The Amalfi Coast in Italy is definitely Europe’s most scenic and dramatic stretch of coastline! It is a stunning combination of sea, picturesque coastal towns and mountains, an abundance of both culture and nature. A large part of this tour is along the coast, and of course it touches all the famous coastal villages, which are a must-see: Amalfi itself, but also Ravello, Atrani, Praiano and of course the scenic Positano. But you will walk as well through real mountainous scenery, along amazing sheer drops, through chestnut forests and attractive countryside, with wonderful terraced lemon groves, vineyards. Walking in this area you will enjoy some of the most splendid views of the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples, while being immersed in an almost Alpine landscape.
Highlights:
♦ Amalfi - first mentioned in the 6th century, and soon acquired importance as a maritime power, trading grain of its neighbors, salt from Sardiniaand slaves from the interior, and even timber, for the gold dinars minted in Egypt and Syria, in order to buy the Byzantine silks that it resold in the West.
♦ Positano - used to be a port of the Amalfi Republic in medieval times, and prospered in the 16th and 17th centuries.
♦ Ravello - was founded in the 5th century as a shelter place against the barbarian invasions which marked the end of the Western Roman Empire. In the 9th century Ravello was an important town of the maritime republic of Amalfi.
Please note: this is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience with walking and a good general physical condition. Most of the walks are on good paths, some of them just recently restored by the local authorities. Part of the path is waymarked. Elsewhere, it is necessary to follow the route notes provided together with the maps. Average walking times: approx 5 to 6 hours each day.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Arrival: The tour starts in AMALFI, connected with Salerno by a frequent bus (and boat) service and with Naples by a less frequent bus service. In Summer there are direct boats from Naples. A taxi pick-up service can be arranged either from Naples (airport or train station), or from Pompeii or Castellammare di Stabia, which can both be easily reached from Naples, with the local Circumvesuviana train.
Departure: The tour ends after breakfast on day 8 in POSITANO. A frequent bus service can bring you to either Sorrento or Amalfi/Salerno, from where you travel to your next destination (Naples, Salerno or Rome can all be easily reached). Several taxi services are available to bring you directly to your next destination.
Itinerary:
Day 1. From Naples to Amalfi
Arrival in Naples (airport) or Salerno (train station). You are met by a taxi (optional) and brought to your hotel in Amalfi. Short visit to the town center and maybe a swim to wash off the tiredness of the journey.
Day 2. The Torre dello Ziro & Valle dei Mulini
Today you make a first easy walk, which gives you a good idea of the amazing cultural and natural heritage of the Amalfi Coast. First you walk into the quiet little back alleys of Amalfi. An ancient staircase takes you up underneath the impressive limestone cliffs, towards the little village of Pontone with the marvellous Torre dello Zirro. Then you walk into the ‘Valle dei Mulini’, the valley of the watermills, with the ruins of Europe’s most ancient paper mills, dating back to the 11th century. The comfortable footpath runs along the river course, in an abundant green, almost un-Italian, landscape. Those who want can penetrate deep into the valley, through spectacular scenery, underneath the towering cliffs, through an almost fairy tale-like landscape. Here you can admire a number of beautiful waterfalls. Then you return to Amalfi. The path gradually descends along a number of impressive ruins of what once were the first paper mills, adding a mysterious touch to the landscape. Along the last stretch, the scenery changes to lemon groves and maquis. Back down in Amalfi, you can stop at the paper museum before returning to your hotel. As the walk is relatively short, you still have some time to wander around in Amalfi or take your time for a swim. B/-/-
Walking: 4-5 h, 9-10 km, Ascent & descent: +/- 450 m.
Day 3. Amalfi - Ravello - Atrani - Amalfi
Today you walk along a beautiful route or take the open bus (not included in the price) up to the charming historic village of Ravello, one of the most exclusive villages of the Amalfi Coast, and a sought after place by artists over the centuries, as its lofty position and sunny, dry climate made it an appealing place to writers, artists, musicians and travellers from northern Europe. Boccaccio, DH Lawrence, and Richard Wagner are among the more notable guests who have succumbed to its spells. Ravello not only has a very interesting history and many medieval monuments, but also offers beautiful views over the Amalfi Coast. The French novelist, André Gide, once described the town as being ‘closer to the sky than the seashore’. Ravello also boasts two magnificent villas – the superb 11th-century Villa Rufolo, once a papal residence and later, the home of Wagner, and Villa Cimbrone, a sumptuous 19th-century mansion with fabulous gardens and unequaled views over the Gulf of Salerno. You can take your time to stroll through the village before starting the walk back down to the coast. Along the dramatically located Villa Cimbrone and the hamlet of Castiglione, you walk first through vineyards and lemon groves, then along a medieval flight of stairs down the beautiful little town of Atrani. This certainly is one of the best preserved villages of the coast, with the possibility to look around the narrow, white little streets of the town center. The last short stretch to Amalfi is very scenic and has beautiful viewpoints of the city center. As the walk is relatively short, you still have some time to wander around in Amalfi or take your time for a swim. B/-/-
Walking: 4h, 9 km, Ascent & descent: +/- 480 m. (shorter options possible)
Day 4. Amalfi - Conca dei Marini - Praiano
From Amalfi you walk along one of the oldest pathways of the medieval Amalfi Maritime Republic, the ‘Maestra dei Villaggi’, or ‘main road of the villages’. You pass the little villages of Lone and Vettica, before arriving at the imposing monastery of Santa Rosa (there is also the possibility to take a local bus to here, avoid a 300-m. ascent!). The walk from here first goes to the charming little village of Conca dei Marini, from where you’ll have wonderful views both on Amalfi and towards the western tip of the peninsula. The route then descends to the coast again along some charming churches beautifully located above the rocky shore. You descend into the spectacular fjord of Furore with its charming fishing village. From here you walk uphill again, and past the hamlet and church of Sant’Elia, you take the ‘Via dell’Amore’, into the Valley of Praia. A great last stretch through forest, vineyards and Mediterranean scrubland, then brings you to the coastal village of Praiano, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. B/-/-
Walking:6 h, 11 km, Ascent & descent: + 700 m./- 500 m.
