The ‘Path of the Sea Gods’ – Kayaking from Cetara to Amalfi & Positano – KAMA7

Paddling from Cetara & Vietri to Amalfi, Furore, Praiano and  Positano

The Amalfi Coast is definitely is one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe, an intriguing mix between an overwhelming natural environment and cultural heritage. The smell of rosemary and citrus trees fills the air, fields of multicoloured roses overwhelm the eyes and sandy beaches are magical to the touch. It offers an extraordinary palette of colours, with deep azure skies, white limestone cliffs, deep blue seas, and bright citrus orchards lit by the dazzling Mediterranean sun. This intoxicating sensual feast inspires a celebration of the goodness of life itself.

The blue waters of the Mediterranean are dominated here by Europe’s steepest coastline, rising up to almost 1500 m. (4500 feet). But it’s not only rocky cliffs that you’ll encounter on this trip: the patient labour of generations has transformed the steep mountain slopes into a cascade of terraced lemon groves & vineyards. And with charming villages, chapels and other sites of cultural interest scattered all over. Its dramatic coastline offers wonderful views, different every step you take, and every metre you paddle…

Paddling along the coastline of Amalfi offers you an opportunity to experience a blend of nature and architecture like no other. The view from the waterline highlights the dramatic cliffs and amazing terraced landscape, the amazing mix of natural wonders and ingenuity and craftsmanship of generations.

Your vision will blur as you focus on the wonderment of history displayed along this amazing stretch of coastline. Highlights include the stops in the amazing ‘Fjord’ of Furore (‘Furor’), in the charming fishing village of Cetara, and on the isolated beaches around beautiful Positano.

On one day we will take a day off from kayaking, and you can use the opportunity to discover some of the highlights of the Amalfi Coast: of course Amalfi itself, but also beautiful medieval Atrani, the smallest town in Italy and amazing Ravello, with its stunning gardens. Or you could opt for a boat ride to the beautiful island of Capri, or do one of the most spectacular hikes in the region, the ‘ Path of the Gods’.

On this amazing kayaking adventure you will discover that with 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’. At only a few hundred metres away from the crowds, you will find yourself surrounded by nature. On this tour we take you beyond the crowded beaches, and you’ll be lying on isolated beaches and paddling alone with the seagulls…

In short, you’ll discover the real Italian paradise!

Please note: this is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for all those who have some experience with sea kayaking and a good general physical condition. The Mediterranean Sea is generally warm and relatively calm (compared to the northern seas and oceans).

Average (net) kayaking times:  approx.. 4-5 hours each day (+ several sightseeing + rest stops).

Tour highlights

• Enjoy the complete visit of the Mediterranean most spectacular coast
• Explore the tiny inlets of Furore, Marina di Praia, and the many small beaches of Positano
• Go ashore in the beautiful villages of Amalfi & Atrani, Cetara & Positano
• Paddle in between the mythical ‘Islands of the Sirens’

Day-to-Day programme

Day 0 – Arrival in Naples. Travel to Salerno

Arrival in Naples, Salerno (or Cetara) in case you arrive a day earlier. Naples has an international airport. From here you can easily travel by train or bus to Salerno. From Rome (and many other cities) Salerno can easily be reached by train.

N.B. If you arrive one day earlier in Naples you have the possibility to pay a visit to the world-famous archaeological museum, where all the artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum are exposed, and/or the equally wonderful Capodimonte museum. Also is it possible to make a day trip to Pompeii, the Vesuvius, Ischia or Capri.

Day 1–  Arrival – Cetara

In the early afternoon you travel to the charming small fishing harbour of Cetara, one of the most authentic spots on the Amalfi Coast. You settle in your beautiful hotel, just outside the village, overlooking the whole Bay of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast, and at literally a few steps from the beach, where you can already go for a first swim.

