Positano - the best Walks - AMA 8
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The best hikes around Positano – with the complete ‘Sentiero degli Dei’!
walking ‘behind the scenes’ of the world’s most beautiful resort town
The Amalfi Coast is probably Italy’s most beautiful coastline, and tourists have flocked to the Amalfi Coast for centuries. And recently, it’s amazing network of footpaths has been discovered as well. Rightly, because walking along the Amalfi Coast is something one has to do at least once in his or her life. For those who have little time available and want to do a few of the best walks, Genius Loci Travel has developed this special tour, which brings you not only into the famous coastal resort of Positano, but as well make you discover a number of ‘hidden treasures’ just inland.
The Sorrento Peninsula, of which the Amalfi Coast is the southern side, is basically a high mountain chain emerging from the Mediterranean, therefore the landscape of the Costiera Amalfitana is immensely varied and surrounded by infinite ever changing views. Along the coast it can be typical Mediterranean, with numerous species of wild perfumed herbs, myrtle shrubs, thyme, rosemary and mastic trees. And as it is protected from the cold northern winds by the impressive mountains, it has a wonderful climate & flowers all year long. More inland it can be almost alpine with meadows and bare rocks. In between man has created a mosaic terraced landscape, which nothing can compare with. Amazing lemon groves and vineyards looking out over the clear sea. And there’s cultural heritage abound, beautiful little churches, ruins of castles and old farmhouses are found all over… The Costiera Amalfitana is definitely Europe’s most dramatic stretch of coastline!
And the best thing is, everything can be discovered on foot, as there are thousands of footpaths on the Amalfi coast. Some of which have become famous, such as the “Sentiero degli Dei”- the “Pathway of the Gods” – or are at least a thousand years old, like the “Maestra dei Villaggi” – the ‘main road’ of the Republic of Amalfi. But also the lesser known paths are just as beautiful! Going from the sea to the mountains or vice versa, there are always stupendous views, and you’ll walk through little villages, vineyards and olive groves, Mediterranean scrubs and woods, living rocks and chestnut woods. This special tour shows you the paths most guides don’t know about and most books don’t write about! This is the perfect tour for those who want to discover the real charm of the Amalfi Coast, but do as well want to see some of the famous spots.
You will walk mostly along well maintained footpaths, often paved alleyways, through attractive countryside, with wonderful terraced lemon groves, vineyards and cultural treasures like rural chapels, ancient farm houses, old water mills and wonderful villa’s and villages, where you can sit down and relax with a drink.
On this tour you will discover that not without reason the Amalfi Coast has become Italy’s most famous coastline. But as well that it takes only a little effort to get ‘off the beaten track’ and will find yourself surrounded by nature.
Please note: this is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience with walking and a good general physical condition. Most of the walks are on good paths, some of them just recently restored by the local authorities. Part of the paths is waymarked. Elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route notes provided together with the maps.
Average walking times: approx from 5 to 6 hours each day.
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Day 1
Arrival in Naples (airport) or Salerno (train station). You are met by a taxi (optional) and brought to your hotel in Agerola. The views from here are grand to say the least.
Agriturismo *** – Bomerano
Day 2
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 house you reach Colle Serra, where the views open up towards the other end of the peninsula: from the monastery of San Domenico, set in stupendous scenery, dominating the coast from its hilltop, until the island of Capri. Follows 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 downstairs to Positano itself, one of the most charming villages of the Coast.
Hotel***/**** – Positano
Distance: 10 km. Approx. 4,5 h. walking. Ascent & descent: + 150 m./- 650 m.
Day 3
Today you take a local bus up to Montepertuso, from where you start a great day walk, all around the valley of Positano. Following ancient footpaths through the forest and along marvellous viewpoints you climb up towards Santa Maria al Castello, the fortress defending the narrow valley between the Amalfi and Sorrento side of the peninsula. From here you can admire both the Gulf of Salerno and the Bay of Naples. Through a nice park like landscape you then walk along an easy trail to the Caserma Forestale, the foresters’ house. For those who want there is the possibility to climb up from here to the Monte Sant’Angelo, the highest mountain of the peninsula, a very demanding but rewarding ascent. The standard walk though, 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 4
End of the tour. Return to Naples/Salerno by taxi, boat or bus or extension of the tour.
Amalfi Coast Hiking
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.
Accommodation is generally on B&B basis, in all accommodations. Only on the arrival night in Scala (and on request – the first night in Agerola) you are on half board-basis. When dinners are not included, you will be free to organise your dinner. You can either eat at the premises of the hotel (on some occasions) or choose from the wide choice of restaurants in the area. Your accommodation holder can give you good tips.
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 stay. On some occasions you have the option to have your lunch in a restaurant along the way.
Night 1 : The first night is spent in the small village of Bomerano, on the high plain of Agerola, overlooking the Amalfi Coast, either in a beautiful agriturismo, or at ‘family houses’, all with comfortable rooms with en-suite facilities.
Nights 2 & 3: The last two nights are spent in the romantic & fashionable little village of Positano, with its characteristic houses built onto the steep slopes of the mountains. You stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel. All hotels are at walking distance from the seashore (along Positano’s charming streets/stairs).
