Day 1
Arrival in Naples. You are met by a taxi (optional) and brought to your quiet 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.
Agriturismo*** – Agerola (Bomerano or San Lazzaro)
Day 2
Today’s walk brings you towards the highest peaks of the Amalfi Coast, from where views are perhaps even more beautiful than from the famed ‘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 walking uphill you reach the ridge of the Monte Tre Calli, from where views are at 360 degrees. Along the ridge you then walk to a natural rock formation known as the ‘mushroom’, from where you have to face a choice: you might continue the climb to the Monte Sant’Angelo, otherwise you can opt for a relaxed picnic lunch. Then you start the descend then towards the little chapel of the ‘Virgin of the Silence’, from where views on Positano are grand to say the least. Along an easy road you then walk back from there to your agriturismo.
Agriturismo*** – Agerola (Bomerano or San Lazzaro)
Distance: 11,5 km. Approx. 5-6 h. walking. Height gain and loss: 500 m. (several extensions possible)
Day 3
From Bomerano you walk down into the green Praia valley, a wonderful landscape of sheer mountain cliffs and terraced vineyards. Along recently restored footpaths you reach the grotto of St. Barbara, where some medieval fresco’s can still be found. Then, along the chapel of St. Alfonso you reach the small hamlet of Furore. The route then descends into the spectacular fjord of Furore, with its towering limestone cliffs. You reach the village of San Lazzaro, where you can enjoy a coffee or a drink, and admire one 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. You pass the hamlet of Tovere, pass above the imposing monastery of Santa Rosa and then reach the small hamlet village of Vettica Minore. From here you have the option to either continue on foot to Amalfi, passing through the medieval villages of Lone and Pastena, both beautifully located above the rocky shore, or to walk down to the beach at Santa Croce and then make the short transfer to Amalfi by local boat.
Hotel *** – Amalfi
Distance: 10 (13) km. Approx. 5 (6) h. walking
Day 4
Today you can either walk or take the local bus to the charming historic village of Ravello, a highlight of the Amalfi Coast. We recommend walking 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 little streets and a serene town square. Then you can either take the bus, or follow the Valle del Dragone (‘Valley of the Dragon’) up to Ravello. The French novelist, André Gide, once described the town as being ‘closer to the sky than the seashore’, and indeed you’ll have to climb a number of steps. Ravello is still one of the most exclusive villages of the Amalfi Coast. You can take your time to stroll through 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 dominating the towns of Amalfi and Atrani from above. 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, in an abundant, green, almost un-Italian landscape. Those who feel like it can penetrate deep into the valley, through spectacular scenery, underneath the towering cliffs, through an almost fairytale-like landscape. Here you can admire a number of beautiful waterfalls. Then you return back down to Amalfi. The path gradually descends past a number of impressive ruins of what were once 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 visit the paper museum, before returning to your hotel.
Hotel *** – Amalfi
Distance: 11 km. Approx. 4,5 h. walking
Day 5
Today you make a spectacular roundwalk in one of southern Italy’s most stunning Nature Reserves, the ‘Valle delle Ferriere’ From Amalfi you first take the bus to Scala. From here you first walk to the stunning 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, walking over comfortable footpaths underneath the towering cliffs, and passing close to some little waterfalls. Though close to Amalfi, the scenery looks like it belongs to a different world: one of isolated mountains. After crossing the main stream, the path gradually descends through the forest towards the little village of Pogerola, dominating the valley of Amalfi from the west. From here a beautiful medieval mule track curves down to Amalfi, amidst lemon groves and maquis, with nice views over the valley.
Hotel *** – Amalfi.
Distance: 10,0 km. Approx. 5 h. walking
Day 6
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 / ascend! (there is also the possibility to walk here, partly along the ‘Maestra dei Villaggi’). 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 descends to the coast again, and follows the coastline along some charming churches beautifully located above the rocky shore. You now descend into the lower part of the spectacular fjord of Furore, with its charming fishing village underneath the towering limestone cliffs. From here you walk along the church of Sant’Elia into the Valley of Praia, and then to the coastal town Praiano, with an optional descent to the very picturesque inlet of Marina di Praia, the old little harbour of Praiano.
Hotel***/**** – Praiano
Distance: 10 (13) km. Approx. 5 (6) h. walking
Optional extra day
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 clinged 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 unrivalled views. After a very panoramic stretch with views over the whole Amalfi Coast, reaching out until the island of Capri, you start the descend back to Praiano again, passing over a centuries old staircase. For those who still have some energy a descend to the little inlet ‘Cavitella’ is highly recommended.
Hotel ***/**** – Praiano
Distance: 11 km. Approx. 5 h. walking
Day 7
You start your walk in the picturesque white washed alleys of Praiano. Then, along a medieval pilgrims’ route you 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 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 downstairs to Positano itself, one of the most charming villages of the Coast. There is ample to explore or perhaps a swim, before you return by local bus to Praiano, a short, but very scenic drive.
Hotel ***/**** – Praiano
Distance: 9 km. Approx. 4,5 h. walking
Day 8
After breakfast you return by boat or bus and train to Naples and by shuttle bus to the airport. An extra night in a hotel can be booked upon request.
