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3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • hotel
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1140GBP

Overview

Trip Code: JA8

Amalfi Coast Walking Trip highlights


  • Walk the Path of the Gods: 'Sentiero degli Dei'
  • Unrivalled Italian coastal walking
  • Amalfi has some of the most beautiful seascapes in the world
  • Colourful towns, hillside vineyards, towering cliffs, shaded forests, attractive valleys
  • Legacy of Greek, Roman & medieval times
  • Go off the beaten track as you follow ancient mule & pilgrim trails
  • Amalfi, Ravello, Praiano, Positano,
  • 9th Century “Maestra dei Villaggi” mule track between villages
  • Independent hotels, GPS, local support & more
  • Green Valley of Praia & alpine-like Bomerano (start of the Path of the Gods)

Take a spring, early summer or autumn walk along Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast and in the Mezzogiorno –“The land of the midday sun”. Discover a land where the mountains, marquis pastures, lemon groves, vineyards and villages meet the sea. A place where you could be strolling on a rugged trail for one moment and then in the next be winding down through a citrus grove, then walk through a pleasant village towards the blue waters of the Mediterranean, gelati in hand.

The Amalfi region is a deeply romantic place and for good reason; here you will find that golden light making the cliffs glow creamy gold, while the waters below graduate into an aquamarine haze. Then there are the greens of the clifftops being speckled with spring flowers and herbs. The towns, villages and towers that cling to the cliffs can be a riotous mix of vibrant colours and tempered pastel shades.

There is so much history, the Greeks settled here in the 8th century B.C. and looking down you can almost imagine the Argonauts rowing by enroute to tackle some Titan. The Romans came next, building villas around Positano and on Capri. There was much destruction caused by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius and, not just at Pompeii and Ercolanium, some villas were rebuilt even on the Amalfi Coast. Then in the early mediaeval period Amalfi became a major maritime city state claiming to have invented the compass and some aspects of parchment manufacture. Today, the town remains much as it was with narrow lanes and St. Andrew’s Cathedral dominating the scene.

Walk through this spectacular region using the extensive web of footpaths and mule tracks that thread along the cliffs. A wealth of natural and cultural treasures can be reached relatively easily. On this self-guided walking holiday along the Amalfi Coast, you'll pass close to beautiful monasteries, caves and ancient farmhouses, visit nature reserves and ruins of paper mills, whilst enjoying spectacular views during all the walks. You'll also walk through the historic towns of Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello, Scala Praiano and Positano - all little pearls set in a fantastic landscape.

Notes:

*You could extend your walking holiday with a number of walks on the “Finis Terrae” (Land’s End) of the Sorrentine Peninsula, the marine nature reserve of Punta Campanella, or on the famous island of Capri. Please ask our team.

*You can also opt for a shortened 6-day version of this self-guided Amalfi Coast walking holiday & extended 11-day version, which already includes Sorrento, Punta Campanella, Pompeii and Capri island.

Countries:

Italy

Starting Point:

Amalfi

Finishing Point:

Positano


Make your own way to Amalfi. This afternoon stroll around the town centre or take a dip in the ocean. Visit St. Andrew’s Cathedral, which claims to also be the eponymous saint’s resting place, and the interesting Arabesque cloister. You could also visit the Museo della Carta (paper museum) where there are still 14th century water-driven presses. Accommodation: spend three nights in a comfortable, charming hotel.

Meals:  Nil

It's the first day of your self-guided walking holiday on the Amalfi Coast. The first part of the walk takes you into the “Valle dei Mulini”, the valley of the watermills. There are ruins of Europe’s oldest paper factories, dating back to the 11th century. The path then takes you up to the little village of Pontone. From here there is an optional walk to the Torre dello Zirro, which is a marvellous picnic area with spectacular views of Amalfi to one side and Atrani to the other. From here it’s about an hour’s walk to Ravello, another highlight of the Amalfi Coast. You could visit its beautiful Romanesque church. Or visit the garden at Villa Rufolo (developed by a Scot) and just down the way, the garden at Villa Cimbrone (developed by an English Lord). Both have views from their terraces that have been described as the most beautiful in the world. From Cimbrone, walk steeply back down to Amalfi town, passing through beautiful Atrani. Look around its town centre's narrow white little streets. The last short stretch to Amalfi is very scenic and has beautiful viewpoints of the city centre. Ascent/ Descent: 640 metres approx.

