Overview
There are many footpaths on the Amalfi Coast, some of which are famous, such as the Sentiero degli Dei, or are a thousand years old, like the Maestra dei Villaggi – the ‘main road’ of the Republic of Amalfi. But there are also many lesser-known trails which are just as beautiful and not so crowded.
A large part of this tour is along the Amalfi Coast, and of course, it takes in all the famous coastal villages, which are must-see attractions: Amalfi itself, but also Ravello, Praiano and the scenic Positano. But you will also walk through real mountain scenery, past amazing cliffs, through chestnut forests and picturesque countryside, with terraced lemon groves and vineyards. Beautiful small churches, ruins of castles and old farmhouses are found all over the place. Walking in this area will let you enjoy some of the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples’ most splendid views while being immersed in an almost alpine landscape. You will surely enjoy the rural scenery as well, away from the vanity of the fashionable places along the coast.
Walking the Amalfi Coast and mountains offers a unique combination of sea, picturesque towns and stunning mountains, an abundance of both culture and nature. The landscape is varied and offers ever-changing views. It can be typically Mediterranean, intoxicating with its wild perfumed herbs, with myrtle shrubs, thyme, rosemary and mastic trees, or almost alpine with meadows and bare rocks.
- Bomerano
- Amalfi
- Ravello
- Praiano
- Positano
- Valle delle Ferriere Nature Reserve
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Naples / Bomerano
Arrival in Naples. Take a bus or book a private transfer and reach your cosy agriturismo in the charming little village of Agerola, beautifully located high above the Amalfi Coast, overlooking the Bay of Salerno. If you arrive early, you can walk a short stretch of the world-famous Footpath of the Gods to take in the first spectacular views.
- Walking for the day: 3km, 2h, ↑120m ↓120m
- Accommodation: agriturismo Nonna Martina or similar in Agerola
Day 2: Monte Tre Calli Circular Walk | 8-12km
Today’s walk brings you to the highest peaks of the Amalfi Coast, where views are perhaps even more beautiful than from the famous Sentiero degli Dei. The first part of the walk is a relaxed stroll through the charming village of Bomerano, but then, through vineyards and chestnut forest, the path starts to climb. After about an hour of walking uphill, you reach the ridge of Monte Tre Calli, offering magnificent 360° views.
You will then walk along the ridge to a natural rock formation known as ‘the mushroom’, where you have a choice: you could continue the climb to Monte Sant’Angelo or opt for a relaxed picnic lunch. Then you start the descent towards the little chapel of the ‘Virgin of the Silence’, where you get views of Positano. From there, you then walk back to your agriturismo along an easy path.
- Walking for the day: 8-12km, 4-5h ( depending on optional extensions), ↑550m ↓550m
- Accommodation: agriturismo Nonna Martina or similar in Agerola
Day 3: San Lazzaro and Amalfi | 10-13km
From Bomerano, you will walk down into the green Praia valley, a fantastic landscape of sheer mountain cliffs and terraced vineyards. Along recently restored footpaths, you reach the grotto of St. Barbara, where some medieval frescoes can still be found. The route then descends into the spectacular fjord of Furore, with its towering limestone cliffs. You will reach the village of San Lazzaro, where you can enjoy a coffee or drink and admire some of the most wonderful panoramas of the whole Amalfi Coast. From here, you continue your walk downhill, now along one of the oldest pathways of the Amalfi Maritime Republic: the ‘Maestra dei Villaggi’, or ‘Highway of the Villages’, an old paved mule track dating back to the 9th century.
Then you go past the hamlet of Tovere, above the imposing monastery of Santa Rosa, and reach the small village of Vettica Minore. From here, you have the option to either continue on foot to Amalfi, passing through the medieval hamlets of Lone and Pastena, both beautifully located above the rocky shore or to walk down to the beach at Santa Croce and then make a short transfer to Amalfi by local boat.
- Walking for the day: 10 (13)km, 5 (6)h, ↑150m ↓800m
- Accommodation: Hotel Lidomare or similar in Amalfi
Day 4: Ravello | 11km
Today you can either walk or take the local bus to the charming historic village of Ravello, a highlight of the Amalfi Coast. However, we recommend walking at least the first very scenic stretch to the beautiful little town of Atrani, with great views of the town centre. Atrani is probably the best-preserved town on the Amalfi Coast, with narrow small streets and a quiet town square. Then you can either take the bus or follow the Valle del Dragone (‘Valley of the Dragon’) up to Ravello.
You can take your time to stroll around Ravello, before walking back down to the coast, past the dramatically located Villa Cimbrone and the hamlet of Pontone, possibly visiting the Torre dello Zirro a medieval watchtower. Then, through the charming village of Pontone itself, you walk into the ‘Valle dei Mulini’, the valley of the mills, with the ruins of Europe’s most ancient paper mills dating back to the 11th century. The comfortable footpath runs alongside the course of the river. Those who feel like it can penetrate deeper into the valley through spectacular scenery underneath the towering cliffs and beautiful waterfalls. Then you descend back to Amalfi.
