From historic ruins to awe-inspiring rock formations, one of the best ways to admire the manmade and natural attractions of the island is on foot. So, with Capri Palace in Anacapri as your base, here’s why you should lace up your hiking boots and prepare for an Italian walking adventure.

Follow the Path of the Little Forts

Explore Anacapri’s coastline, marked by rugged promontories and deep coves, with a walk along the spectacular Via dei Fortini or Path of the Little Forts. This four-mile trail runs alongside the entire western coast of the island, leading from the Faro lighthouse at Punta Carena in the south to the famous Blue Grotto in the north. The route passes a series of historic fortifications that were originally built to defend Anacapri from the Saracens and later occupied by British and French forces in the early 1800s. Taking a boat trip into the Blue Grotto makes for an excellent way to end your walk, but there are also several opportunities to stop for a swim at one of the secluded little beaches dotted along the way.

Walk down the Phoenician Steps

Before the construction of a road connecting Anacapri to Capri was completed in 1874, the only way to access the freshwater at Truglio spring was to tackle these 921 steep steps – known locally as La Scala Fenicia. As you climb or descend this historic stone staircase, spare a thought for the women of Anacapri who, two hundred years ago, would have completed this journey to and from Marina Grande every day while balancing a heavy vase on her head in order to collect and transport water to the hilltop village.

Climb the slopes Monte Solaro

As you can imagine, at 589 metres, Capri’s highest point comes with some sensational 360-degree views of the island, but the hike can be a bit of a challenge – especially if it’s a hot summer’s day. Take one of the relatively easier trails from Anacapri’s Piazza Vittoria or give your legs a rest by taking the chair lift. A one-way trip uphill takes 12 minutes, and offers a unique vantage point over the village’s historic centre as you pass above whitewashed buildings, red-tiled rooftops, fields and woodland. In some places, you can almost brush the tops of towering pine trees with your toes. At the summit, take in the Faraglioni rock formations for which Capri is famous, as well as sweeping views of the Sorrento Peninsula, before making your way back to Capri Palace and resting and reviving weary legs with a tailored treatment at the Beauty Farm.

Explore Anacapri’s atmospheric alleyways

If you don’t want to stray too far from the 40-metre swimming pool at Capri Palace, which is decorated with an underwater mosaic designed by local artist Velasco Vitali, take a relaxing stroll around the charming village of Anacapri. From its handsome hilltop location, you’ll be rewarded with glimpses of the sun twinkling on the Gulf of Naples as you pass centuries-old houses and hidden courtyards. Include Villa San Michele in your itinerary and you’ll find yourself gazing at the former residence of Swedish doctor, philosopher and art collector Axel Munthe. Today, the villa houses a museum that’s filled with Munthe’s archaeological discovers and is definitely worth exploring, but it’s the garden that really promises to wow visitors, regularly named as one of Italy’s most attractive. Afterwards, continue the flower-filled theme by enjoying an afternoon meal on the outdoor terrace at Bistrot Ragù back at Capri Palace.