Amalfi and Sorrento Highlights on Foot

You’ll spend the first two nights in the town of Amalfi, the ancient capital of the Amalfi Coast. All hotels are centrally located at a walking distance from the seashore and all main monuments of the medieval town centre. Amalfi is 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 Salerno.

Today you make an initial easy walk, which will introduce the amazing cultural and natural heritage of the Amalfi Coast. First, you walk along the quiet narrow back alleys of Amalfi, then an ancient flight of steps takes you up underneath the impressive limestone cliffs, towards the little village of Pontone, part of the medieval defence system of the town of Amalfi. The main point of interest is the marvellous Torre dello Ziro, located on a narrow ridge with unforgettable views of Amalfi and Atrani. This area also offers a number of marvellous picnic spots with great views. Then, through the charming village of Pontone, 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. Along the last stretch the scenery changes to lemon groves and maquis. In Amalfi, you can visit the paper museum, before returning to your hotel. As the walk is relatively short you still have some time to wander around Amalfi or go for a swim. Walking for the day: 9km, 4-5 hours ?450m ?450m

Today you take a local bus up to the small village of Bomerano, on the Agerola high plain. Here is the beginning of the Sentiero degli Dei (Footpath of the Gods), one of Italy’s most famous footpaths offering unforgettable views. After a panoramic stretch with views over the whole Amalfi Coast as far as the island of Capri, you reach the junction for the monastery of San Domenico, set in stupendous scenery, dominating the coast from its hilltop (optional detour along a medieval pilgrim route). You then continue on a more or less level path, through spectacular scenery with bizarre rock formations and luscious vegetation, and reach the hamlet of Nocelle. Passing another spectacular valley you arrive at the little village of Montepertuso. Then it’s only a short walk down to Positano, but it will take you a bit of time as there are so many photo opportunities along the route. Positano itself is considered to be one of Italy’s most beautiful towns, and certainly one of the pearls of the Amalfi Coast. Take your time for a stroll through its alleys and down to the beach, before taking the bus to Sorrento, where you settle in at your hotel (your luggage will be waiting for you). In the evening you can go for dinner in one of the nice nearby restaurants and perhaps admire the Bay of Naples with the Vesuvius, from one of the stunning panoramic terraces. Walking for the day: 10km, 4-5 hours ?160m ?670m

Today you take the local bus up to Montepertuso, from where you start a scenic walk, around the upper valley of Positano. Following ancient footpaths, through the forest and along marvellous viewpoints you climb up towards Santa Maria al Castello, the old fortress defending the narrow valley in the middle 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). From here you can optionally climb to Monte Sant’Angelo, the highest mountain of the peninsula, a very demanding but rewarding ascent. The standard route though continues through the forest and zigzags back down to Montepertuso. Along another medieval mule track, you then return to Positano. Walking for the day: 7km, 4 hours ?350m ?550m

After breakfast, you can either choose to take a local bus (or taxi) or make the walk from Positano to the Colli di Fontanelle. This route partly follows the long-distance trail Alta Via dei Monti Lattari, and passes by the fortified church of Santa Maria al Castello, Monte Comune, the “sailors’ beacon” Monte Vico Alvano and the Colli of San Pietro. From the Colli di Fontanelle, you take a narrow path which runs parallel to the seashore with spectacular views. After a while, the path descends quite steeply and then continues through olive groves towards the little hamlet of Torca. From here along well-maintained paths you descend to Marina di Crapolla (where Saint Peter landed) where you can have a swim. Then climb back up and settle in your beautiful agriturismo in the middle of the orchards, where you will have a great dinner of local organic produce.

Today’s walk brings you to Punta Campanella, the Finis Terrae or Land’s End of the Sorrento peninsula, where you will enjoy great views of the island of Capri. You can either opt to follow the Alta Via dei Monti Lattari all the way to there, right from your agriturismo, or you can opt to take a local bus to Termini, the last village before the headland. From here you follow the medieval stairs up to the small church of San Costanzo, from where you have views of 360°, over both the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. A spectacular path, running along the impressive cliffs of the headland, then brings you to the tip of the peninsula, where according to the legend Ulysses erected a temple in the honour of Athena. In some parts, the path is a bit demanding, but never too tough. The return between Punta Campanella and Termini is on a very comfortable path, the old Roman Via Minerva, with great views on Capri and a number of medieval watchtowers, which once protected the coast. From Termini, you then take the local bus back to Sant’Agata dei due Golfi for another night in your agriturismo.

Today you have several options to walk down to Sorrento, depending on your desire to walk and the time you want to dedicate to shopping and sightseeing in Sorrento. A beautiful route goes to the nice historic village of Massa Lubrense, and through several charming small hamlets within the same municipality, all surrounded by wonderful olive and lemon groves. An optional detour brings you to the castle from where Napoleon’s general followed the siege of Capri. A shorter route brings you along the village of Sant’ Agata directly down to Sorrento. Whatever way you choose, you will enter Sorrento from a great viewpoint. There is some time to stroll through the centre and perhaps admire the Bay of Naples from one of the great panoramic terraces before you settle in your centrally located hotel.

From Sorrento, you can undertake several interesting excursions: a day-trip to the island of Capri, or a visit to Pompeii and/or Vesuvius (you have to take the local train). There are also several nice options for an easy round walk, and perhaps a swim. A pleasant walk brings you to Capo di Sorrento, and from there down to the great Roman Villa on the headland. This was also the favourite bathing place of Queen Giovanna, a beautiful small bay. You can extend the walk to the small fishing village of Marina di Puolo, before returning to Sorrento.

Departure after breakfast.