Towards the end of the afternoon we meet our tour leader and the rest of the group. After a brief introduction of the tour, we will outfit everyone with paddle and PFD and offer some basic kayaking instruction. Then we go for a short introduction trip, towards the small little town of Cetara itself. Here we go for a short stroll through the colourful streets, soaking up its atmosphere. Then we have our relaxed ‘aperitivo’ on the beach and slowly peddle back to our hotel. In the evening we eat all together in the nice restaurant of our hotel, overlooking the Mediterranean. 

Accommodation: Cetara

Day 2 –  Cetara & Vietri sul Mare

In the morning we will first have a great breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean and then we walk down to our beach. Here we thoroughly check again all our gear, before going for our first kayaking day trip. There are many available options for the day, according to your level of interest, paddling skills, and of course the weather!

We’ll start paddling along the amazing coastline in eastern direction today. The coastline here is a stupendous alternating scenery, ranging from impressive bare cliffs, to terraced lemon groves and isolated small beaches. We’ll make a first stop on a small beach with a fresh water source, and then continue towards Vietri sul Mare, famous for its ceramics, where we can make a short ‘biscuit stop’ (a drink and a snack). We’ll then paddle around the ‘Due Fratelli’, two isolated rocky islands which are the symbol of Vietri. Those who want can opt to peddle towards Salerno. We will have a beautiful view on the city & the mountain scenery behind it from the red light house. We can even opt to go ashore at the beach of Santa Teresa, only a few steps away from the beautiful historical centre.

We will have a picnic lunch on a nice beach between Vietri and Cetara and then we paddle slowly back to our hotel, where we still have some time for a swim or a drink on the beach, or just some relaxation. Those who want can go and get their aperitivo in the beautiful small hamlet of Erchie, a favourite among the local kayakers. In the evening we go out for dinner together in a nice restaurant in the medieval town centre of Cetara.

Accommodation: Cetara 

Day 3 – Cetara – Capo d’Orso – Amalfi

We’ll get an early start as the day’s sea kayaking will take us along one of the most famous stretches of coastline in Italy, with our final destination being the heart of the Amalfi Coast, the beautiful city of Amalfi itself! We start paddling along the amazing coastline in western direction today.

The first small village we pass is Erchie, a small hamlet of just a few houses dominated by a medieval watchtower, and a beautiful beach, perfect for a short biscuit stop and a swim. We then continue along the rocky shore, exploring many sea grottos and land on isolated beaches. High above us we’ll notice the sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Avvocata, while we approach one of the most pristine areas of the Amalfi Coast, the amazing headland of Capo d’Orso. This area will surprise you with its many sea grottoes and small waterfalls.

We round the cape and have lunch on the beautiful beach of Cavallo Morto. After that we can visit the Pandora grotto sea grotto and have a coffee on a beautiful small beach or directly in charming Maiori or Minori.

Now we enter the real ‘Heart’ of the Amalfi Coast, with a number of beautiful coastal villages and Ravello and its beautiful ‘hanging’ gardens high above the coast. We paddle past Maiori and we can go ashore in the beautiful small town of Minori, where we can taste it’s famous ‘Delizia al Limone’. Here we have some time to stroll through its narrow streets and have a drink on its wonderful town square. Before landing at Amalfi we can perhaps make a last stop in Atrani, perhaps the best preserved village of the Amalfi Coast. From here Amalfi is only a mile away.

Arriving in Amalfi we dock our kayaks and can enjoy some relaxation in our centrally located hotel, in the heart of the historical centre, and at literally two steps from the beach. You could also opt to go for a short stroll through the colourful streets, or maybe make another dive into the sea. In the evening we then all join for a great evening meal. We are picked up by private boat and brought to a nice restaurant located in a beautiful little bay nearby. After dinner we travel back to our hotel in Amalfi, gliding by boat over the glorious Mediterranean.

Accommodation: Amalfi

Day 4 – Amalfi Amalfi, Ravello, Capri, or the ‘Path of the Gods’?

