Amalfi Coastal Trails

The small town of Amalfi is easily reached from Naples by taking a direct train to Sorrento and continuing on to Amalfi by bus or ferry. The town has a small beach, lively piazzas with bars and restaurants, and a cluster of white buildings overlooking the sea. It is the ancient capital of the Amalfi Maritime Republic and is surrounded by high mountains.

Take your time to explore its cobbled streets, walk along the colourful marina and make sure to grab a limoncello spritz next to its impressive Byzantine-influenced cathedral to celebrate your arrival on the Amalfi Coast.

Your first day starts with a walk out of Amalfi following a scenic path passing waterfalls, old buildings and lemon groves. Upon reaching the Medieval Tower of Zirro you are rewarded with the first of many coastal views. Enter the Valley of the Ancient Mills and explore the ruins of the many paper factories which date back to the 11th century. 

The hamlet of Ravello is one of this trip's highlights and is often said to have a 'metamorphic' effect on people. Discover Villa Cimbrone and its picturesque gardens just south of Ravello's Duomo (cathedral) and soak in its style and glamour.

If you wish to do so, you can walk back to Amalfi via Atrani descending one continuous staircase down to the clear sea or alternatively, you can catch a local bus (15-20 min, payable locally). 

Amalfi to Ravello (Part 1): 7km. Ascent/Descent: 467m/115m
Ravello to Amalfi (Part 2): 3km. Ascent/Descent: 61m/411m
Combined: 9.6km. Ascent/Descent: 467m/411m

Take a short local bus from Amalfi to the village of Scala (25 min, payable locally), a scenic bus ride taking you into the mountains. Today’s walk proves that Amalfi isn’t only about the coast; soon after setting off, you will enter the Ferriere Nature Reserve.

Quiet paths lead into a deep valley surrounded by high cliffs, woodland, and the remains of stone bridges and houses. The Italian word ‘Ferriere’ translates to ‘ironworks’, which was once a burgeoning industry here, utilising the many streams to power their factories.

Continue on through meadows, small waterfalls and spectacular landscapes on a high path to the tiny hamlet of Pogerola. You then descend an ancient flight of steps towards Amalfi where you will spend another night.

Ascent/Descent: 794m/1163m

Enjoy an energising breakfast and some Italian coffee before heading to Bomerano by local bus (20min, payable locally). 

From here, you have a choice of walks; the longer option includes a climb up Mt Tre Calli and then back to Bomerano to continue along the first section of the famous Path of the Gods. This is a more challenging walk on uneven terrain with endless rewards. Glittering sea views from the ancient path will have you continually reaching for your camera.

The shorter option is walking the first section of the Path of the Gods from Bomerano to your next destination Praiano and skipping the climb up Mt Tre Calli. The path is a long downhill stretch with constant views of Positano and Capri.

Mount Tre Calli: 9km. Ascent/Descent: 460m/461m
Path of the Gods to Praiano: 4km. Ascent/Descent: 194m/645m
Combined: 12km. Ascent/Descent: 460m/645m

Praiano was formerly known as a silk-production centre and many of the dukes of Amalfi made it their summer residence. It has a calmer and more low-key feel about it which is a true delight for those looking for some relaxation.

Enjoy a short and gentle walk from your hotel to the outskirts of Furore through the Valley of Praia. This route allows you to ‘zoom in’ and provides the opportunity to explore this dramatic coastline. Visit the natural harbour of Marina di Praia with its colourful boats and popular sandy beach before returning to Praiano the same way you came. 

Ascent/Descent: 463m/458m

Today the choice is yours; take a well-earned rest day visiting neighbouring Positano, browsing its chic boutiques and soaking up the Southern Italian charm. There is certainly no shortage of fine restaurants and flower-filled courtyards to enjoy a refreshing drink, a bite to eat or a lemon-flavoured gelato. Reach Positano by local bus (15min, payable locally) or pre-arrange a private transfer (please let us know in advance if this is of interest, so we can organise this for you).

Another option is to continue along the awe-inspiring Path of the Gods to Positano, a more challenging section. Climb steeply out of Praiano to reach the convent of San Domenico and catch your breath whilst enjoying the stunning panorama. The path then twists and turns further up the mountain where you can enjoy more views of terraced lemon groves and tiny villages that cling to steep cliffs. Follow the vertiginous trail to the village of Nocelle, from where you will continue to the charming town of Positano, your next overnight stop.

Ascent/Descent: 1113m/1157m

An unforgettable day awaits as you take a ferry to the seriously beautiful Capri. This island just off the Amalfi Coast has preserved its unspoilt charm and has grand villas and banks of colourful bougainvillae.

Enjoy an easy walk which will cover Capri's highlights; the impressive Roman ruins of Villa Jovis, Emperor Tiberius’s villa, a panoramic coastal path to the Arco Naturale, and the Faraglioni. These three giant rocks rise up out of the sea and are one of the island's most famous points of interest.

Later you can visit the Convent of San Giacomo and the Gardens of Emperor Augustus or relax in the square, before returning to Positano.

Ascent/Descent: 487m/483m

From Positano you can return to Naples by bus/train or private transfer.