Natural Arch (Arco Naturale)
Natural Arch (Arco Naturale) features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Capri. Give it roughly ~45 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type nature
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Capri Capri guide
About Natural Arch (Arco Naturale)
A dramatic 18-metre limestone arch on Capri's eastern coast, the collapsed remnant of a prehistoric cave, accessible by a 20-minute walk from the main town through Mediterranean woodland.
The Arco Naturale, the Natural Arch, is a geological feature on Capri's northeastern coast: a massive limestone arch approximately 18 metres high, standing at the cliff edge with the sea visible through it. The arch is the remnant of a prehistoric sea cave whose roof collapsed thousands of years ago, leaving the two sides of the cave entrance standing as the arch we see today. The walk to the arch from Via Tragara or from the Piazzetta is through a narrow lane and then a path through Mediterranean macchia, about 20 minutes at a gentle pace. The arch is reached from above: a set of steps descends from the main path level to a lower terrace from which the arch is visible with the sea framed in it. The combination of the arch itself, the sea visible through it, and the cliff and macchia vegetation surrounding it makes it one of the most beautiful natural features on the island. The path continues from the arch to the Grotta di Matermania and then to the Belvedere di Tragara, forming part of a circuit walk around the eastern and southern cliffs of Capri.
Did you know? The Natural Arch is estimated to be approximately 12,000 years old, dating from the end of the last Ice Age when sea levels rose as the glaciers melted, cutting the cave that eventually collapsed to form the arch. The cliff faces of Capri preserve evidence of several different sea levels corresponding to different Ice Age periods.
How long is a visit to Natural Arch (Arco Naturale)?
Set aside roughly ~45 min for Natural Arch (Arco Naturale). That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Natural Arch (Arco Naturale) worth your time?
Natural Arch (Arco Naturale) is among the 15 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Capri, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Capri
Hear the story of Natural Arch (Arco Naturale)
Preview the Capri tour free in the Gingerguide app.