Faraglioni Rocks, Capri

The Faraglioni are three towering sea stacks rising from the water off the south coast of Capri, in the Bay of Naples in Campania, Italy, and among the most recognisable natural landmarks in the Mediterranean. The middle stack, Faraglione di Mezzo, is pierced by a natural arch wide enough for small boats to pass through, and the third carries the rare blue lizard of Capri. From land the definitive vantage is Punta Tragara, at the end of Via Tragara, a paved belvedere that looks down and across all three stacks; for the most dramatic perspective a small hired boat drops to sea level and shoots up at the towers or frames a vessel gliding through the arch. The stacks sit off the south and southeast shore, so they are front- and side-lit through the afternoon, building to warm golden-hour light that turns the limestone honey-gold against deep blue water; morning leaves them in flatter, cooler light from behind. Late spring through early autumn gives the settled seas and clear air that make the boat-level shot possible, while calm days are essential for a clean passage through the arch. Punta Tragara is a free public belvedere reached by an easy paved walk from Capri town, though it draws a steady stream of visitors and the railed viewing spots are narrow, so a tripod position is easiest outside the midday peak. There are no fees at the overlook; boat hire is a separate cost arranged at Marina Grande or Marina Piccola, typically priced per hour or as part of an island tour. Drones are restricted over Capri's busy coast and marine traffic. The land viewpoint involves a gentle downhill walk and steps, with no hike of consequence to reach Punta Tragara itself.