Backroads of the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi, Scala & Ravello, ‘Valle delle Ferriere’ Nature Reserve, Agerola & ‘Sentiero degli Dei’, Positano

The Amalfi Coast is widely considered one of Italy’s most beautiful and dramatic coastlines, and travellers have been drawn here for centuries. In recent years, another extraordinary aspect of the region has gained renewed attention: its remarkable network of ancient footpaths. Walking along the Amalfi Coast is a truly unforgettable experience and one that deserves a place on every traveller’s wish list.

For experienced walkers – or for those who have already explored the Amalfi Coast on foot we have designed a special itinerary that goes beyond the classic routes. This carefully crafted walking tour combines iconic coastal towns with lesser-known paths and hidden corners, revealing a more authentic side of the region. Overnight stays are evenly divided between the famous resort towns of Amalfi and Positano and quieter, charming locations well off the beaten track.

The Sorrento Peninsula, whose southern coastline forms the Amalfi Coast, is essentially a mountain chain rising steeply from the Mediterranean Sea.

This unique geography creates an extraordinarily varied landscape. Along the coast, the scenery is distinctly Mediterranean, rich in fragrant wild herbs such as myrtle, thyme, rosemary and mastic trees. Sheltered from cold northern winds by imposing mountains, the area enjoys a mild climate and abundant flowers throughout the year.

Moving inland, the landscape becomes almost alpine, with open meadows and rugged rocky terrain. Between sea and mountains, generations of farmers have shaped an extraordinary terraced landscape, where lemon groves and vineyards cascade towards the sea. Cultural heritage is everywhere: small historic churches, castle ruins and old farmhouses are scattered across the hillsides.

The Costiera Amalfitana is without question one of Europe’s most spectacular stretches of coastline.

The finest way to experience this landscape is on foot. Thousands of ancient paths criss-cross the region, linking villages, mountains and the sea. Some trails are world-famous, such as the legendary Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), while others are over a thousand years old, including the Maestra dei Villaggi, once the main thoroughfare of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi.

Beyond these celebrated routes lie countless lesser-known paths that are just as rewarding. Walking from the coastline into the mountains – or descending back towards the sea – you will enjoy constantly changing views while passing through small villages, vineyards, olive groves, Mediterranean scrub, chestnut forests and dramatic rocky landscapes. This tour reveals paths that most guidebooks overlook, making it ideal for travellers seeking an authentic and immersive Amalfi Coast walking experience.

Naturally, the itinerary allows ample time to explore the Amalfi Coast’s most celebrated towns: Amalfi itself, Atrani, beautifully preserved through the centuries, Ravello with its renowned villas and gardens, and the stylish, scenic Positano.

Walks follow well-maintained footpaths and charming paved lanes through attractive countryside, past terraced lemon groves, vineyards and cultural landmarks such as rural chapels, ancient farmhouses, old watermills and historic villas. Along the way, there are many opportunities to pause in welcoming villages, relax with a drink and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

This walking tour reveals why the Amalfi Coast has become Italy’s most famous coastline — while also showing how easy it is to step away from the crowds and find yourself surrounded by nature, history and timeless beauty.

Please note: this is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience of walking and a good general physical condition. Most of the walks are on good paths, partly waymarked. Elsewhere you have to follow the route notes provided together with the maps. Average walking times:  from approx.. 5 to 6 h. each day.

Average walking times: approx 5 to 6 hours each day.

Tour Highlights

• Walking “behind the scenes” of the world’s most beautiful coastline
• Enjoy the most spectacular Mediterranean land & seascapes
• Explore the backstreets of intriguing medieval villages
• Walk the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’, one of the world’s most beautiful footpaths

DAY–TO–DAY PROGRAMME

Day 1 – Arrival in Scala

Arrival in Naples (airport) or Salerno (train station). You may be met by a taxi (optional) and transferred to your hotel in Scala. If you feel like exploring, you are free to take a short walk through the village centre, or relax with a swim in the panoramic pool to wash away the fatigue of your journey.

Hotel *** – Scala

Day 2 – Hamlets of the Amalfi Coast

Today you make a short roundwalk towards Ravello, one of the highlights of the Amalfi Coast. First you walk down into the valley which separates Scala from Ravello, along an ancient mule track. Then, along a very scenic path, you climb up to Ravello.

The French novelist André Gide once described this village as being ‘closer to the sky than the seashore’. For centuries its lofty position and sunny, dry climate has made it an appealing place for writers, artists, musicians and travellers.

Boccaccio, DH Lawrence and Richard Wagner are among the more notable guests who have succumbed to its spells. Wagner composed parts of his opera ‘Parsifal’ while staying here. Ravello also boasts two magnificent villas – the superb 11^th-century Villa Rufolo was once a papal residence and later the home of Wagner, and Villa Cimbrone, a sumptuous 19^th-century mansion with fabulous gardens and unequalled views over the Gulf of Salerno.

From here you then descend to the small hamlet of Torello, through lemon groves and vineyards. From there a stunning path brings you down to the delightful coastal village of Atrani. Atrani is probably the best-preserved village on the Amalfi Coast, with narrow little streets and a serene village square. You can stop there for a drink before walking on to Amalfi. This walk, along a wonderful medieval mule track high above the coast, offers great views over both Atrani and Amalfi. From Amalfi you then take the local bus back to Scala.

