Exploring the Amalfi Coast Off the Beaten Path

Click to view map

Day 1: Arrival in Salerno

Arrival in Salerno, which is easily reachable from Naples by train. Your hotel is only a short bus ride away (optional taxi). After settling in at your hotel, you can take your time to discover the beautiful town centre of Salerno and stroll along the lungomare (promenade) with views of both the Amalfi Coast and the Cilento National Park. 

• Accommodation: B&B or a hotel in Salerno (Hotel Plaza or similar)

Day 2: Salerno to Cava de’ 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 situated on the mountain slopes high above the valley of Cava de’ Tirreni, on the other side of the Lattari Mountains. Today, as well as during the next few days of your tour, you walk on paths largely unknown to the crowds. After strolling through the old town of Vietri sul Mare, you walk down its little alleys to the 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 de’ Tirreni. After passing the church of San Vincenzo you walk through shaded chestnut woods to your day’s destination near the millennium-old Benedictine Abbey of Corpo di Cava. On your way, you could have a look at one of the hidden marvels of this area, the remains of a Roman aqueduct still standing 20m tall! Finally, you arrive at the hotel and have the time to freshen up and get ready for a hearty dinner on the hotel’s premises. Those who feel like it can extend this walk with an optional loop through the wooded valleys beneath Monte Finestra.

• Walking for the day: 7km, 3h, ↑400m ↓100m
• Accommodation: hotel in Cava de’ Tirreni (Scapolatiello or similar)

Day 3: Cava de’ Tirreni to Cetara | 15km

Today’s walk is more challenging and takes you straight from your hotel along one of the most famous pilgrim routes in the area 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 the ‘Old Chapel’. From here, you enjoy a wonderful view of Vietri sul Mare and Salerno to the south, and the crest of Monte Avvocata to the west. A well-trodden and relatively easy footpath leading through the maquis then takes you to the hermitage of the Avvocata. From here, one 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 on the entire coast, unknown to most, if not all, foreign visitors. After visiting the convent, you start walking down along a beautiful scenic path down towards Cetara, one of the most charming villages of the Amalfi Coast. You will pass through grass and shrubland dotted with numerous wildflowers. Towards the end of the walk, you enjoy a wonderful view of the little fishing village of Cetara. You end up in the heart of the village and have the choice to settle right away in your room, or you can go for a swim first. In the evening, you have plenty of choices to enjoy a great meal in the village centre.

• Walking for the day: 15km, 5-6h, ↑600m ↓900m
• Accommodation: a hotel or guesthouse in Cetara (Ce Tour or similar)

Day 4: Cetara to Maiori/Tramonti | 11km

This morning you first walk through the old centre of Cetara, one of the most authentic villages of the Amalfi Coast. Then you walk on to the little hamlet of Erchie (optional bus), from where the ‘Sentiero dei Monaci’ (Path of the Monks) starts. This beautiful panoramic track is a real highlight, a second ‘Path of the Gods’, but without the crowds. You enjoy beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast and have many surprising views of the little valleys and bizarre rock formations of this part of the coast – including the so-called Capo d’Orso (Bear Cape), and the ‘Uomo a Cavallo’ (Man on a Horse!). Halfway through the day, you arrive in the tiny hamlet of Badia, with the stunning church of Santa Maria dell’Olearia. Shortly before arriving at Maiori, you climb up again from the hamlet of Salicerchie towards the castle of San Nicolo de’ Thoro Plano. Your path now follows one of the ancient pilgrim routes leading up from Maiori to the Avvocata Sanctuary. From here, you can see into the valley of the Reginna Maior leading up to Tramonti, and you understand why this castle has been so important for the defence of the coastal area. After heading down to the town centre, you can relax on Maiori’s broad sandy beach, one of the finest. A private transfer takes you to Tramonti for an overnight.

• Walking for the day (from Erchie): 11km, 4-5h↑200m ↓200m
• Accommodation: Agriturismo or B&B in Tramonti (Agriturismo Il Tintore or similar)

Day 5: Tramonti Circular Walk / Alta Via dei Monti Lattari | 17km

Today you start a circular walk right from your hotel that gives you the opportunity to discover an area relatively unknown to most travellers. Enjoy your breakfast and get ready to experience a walk in an area where virtually no other hikers go. You pass through several small rural hamlets, all with their own charm. The area of Tramonti also boasts a production of excellent local wines made from autochthonous grapes grown on centuries-old grapevines. You walk through impressive ancient vineyards typical of this area. Finally, you have the chance to walk an incredibly scenic part of the ‘Alta Via dei Monti Lattari’, the long-distance trail that follows the backbone ridge of the Sorrento Peninsula, high above the Amalfi Coast. Last but not least: Tramonti is also famous for being the place where – according to many – pizza was invented. The pizzas are simply delicious here. Pizza dinner is included for you tonight, so you have the option to taste the local pizza.