Today’s we will stay ashore, so that you can take the opportunity to discover some of the highlights of the Amalfi Coast: of course you can spend time in Amalfi itself, but also could you walk to beautiful medieval Atrani, the smallest town in Italy or to amazing Ravello, with its stunning gardens. In alternative, you could opt for a boat ride to the beautiful island of Capri, where you can enjoy the famous sites, bus as well go for a nice walk through its stunning nature and along its Roman villa’s. If you have the energy, you could do one of the most spectacular hikes in the region, the ‘Path of the Gods’ (route notes for a self-guided hike are provided). This famous hike starts from the village of Bomerano, and brings you along a well-maintained path, built into the side of the steep cliffs, down to Positano. From here you can catch a ferry back to Amalfi.

Accommodation: Amalfi 

Day 5 – Amalfi – Fiord of Furore – Praiano – Positano

Today we get back in our boats! Our paddle today will take us along the most famous parts of the Amalfi Coast, with our final destination being the enchanting city of Positano!

We paddle along an amazing coastline with lemon groves & vineyards, and beautiful little villages, suspended halfway the water and the sky. Our first destination will be the colourful village of Conca dei Marini, dominated by the impressive monastery of Santa Rosa, high above it. Past the villa of Sofia Loren, we reach a beautiful beach for some relax. Then we paddle around the headland of Conca, with its medieval ‘Saracen’ watch tower. Our next destination is the amazing ‘Fjord’ of Furore, where we will enjoy a coffee break, in between the coloured fishing boats. Those who want can take a short walk, to discover the small hamlet (which has been the set for several movies) and the amazing scenery of the fjord.

Then we continue along the coast in western direction. Some short stops will be enjoyed at some of the many water access ports along the coast, like Marina di Praia or the beautiful, isolated, beaches between Praiano and Positano, places where the likes of Liz Taylor and Jackie Kennedy had a good time back in the sixties. We’ll have lunch at one of the nice restaurants along the way. Arriving in the elegant and cosmopolitan Positano, we will dock our kayaks on the large beach underneath our hotel. You will now have the time for a swim or some relaxation in our comfortable hotel. Or you can take the chance to explore the steep city streets and wander up into the hillside grabbing a bird’s eye view of the water below. Tonight we’ll celebrate our accomplishments with another wonderful dinner experience, on the premises of our hotel, overlooking the Mediterranean.

Accommodation: Positano 

Day 6 – Positano & its many beaches

Today we’ll discover the amazing coastline west of Positano. Although Positano has become one of the most sought-after resorts in Italy, due to its geography it has maintained a larger number of ‘hidden treasures’, like a number of wonderful small isolated beaches, which can only be reached on foot or by water. There have been counted about 20 of these small beaches, which we can virtually have for ourselves. We’ll paddle in western direction, past the beautiful watchtower of Clavel, towards the headland of Punta Germano, where we’ll paddle into a number of beautiful grottos. In front of us we’ll see the rocky islands of the Sirens, with the backdrop of Capri. Experienced kayakers, who wish to make a paddling loop around these wonderful islands, can take the opportunity. While in Greek times the islands were believed to be the home of the Sirens, until recently they belonged to the late Russian ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev.

Those who wish can take the opportunity to continue peddling towards the little inlet of Marina di Crapolla, where it is believed that Saint Peter embarked on its way to Rome. Its small pebbly beach with crystal clear water, the remains of the old fishing village, the small chapel and the Roman Villa just above it, make it a unique spot for a short break Others might wish to relax some time on one of the beaches. We can have a picnic lunch on the beautiful beach of  Tordigliano. Or we can opt to return earlier to Positano and have a great (fish) lunch in one of the beach restaurants. Back in Positano, we will have some time to stroll through its narrow ‘Moresque’ streets, do some shopping, or just have a drink on its sea front boulevard. In the evening we then all join for a great last evening meal and raise our glasses to perhaps our best kayaking adventure ever. After dinner we might decide to make a last short stroll along the amazing coastline and go for a drink together.

Accommodation: Positano 

Day 7 – Departure from Positano

The tour ends in Positano after breakfast today (unless you booked an extension – extra days available upon request). You can easily make your own way from Positano to Salerno or Naples, either by boat or bus. A taxi transfer can be arranged on request.

