Relaxed Trails of the Amalfi Coast
- A relaxed walking itinerary on the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula
- Stroll through the picture-perfect postcard villages of Ravello and Positano
- Take the time to explore the enchanting island of Capri
- An option to visit the impressive ruins of Pompeii
- Soak up the sun in a piazza and enjoy a glass of wine with some delicious seafood
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Ravello and overnightThe serene village of Ravello is easily accessible by train from Rome to Salerno or to Naples. Your connecting private transfer to Ravello is included. Nestled on a hill over 1200 feet above the Mediterranean, Ravello offers a peaceful escape from the crowds that gather in the busy seaside towns of Amalfi and Positano, making it the hidden gem of the Amalfi Coast. From the terraces of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbone, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the coastline. It's a delightful experience to stroll along the narrow stone-paved streets and soak in the relaxed atmosphere. For history enthusiasts, there are intriguing historical sites to explore, adding an extra layer of discovery to your visit.
Gala Residence Villa Giovanna offers breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and is located in Ravello near Duomo di Ravello and San Lorenzo Cathedral. Buffet and à la carte breakfast options with fresh pastries, pancakes, and fruit are available daily at the bed and breakfast. A mini-market is available at the bed and breakfast.
Take a journey through the scenic Ravello hinterland on a delightful loop hike today. The adventure begins at Piazza Fontana, guiding you through the village's charming narrow streets to the serene Fountain of Carosa. Here, you'll encounter a votive chapel encircling a Madonna statue, a site revered by the Scalese pilgrims. The trail then meanders through the mesmerising Valle del Dragone, a valley named after its river flowing from Monti Lattari to Atrani. Before bidding adieu to the trail, savour the breathtaking view of the Gulf of Salerno and behold Ravello's captivating allure from the trail's pinnacle.
Gala Residence Villa Giovanna offers breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and is located in Ravello near Duomo di Ravello and San Lorenzo Cathedral. Buffet and à la carte breakfast options with fresh pastries, pancakes, and fruit are available daily at the bed and breakfast. A mini-market is available at the bed and breakfast.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast on the terrace. Embark on a picturesque trail from your accommodation to the charming fishing villages of Minori (40 minutes) or Maiori (90 minutes). Immerse yourself in the local life as you pass the traditional houses and gardens and admire the ever-changing panorama of the coast and mountains. Don't miss the fascinating centuries-old lemon houses along the Path of Lemons between Minori and Maiori, where you can purchase fresh lemons and lemonade directly from the producers.
Afterwards, board a ferry from either village for a breathtaking coastal journey to the enchanting town of Positano. From the sea, Positano offers an unparalleled view of vibrant colours: the lush green of Monti Lattari, the charming white, pink, and yellow Mediterranean houses, the alluring silvery grey of the pebbled beaches, and the azure blue of the sea. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its exquisite Moorish tiled dome, stands as the centrepiece of Positano. Stroll down to the city's main beach, Spiaggia Grande, and revel in the abundance of shops, restaurants, and exciting sights. Your day concludes with a private transfer back to Ravello, sealing a day of unforgettable experiences on the Amalfi Coast.
Gala Residence Villa Giovanna offers breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and is located in Ravello near Duomo di Ravello and San Lorenzo Cathedral. Buffet and à la carte breakfast options with fresh pastries, pancakes, and fruit are available daily at the bed and breakfast. A mini-market is available at the bed and breakfast.
Embark on a leisurely walk through the Valley of the Ancient Mills en route to Amalfi, then set off by ferry across the Azure Sea to the breathtaking Island of Capri. Your adventure begins at the Chiesa di Santo Stefano in the main square. Follow Via Pizzolungo to the Punta Tragara belvedere and soak in the awe-inspiring view of the Faraglioni, the bay's boats, and Mount Solaro. Discover the wonders of the Grotta di Matermania, a magnificent natural cave near the Arco Naturale. As you conclude your visit, don't miss the charming Chiesa di San Michele della Croce, nestled within a protective wall and a delightful garden on the island. Experience the essence of Capri's lifestyle at the Piazetta, often referred to as "the world's living room" by Edwin Cerio, before setting your sights on the captivating destination of Sorrento.
Located in the heart of Sorrento and was a historic residence which has recently been restored and converted into a characterful bed and breakfast. There is tranquil garden where you can relax after a days walking. Some rooms have balconies.
