Overview
On our demanding but rewarding Amalfi and Sorrento Coast to Coast trek, you will discover that the Amalfi Coast has become Italy’s most famous coastline for a good reason, but also that there are still places where you can be all by yourself, surrounded by nature. The Alta Via is a must for the avid hiker (just like the GR20 in Corsica). It is the long-distance trail which runs high above the Amalfi Coast, from Cava dei Tirreni in the very East to Punta Campanella, the tip of the Sorrentinian Peninsula. It roughly follows the ridge of the Lattari mountains, the backbone of the peninsula.
Going from the sea to the mountains, you’ll walk through little villages, vineyards and olive groves, Mediterranean scrub and woods, living rocks and chestnut woods. Beautiful small churches, ruins of castles and old farmhouses are found all over the place. Walking in this area lets you enjoy some of the most splendid views on the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples, while immersed in an almost alpine landscape. You will surely enjoy the rural scenery as well, which makes you feel like you’re far away from the glamour of some of the fashionable places along the coast.
And there are thousands of other footpaths here too, some of which are famous, such as the “Sentiero degli Dei” (the “Footpath of the Gods”), or are at least a thousand years old, like the “Maestra dei Villaggi” – the ‘main road’ of the Republic of Amalfi. During this tour, we offer you the possibility to include some extra days to pay a short visit to the famous coastal villages, which are must-see attractions: Amalfi, Ravello and, of course, the scenic Positano.
If you do not have nine days available, you may consider the shorter (and a bit easier) 5-day version of this trek.
- Amalfi Coast
- Alta Via
- Sentiero degli Dei (Footpath of the Gods)
- Maestra dei Villagi
- Mt Vesuvuis and Pompeii (optional)
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Salerno
Arrival in Salerno. After settling in at your hotel, you can take your time to discover the beautiful medieval town centre of Salerno and stroll along the ‘lungomare’ with views of both the Amalfi Coast and the Cilento National Park.
- Accommodation: B&B or a hotel in Salerno (Hotel Plaza or similar)
Optional extra day: Pompeii and Vesuvius | 11km
Today you’ll have the option to see two highlights of the area: you’ll make a stunning walk to the top of Mt. Vesuvius, maybe the world’s most famous volcano, and Pompeii, Italy’s most famous archaeological site, situated under the looming mass of the Vesuvius volcano. The walk to the top of Mt. Vesuvius will also bring you into some lesser known, and therefore less crowded areas of the National Park, which makes you feel in a completely different world! You’ll walk through the ‘Valley of the Giant’ and the ‘Valley of Hell’, impressive lava flows that separate the actual main crater from Mount Somma, the remaining part of the ancient crater. The walk will culminate in a stroll around the edge of the impressive crater at the top! From here, you’ll enjoy marvellous views over the whole Bay of Naples, a panorama which embraces the area from Sorrento and Capri to Ischia and Naples. You then travel to the Roman ruins of Pompeii. Here you take your time to visit the extensive excavations and learn about how the Romans lived almost 2,000 years ago. After the visit to the archaeological area, you can opt for a stroll through ‘modern’ Pompeii, definitely worth a visit too – the church is one of the main pilgrimage destinations in Italy – before travelling back by train to your hotel.
- Walking for the day: 11km, 4h, ↑600m ↓600m
- Accommodation: B&B or a hotel in Salerno (Hotel Plaza or similar)
Optional extra day: Salerno and Arechi Castle | 6km
Spend the day exploring the many sights of Salerno on today’s circular walk around the city. Leaving directly from your accommodation, pass by Duomo di Salerno and the theatre, as well as many other historical monuments and churches. Be sure to pay a visit inside the churches to admire the frescos, many of which date back to the 9th and 10th centuries. The highlight of today is Arechi Castle, offering breathtaking views across the bay and the whole Amalfi Coast area. Visit the Minerva Gardens and discover the interesting history of Scuola Medica Salernitana, a medical school dating back to medieval times. Finish the walk with a stroll along the coast and relax by the harbour with a refreshment.
