here. Benches are placed strategically for contemplative breaks.
The gardens are modest in size, but every square meter is optimized for perspective. Info panels in Italian and English explain the site’s history and the origins of the plants. At the main entrance there’s a discreet ticket booth: the entry fee is symbolic — generally €1.50 (reduced rates may be available for children and seniors; confirm prices on site) — making it one of the most accessible attractions on the island. The gardens are open year-round with hours that vary by season: in summer they typically open from 9:00 to 19:30; in low season they usually close around 18:00. These times can change for local events, so check with the Capri tourist office or the signs at the entrance.
Practical points to remember: the gardens are an easy 10–15 minute walk from the Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto I, 80073 Capri NA), depending on your pace. For visitors with reduced mobility, some areas can be challenging due to steps and uneven paving; however, the area near the main entrance offers rewarding views without excessive effort. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat in summer: many spots are exposed and the Mediterranean sun can be intense.
2) Les panoramas incontournables depuis les points clés des Jardins d’Auguste
The Gardens of Augustus offer several distinct vantage points, each with its own angle and visual story. Here are the main perspectives you shouldn’t miss and what you can expect to see at each stop.
- Main viewpoint toward the Faraglioni: On the south side of the gardens is the most photographed terrace, with a stone balustrade opening onto the Faraglioni — the three iconic rock stacks rising from the sea. At high tide and on calm days the turquoise water contrasts beautifully with the ochre rock faces. In the morning, side light reveals the stone textures; in the late afternoon the setting sun paints the Faraglioni in golden tones.
- View over Marina Piccola and Via Krupp: Another terrace offers a glimpse of Marina Piccola bay and the famous Via Krupp, the switchback road carved into the cliff that descends to the sea. From here you can appreciate the engineering and bold design that once connected private villas to the coast. It’s a great spot to pick out small coves accessible by boat or on foot.
- Perspective over the southern coast and the Gulf of Naples: On clear days the horizon stretches to the Gulf of Naples, with the distant outline of Vesuvius and sometimes Ischia and Procida. This panoramic view gives a broader geographic reading of the bay and highlights Capri’s strategic position between the Amalfi Coast and the Campania mainland.
Each viewpoint has photographic strengths: for the Faraglioni panorama, a wide-angle lens or your phone in landscape mode works great; for the Via Krupp view, a moderate zoom will bring the switchbacks into focus. Photographers should aim to arrive early to beat the tour groups and catch the best light, or later in the afternoon for warm tones.
Beyond images, the panoramas tell stories: sailors navigating near the rocks, local fishermen sometimes visible from shore, and divers exploring marine caves. Listen — the sound of waves, the cry of the gulls and the breeze all complete the scene and enhance the visit. If you care about the environment, remember to respect the site: don’t pick the plants and avoid leaving litter — bins are provided at the entrance.
3) Accès, horaires, tarifs et conseils pratiques pour organiser votre visite
Getting to the Gardens of Augustus is straightforward, but a few practical details will help you make the most of your visit. Address: Giardini di Augusto, Via Matteotti, 80073 Capri NA, Italy. The main entrance sits near Capri’s central shopping area, about a 10–15 minute walk from the Piazzetta (Piazza Umberto I, 80073 Capri NA).
Opening hours (subject to seasonal changes): generally open daily. Typical schedule:
- High season (April to October): 9:00 – 19:30
- Low season (November to March): 9:00 – 18:00
Admission: the fee is modest and helps maintain the site. Current indicative prices (check before you go):
- Adult ticket: €1.50
- Reduced rate (children, seniors): about €0.75
- Free admission possible for residents or special events — inquire on site
How to get there from the ferry arrival: most visitors disembark at Marina Grande (Porto di Capri). From the port you have several options:
- Local bus (Capri bus): direct line to the Piazzetta. Approximate fare: €2.50 per ride. Buses run frequently in high season.
- Taxi: estimated price from Marina Grande to the Piazzetta is €10–15 depending on traffic and luggage.
- On foot: a steep climb but doable in 30–40 minutes for fit walkers; stick to the marked stairs and paths.
Practical tips:
- Best time to visit: early morning (opening) to avoid crowds and enjoy soft light; or late afternoon for sunsets. Midday is the busiest time.
- Photography: bring a wide-angle and a polariser to boost sea colour; a lightweight tripod can help for long exposures at sunset, but heavy visitor traffic may limit where you can set one up.
- What to bring: comfortable shoes, water, a hat and sun protection in summer. There’s no major shop inside; bring snacks if needed.
- Accessibility: cobbles and steps make parts of the site challenging for people with reduced mobility. The main entrance area still offers views with less effort.
- Rules: respect the balustrades and don’t climb them; don’t pick the flowers and don’t leave litter.
4) Excursions et activités complémentaires depuis les Jardins d’Auguste
The Gardens of Augustus are a great jumping-off point to combine scenic viewing with other Capri highlights. Here are ideas to add before or after your garden visit, with addresses, typical hours and prices to help plan your day.
- Via Krupp (Via Krupp, 80073 Capri NA): This switchback road carved into the cliff connects the garden area with Marina Piccola. It can be closed at times for safety (rockfalls), but when open the view of the winding line and the bay is spectacular. Free access when the path is open; opening times vary (often accessible during daytime until late afternoon).