Hotel *** – Scala
Distance: 7 km. Approx. 4 h walking. Ascent & descent: + 200 m./- 560 m.  

Day 3 – From Scala into the Valle delle Ferriere

Today you walk down to Amalfi along an incredibly scenic path, through the higher parts of one of Italy’s most interesting nature reserves, the ‘Valle delle Ferriere’.

First you walk about level to small hamlet of Minuta, from where a steep climb starts. Along a comfortable, more or less level path you then enter the valley.

You will enjoy some spectacular scenery, walking over clear footpaths underneath the towering cliffs, and passing some little waterfalls. If you’re feeling particularly brave there’s even the chance to have a swim.

Then you descend through the forest to the little village of Pogerola, dominating the valley of Amalfi from the west. From here you take some beautiful medieval steps, which offer nice views over the valley, down to the centre of Amalfi.

Through a number of wonderful alleys you then end up in the main square, Piazza Duomo, and you can settle in at your hotel in the town centre.

Hotel *** – Amalfi
Distance: 11 km. Approx. 5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: +300/- 700 m. (shorter options possible)

Day 4 – The Torre dello Ziro & Valle dei Mulini

Today is a special day which will really give you a good idea of the amazing cultural and natural heritage of the Amalfi Coast.

The first part of the walk takes us into the quiet little back alleys of Amalfi, where you can still notice the strong Moorish influence. An ancient flight of steps takes us up beneath the impressive limestone cliffs towards the little village of Pontone, part of the medieval defence system of the town of Amalfi.

You walk to the spectacular Torre dello Ziro, located on a narrow ridge in a park-like landscape, which is a marvellous picnic spot with unforgettable views of Amalfi to the one side and Atrani to the other.

Then you descend into the ‘Valle dei Mulini’, the valley of the mills, with its ruins of Europe’s most ancient paper factories, dating back to the 11th century.

The easy path 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, to admire a number of beautiful waterfalls. Then you return back down to Amalfi.

Along the path there are many impressive ruins of the first paper mills of Europe, adding a mysterious touch to the landscape. Back down in Amalfi you can visit the paper museum, before returning to your hotel.

Hotel *** – Amalfi
Distance: 9 km. Approx. 4,5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: + 450 m./- 450 m.

Day 5 – From Amalfi to Agerola

To gain a bit of altitude today you can take the local bus to Pogerola (optional, strenuous walk). From Pogerola you then climb up to the small church of Madonna dei Fuondi, where you get impressive views over the whole coastline.

Another short stretch uphill brings you onto one of the area’s long-distance paths, that of the ‘Valle delle Ferriere’. Walking along this comfortable footpath through chestnut forests and deep valleys, and partly along the edge of the high plain, with marvellous views over the whole coast and Capri, you reach the small village of San Lazzaro, on the plain of Agerola.

A short detour can bring you to the impressive ruins of the Convent of Cospiti, founded by St. Francis. After San Lazzaro, a very scenic path beneath the towering cliffs takes you into the higher part of the ‘Fjord’ of Furore, one of southern Italy’s most spectacular canyons. The path then gradually ascends through a terraced area towards the scattered houses of the village of Furore.

You then walk up again and reach the rural outskirts of the village of Bomerano, where your comfortable agriturismo is located. Here you will spend the next two nights.

Agriturismo – Bomerano
Distance: 12 km. Approx. 5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: +600/- 300 m.

Day 6 – To the highest peaks of the Amalfi Coast

Today’s walk brings you into the mountains above Bomerano, towards the highest peaks of the Amalfi Coast. Views from here are perhaps even more beautiful than from the famous ‘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 up to Monte Tre Calli. After about an hour walking uphill you reach the ridge of Monte Tre Calli, where you find unrivalled 360°views!

A fantastic scenic walk takes you along the ridge, through meadows and forest, to a natural rock formation known as ‘the mushroom’. From here there is the option of continuing towards the highest mountain in the area, Monte Sant’Angelo.

Otherwise you can opt for a relaxed picnic lunch. Then you start the descent towards the little chapel of the ‘Virgin of the Silence’, where you will enjoy magical views of Positano. You then walk back from there to your agriturismo along an easy road, with views that are grand to say the least.

Agriturismo *** – Bomerano
Distance: 9 km. Approx. 4,5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: + 430 m./- 430 m.

Day 7 – Along the ‘Path of the Gods’ to Positano

Directly from your agriturismo you walk onto the most famous footpath of the Amalfi Coast, the ‘Sentiero degli Dei’ (Footpath of the Gods), a walk with unrivalled views.

After a first beautiful stretch through terraced vineyards and ancient buildings you reach Colle Serra, where the views open up towards the other end of the peninsula: from the monastery of San Domenico, dominating the coast from its stupendous hilltop position, all the way until the island of Capri.

You then follow a very panoramic stretch, through spectacular scenery with bizarre rock formations and luxurious vegetation.