- Walking for the day: 6km, 2.5h, ↑300m ↓300m
- Accommodation: B&B or a hotel in Salerno (Hotel Plaza or similar)
Day 2: Cava dei Tirreni | 7km
Today’s walk takes you from the charming town of Vietri sul Mare, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, to the little hamlet of Corpo di Cava. You will be walking along beautiful but largely unknown footpaths. After strolling through the old town centre of Vietri, famous for its ceramics, you will walk down its little alleys to its Marina before heading up towards splendid Raito with its wonderful views of the coast. After a coffee break at Raito, you then continue uphill to yet another charming little village – Albori. From here, the path takes you inland towards the valley of Cava dei Tirreni. After passing Iaconti and the church of San Vincenzo, you will walk through shaded chestnut woods to your day’s destination near the millennium-old Benedictine Abbey of Corpo di Cava. On your way, you will pass by one of the hidden marvels of this area, the remains of a Roman aqueduct still standing 20m tall! Finally, you arrive at your beautiful hotel in the charming hamlet of Corpo di Cava, beautifully located just above a stunning Benedictine Abbey.
- Walking for the day: 7km, 3h, ↑400m ↓100m
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cava de Tirreni (Hotel Scapolatiello or similar)
Day 3: The Sanctuary of Monte Avvocata | 15km
Today’s walk will take you straight from your hotel, along one of the most famous pilgrim routes in the area, to the sanctuary dedicated to the ‘Madonna dell’Avvocata’, situated on a spectacularly panoramic balcony high above the Amalfi Coast. From the Benedictine Abbey of Corpo di Cava, you first walk up through the golden chestnut woods to the little clearing of Cappella Vecchia or Old Chapel. From here, you will enjoy wonderful views over Vietri sul Mare and Salerno to the south and the ridge of Monte Avvocata to the west. A well-trodden and relatively easy footpath, first through the shrublands, then through the woods, then takes you to the Avvocata Sanctuary. From here, you can see as far as Paestum and the mountains of Calabria to the south, while views of the Amalfi Coast reach as far as Ravello and Conca dei Marini. This is definitely one of the most beautiful ‘belvederes’ of the entire coast, unknown to most, if not all, foreign tourists! After visiting the sanctuary, you return along impressive rock cliffs to Corpo di Cava.
- Walking for the day: 15km, 5-6h, ↑800m ↓800m
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cava de Tirreni (Hotel Scapolatiello or similar)
Optional extra day: Valley of Tramonti | 13-17km
If you wish, it is possible from Cava to cross the ridge and hike into the green valley of Tramonti, where you can enjoy a day hike through pleasant rural scenery. In Tramonti, which literally means “in between the mountains”, you can taste the best wines of the area, walk through virtually untouched landscapes and stay in unique accommodations completely “off-the-beaten-track”. It is strongly recommended to spend one extra night here to do also the walk between the 13 different hamlets belonging to Tramonti, all with their own charm, a full immersion in the local culture. The area of Tramonti also boasts a production of excellent local wines made with autochthonous grapes grown on centuries-old grapevines. You will be walking through impressive ancient vineyards typical of this area. From Tramonti, you walk back onto the ridge and continue along the ‘Alta Via’ the next day.
- Walking for the day: 13km, 5h, ↑600m ↓600m
- Walking for the day: 17km, 6h, ↑500m ↓500m (roundwalk Tramonti)
- Accommodation: Agriturismo in Tramonti (Agriturismo Il Tintore or similar)
Day 4: Santa Maria ai Monti | 12km
which it levels out, and you’ll enjoy a few hours of easy strolling. The last part of the walk brings you down to the beautifully located mountain hut of Santa Maria dei Monti of San Lazzaro, on a small high plain, overlooking the whole Gulf of Salerno, with Ravello and Scale at your feet. Those who want can even opt to walk down (and back up) to Ravello. Tonight you dine on local specialties, directly on the premises of the mountain hut.