Enjoy a free day in Sorrento, one of Italy's most beautiful coastal towns, or go on an exhilarating loop hike. Perched high on the cliffs that separate the town from the bustling port, it is known for its sweeping views of the water and Piazza Tasso, a square lined with cafes. The historic center, with its narrow streets, is home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church with a quiet cloister. From Sorrento, you admire the islands of Capri and Ischia and the entire Gulf of Naples, with its famous volcano, Mount Vesuvius. Explore the Sentieri Lubrensi and step into the ancient past as you walk along paths that cover the expansive area of Massa Lubrense. These paths lead to stunning viewpoints that offer breathtaking views in just a few minutes. It's a magical place where nature warmly embraces you in its beautiful surroundings.
Elevation Gain/ Loss: +/- 410m (1350ft)
Located in the heart of Sorrento and was a historic residence which has recently been restored and converted into a characterful bed and breakfast. There is tranquil garden where you can relax after a days walking. Some rooms have balconies.
Enjoy a day at leisure at your hotel, a nearby beach, or spend more time exploring Sorrento. Or perhaps you'll choose to embark on a journey to the ancient city of Pompeii, preserved by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. You can book your own 30 minute train or bus journey from Sorrento to Pompeii, enjoying stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Italian countryside. Pompeii, once a luxurious seaside getaway for the elite of Rome, boasted cobbled streets lined with extravagant villas, bustling marketplaces, and lavish bathhouses.
After immersing yourself in history, savour your final evening in Sorrento at one of its charming squares. Whether you seek the lively ambience of Piazza Tasso, adorned with top-tier restaurants and vibrant bars, or the tranquil setting of Piazza della Vittoria, offering serene gardens and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples, Sorrento promises an unforgettable experience.
Located in the heart of Sorrento and was a historic residence which has recently been restored and converted into a characterful bed and breakfast. There is tranquil garden where you can relax after a days walking. Some rooms have balconies.
Today is the day you say Arrividerci! You can take the train to Naples or Rome. We can also organize an optional private transfer at extra costs.
Other Information
Is it for me?Fancy a relaxed walking holiday on the stunning Amalfi Coast? This trip offers diverse experiences - from charming villages with vibrant houses to a laid-back lifestyle on the picturesque piazzas, an ever-changing coastline, island adventures on Capri, and the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Most walks are easy to moderate and around 2-3 hours. They are well-marked and easy to follow, taking you along pathways and small paved roads. Be prepared walking from the hilltop villages to the coast as this will involve some steep steps. Alongside all the walking, there's still plenty of time to savour the Dolce Vita of this stunning coastline.
Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.
Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This tour is graded easy to moderate and the walks are anywhere between 3 and 14 km in length. Since this is a Slower Adventure trip style we have made every effort to ensure that most walks are fairly short which gives you more time to explore the villages and creates a more relaxed pace. However, even though the walks are short, the terrain, at times, can involve steps and some elevation gain and loss (between +410m and -430m) and at times you will have to negotiate typical Mediterranean terrain which can be rocky, but this is minimal overall. We have also tried to limit the elevation gains and losses as much as possible, but in this region of Italy it is impossible to find walks that are completely flat!
We specifically choose your hotels to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food and drink. The hotels mentioned in the itinerary are subject to availability, and early booking is highly recommended for June-September in particular, as this is a very popular area. We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed, but because of limited availability (especially June-September) we may have to accommodate you at an alternative location of the same or better standard (a supplement may be possible). Alternative details will be noted on your accommodation sheet. There are room upgrade options in the hotels used on this trip, please speak to our Sales team at the time of booking if this is something you are interested in.
Additional Nights
It’s easy to request an extra night at any location during this itinerary or at the beginning or end. Please notify us when booking should you wish to add extra nights.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This holiday is available for solo walkers but we would recommend that you are experienced in walking and navigating alone and there is a solo walker supplement payable. If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning. In Italy, this is generally a light continental breakfast with baked goods. Lunch and dinner are not included but are available from your hotel or nearby restaurants. The food of the Amalfi coast is strongly influenced by local produce. Traditional specialities include seafood and gnocchi alla sorrentina.
The routes are waymarked in some areas, but not in others. However, we provide the Macs Adventure Smartphone App making it simple to follow the route using a smartphone. Rest assured that by downloading the route maps in our app, that this will continue to work even in areas without any mobile or internet reception. For extra reassurance there are also turn-by-turn route notes within the app too for the walks.
