Spiaggia di Punta dell'ArceraItaly Beach Guide
Capri's quiet rocky secret, Blue Grotto on your doorstep
About
Spiaggia di Punta dell'Arcera is a hidden corner of Capri that almost nobody finds. There's no sand here — flat rock platforms meet turquoise water in a setting that feels genuinely off the tourist map. The water carries the same electric-blue clarity as the Blue Grotto nearby, and the vibe is unhurried and relaxed. This is local-only knowledge made real: no sunbeds, no beach bars, no infrastructure of any kind — just raw Capri coastline and that extraordinary turquoise sea.
How to get there
The only way in is on foot: hike from Anacapri via Via Pagliaro and Via Gradola, a walk of around 35 minutes. The path is rough and unmaintained, so appropriate footwear is not optional — it's essential. If you're driving to the trailhead, limited free roadside parking is available at Via Gradola. There is no entry fee.
Who it's for
For couples
The quiet atmosphere and the absence of any tourist infrastructure make this a genuinely private escape — just the two of you, flat sun-warmed rocks, and turquoise water with the Blue Grotto glowing nearby.
For families
Families with young children or anyone with limited mobility should think carefully before making the trip: the rough unmaintained path, rocky entry with no gradual slope, and complete lack of facilities make this a challenging day out for little ones.
Our take
Spiaggia di Punta dell'Arcera is not a beach you stumble upon — it takes a 35-minute hike on a rough path, the right footwear, and the willingness to carry everything you need for the day. Swimming is safe, the turquoise water is genuinely exceptional, and the flat rock platforms are comfortable enough for a long afternoon in the sun. But go in clear-eyed: there is no lifeguard, no shade structure, no café, and no easy exit if something goes wrong. The reward for that effort is one of the quietest spots on an island that is rarely quiet, with the Blue Grotto sitting just 0.2 km away. Best visited between June and September when the weather is reliable and the sea is calm. Worth the detour — but only if you come prepared.
What to do
The Grotta Azzurra — the world-famous sea cave where light refracts into an electric blue glow — is just 0.2 km away and worth every minute of the detour. Right beside it, Spiaggia di Gradola is a free pebble cove sharing the same luminous turquoise water, a quieter alternative if you want to compare the two spots. A little further inland, the ruins of Villa Damecuta, a Roman imperial villa on the Anacapri plateau, are 1.5 km away and make a rewarding add-on to the hike. The Belvedere degli Agli viewpoint is 1.6 km from the beach and makes a worthwhile stop along the way.
The flat rock platforms at water level are your best shooting position — a wide-angle shot looking out over the turquoise water with the Capri coastline in the background is hard to beat.
The approach to Grotta Azzurra, just 0.2 km away, gives you the iconic blue cave mouth framed by limestone cliffs.
Where to eat
There are no facilities at the beach itself, so pack a picnic before you set out. Back in Anacapri, Aumm Aumm, A' Curtiglia, and La Rondinella are all within 1.8 km and offer Italian cooking worth the short walk. Dal Presidente and La Giara are slightly further at 1.9 km if you want to explore a little more of the village after your hike.
Where to stay
Hotel Al Mulino is the closest base at just 0.9 km, making it ideal for an early-morning start down to the beach. Le Cantinelle is 1.7 km away, while Capri Palace Hotel & Spa and Capri Beauty Farm are both around 2 km from the beach for those who want more comfort after a day on the rocks.
Photography
The flat rock platforms at water level give you an unobstructed low angle over the turquoise water — shoot in the morning when the light is soft and the surface is glassy. The proximity to Grotta Azzurra also offers opportunities to frame the cave entrance from the surrounding area.
Good to know
Wear proper footwear — the path from Anacapri is rough and unmaintained, and the rocky platforms at the water's edge offer no gradual slope into the sea. There is no lifeguard and no facilities of any kind, so bring everything you need: water, food, a first-aid kit. The rocky entry means this beach is completely inaccessible for wheelchair users. Arrive early to claim one of the better flat rock platforms before other visitors make the hike down.
Map
Nearby places
Aumm Aumm
A' Curtiglia
La Rondinella
Dal Presidente
La Giara
Hotel Al Mulino
Le Cantinelle
Capri Palace Hotel & Spa
Capri Beauty Farm
Hotel Excelsior Parco
Things to see around Anacapri
Grotta Azzurra
Famous sea cave with electric blue light refraction effect
Spiaggia di Gradola
Free pebble cove adjacent to the Blue Grotto with the same luminous water
Villa Damecuta
Roman imperial villa ruins on the Anacapri plateau
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Biker Jun · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 2 — kajikawa · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 3 — kajikawa · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 4 — mcosta1973 · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 5 — toms_travels · source · CC BY-ND 2.0
- Photo 6 — fourfridays · source · CC BY-SA 2.0