- Walking for the day (from Amalfi): 11km, 4-5h, ↑850m ↓850m
- Accommodation: Hotel Lidomare or similar in Amalfi
Day 5: Valle delle Ferriere Nature Reserve | 10km
Today you will make a nice circular walk in one of Southern Italy’s most beautiful nature reserves, the ‘Valle delle Ferriere’. From Amalfi, you first take the bus to Scala. From here, you walk to the hamlet of Minuta, from where you have great views over Amalfi, Ravello & Atrani. Then you climb up a flight of stairs and enter the Valle delle Ferriere Nature Reserve. You will see some spectacular scenery, walk over comfortable footpaths underneath the towering cliffs, and pass by little waterfalls. After crossing the mainstream, the path gradually descends through the forest towards the little village of Pogerola, dominating the valley of Amalfi from the west. From here, a pleasant medieval mule track curves down to Amalfi, amidst lemon groves and maquis, with lovely views over the valley.
- Walking for the day: 10km, 4-5h, ↑250m ↓600m
- Accommodation: Hotel Lidomare or similar in Amalfi
Day 6: Praiano | 10-13km
From Amalfi, you take a local bus to the monastery of Santa Rosa, a very scenic drive which saves you a 300 m climb uphill (you also have the option of walking there along a section of the ‘Maestra dei Villaggi’). From here, the path first goes to the lovely little village of Conca dei Marini, where you’ll have beautiful views over both Amalfi and the western tip of the peninsula. Then the route descends to the sea again and follows the coastline past some charming churches beautifully located above the rocky shore.
You now enter into the lower part of the spectacular Fjord of Furore, with its charming fishing village underneath the towering limestone cliffs. From here, you walk past the church of Sant’Elia into the Praia valley and then to the coastal village of Praiano, with an optional descent to the very picturesque inlet of Marina di Praia, the little old harbour of Praiano.
- Walking for the day: 10 (13)km, 5 (6)h, ↑600m ↓600m
- Accommodation: Hotel La Perla or similar in Praiano
Day 7: Positano | 9km
You start your walk along the picturesque whitewashed alleys of Praiano. Then, along a medieval pilgrim route, you walk uphill towards the monastery of San Domenico, dominating the coast from the hilltop. Here you can have a little rest before continuing the climb upward through spectacular scenery with bizarre rock formations and lush vegetation.
Then you will reach one of Italy’s most famous footpaths, the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’, or ‘Footpath of the Gods’. Through impressive scenery with unrivalled views, you reach the hamlet of Nocelle. Passing another spectacular valley, you arrive in the little village of Montepertuso. After Montepertuso, it’s only a short walk down to Positano itself, one of the most charming villages on the coast. There is ample time to explore Positano or perhaps go for a swim before you return by local bus to Praiano.
- Walking for the day: 9km, 4-5h, ↑400m ↓400m
- Accommodation: Hotel La Perla or similar in Praiano
Day 8: Departure or Onward Travel
After breakfast, you can easily return by boat or by bus and train to Naples, and then by shuttle bus to the airport. An extra night in a Naples hotel can be booked upon request.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodations on this tour include a mix of charming small hotels and agriturismo. They have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere, cuisine and unique services. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
- Night 1 & 2: The first two nights are spent in the small village of Bomerano, on the high plain of Agerola overlooking the Amalfi Coast, either in a beautiful agriturismo, or homestays, all with comfortable rooms with en-suite facilities.
- Nights 3, 4 & 5: These three nights are spent at Amalfi, the ancient capital of the Amalfi Coast, in a welcoming 3-star hotel. All hotels are centrally located, at walking distance from the sea and all monuments of the medieval town centre.
- Nights 6 & 7: For the final couple of nights, you stay in the little village of Praiano in a good 3-star hotel with a few nice little beaches at walking distance. For those wanting an extra day’s relaxation, a longer stay can be arranged.
Click to view default hotels
- Nonna Martina (Agerola),
- Lidomare (Amalfi)
- La Perla or La Costa Diva (Praiano)
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
Accommodation is on a bed & breakfast basis. Picnic lunches are optional at an extra charge and can be ordered locally, or products for picnics can be purchased in the villages where you’ll be staying. On some days, you have the option of having your lunch in a restaurant along the way. You can have dinner at your hotel or nearby restaurants.
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. On some days, alternative longer or shorter walks are possible. 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 (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 the beginning of March until the end of October; you can start on any day of the week; the period of 1 – 18 August 2023 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 Bomerano/Agerola, connected to Naples by a frequent bus service. A taxi pick-up service can be arranged either from Naples (airport or train station) or from Pompeii or Castellammare di Stabia, which can be easily reached from Naples with the local Circumvesuviana train. Visit the Italia Rail website for up-to-date train timetables and fares, or use the Omio planner above.
The tour ends after breakfast in Praiano on Day 8. A frequent bus service can bring you to either Sorrento or Amalfi/Salerno, where you travel on to your next destination (Naples or Rome can both be easily reached by high-speed train). Taxi services are also available to bring you directly to your next destination.
Inclusions
Included
- Detailed holiday information pack, including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps (1:25,000) – all delivered on the spot (1 set per room)
- 7 breakfasts
- 7 nights in private ensuite rooms as per the itinerary
- Luggage transfers on days 3 and 6 – 1 piece per person up to 20kg (65 x 50 x 40cm). 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!
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative in Salerno
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Additional luggage
- 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)
- Optional extra day after Day 6 – Walk in the Praia Valley and along the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’, including one extra night in Praiano
- Extra nights
- Private airport transfers
Gallery