- Walk to Marina Piccola: Reachable on foot from Via Krupp or by taxi, Marina Piccola is a popular beach area with cafés and rocky sunbathing spots. Address: Marina Piccola, 80073 Capri NA. Some beach clubs charge an entry fee (private beaches: €20–40 for a sunbed), while public coves remain free but get crowded in summer.
- Boat excursion around the island: Frequent departures from Marina Grande (Porto di Capri). Group tours typically cost €18–28 per person for a short loop (1–2 hours) around the Faraglioni and the southern coast. Private hires (water taxis) usually start around €120–200 per hour depending on season and boat size. The Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) is a popular option: if you want to enter the cave, expect an extra fee for the small rowboat approach (around €14–18 per person) — note that sea conditions can prevent access.
- Monte Solaro (chairlift): For a higher vantage point, the Monte Solaro chairlift links Piazza Vittoria to the summit at Anacapri. Departure address: Piazza Vittoria, 80071 Anacapri NA. Hours: generally 9:00–17:30 in low season, extended to around 18:30–19:00 in summer. Round-trip fares are roughly €12–14 per person; reduced tickets for children may be available. From the top you get a sweeping view of the whole island and the Bay of Naples.
Booking and seasons: for boat trips and private services (water taxis, guided tours) it’s wise to reserve in advance during high season (June–September). Many local operators offer packages combining boat tours with a guide. For a more intimate experience, opt for early departures when the sea is usually calmer.
Restaurants and stops nearby: after your walk, several pleasant cafés and restaurants line Capri’s central area. Examples:
- Ristorante Il Geranio, Via Marina Grande 0, 80073 Capri NA — terrace with a view of Marina Grande; mains range from €18 to €40 depending on course. Approximate hours: 12:00–23:00.
- Bar Tiberio, Via Fuorlovado 1, 80073 Capri NA — coffee and snacks; perfect for a quick break. Hours: open early morning and late into the evening.
These suggestions let you plan a half-day or a full day: gardens in the morning, boat tour at midday, Monte Solaro early afternoon, and back to the Piazzetta for dinner.
5) Conseils locaux et bonnes pratiques pour une expérience inoubliable
To get the most from the Gardens of Augustus and the views they offer, here are practical local tips based on the experience of guides and island regulars. These recommendations cover logistics, photography and respectful behaviour toward the environment and residents.
- Avoid peak hours: The gardens are busiest between 11:00 and 16:00. If you want peace and photos without crowds, arrive at opening (9:00) or after 17:00 in summer.
- Plan around the weather: Views depend on conditions. A clear day gives spectacular vistas all the way to Vesuvius and Ischia; a misty morning can create a mysterious mood great for black-and-white photos. Check marine weather if you plan a boat trip in the afternoon.
- Respect the site: the gardens are a historic, horticultural public space. Don’t climb on balustrades, trample flowerbeds or leave rubbish. Locals take pride in the gardens and appreciate respectful visitors.
- Cash and payments: carry small euro coins for the entry fee, vending machines or small shops; many places accept cards but it’s handy to have cash for minor purchases.
- Professional photography: if you plan a professional shoot (wedding, fashion), check rules in advance and possibly request permission from the Capri municipality — there may be restrictions or fees.
- Safety: keep valuables close. As in any tourist area, pickpockets can operate; avoid leaving bags open on benches or terraces.
- Respect closing times: don’t stay after the gardens close; the site may be shut for maintenance or private events and staying after hours can lead to penalties.
- Ecotourism: if you book a boat trip, choose operators who respect the marine ecosystem (no aggressive approaches to caves, respect for protected areas). The garden staff and ticket attendants can often recommend reputable companies.
For a fuller immersion, take time to listen to local guides and shopkeepers: they often share local stories (legends about the Faraglioni, anecdotes about Via Krupp and the old villas) that enrich the walk. One last tip: if you plan to combine garden visiting with shopping, leave large bags at your hotel or on the boat (if a left-luggage option exists) and carry a small bag for a lighter stroll.
Conclusion : Pourquoi les Jardins d’Auguste valent la visite
The Gardens of Augustus are more than just a lookout: they’re a full sensory experience where geography, history and garden design come together to offer memorable panoramas. Located in the heart of Capri at Giardini di Augusto, Via Matteotti, 80073 Capri NA, they’re easy to reach from the Piazzetta and the Marina Grande port, and they’re a perfect vantage point to admire the Faraglioni, Via Krupp, Marina Piccola and — on clear days — the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius.
With a symbolic admission fee (around €1.50), convenient summer hours (typically 9:00–19:30) and proximity to other highlights like the Grotta Azzurra and Monte Solaro, the gardens fit neatly into a half-day or full-day itinerary. The practical tips provided — best times to visit, recommended gear, and how to respect the site — will help you make the most of your stop and enjoy a calmer, more considerate experience.
Whether you’re a photographer hunting the perfect Faraglioni shot, a curious traveler wanting to understand the landscape, or a walker seeking a moment of calm, the Gardens of Augustus offer the right setting. The views are ever-changing and endlessly inspiring: they invite slow observation and discovery. Pair your visit with a walk along Via Krupp, a break at Marina Piccola, or a boat trip around the island to build a Capri day rich in images and sensations.
Before you leave, one final practical reminder: check up-to-date opening times and prices (especially for boat excursions and access to the Grotta Azzurra), follow on-site instructions and enjoy the magic of a panorama that has charmed travelers and artists for over a century. The Gardens of Augustus don’t just show you Capri — they invite you to feel it.