Please be aware that although the buses on the Amalfi Coast run frequently, they are also a very popular way to travel and are therefore often busy, especially the closer to summer you travel. If buses are full the driver won't stop or will turn you away and you will have to wait for the next bus. The buses also tend to be busier when it's raining with people cutting the walks short, so it's best to pack suitable raingear for waiting, head to a local cafe to wait out the rain or hop in a taxi instead. Taxis are more expensive in Amalfi than many other areas of Italy. On some routes you may also find it quicker to use a ferry rather than wait for the bus. More information on the ferries can be found here.
- Accommodation in comfortable and superior hand-picked hotels
- Daily breakfasts
- Private transfer on arrival between Naples/ Salerno and Ravello
- Private transfer on Day 3, back from Positano to Ravello
- Door to door baggage transfers from Ravello to Sorrento
- Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- All your trip documents including a detailed information pack provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
- Telephone support from our offices and local partners in the event of a problem
- Lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinks
- Tourist taxes (charged locally at hotels)
- Travel to and from start and finish points
- Ferries to/from Positano or Capri
- Pompeii entrance tickets, tours or transport
- Any additional transfers or public transport required to shorten the walks or skip a stage
- Travel insurance (required) and personal equipment
- Additional nights before, during or after the tour
- Private transfers to Naples/ Salerno and from Sorrento
- Room upgrades
This Amalfi Coast walking holiday is available from late March to October. You can start your holiday on any date in the season. We recommend to not start between the end of July and late August as this is the hottest time of year when it is unpleasant to walk in this area. Hotel bookings during that time are also almost impossible to secure due to it being the Italian summer holidays, and the walking routes tend to be crowded, so we feel it’s best to avoid travelling during this period.
Spring in the Amalfi Coast is sublime and April, May and June are absolutely lovely. May is when most of the wild flowers tend to be in bloom. Autumn is a perfect time of year as the landscape is made up of a gold and red pallet so September and October are unmissable.
Please note that you should ideally book 6 months in advance if you are intending on travelling in early July, at the end of August or in September. Early booking is recommended in order to secure the best choice of accommodation at this busy time of year. It is best if you have some flexibility regarding your dates and itinerary.
The Amalfi Coast is known to have long, hot summers with July and August being the hottest months. Always make sure to stay hydrated and carry plenty of water while out exploring. During summer it is not unlikely for the temperatures to rise above 86 degrees Fahrenheit / 30 degrees Celsius during the day. It can therefore be too hot for walking and isn’t a time best suited for everyone. You will have to start early to miss the heat of the day and carry a lot of water (additional weight) with you. The towns and villages however are buzzing at this time of year which is great to see.
The months before and after the summer season will be sunny but a little cooler, which could be preferable. Spring on the Amalfi Coast is sublime with wildflowers in bloom and a more comfortable temperature; April, May and June are absolutely lovely. Autumn is a great time of year as the landscape is made up of gold and red pallet and it cools down during the night, September and October are unmissable.
Due to climate change, there are more frequent bursts of torrential rainfall, which are known to have triggered mud and landslides in the Amalfi Coast area in the past. However, our local partners keep us informed of any geological risks i.e., a necessity to do an alternate hike due to the trail being closed. This does not happen very often but it’s good to be informed that this could potentially be the case, and we will of course inform you if this arises.
We recommend flying into Naples Airport. From there you can take a Curreri bus from outside the terminal to Sorrento which takes 1hr15. Alternatively, you can take a direct Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento which takes 1hr30. From Sorrento, take a SITA bus to Amalfi which takes around 1hr30. In total the journey from the airport will take 3-3hr30 on average.
Alternatively, we can arrange a private transfer at an additional cost, please let us know if this is of interest.
Another option when travelling between May and October between Naples Airport and Amalfi is to take the Pintour Shuttle Bus service. The journey takes about 1hr50 and timetables can be found on the Pintour website.
Coming from the Fiumicino airport in Rome you need to change trains in Roma Termini and Napoli Centrale to get to Sorrento or Salerno. Total travelling time to Sorrento/ Salerno is about three hours. The bus from the Sorrento/ Salerno train station to Amalfi takes around 1hr.
Ravello is only a 10min taxi ride from Amalfi.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
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