• Walking for the day: 17km, 6 hours ↑500m ↓500m (shorter option is available)
• Accommodation: Agriturismo or B&B in Tramonti (Agriturismo Il Tintore or similar)

Day 6: Down to the Amalfi Coast | 12km

Today you have several options for a shorter or longer walk. The longer walk brings you first through several charming hamlets belonging to the Comune of Tramonti, all with their own identity. Then you climb gradually up into the mountains through a beautiful mountain landscape, with great views over the valley of Tramonti and Maiori, on a trail with virtually no other tourists.

For the shorter option, you first go down into the valley, after which you start climbing up into the mountains. After a beautiful stretch uphill, you reach the saddle between the valley of Maiori and that of Minori. Along the ridge, you walk to the beautifully located church of San Nicola, a nice spot for a short break. Then you start descending, first through lemon groves and after through a wonderful terraced landscape. You reach Minori, passing through the hamlet of Torre, and with a series of steps, you walk down to the village centre. The walk is relatively short so you have ample time to discover the village and possibly visit the remains of the luxurious Roman villa, or go for a swim.

Alternatively, you could opt to walk down to Maiori along the ‘Path of the Lemons’ and then walk to Minori along the coast. In the evening you have the choice to eat on the premises of the hotel, or go out and pick your own restaurant.

• Walking for the day: 10 (12)km, 5 (6)h, ↑300m ↓650m
• Accommodation: a hotel in Minori (Santa Lucia or similar)

Optional Extra Day: Ravello, Atrani and Amalfi | 14km

This morning you walk from Minori along ancient footpaths and stepped alleys up to Ravello, one of the highlights of the ‘classic’ Amalfi Coast. You follow a very scenic path past a number of medieval churches, climbing up to the small hamlet of Torello and then to Ravello itself. When you arrive at Ravello, once described by the French novelist André Gide as being ‘closer to the sky than the seashore’, you have to visit its two magnificent villas – the superb 11th-century Villa Rufolo, which once was a papal residence and later the home of Wagner, and Villa Cimbrone, a sumptuous 19th-century mansion with fabulous gardens and unequalled views over the Gulf of Salerno. Indeed Ravello’s lofty position and sunny, dry climate have made it an appealing place for writers, artists, musicians and travellers. Boccaccio, DH Lawrence and Richard Wagner are among the more notable guests who have succumbed to its spells. Wagner composed parts of his opera ‘Parsifal’ while staying there. After visiting Ravello, you have the choice of several different, but all equally beautiful paths leading down to the medieval town of Amalfi, once a powerful maritime republic and still the crown of the Amalfi Coast. You can opt to follow the Dragone Valley down to Atrani and then climb up again over the headland separating it from Amalfi, or you can choose to first walk to the hamlet of Pontone, with the magnificent Torre dello Ziro watchtower dominating both Atrani and Amalfi from above, before heading down into the centre of Amalfi. From Amalfi, you then take a public bus back to Minori (not included) and your hotel.

Walking for the day: 14km, 4-6h ↑400m ↓50m
Accommodation: a hotel in Minori (Santa Lucia or similar)

Day 7: Departure or Onward Travel

Return to Naples/Salerno by taxi, boat or bus. 

Click to view default hotels

• Hotel Plaza (Salerno)
• Scapolatiello (Cava de’ Tirrenti)
• Ce Tour (Cetara)
• Agriturismo Il Tintore (Tramonti)
• Santa Lucia (Minori)

*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.

Click to view travel options

• The tour starts in Salerno, connected to Naples by frequent train service. Visit the Italia Rail website for up-to-date train timetables and fares or check the Omio planner above.
• The tour ends after breakfast in Minori on Day 7. A frequent bus, train or boat service can bring you to Amalfi/Salerno, from where you travel on to your next destination (Naples or Rome can both be easily reached by high-speed train).