Overview
The Bay of Maples is a spectacular area featuring a pile of natural, cultural and historical treasures. On this tour, you will discover the jewels of the Bay of Naples – the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida, so different from each other, but at the same time so beautiful. These walks offer a stunning combination of sea views, picturesque coastal towns, impressive mountains and an abundance of culture and nature. You start the walking holiday on the least known and smallest island – Procida, which will fascinate you with its colourful houses and picturesque inlets. Then you move to the biggest of the islands – Ischia, famous for its thermal spas, high mountains, historic villages and terraced vineyards. The last stop is the world-famous island of Capri with its impressive cliffs and magnificent villas. Spend the nights in comfortable 3-star hotels.
- Procida (Italian Capital of Culture in 2022)
- Ischia
- Capri
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Naples/Procida
Arrive in Naples. By shuttle bus you will reach the harbour, for the short ferry crossing to the picturesque island of Procida, probably the least known of the three big islands in the Bay of Naples. Our local representative will pick you up from the harbour and drive you to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, you might have time for a stroll before having dinner at the hotel.
- Accommodation: Hotel Solcalante or similar in Procida
Day 2: Procida I 7-10km
After breakfast, you will start a beautiful circular walk to discover this most authentic island of the Bay of Naples, with its colourful houses and idyllic fishing harbours. It is possible to walk the whole island in one day. You first walk up to the island’s historical heart, ‘Terra Murata’, or ‘walled land’, dominated by its castle, from where you’ll enjoy marvellous views. Then the trail brings you to one of Italy’s most picturesque spots, the small fishing harbour of Corricella, with Its unique setting and coloured houses.
Along the south-eastern coast, you then continue the walk passing through Pizzico and Solchiaro. The walk ends at the charming small harbour of Chiaiolella, where you will have time for a swim on the large sandy beach or have a glass of wine on one of its terraces before returning to your hotel. Those who still have energy can extend the walk and explore the small island of Vivara, linked to Procida by a small (pedestrian) bridge. This island, the ridge of an old volcano, is now a nature reserve and one of the last bits of unspoilt nature in the area.
- Walking for the day: 7-10km, 3-5h, ↑150-300m ↓150-300m depending on the route chosen
- Accommodation: Hotel Solcalante or similar in Procida
Day 3: Procida/Ischia I 5-9km
This morning you’ll have some more time to discover the northern side of the island of Procida, or in case you didn’t have the time yesterday, visit the small island of Vivara. Or just take a short stroll to the colourful harbour! Then you take the boat for the short crossing to Ischia, known as the Green Island, the Bay of Naples’ biggest island. A taxi transfer to your hotel is organised for you, but we suggest leaving only your luggage to the taxi driver and wandering around the Ischia Porto, and then do the short walk from the harbour to the castle where your hotel is, through the vibrant streets of the old town centre. The last short stretch through the fortified island is very scenic and offers beautiful viewpoints of the city centre. In the evening, you can savour some local fish speciality in the colourful harbour of Corricella.
- Walking for the day: 5-9km, 2-4h, ↑50m ↓50m depending on the route chosen
- Accommodation: Hotel Villa La Marticana or similar in Ischia // upgraded option: Albergo Il Monastero
Day 4: Ischia I 8-15km
Today you will have a linear walk along the beautiful south coast of the island, through a spectacular landscape of terraced vineyards and fantastic lava sculptures, with unforgettable views over the Bay of Naples and Capri. The first part of the walk goes over the cliffs, through vineyards sculpted like Asian paddy fields and small hamlets. You pass the tiny hamlet of Testaccio, from where you descend to the large sandy beach of Marina dei Maronti. Just behind the beach, there are several narrow canyons with thermal springs, used since Roman times. If you have time, you can go for a dip. Along the beach, you then walk to the charming fishing village of Sant’Angelo, from where you take the bus back to the hotel.
- Walking for the day: 8-15km, 3-5h, ↑500m ↓500m depending on the route chosen
- Accommodation: Hotel Villa La Marticana or similar in Ischia // upgraded option: Albergo Il Monastero
Day 5: Ischia I 7-10km
Today you will discover the mountains of the island, a chain of extinct volcanoes which occupy the entire central part. First, you gain some height by bus, and your walk starts either in the hamlet of Fiaiano or in the small village of Fontana (several longer/shorter options possible), where you have the time for an espresso. From here, you walk up to the Monte Epomeo, the highest mountain on the island (789m), and then to the Capo dell’Uomo, Ischia’s second mountain. The walks are along easy, comfortable paths. Through forested areas and vineyards, passing by rock dwellings of monks and hermits, and always with incredible views over the sea, you will be walking down to Ischia’s most western village, Forio. After a stroll through its pleasant town centre, you take the bus along the north coast back to Ischia Porto. If you still have some energy, you can make a short walk to one of the island’s most interesting volcanoes, the Fondo dell’Oglio.
