Chestnut Festival

The autumn festival on the island of Capri

The Chestnut Festival is one of the most cherished events of the Anacapri autumn. It takes place in the evocative Valletta di Cetrella, a secluded corner of the island of Capri reachable on foot along the trails of Monte Solaro, in the territory of the Municipality of Anacapri (Province of Naples, Campania). Here, among the chestnut trees and the small church of Santa Maria a Cetrella, the island community gathers to celebrate the season's symbolic fruit in a natural setting of rare beauty, with views stretching over the gulf.

A day dedicated to the chestnut

The heart of the event is the gastronomic trail featuring chestnuts: roasted chestnuts, desserts, and local traditional preparations, enriched over the years by contributions from local businesses. However, the festival is not just about food: throughout the day, there are outdoor games for children, live music, and opportunities for social interaction that strengthen the islanders' sense of belonging. The morning also includes a religious service in the church of Santa Maria a Cetrella, recalling the ancient bond between this place and popular devotion.

Cetrella, a place out of time

The choice of Cetrella is no coincidence: accessible only on foot, this hermitage surrounded by woods has always been a refuge of silence and spirituality, dear even to writers and travelers who loved Capri. Every autumn, the festival brings life back to this small valley, transforming it for a day into a natural square where people can meet. The event is promoted by the Associazione Amici di Cetrella, with the collaboration of the Anacapri Youth Forum, and reached its twentieth edition in 2025.

An identity-defining event for Anacapri

More than just a food and wine festival, this event is a community ritual that highlights the popular traditions of Anacapri and the natural heritage of Monte Solaro. On an island known globally for elite tourism, the Chestnut Festival reveals a different, authentic face of Capri: that of its inhabitants, their daily habits, and their relationship with the mountain. A free-entry event, suitable for families and hikers, that combines gastronomy, nature, and local culture.