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Moderately easy (2-3): Mostly easy walks, but with nonetheless some 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 you feedback on the quality of the paths).
Waymarking:Only a small part of the route is waymarked (partly by us); elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps. With these it is always possible to find your route. In case you don’t feel confident a local guide can be provided for some trails.
INCLUSIONS
- 1 night Agriturismo in Agerola – BB
- 2 nights Hotel in Positano *** – BB
- Luggage Transfer
- Extensive route notes, with description of the route & tourist information
- Maps at 1 : 25.000 scale
- 24/24 h local assistance
NOT INCLUDED
- Departure taxes & Visas
- Tourist tax
- Travel Insurance
- 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 AGEROLA, 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 Pompeii or Castellammare di Stabia, which can both be easily reached from Naples, with the local Circumvesuviana train.
Departure: The tour ends after breakfast on day 4 in Positano. A frequent bus service can bring you to either Sorrento or Amalfi/Salerno, from where you travel to your next destination (Naples, Salerno or Rome can all be easily reached). Several taxi services are available to bring you directly to your next destination.
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). Several good accommodations are available. Details and prices on request.
EXTENSIONS
EXPLORING CAPRI
Several hotels in Capri/Anacapri can be booked as an extension to your tour. There are direct boats from Positano to Capri. The program would then include two full day walks in Capri & Anacapri. For more details check out our ‘Exploring Capri’ – short break.
N.B. Travelling in the morning by boat to the island of Capri, you can immediately start with the day walk of day two. Therefore to explore the island ‘in full’ you would need only two extra nights (while the full Capri tour includes three nights on the island).
To visit Capri only briefly it is also possible to book an extra night in Positano, as there is a direct boat from Positano to Capri. In that case you can make one beautiful round walk, passing the ruins of Villa Iovis, the most impressive roman villa, the untouched coastline and many grotto’s. This walk can be extended or shortened in many ways, according to your wish to dedicate to walking, relaxing or shopping. In the late afternoon you return by boat to Positano, along the ‘Islands of the Sirens’.
Choose the hotel which is right for you !
Prices of this tour depend on the season and the hotel of your choice. The standard accommodation is a good agriturismo in Agerola and a good 3-star hotel in the heart of Positano. Prices for this tour start at 250 euro per person (low-season) – see below.
Upgrades can be arranged – in several stunning hotels. Genius Loci Travel, as the leading adventure travel company in Campania, can book your room in any hotel you could dream of! We do not look for luxury for the sake of luxury, so if you’re looking for the right blend of discrete luxury, excellent service, gracious hospitality and a spirit of authenticity, do not hesitate to ask us.
N.B. For this tour tailor-made guided departures (for groups of minimum 4 persons) can be planned on any date. Availability & prices on request. Prices depend on the season, the hotel of your choice and number of persons in your private group. Special luxury departures can be planned on request.
 | 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. |
 | 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.
‘PREMIERE INN’ LUXURY VERSION
A luxury version of this tour is also available, as well as a special luxury tour which includes the best of the Amalfi Coast & Sorrento, both with stays in the most authentic luxury hotels of the area.
Genius Loci Travel, as the leading adventure travel company on the Amalfi Coast, can book your room in any hotel you could dream of!
We can offer you a large selection of ‘Premiere Inns’, very good hotels, many among the world’s best hotels, as acclaimed from Condé Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure and many others.
LONGER ‘BEST WALKS’ TOURS
In case you have some more days available, we can recommend you the short break ‘Best walks of the Amalfi Coast’, with stays in both Amalfi and Positano. Also do we offer a short centre-based tour staying in Amalfi (‘Essential Amalfi’).
EXTENSIONS
EXPLORING CAPRI
Several hotels in Capri/Anacapri can be booked as an extension to your tour. There are direct boats from Positano to Capri. The program would then include two full day walks in Capri & Anacapri. For more details check out our ‘Exploring Capri’ – short break.
N.B. Travelling in the morning by boat to the island of Capri, you can immediately start with the day walk of day two. Therefore to explore the island ‘in full’ you would need only two extra nights (while the full Capri tour includes three nights on the island).
To visit Capri only briefly it is also possible to book an extra night in Positano, as there is a direct boat from Positano to Capri. In that case you can make one beautiful round walk, passing the ruins of Villa Iovis, the most impressive roman villa, the untouched coastline and many grotto’s. This walk can be extended or shortened in many ways, according to your wish to dedicate to walking, relaxing or shopping. In the late afternoon you return by boat to Positano, along the ‘Islands of the Sirens’.
Possible extension: SEA KAYAKING
To explore the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, one of the best ways is definitely one foot. But there is another stunning way to explore the Amalfi Coast in a completely different way: by sea kayak.
From Positano you could opt to make a day trip to explore the many isolated beaches towards the west. Or you could opt to book a complete kayaking tour which brings you from Positano back to Amalfi, where you started your walking tour, enjoying the beauty of the Amalfi Coast in a completely different way.
LONGER VERSIONS
Longer versions of this tour are also available, as well as a bespoke ‘tailor-made versions.