- Walking for the day: 12km, 5h, ↑800m ↓350m
- Accommodation: Mountain hut in Santa Maria dei Monti Plateau (Rifugio Santa Maria dei Monti or similar). If you are not willing to stay in a hut, it is possible to arrange accommodation at Agriturismo in Agerola with a supplement (B&B Songbird or similar).
During your stay at the mountai
Optional extra day: Ravello and Amalfi | 12-15km
back to the 11th century. The walk penetrates deep into the valley, through spectacular scenery, underneath the towering cliffs, through an almost fairy-tale-like landscape with many beautiful waterfalls. A challenging path brings you back up to Santa Maria ai Monti.
- Walking for the day: 12-15km, 4-7h,↑1,200m ↓1,200m
- Accommodation: Mountain hut in Santa Maria dei Monti Plateau (Rifugio Santa Maria dei Monti or similar)
During your stay at the mountain h
Day 5: Monte Sant’ Angelo | 14km
Today walk towards the highest mountains of the Sorrento Peninsula. This central massive, known as the Monte Sant’Angelo a Tre Pizzi (the mountain with the three peaks), offers some stunning scenery, with sheer cliffs, caverns and lush beech forests. First, you walk back up to the ridge, and then, along gentle paths through the chestnut forests, you’ll walk all around the valley of Agerola. Upon reaching the crest, the views open up on the bay of Naples & Mt. Vesuvius again. The ‘Alta Via’ then brings you through the highest mountains in the area. You follow a beautiful path along the northern cliffs of the Monte Sant’Angelo and then start to climb up towards the small church of San Michele, on the edge of the high plain of the ‘Faito’. The name ‘Faito’ refers to the extensive beech forests. The area is known for its ‘neviere’, where snow was stocked to supply the court in Naples with sorbets during summer. Along the edge of the plateau, you walk down to the area known as ‘Belvedere’, offering great views of the Bay of Naples. Here you settle in a welcoming mountain inn. In the evening you will dine at the hotel.
- Walking for the day: 14km, 5h, ↑800m ↓500m
- Accommodation: Sant’ Angelo Hotel – Monte Faito
Day 6: Santa Maria al Castello | 14km
From the high plain of Mt. Faito, you hike to the highest peaks of the peninsula. Before reaching the ‘Alta Via’ you walk along the edge of the high plain, with stunning views over the Bay of Naples. Through the beech forests, you climb up towards the highest peak of the area, Mt. San Michele (1,444m above sea level – at only a mile from the seashore). After enjoying the best view on the Amalfi Coast, you follow one of the most scenic paths in the western direction, with views from the Cilento National Park to Capri and the Bay of Naples. Then you descend into a nice wooded park-like landscape with cypresses and olive groves. A beautiful, easy last stretch brings you to Santa Maria al Castello, the old fortress defending the narrow valley between the Amalfi and Sorrento sides of the peninsula, with views to both sides. Dinner is on the premises of the agriturismo.
- Walking for the day: 14km, 5h, ↑500m ↓850m
- Accommodation: Agriturismo (La Sorgente del Melo or similar) – Santa Maria al Castello
Optional extra day: Positano | 7km
Your agriturismo in Santa Maria al Castello is literally 1 mile away from Positano. You can walk down to this stunning little town along an amazingly beautiful route through the mountains above Positano, with the possibility of walking all the way down to the centre of the village and the beach. Following ancient footpaths through the forest and past marvellous viewpoints, you first walk from Santa Maria al Castello down to the Caserma Forestale (the forestry service hut). The walk continues through a nice wooded area in a park-like landscape down to Montepertuso. Along another medieval mule track, you can then continue down to Positano itself. For the return, you have several options: to make it easy, you can first take the local bus up to Montepertuso, where you start a very scenic walk around the upper valley. Along a historical flight of stone-hewn steps, you then walk back up to Santa Maria al Castello.