Meals:  B

Short transfer by bus to Scala (tickets not included or optional steep walk). From Scala walk into the Valle delle Ferriere, one of southern Italy’s most beautiful nature reserves. See some spectacular scenery, walking over comfortable footpaths underneath the towering cliffs and passing close to some little waterfalls. The hiking path then gradually descends through the forest towards the little village of Pogerola. There is a nice bar here with a balcony overlooking Pontone and Ravello, a veritable rest stop for an afternoon coffee, wine or beer. From here a beautiful, reasonably graded medieval stepped mule track curves down back to Amalfi, amidst lemon groves and marquis. Ascent: 300m / Descent: 550m approx.

Meals:  B

This is the most strenuous day on our Amalfi Coast walking holiday and is quite exposed if it is hot. You start the day walking along one of the oldest streets of the area: the “Maestra dei Villaggi,” or highway of the villages. It is an old paved mule track dating back to the 9th century. Pass the little villages of Lone and Vettica before arriving at the imposing monastery of Santa Rosa, now converted into a hotel. The route descends to the coast again passing some charming churches beautifully located above the rocky shore. You then descend steeply to the spectacular fjord of Furore, which is the ideal spot for lunch. Luigi runs a tiny restaurant down here and will prepare for you whatever his catch has been that day. From here you could take the bus to your hotel as the rest of the day is strenuous, but no less beautiful. After a steep stepped ascent, walk past the church of Sant’Elia into the Valley of Praia. The path threads its way into the wild terraces, uncultivated for decades, and there is some walking close to cliffs. After passing a house once occupied by a locally-known wizard, it is time to drop into the coastal town of Praiano. Opt to descent to the very picturesque inlet of Marina di Praia, its tiny old harbour. Praiano is spread out over about 3km with upper and lower parts and has a couple of tiny beaches in natural inlets. Ascent / Descent: Approx: 820 metres. * You can shorten today’s walk by taking the bus at the lunch spot, around half way into the day. Accommodation: For two nights we use several accommodations, our usual one has great sea views above the old coastal watchtower and marina.

Meals:  B

Walk from the hotel through the streets of Praiano uphill towards the little church of San Luca, the old heart of Praiano. From here, on an easy path above the village, you walk into the Valley of Praia. This is a beautiful green valley with many vineyards clinging to the cliffs. Then climb steeply up to the caves of Santa Barbara; another short section uphill allowing you a visit to the authentic, alpine-like village of Bomerano for a coffee. Returning a little way 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 as far as the island of Capri, start the descent back to Praiano, walking over centuries-old steps. Some of these sections are steep. Ascent / Descent: 660m approx.

Meals:  B

Along an old pilgrims’ path, twist uphill to the monastery of San Domenico. It is set in stupendous scenery, dominating the coast from its hillside terrace. Stop to admire the view before continuing uphill for another stretch through spectacular scenery with bizarre rock formations and luxurious vegetation. Then follow the last stretch of the “Footpath of Gods”, which really lives up to its name, through unique scenery to the hamlet of Nocelle. On the way there are some high cliffside trails overlooking the sea and views down to Praiano and onto Positano and Capri. Passing another attractive valley, arrive in the little village of Montepertuso from where a choice of stairways takes you down to Positano itself, one of the most charming villages of the coast. Ascent/descents: 645m Accommodation: Some accommodations we use in Positano will offer you great location and unbeatable sea views

