The Gardens of Augustus are a compact terraced garden at the edge of Capri town, laid out in the early twentieth century by the German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp, and named after the Roman emperor who loved the island. Flowerbeds, palms and pergolas step down toward the cliff, and the viewing terraces look straight out to the three Faraglioni rocks, the sea far below and the hairpin bends of the Via Krupp footpath that descends toward Marina Piccola. In spring and summer it is full of flowers and visitors; in November the colours are quieter, the crowds are thin and the light is low and gentle. A visit takes thirty to forty-five minutes and costs very little. The tour linked here is a Capri island tour whose title includes the Gardens of Augustus and the Faraglioni, which is the simplest way to see the garden as part of a wider day. Most visitors come on foot from the Piazzetta, an easy walk of about ten minutes through the lanes of Capri town.
Opening hours change through the year. In November the garden opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon, with a final entry thirty minutes before closing, and the same short hours continue into December and January. Tickets are small in price and are normally bought online; guidance on winter fees has varied between sources, so check the island's tourism pages before you go. Children under twelve are free.
What to do there
Take the photograph of the Faraglioni from the upper terrace, then wander the lower paths for angles over the sea and the coast. Via Krupp, the zigzag path that descends from the gardens to Marina Piccola, has been closed to walkers for rockfall repairs for many years, so do not plan on walking it without checking its status first. The gardens are also a good place to sit with a coffee from the town and watch the light change.
Good to know
The garden is on a slope with steps, it is exposed to wind, and there is little shade, so dress for the weather. It combines easily with a stroll through the Piazzetta and the luxury shops on Via Camerelle, and with the chairlift in Anacapri if you have a full day. Photography is best in the morning when the sun is behind you, and the rocks appear most dramatic when the low winter light rakes across them.
What to expect
The experience
A short self-guided stroll through terraced gardens to the cliff-edge viewing platforms above the Faraglioni.
Best time
Morning for the best light on the rocks; winter hours end in the late afternoon.
How long
Thirty to forty-five minutes, longer if you pause for photos.
Tips
Check the current fee and hours with the island tourism office, wear a windproof layer and do not rely on walking down Via Krupp.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The classic Capri photograph of the Faraglioni, with almost no effort.
- Families
- An easy stop for children, but keep them away from the cliff edge and steps.
- Couples
- Quiet in November, and lovely in low light.
- Pair with
- A walk through the Piazzetta and Via Camerelle, or a boat circuit of the island.
- Time needed
- Under an hour including the walk from the Piazzetta.
Good questions
Are the Gardens of Augustus open in November?+
Yes, they open year-round, with winter hours that run from the morning to late afternoon. The last entry is thirty minutes before closing.
How much does it cost?+
The fee is small, and children under twelve are free. Winter fee details have varied between sources, so check the island tourism office before going.
Can I walk down Via Krupp?+
The zigzag path has been closed for rockfall repairs for many years. Check its status before planning a descent to Marina Piccola.
How long does a visit take?+
About thirty to forty-five minutes.
What is the best time of day?+
Morning gives the best light for photographs of the Faraglioni.