- Walking for the day: 7-10km, 3-5h, ↑700-350m ↓900-800m depending on the route chosen
- Accommodation: Hotel Villa La Marticana or similar in Ischia // upgraded option: Albergo Il Monastero
Day 6: Capri I 9 km
In the morning, your taxi brings you to the harbour, where you take the boat to the beautiful island of Capri (off-season, you travel through Naples). You settle in your hotel in the less touristy Anacapri, more rural, mountainous and quieter than Capri town. By funicular, you then travel up to the highest mountain of the island, Mount Solaro, from where you can enjoy marvellous views over the island, the Bay of Naples, the Bay of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast. Descending along the ridge, you slowly walk down to the lighthouse at the very west end of the island, where you can perhaps enjoy a dip in the clear sea. The walk then continues along the coast, passing along a series of fortresses, some of them built by the English troops to defend the island from Napoleon’s fleet, all recently restored. The walk ends at the world-famous ‘Grotta Azzurra’ (‘Blue Grotto’), from where you travel back by bus to your hotel (optional walk possible). In the evening you’ll have the choice of many romantic restaurants.
- Walking for the day: 9km, 4-5h, ↑400m ↓400m
- Accommodation: Hotel Senaria or similar in Capri
Day 7: Capri I 10km
The last walking day is dedicated to the more famous side of the island of Capri to see the places that have inspired so many over the centuries. Of course, you do not only see the ‘touristy’ highlights, but you also make a beautiful round walk along the almost pristine South Coast. First, you pass the ‘Piazzetta’ and Capri’s charming backstreets, with their evident Moresque influence. You walk up to the ruins of one of the most impressive Roman villas in the area, Villa Jovis, built by emperor Tiberius in AD 27. On your way up, you also pass the exceptional Villa Lysis, a relatively unknown but one of Capri’s best spots. Descending towards the untouched coastline of the southern part of the island, you come along the Arco Naturale, the natural bridge, many grottos and finally, the famous Faraglioni, three small uninhabited islands just off the South coast. Through the Gardens of August and the impressive Via Krupp, perhaps the world’s most beautiful pedestrian way, you descend to the charming Marina Piccola, from where you travel back by local bus to your hotel. This walk can be extended or shortened in many ways.
- Walking for the day: 10km, 4-5h, ↑480m ↓740m
- Accommodation: Hotel Senaria or similar in Capri
Day 8: Departure or Onward Travel
After breakfast, you return by boat to Naples and by shuttle bus (not included) to the airport. Extra nights can be booked in a hotel in the city centre (upon request).
What to expect
Accommodation
The accommodation is in comfortable 3-star hotels as listed in the itinerary. All rooms are private with en-suite facilities. In Ischia, we can reserve Albergo il Monastero on request at a supplement.
Click to view the default hotels
- Solcalante (Procida)
- La Marticana (Ischia) // upgraded option: Albergo il Monastero
- Senaria (Capri)
*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.
Meals
All accommodations are on a B&B basis. One welcome dinner in Procida is also included, and on the following days, you are free to choose from the wide choice of restaurants in the area. Your accommodation operator can give you useful tips. On some occasions, you can also choose to eat at the premises of the hotel. No picnic lunches are included in the tour price, but these can be prepared for you by the accommodation holders, 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.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is suitable for those who have some walking experience, not necessarily in the mountains, and a good general physical condition. Mostly easy and some moderate walks, on well-maintained paths. On some days, alternative longer or shorter walks are possible (read more about difficulty grades). Most of the walks are on good paths, some of them just recently restored by the local authorities. Parts of the trails are waymarked. Elsewhere you have to follow the route notes provided together with the maps. We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. 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 mid-March until the end of October; you can start on any day of the week; the period of 6-18 August 2023 is sold out. Late spring, the whole summer and early autumn are beautiful in the Bay of Naples. 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 area, while the temperatures are still mild and the crowds are gone.
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
Port of Naples is easily reachable from Naples Airport by bus (20-30 min). At the port, you should take the ferry to Procida. Our driver will wait for you at the Port of Procida and drive you to your first hotel. On your return, Naples is easily reachable by ferry from the Island of Capri.
Inclusions
Included
- Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps – all delivered on the spot (1 set per room)
- 7 nights in private ensuite rooms
- 7 breakfasts
- Dinner on Day 1 in Procida
- Two transfers from/to the harbour in Procida (Hotel in Procida)
- Two transfers from/to the harbour in Ischia (Hotel in Ischia)
- Two luggage transfers from/to the harbour in Capri (Hotel in Capri) – one piece of luggage per person, max 20kg
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative in Salerno
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land/sea transfers
- Lunches, dinners (beside the dinner on Day 1), drinks and snacks
- Ferry tickets (to be paid 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 available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Private airport transfers
- Extra nights
- Optional accommodation at the castle hotel Albergo Il Monastero in Ischia on request
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