Meals:  B

Catch the local bus up to Montepertuso, where you start the walk above the valley of Positano. Following ancient footpaths through the forest and along marvellous viewpoints (some clifftop walking) climb towards Santa Maria al Castello. This is the old fortress that defends the narrow valley between the Amalfi and Sorrentine-side of the peninsula. On the way up there is a beautifully engineered section of steps known as the ‘Tse-Tse.’ From here oversee both the Gulf of Salerno and the Gulf of Naples. Through a nice wooded area in a parklike landscape take an easy trail to the ‘Caserna Forestale’, a foresters’ house. From here your Amalfi Coast walk continues through the forest and with a number of zigzags descends down to Montepertuso. Along another medieval mule track you then descend back down to Positano. Ascent / descent: 450m.

Meals:  B

Your self-guided walking holiday along the Amalfi Coast has come to an end. After breakfast, return to Naples by either ferry, bus & train, or taxi for your onward journey.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts
  • 7 nights in charming hotels a on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Luggage transfer
  • Information pack including route notes & maps
  • Emergency hotline
  • GPX track files

  • Evening meals, lunches & beverages
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • City Tax 2-4 Euros per day, per person locally payable to the accommodations
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Accommodation


Suitability

moderate

3

Moderate. One day (Day 4) is more challenging than the average, and one of the Sorrento options is rockier than any of the other walks. This tour is suitable for those who have had some experience of walking and are in good general physical condition. There are lots of ascents and descents on stepped trails, and so this is not a good walk if you have issues with your knees. Most days are not too long, but some people will find this tiring in warm weather. Please note you can expect to walk in high temperatures in late June, July, August and September.


Departure dates

Daily from 15 Mar to 31 Oct (except 28 Jul - 17 August)

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
P
Peak Season Supplement
Note:
Mid season is from 1-31 May. High Season is from 1 June - 27 July and 1-30 Sept. Peak season is 18-31 Aug. A supplement applies for mid, high and peak season departures.
NB:
6 & 11 day versions available (codes JA6 & JAM).
NB:
10 day version available with Cilento Coast extension (code JAH).
DN4
Please note that minor changes to your 2024 itinerary may apply.

Priceper person from

£1140GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£600
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£640
  • Mid Season Single SupplementGBP£660
  • Mid Season Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£710
  • High & Peak Season Single SupplementGBP£730
  • High & Peak Season Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£780
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

The prettiest way is to fly to Naples, then take a train or bus to Salerno and then take the ferry to our first hotel on the Amalfi Coast.

Yes, you will find many steps on our Amalfi Coast walks. A number of the trails have successions of steep stony steps, while there are also long sections on footpath trail.

Yes, the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is followed on two consecutive days in between the villages of Bomerano and Nocelle.

We don't advise taking this walk in the summer, when there is a lot of direct sunshine. If it is too hot for walking on a certain day, then you could take the bus service or ferry between the villages and you could opt to go swimming or sightseeing instead.

The Amafli Coast is a very popular area with tourists and this means that the towns there can be very busy especially around beaches, churches and shopping areas. The Sentiero degli Dei is also a busy path with a lot of walkers. However on most of the trails you will find few walkers and some can even feel remote.

Although vertigo is subjective, this walk is not appropriate for severe sufferers, but should be ok for mild sufferers. There are cliffs and rocky sections of path on our Amalfi Coast walking holidays.

There are many restaurants in Amalfi and although it cannot be classed as cheap, a lot of the restaurants offer different types of set menu, some are very reasonably priced.

The Mediterranean maquis vegetation can grow fast in the spring, so certainly parts of trails need a bit of care for route finding especially at that time of year.

We would recommend that if you want to visit Pompeii, Ercolano and/or Sorrento that you request our team to book an extra night for you. You can either do this in Sorrento or Naples, from where you can join the Circumvesuviana train which links all these places together.


Amalfi Coast Walking Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.