Day 5. Praiano - Valley of Praia - Praiano
From your hotel, you walk through the little streets of Praiano, up towards the little church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli. From here on, a comfortable path above the village itself, you walk into the Valley of Praia, a beautiful green valley with many vineyards clinging to the cliffs. You then climb up to the little church of Sant’Alfonso and from here the very scenic caves of Santa Barbara: another short section uphill brings you to the beginning of the famous ‘Sentiero degli Dei’ (Footpath of the Gods), a walk with unrivaled views. After a very panoramic stretch with views over the whole Amalfi Coast, reaching out until the island of Capri, you start the descent back to Praiano again, passing over a centuries-old staircase. B/-/-
Walking: 5 h, 8 km, Ascent & descent: +/- 600 m.
Day 6. Praiano - Montepertuso - Positano
You start your walk again in the picturesque white washed alleys of Praiano. Along a medieval pilgrims’ route, you then walk uphill towards the monastery of San Domenico, set in a stupendous scenery, dominating the coast from its hilltop. Here you can have a little rest before continuing the climb uphill, through spectacular scenery with bizarre rock formations and luxurious vegetation. Shortly, you then reach one of Italy’s most famous footpaths, the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’, or ‘Footpath of the Gods’. This path really lives up to its name! Through unique scenery with unrivaled 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 downstairs to Positano, but it will take you some time, as there are too many photo opportunities along the route. Positano itself is considered to be one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, and certainly one of the pearls of the Amalfi Coast. After a stroll through its alleys, you settle in your hotel in the center, within walking distance of the large beach. Overnight in Positano. B/-/-
Walking: 4,5 h, 8.5 km, Ascent & descent: + 500 m./- 600 m.
Day 7. Positano - Santa Maria al Castello - Montepertuso - Positano
Today you have two options: a stunning, utterly scenic hike high above Positano or a trip by boat to the rightly famous island of Capri, the island where already the Roman emperors liked to come as tourists, and that since then never lost its fame. Of course, here you will not only see the ‘touristy’ highlights, but you will also make a beautiful round walk, passing the ruins of Villa Iovis, the most impressive Roman villa, the untouched coastline, and many grottos. This walk can be extended or shortened in many ways, according to your wish to dedicate to walking, relaxing, or shopping. In the late afternoon, you then return by boat to Positano, along the ‘Islands of the Sirens’. For the hike instead, you take the local bus up to Montepertuso, from where you start a very scenic walk around the upper valley of Positano. Following ancient footpaths through the forest and along marvelous viewpoints, you climb up towards Santa Maria al Castello, the old fortress defending the narrow valley between the Amalfi- and Sorrento-side of the peninsula. From here, you can admire both the Gulf of Salerno and the Bay of Naples. Through a nice wooded area in a park-like landscape, you then descend to the Caserma Forestale (the forestry service’s house). For those who want, there is the possibility to climb up from here to Monte Sant’Angelo, the highest mountain of the peninsula, a very demanding but rewarding ascent. The standard walk continues through the forest and zigzags back down to Montepertuso. Along another medieval mule track, you then return to Positano again. B/-/-
Walking: 4 h, 7 km, Ascent & descent:+ 350 m./- 550 m.
Day 8. Departure
After breakfast you return by boat or bus and train to Naples and by shuttle bus to the airport. Extra nights in Positano can be booked upon request. B/-/-
Necessary equipment: sturdy walking boots and walking socks, a small rucksack, a water bottle with at least 1 litre capacity, sunglasses, sunhat, sun cream, rainwear, insect repellent.
Footpaths: Most paths are relatively well maintained, but during the season, some paths can get overgrown (we are in continuous contact with local authorities to keep the paths clean – please help us by providing your feedback on the quality of the paths).
Waymarking: Only a small part of the route is waymarked (partly by us); elsewhere, it is necessary to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps. With these, it is always possible to find your route. In case you don’t feel confident, a local guide can be provided for some trails.
Price Includes: 7 nights at 3 * hotels in a double room with en-suite facilities with breakfast
map and extensive route notes with description of the route & tourist information
luggage transport Amalfi-Praiano on day 4 and Praiano-Positano on day 6
private transfers as specified
24 hrs phone assistance
entrance ticket to the stunning Villa Cimbrone.
Not Included: Flight tickets
transfers from/to the airport and other public transport
drinks and meals not mentioned in the program
entrance fees
personal expenses
tips
insurance
local taxes payable on spot
Visas