Here the ‘Footpath of the Gods’ really lives up to its name! Then you reach the charming hamlet of Nocelle and, passing yet another spectacular valley, you’ll arrive in the little village of Montepertuso.

After Montepertuso it’s only a short walk down to Positano itself, one of the most charming villages on the coast.

Hotel *** – Positano
Distance: 10 km. Approx. 4,5 h. walking. Ascent & descent:+ 450 m./- 650 m.

Day 8 – Positano seen from above

Today you take a local bus up to Montepertuso, where you start a great day’s walk, all around the valley of Positano. Following ancient footpaths through the forest and past marvellous viewpoints you climb up towards Santa Maria al Castello, the fortress defending the narrow valley between the Amalfi and Sorrento sides of the peninsula.

From here you can admire both the Gulf of Salerno and the Bay of Naples. Through a nice park you then walk along an easy trail to the Caserma Forestale (the forestry service hut).

Those who want to can climb up from here to Monte Sant’Angelo, the highest mountain of the peninsula, a very demanding but rewarding ascent. The standard walk continues through the forest and, with a number of zigzags, descends down to Montepertuso. Along another medieval mule track you descend back down to Positano.

Hotel *** – Positano
Distance: 7 km. Approx. 4 h. walking. Ascent & descent:+ 350 m./- 550 m.

Day 9 – Departure

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.

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

All nights are spent in beautiful, characteristic family-run hotels (generally 3-star; 4/5-star on request). All rooms have en-suite facilities.

Most of the accommodations are on a B&B basis. Only on your first two nights in Scala (and, on request, the first night in Agerola) you are on a half-board basis.

When dinners are not included you will be free to choose from the large number of restaurants in the area for your evening meal.

No picnic lunches are included in the tour price but these can be prepared for you by the accommodation holders, or materials for picnics can be purchased in the villages where you’ll be staying. On some occasions you have the option of having your lunch in a restaurant along the way.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

Moderately easy (2-3): Mostly easy walks, though some include walking uphill, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces. On some days extensions or shortcuts are possible.

Fitness: High standard of fitness is not necessary but clients should be able to walk for up to 5 hours a day in hot sun on dusty or stony tracks.

FOOTPATHS & WAYMARKING

Footpaths: Most paths are relatively well maintained, but during the season some paths can get overgrown (we are in continuous contact with local authorities to keep the paths clean – please help us by providing your feedback on the quality of the paths).

Waymarking: Part of the route is waymarked; elsewhere you have to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps. With these you should always be able to find your route. In case you don’t feel confident a local guide can be provided for some trails.

INCLUSIONS

• 2 nights Hotel in Scala *** – HB
• 2 nights Hotel in Amalfi *** – BB
• 2 nights Agriturismo in Agerola  – BB
• 2 nights Hotel in Positano *** – BB
• Extensive route notes, with description of the route & tourist information
• Maps at 1 : 25.000 scale or more detailed.
• GPS tracks of each walk.
• 24/7 assistance
• Luggage transfer
• Private transfers as specified

NOT INCLUDED

• Departure taxes & Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Tourist tax
• Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional additional tours or activities
• Tips
• Items of personal nature

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

Arrival: The tour starts in SCALA (Amalfi), connected to Salerno (via Amalfi) with a frequent bus (and boat) service and with Naples by a less frequent bus service. In summer there are direct boats to Amalfi from Naples.

A taxi pick-up service can be arranged either from Naples (airport or train station), or from Pompeii or Castellammare di Stabia, which can both be easily reached from Naples, with the local Circumvesuviana train.

Departure: The tour ends after breakfast in POSITANO. A frequent bus service can bring you to either Sorrento or Amalfi/Salerno, from where you travel on to your next destination (Naples or Rome can both be easily reached).

EXTRA NIGHTS

It is possible to include extra nights in any of the accommodations en route. Extra walking or sightseeing options will be provided!

At the beginning or the end of the tour there is also an opportunity to visit Naples and/or Pompeii, or spend some time on the beach. The tour can easily be extended with a few days in Naples or on the island of Capri (see tour variations). Details and prices on request.

9 Days Prices

Please contact us for the latest prices!

Availability
& Conditions

	You can book this tour with a minimum of 1 person.
	There are a very limited number of available places on these dates. Immediate booking is recommended.
	Not available.
	Availability and prices on request.

• Prices are per person and based on the season within which the first night of the tour falls.
• Prices are based on 2 people sharing double or twin accommodation. Single rooms (double rooms – single) are available on most trips however the supplements listed apply.
• If you are travelling alone then on some trips (which include taxi transfers) a ‘Solo Traveller Supplement’ will be applied instead of the normal single supplement.
• Prices are expressed in Euro’s. There will never be a currency surcharge.
• Actual exchange rates: GB £ – US $ – CAN $ – CHF – DKK – SEK – NOK – Other currencies.

SHORT ‘BEST WALKS’ VERSIONS

In case you have only a few days available, but want to do some of the best walks we can recommend you the short break Best Walks of the Amalfi Coast – AMA2A.

Also do we offer short centre-based tours, staying in either Positano (the “Positano Best Walks”) or Amalfi (“Essential Amalfi”).