Scala Fenicia Phoenician Steps - Ancient stairs
1 / 10

Scala Fenicia Phoenician Steps

4.7
·682 reviews·, Italy

Ascend 921 ancient steps connecting Capri town to Anacapri, rewarded with breathtaking island vistas and a true sense of accomplishment.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning (before 7 AM)

Beat the heat & crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Scala Fenicia Phoenician Steps - Ancient stairs

Scala Fenicia Phoenician Steps

Best Time

Early morning (before 7 AM)

Beat the heat & crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend 921 ancient steps connecting Capri town to Anacapri, rewarded with breathtaking island vistas and a true sense of accomplishment.

4.7
(682 reviews)

"The views of Anacapri were completely worth it after braving the Phoenician Steps. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Proper Footwear

Sturdy walking or hiking shoes are a must for the steep, uneven steps. Leave the flip-flops at home! :athletic_shoe:

💧 Hydration is Key

Carry plenty of water, especially if climbing up. The sun can be intense, and you'll need it. :droplet:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 921 Steps

The 921 Steps

Connecting Capri town and Anacapri

A challenging yet rewarding climb offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Panoramic Island Vistas

Panoramic Island Vistas

Along the staircase

Every turn reveals a new, spectacular perspective of Capri's rugged coastline and sparkling blue waters.

Anacapri's Charm

Anacapri's Charm

Top of the Scala Fenicia

Reach the charming higher town of Anacapri, a more tranquil escape with beautiful villas and artisan shops.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Conquer the Climb: Prepare for 921 Steps

The Scala Fenicia boasts 921 steps connecting Capri town to Anacapri. It's a serious workout, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Many travelers recommend walking down from Anacapri to save your knees, or starting very early to avoid the heat and crowds. InstagramReddit

Timing is Everything for Island Views

To truly savor the stunning views and avoid the midday sun, aim for an early morning ascent or descent. Starting before 7 AM allows for a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities. Instagram Consider the bus situation in Anacapri, as waits can be long. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning (before 7 AM)
Why
Beat the heat & crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon (after 4 PM)
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The #ScalaSancta or #ScalaSanta in #Italian were brought from the palace of #PontiusPilate in #Jerusalem to the #Lateran palace near #sangiovanniinlaterano #Rome #Italy by #StHelena mother of #Constantine the first #catholic #christian #emperor of the #RomanEmpire #catholicism #Christ #Jesus #passionofthechrist #christianity #relic #pilgrimage #🇮🇹
@expatalessandro
10.5K likes • 137.8K views

👟 Wear Proper Footwear

Sturdy walking or hiking shoes are a must for the steep, uneven steps. Reddit Leave the flip-flops at home! :athletic_shoe:

💧 Hydration is Key

Carry plenty of water, especially if climbing up. The sun can be intense, and you'll need it. :droplet:

🌍Scala Fenicia (📍Phoenician Steps): A historic stone staircase on Capri Island. 🌍Connects: The lower town of Capri with the higher town of Anacapri. 🌍Number of Steps: 921 steps in total. Every step on the path to Anacapri is a reminder that life’s most beautiful views come after the climb. Let nature's wonders inspire your next adventure. 🌿✨ #InspiredByNature #AnacapriDreams #JourneyWithPurpose #...
yordankavasilevaa
583 likes • 253.2K views
When we arrived in Capri, my dad said he wanted to walk the Scala Fenicia (Phoenician Steps) every morning…So ofcourse I said LET’S DO IT! Each morning, we started walking down 921 steps, took a few minutes to relax, and then made our journey up 921 steps. The first morning we started at about 7:45am and the rest of the days we started at 6:30am, to try to beat the heat. Dad isn’t consistent wit...
hayleybochner
88 likes • 1.4K views

⬆️ Downhill is Easier on Knees

Many find walking down from Anacapri less strenuous on the knees than climbing up. Reddit :womanhealthworker:

⏰ Start Early to Avoid Crowds

Beat the heat and the masses by starting your climb before 7 AM. Instagram :sunrise:

We did not intend to hike the massive mountain of Capri, Italy but we ended up doing just that. What we thought to be a mile hike ended up to be the whole entire uphill (Phoenician steps/ La Scala Fenicia alone has 921 steps) to the highest part which is AnaCapri. We arrived at Villa San Michelle after scaling the mountain. 🇮🇹 @montesolaro_capri Monte Solaro offers the highest viewing point of C...
aaah_mariel_and_den
145 likes • 899 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Proper Footwear

Sturdy walking or hiking shoes are a must for the steep, uneven steps. Reddit Leave the flip-flops at home! :athletic_shoe:

💧 Hydration is Key

Carry plenty of water, especially if climbing up. The sun can be intense, and you'll need it. :droplet:

⬆️ Downhill is Easier on Knees

Many find walking down from Anacapri less strenuous on the knees than climbing up. Reddit :womanhealthworker:

⏰ Start Early to Avoid Crowds

Beat the heat and the masses by starting your climb before 7 AM. Instagram :sunrise:

📸 Photo Stops Galore

Take your time to pause, catch your breath, and capture the incredible views along the way. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(682 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Scala Fenicia for its absolutely stunning views and the rewarding sense of accomplishment after completing the climb. While it's a significant physical challenge, many find the experience worthwhile, especially when descending from Anacapri. Some note the steepness can be hard on the knees and recommend starting early to avoid heat and crowds.

"Great walk up to Anacapri! From the bottom of the stairs, it took my partner and I 22 minutes to walk up with a few stops along the way to catch our breath and look at the view! On the way down, took about 18 minutes.
We are really glad we did it. You definitely feel the burn going up and the stairs are quite deep but definitely worth it. Going down is a little harder on the knees!
Definitely give it a go if you can :)"

Bec Jackson

"Took me 35 - 40 minutes from Capri bus station to the sea port. On a busy day you can wait more then an hour for a bus in the same direction. Amazing views and you can stop for some rest.
And you can try it vise versa, but you'll need to have a very good stamina and it will be up up up and will take around 2 hours.
Enjoy!"

Evgeny Soloho

"A wonderful walk down from Anacapri. Incredible views. It's cool with a fresh breeze, and lots of shade from the trees and the mountain that blocks the sun from the south. Stairs are steep. Took us about an hour to walk from the chair lift to the docks, taking lots of photographs on the way."

Tim P

What People Like

Spectacular island views
Rewarding workout
Historic pathway

What People Dislike

Steep and tiring
Hard on knees (downhill)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Scala Fenicia connects the Marina Grande (where ferries arrive) to Capri town, and then continues up to Anacapri. You can start from Marina Grande or walk from Capri town. Many visitors opt to take a bus to Anacapri and walk down the steps. InstagramReddit

Most travelers find walking down from Anacapri to be easier on the knees and feet. Climbing up is a significant workout. Reddit If you have limited time, consider taking a bus or taxi to Anacapri and walking down. Instagram

It varies greatly! Walking up from Capri town can take 35-40 minutes with stops, but Google Maps estimates can be misleading for the full ascent. Reddit Walking down might take around 20-30 minutes. Allow ample time for photos and rest. Reddit

The bus ride to Anacapri can be intense and winding, with steep inclines. Some travelers describe it as a 'scariest bus ride of your life.' Reddit Be prepared for a thrilling journey! :bus:

Private car access to Anacapri is restricted for tourists. The primary ways to reach Anacapri are by bus or by walking the Scala Fenicia. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entrance fee to walk the Scala Fenicia. It's a public pathway. :ticket:

The Scala Fenicia is accessible at all hours, as it's an outdoor public pathway. However, it's best to visit during daylight for safety and views. :clock1:

To avoid crowds and the heat, aim for very early morning (before 7 AM) or late afternoon. InstagramReddit Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. :sunrise:

There are limited facilities directly on the steps. You'll find some small cafes or rest stops in Anacapri at the top. It's essential to bring your own water and snacks. :water_wave:

Absolutely not. The Scala Fenicia is a steep, ancient stone staircase with 921 steps and is not accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, or those with significant mobility issues. :noentrysign:

📸 📸 Photography

Every bend offers a new vista! Look for spots with clear views of the sea and the coastline. The higher you climb, the more expansive the panoramas become. Instagram

Early morning offers soft light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoon provides a warm, golden glow. Instagram

A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most. If you're serious about photography, a wide-angle lens can capture the sweeping views. A lightweight setup is best for the climb. :iphone:

No, photography is generally permitted along the Scala Fenicia. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking the path. :camera:

Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas of Capri due to regulations and proximity to residential areas. Always check local drone laws before flying. :drone:

🎫 💪 Fitness & Health

Yes, it's a strenuous climb with 921 steep steps. It's a significant workout and not for the faint of heart or those with knee or heart conditions. Reddit

A moderate to good level of fitness is recommended, especially if you plan to climb up. Regular exercise and strong leg muscles will help. Reddit

There are occasional wider spots and small landings where you can rest. Take your time, drink water, and enjoy the views while you recover. Reddit

The main medical facilities are in Capri town and Anacapri. If you have a medical emergency on the steps, it may be difficult for emergency services to reach you quickly. [^warning:]

The main risks include fatigue, dehydration, muscle strain, and knee injuries, especially when descending. The steepness and uneven steps require careful footing. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Scala Fenicia is not recommended for families with very young children, strollers, or those with mobility issues due to its steepness and 921 uneven steps. Reddit If your children are older and enjoy a challenge, consider walking down from Anacapri, but be prepared for them to need frequent breaks. Alternatively, taking the bus to Anacapri is a much easier option for families wanting to explore the higher town without the strenuous climb. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts & Hikers

For those who love a good workout, the Scala Fenicia offers a rewarding challenge. It's an excellent opportunity to test your stamina and leg strength. Many hikers enjoy the ascent as a way to earn the stunning views and the delicious meal waiting in Anacapri. Remember to pack light, wear appropriate gear, and hydrate well. Reddit

📸 Photographers & View Seekers

The Scala Fenicia is a photographer's dream, offering uninterrupted, breathtaking views of Capri's coastline and the azure sea. InstagramReddit The best light for photography is typically during the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is softer and the crowds are thinner. Instagram Be prepared to stop frequently to capture the ever-changing perspectives as you ascend or descend. [^camerawithflash:]

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of the Scala Fenicia

The Scala Fenicia, or Phoenician Steps, is a historic and iconic pathway on the island of Capri, Italy. Its name suggests ancient origins, possibly dating back to the Phoenician era, though its current form likely evolved over centuries. These steps were historically the primary route connecting the lower coastal areas of Capri with the higher, more secluded town of Anacapri. For centuries, this was the main artery for residents, goods, and travelers moving between the two distinct parts of the island. TikTok

Walking the Scala Fenicia is more than just a physical challenge; it's a journey through Capri's past. The sheer number of steps – 921 in total – speaks to the determination of those who built and used this route. The steps are steep and uneven, a testament to ancient construction methods. Today, it remains a popular, albeit demanding, way to experience the island's dramatic landscape and connect with its historical roots. Instagram+1

Navigating the Climb: Tips from Travelers

The Scala Fenicia is renowned for its challenging ascent, with 921 steps that can feel endless. Many visitors strongly advise wearing comfortable, supportive footwear – think hiking shoes or sturdy trainers – as the steps are steep and can be slippery. Reddit Bringing plenty of water is non-negotiable, especially during warmer months, as there are few places to refill along the way. Reddit

Several travelers recommend tackling the steps downhill from Anacapri to save your knees, or starting the climb very early in the morning (before 7 AM) to avoid the intense midday sun and the largest crowds. InstagramReddit While the climb is a significant workout, the spectacular panoramic views of the island and the sea are universally praised as being worth the effort. Reddit Take your time, pause at the landings to catch your breath and admire the scenery, and you'll find the experience incredibly rewarding. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2