TOUR DETAILS

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

All nights are spent in beautiful, characteristic hotels, mostly historical buildings (generally 3/4-star; 4/5-star on some departure dates). All rooms have en-suite facilities.

Accommodation is on B&B basis, in all accommodations. All evening meals are included, for which we have selected the best available restaurants.

Almost all (picnic) lunches are included. Only on two days (Vietri & Positano) you are free to have your own lunch. Here you have the option to have your lunch in a nice restaurant, or purchase your supplies for a picnic lunch.

INCLUDED

• Private English speaking tour leader for 6 days
• Professional guiding service for each activity
• Accommodation: 2 nights Cetara, 2 nights Amalfi, 2 nights Positano in good ***/**** hotels
• Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 dinners, 3 lunches
• All private & public transfers as indicated throughout the entire itinerary
• Rental of  high-quality sea kayaks
• Group equipment and technical gear for each activity
• Special activities as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary
• 24/24 h local assistance
• Luggage transport
• All gratuities for baggage, porters & hotel service

NOT INCLUDED

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

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY / REQUIRED SKILLS

Moderately easy (level 2):

This tour is suitable for those who have some basic experience with sea kayaking. Our very helpful guides/instructors will work with you to help you expand your skills and take on new challenges. You’ll encounter a few short open water crossings, but the waters of the Mediterranean at Amalfi are usually calm. On most days shorter options are available (as well as occasional extensions for the more experienced sea kayakers).

Fitness: High standard of fitness is not necessary but you should be able to paddle for up to 4-5 hours.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

Arrival: The tour starts in CETARA. The nearest city with an international airport is NAPLES. The nearest big city is SALERNO, very well connected with Rome and all other major Italian cities by a frequent (high speed) train service. A taxi pick-up service can be arranged either from Salerno, or Naples airport or train station.

Departure: The tour ends on day 7 in POSITANO. A frequent boat or bus service can bring you to either Sorrento or Salerno, from where you travel to your next destination (Naples and Rome can easily be reached by train). Several taxi services are available to bring you directly to your next destination.

7 Days Prices

Please contact us for the latest prices.

Because of the intense boat traffic during the high season, it is strongly suggested to book very early in the season, or towards the end of October. On these dates we can guarantee the best possible experience. 

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.

TOUR VARIATIONS

EXTRA NIGHTS

It is possible to include extra nights at the beginning or the end of the tour. The tour can easily be extended with a few days in Naples or Salerno, or on the Amalfi Coast or a few days on the island of Capri (see below).

It is possible to include some extra nights before or after your tour, in any of the accommodations ‘en route’. For those who love hiking too, a few days in Amalfi are strongly recommended. Two of the world’s most famous walks, including the ‘Footpath of the Gods’ can be done from here.

At the beginning or the end of the tour there is the also the opportunity to visit Naples (a unique city and a good base for visiting Pompeii). The tour can easily be extended with a few days here. The tour can also be extended with a few days on the island of Capri or a beautiful agriturismo in the Cilento, for some relax in the countryside. Also in SALERNO (a nice city and a good base for visiting Paestum), or ROME several good accommodations are available. Details & prices on request.

UPGRADE

On our ‘standard tours’ we provide accommodation in very good, mostly 3-to 4-star hotels, with the best possible price/quality ration. On some dates however it is possible to book an upgraded version of this tour, staying in luxurious 4- or 5-star hotels. For this tour also a ‘budget version’ is available. Please ask us for details.

SHORTER & LONGER VERSIONS

A shorter, 4-day version of this tour is also available, as well as longer tours. This tour can be extended to the very western tip of the peninsula – and from there make the crossing to Capri! Especially recommended for experienced sea kayakers! See also our other Kayaking tours.

A special 8- or 9-day ‘kayaking & hiking’ version of this tour takes in some of the most beautiful hikes of the Amalfi Coast, like the ‘Footpath of the Gods’ (‘Sentiero degli Dei’) and the ‘Valley of the Mills’.