- Walking for the day: 7km, 4h, ↑350m ↓550m
- Accommodation: Agriturismo (La Sorgente del Melo or similar) – Santa Maria al Castello
Day 7: Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi | 15km
Today your trail starts directly from your agriturismo. At first, you walk to a spectacular viewpoint with Positano at your feet. Then, along the edge of the plateau, overlooking Positano, you walk up to some of the most beautiful pastures in the area, green and covered with wild orchids, the high plain of Monte Comune. Then you continue to the ‘beacon’ of Monte Vico Alvano, after which a long descent brings you to the Colli di San Pietro and Colli di Fontanelle. From here you take a little path along the southern side of the ridge, now fully immersed in the Mediterranean colours and the lovely smells of the Mediterranean herbs. The path runs parallel to the seashore with spectacular views over the ‘Islands of the Sirens’. Through the olive groves you then reach the little hamlets of Monticelli and Torca. From here, you walk up along well-maintained paths to your beautiful agriturismo in the middle of the orchards, where you will have a lovely meal made from local organic produce tonight.
- Walking for the day: 15km, 6h, ↑600m ↓850m
- Accommodation: Agriturismo in Sant’Agata (Le Tore or similar)
Day 8: Punta Campanella Circular Walk | 15km
Today you make a circular walk over the ridge dividing the Bay of Naples from the Gulf of Salerno, discovering the very different landscapes and some charming small hamlets. Through pine woods, olive groves and orchards, you walk down to the picturesque inlet of Marina di Crapolla (where Saint Peter is alleged to have disembarked on his way to Rome), where you can swim. Then continue along well-maintained paths to the charming little seashore village of Marina del Cantone, on the south side of the Sorrento Peninsula. The landscape is spectacular; you walk in the beautiful scenery, dominated by dry-stone walls and olive groves, all the time overlooking the sea. A spectacular path running along the impressive cliffs brings you to the tip of the peninsula, where, according to legend, Ulysses erected a temple in honour of Athena. In some parts, the path can be a bit demanding, though never too difficult. The return, between Punta Campanella and Termini, is on an easy trail, the old Roman Via Minerva, with great views of Capri and many medieval watchtowers, which once protected the coast. From Termini, you then take the local bus back to Sant’ Agata sui Due Golfi, to have another night in your agriturismo.
- Walking for the day: 15km, 6h, ↑800m ↓900m
- Accommodation: Agriturismo in Sant’Agata (Le Tore or similar)
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, you can easily return by boat or by bus and train to Naples, and then by shuttle bus to the airport.
What to expect
Accommodation
Country inns, simple but comfortable 3-star hotels and agriturismi** as indicated in the itinerary. All rooms have en-suite facilities. On day 4, accommodation is in a traditional mountain hut, sleeping in shared rooms with shared facilities. In case you do not wish to spend an overnight in a hut, we can arrange a stay in Agriturismo in Agerola with a supplement. We have carefully hand-picked all places and regularly monitor their quality. We have tried to choose accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
Click to view default hotels
- Hotel Plaza (Salerno)
- Scapolatiello Hotel (Cava di’Terreni)
- Agriturismo Il Tintore (Tramonti)
- Rifugio Santa Maria dei Monti (Santa Maria dei Monti Plateau)
- Sant’ Angelo (Monte Faito)
- La Sorgente del Melo (Santa Maria al Castello)
- Le Tore (Sant’Agata)
*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
**What is an agriturismo? A combination of the words for “agriculture” and “tourism” in Italian — It is a farm-stay, but it’s also much, much more. Typically, an agriturismo is an independently-owned farm that the owners have decided to use partially for accommodation purposes in a way similar to English or American bed and breakfasts. One of the best parts of staying in a traditional agriturismo? The food. An Italian agriturismo will usually serve guests food that was prepared from raw materials – vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, and often wine and olive oil – produced on the farm or from other local merchants.
