Aperitif at sunset at the Punta Carena lighthouse
The best part of the day, in the most beautiful corner of the island
There are sunsets you simply watch. And then there’s the one at Punta Carena, which you experience.
Every evening, on the island’s extreme south-western tip, something happens that’s hard to describe: the sun sinks slowly towards the Tyrrhenian Sea and the sky transforms into a painting that changes colour every five minutes, from golden to orange, from pink to deep purple. In the background, the unmistakable silhouette of the Punta Carena Lighthouse – the second most powerful lighthouse in Italy, built in 1866 – watches silently over the scene. And you, sitting by the water’s edge with a cocktail in hand, can simply watch and be grateful to be here.
How to get there
- By bus from Anacapri: the bus to Punta Carena, about 10 minutes, get off at Faro
- By taxi or hire scooter from Capri town centre: about 20 minutes
- On foot via the Sentiero dei Fortini: the natural end point of the coastal walk
Where to go
Punta Carena is home to two distinct atmospheres, offering two different kinds of evening out.
The Lido del Faro is the island’s historic beach club, open since 1970 and nestled amongst the white rocks of the cliff. It boasts a Blue Flag award, a gourmet restaurant serving creative Mediterranean cuisine, sun loungers and private terraces overlooking the sea. Here, you can watch the sunset from your sun lounger or restaurant table, with a glass of white wine and the sound of the waves just a few metres away. Open from 10.00 until sunset, from 20 April to mid-October. Booking recommended.
Maliblù Sunset is the adjacent lounge bar, which started out in the 1990s as a small kiosk and has since become one of the most beloved spots in the whole of Capri. Signature cocktails, background music, ‘one-bite’ style nibbles. The drink to order – at least once in your life – is the Capri Mule: limoncello, lime juice, ginger beer and fresh mint. On Sundays there’s a DJ set. Don’t miss it.
For those who prefer a more authentic and intimate atmosphere, there’s also Da Antonio: a simple little bar, right on the cliffs, open from 12:00 until sunset. Capri-style cuisine, chilled wine, no frills. The perfect spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the sunset without any filters.
Extra tip
Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset. Not just to find a spot, but because the late-afternoon light on those white rocks is, in itself, a sight to behold. Bring something light to wrap around your shoulders: at sunset, the breeze at Punta Carena really kicks in, and you won’t want to leave.