Films shot on Capri: Contempt, It Started in Naples, Parthenope
Capri was a set for Contempt (1963), It Started in Naples (1960) and Parthenope (2024). You can visit the Piazzetta, Marina Grande, the Gardens of Augustus and Punta Carena, but Villa Malaparte can only be seen from outside.
At a glance
- Contempt
- Villa Malaparte, Punta Masullo: private, closed to visitors
- It Started in Naples
- Marina Grande and the Piazzetta: public places
- Parthenope
- Gardens of Augustus and Punta Carena beach, Anacapri
- Seeing Villa Malaparte
- From the Pizzolungo path or from the sea
- Getting there
- Hydrofoil from Beverello, about 50 minutes; ferry from Porta di Massa, about 1 hour 20
Films and places
| Title | Where on Capri | Can you visit? |
|---|---|---|
| Contempt (1963) | Villa Malaparte | No, outside only |
| It Started in Naples (1960) | Marina Grande, Piazzetta, Via Marina Piccola | Yes |
| Parthenope (2024) | Gardens of Augustus, Punta Carena | Yes |
| Ripley, series (2024) | Villa Torricella | No, outside only |
| Another Simple Favor (2025) | Villa Jovis, Piazzetta, Punta Carena | Yes |
Villa Malaparte and Contempt
- It stands on Punta Masullo, about 32 metres above the sea, on the island's east side.
- It belongs to the Giorgio Ronchi Foundation and is closed to the public.
- Adalberto Libera designed it between 1937 and 1942, with heavy input from its owner, the writer Curzio Malaparte.
In Godard's film (Le Mépris in French, Il disprezzo in Italian), Brigitte Bardot sunbathes and swims here. The villa also appears in Liliana Cavani's La pelle.
There are two ways to see it:
- On foot: from Via Tragara, follow the Pizzolungo path towards the Arco Naturale and the Grotta di Matermania. Allow about 1-1.5 hours to reach the view of the house. There are lots of steps, so leave the flip-flops behind. Stay out of the private property.
- From the sea: by boat or gozzo, a traditional wooden boat. Ask before boarding whether the trip passes below Punta Masullo.
It Started in Naples
This one stars Clark Gable and Sophia Loren. Interiors were shot at Cinecittà, exteriors in Rome, Naples and on Capri, including the Blue Grotto. The Reelstreets website has matched scenes with photos taken today:
- Marina Grande, with the Blue Grotto boats and Via Cristoforo Colombo.
- Piazza Umberto I, the Piazzetta, with the Santo Stefano church and the funicular exit.
- The Casa Mia bend on Via Marina Piccola.
Parthenope
Paolo Sorrentino's film was shot in Naples and on Capri, with a few exteriors in Genoa. The island has two locations:
- The Faraglioni seen from the Gardens of Augustus.
- The beach at the Punta Carena lighthouse, in Anacapri.
Other sets
- Ripley: Villa Torricella, above Marina Grande, is Dickie's house. See our Ripley guide.
- Another Simple Favor: the cliff at Villa Jovis and the Piazzetta. Atlas of Wonders names Punta Carena for the wedding.
A practical route
- Marina Grande: as you arrive by sea, look for the towers of Villa Torricella.
- Piazzetta: funicular, about 4 minutes.
- Gardens of Augustus: 5 minutes on foot.
- Pizzolungo: from Via Tragara, for Villa Malaparte.
- Punta Carena at sunset: bus from Capri to Anacapri, then Anacapri to the Faro (lighthouse).
Tip: with only one day, choose between the Pizzolungo and Punta Carena. Doing both means rushing.
Getting there
- Hydrofoil from Molo Beverello: about 50 minutes.
- Ferry from Calata Porta di Massa: about 1 hour 20.
- Boats dock at Marina Grande.
Times are in our ferry guide, buses and the funicular in Getting around Capri.
More Capri guides
- Capri: the complete guidewhat to see and what it costs
- Getting around Caprifunicular, buses, taxis
- The Talented Mr. Ripleythe film and series, from Ischia to Capri
- Naples film locationsfilms and TV series around the bay
Frequently asked questions
Which films were shot on Capri?
The best known are Godard's Contempt, It Started in Naples with Clark Gable and Sophia Loren, and Sorrentino's Parthenope. The Ripley series and Another Simple Favor also filmed on the island.
Can you visit Villa Malaparte?
No. It belongs to the Giorgio Ronchi Foundation and is closed to the public. You can only look at it from outside, from the Pizzolungo path or from the sea.
Where is the best view of Villa Malaparte?
From the Pizzolungo path, which starts on Via Tragara, or from a boat below Punta Masullo. On foot, allow about 1-1.5 hours and wear proper shoes.
Where was Contempt filmed?
In Rome, at the former Titanus studios and other spots around the city, and on Capri at Villa Malaparte, where the final part of the film takes place.
Where was Parthenope filmed on Capri?
At the Gardens of Augustus, with the view of the Faraglioni, and on the beach by the Punta Carena lighthouse in Anacapri. The other scenes were shot in Naples, with a few exteriors in Genoa.
Where to stay in Capri
11 places to stay in Capri on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