Meals
Breakfast is always included, as well as 6 dinners based on locally sourced food in most agriturismi. No picnic lunches are included in the tour price, but these can be prepared for you by the accommodation owners, or products for picnics can be purchased in the villages where you’ll be staying. On some occasions, you have the option of having your lunch in a restaurant along the way. You can have dinners that are not included either at the premises of your accommodation or nearby restaurants.
Difficulty and terrain
This is not the typical Amalfi walk – it is a demanding trek which is suitable for those who have solid experience in hiking in the mountains, excellent general physical condition and the ability to read maps and GPS tracks. There are some sheer drops and steep sections, both uphill and downhill, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces. Mind that along the Amalfi Coast, there are sections involving long and steep series of stone steps (stairs); climbing them can be quite tiresome, especially in hot weather. A very good level of fitness is mandatory. You should be able to walk for up to 6-8 hours a day – partly in the hot sun on dusty or stony, sometimes steep, tracks (read more about difficulty grades). Most of the walks are on good paths, some of them recently restored by the local authorities. Parts of the trails are waymarked. Elsewhere you have to follow the route notes. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from April until October; you can start on any day of the week the period of 1 – 17 August 2024 is sold out. Late spring, the whole summer and early autumn are beautiful on the Amalfi coast. It may become scorching in July and August, and some of the resort towns may become overcrowded in these months, although the trails along the mountain slopes above the coast are far from the tourist crush. The best time to see the Amalfi Coast is from April to June when the spring flowers are in bloom, the weather is just warm enough, and the Mediterranean temperature allows for the first dips of the season. September and October are also an excellent time to visit the Amalfi Coast while the temperatures are still mild.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended arrival airport for this holiday is Naples. Other Italian airports are also well-connected to the area.
By train or bus
The tour starts in Salerno. Regular (high-speed) trains run between this town and most major Italian cities (Naples, Rome, Milan). Visit the Italia Rail website for up-to-date timetables and fares, or use the Omio planner below.
The tour ends after breakfast in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfe on Day 9. A frequent bus service can bring you to Sorrento, where you travel on to your next destination (Naples or Rome can both be easily reached by high-speed train). Taxi services are available to bring you directly to your next destination.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 overnights in accommodations, as described in the itinerary – private ensuite rooms
- 1 night in a mountain hut (dormitory rooms with shared facilities) on day 4
- 8 breakfasts
- 6 dinners on Days 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8
- Private transfer on day 4
- Luggage transfers on the walking days when changing hotels – 1 piece per person up to 20kg (65 x 50 x 40cm) except on day four. Your main luggage will be transferred directly from accommodation on day three to accommodation for day five. The driver may refuse to take your luggage if heavier, larger and more than one piece. It is NOT allowed to tie any bag or other object to the luggage!
- Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps – all to be delivered on the spot (1 set per room)
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative in Salerno
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, 3 dinners, drinks and snacks
- Additional luggage
- Other public transport on the spot
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist tax and entrance fees (payable on the spot)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- Supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room / single use of a double room
- This holiday is NOT available for solo travellers
- Private airport transfers
- Luggage transfers opt-out: please note that luggage transfers are relatively costly here as while on foot the distance from village to village is very short, by car one has to drive a long way around. So if you wish, you can opt-out of the luggage transfer service and get a price reduction.
- Accommodation in Agriturismo in Agerola instead of a mountain hut on day 4 incl. luggage transport and dinner at a supplement.
- Optional extra day after Day 1 – Walk to Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii, including one extra night in Salerno, BB
- Optional extra day after Day 1 – Salerno and Arechi castle, including one extra night in Salerno, BB
- Optional extra day after Day 3 – Hike in the valley of Tramonti with an overnight in Tramonti, BB
- Optional extra day after Day 4 – Walk to Amalfi, including one extra night in Santa Maria dei Monti Plateau
- Optional extra day after Day 6 – Walk to Positano, including one extra night in Santa Maria al Castello, HB
Gallery
