Hiking along the Amalfi Coast
Ever since Emperor Tiberius, more than 2000 years ago, decided to spend the last years of his life on this stretch of the Italian coast, this land has not ceased to fascinate historical figures, travellers and, of course, hikers. This fragment of coastline delimits an abrupt 50 km long strip of land, the sorrento peninsulaThe city is located near Naples and the famous volcano Vesuvius.
Its medieval villages perched on the cliffs, its vineyards, its orange and lemon groves (from which the well-known Limoncello liqueur is extracted), its coastal landscapes with the islands of Capri, Procida and Ischia, among other virtues, have earned it recognition as a World Heritage. The possibilities for walking through the territory range from ancient bridle paths, pilgrimage routes, paved trails or more rugged trails over hills and steep volcanic rocks.
Practical guide
When is the best time to go?
The Amalfi Coast y the Sorrento peninsula are very touristy destinations, being the summer months the most frequented by visitors. The winters are mild and we can see the fruit trees with lemons and oranges. Both spring and autumn are also times with less tourist pressure.
How to access?
As a starting point we have the city of Napleswhich you can reach by plane. From here you have several options:
- Car: renting a private car will allow you to move along the 80 km of the winding "strada statale 163 Amalfitana". This road, built on a Roman road, links the villages of Salerno y Sorrento.
- Circumvesuvian TrainThis train runs along the northern part of the Sorrento peninsula and connects Naples with Sorrento. The duration of the journey is 1 hour and 10 minutes (see below).Web information)
- Busbus between Sorrento y Amalfi. The journey takes one and a half hours. Web information.
- Ferry: there is a boat service linking the towns of Naples y Amalfi. The journey time is one and a half hours. Web information.
3 hiking routes along the Amalfi Coast
There is a wide variety on offer: circular routes, between towns or more or less well-known walks. For this reason, we have chosen three that start from representative towns.
1- Drive through Sorrento, Massa Lubrense and Monte Corbo.
Technical sheet:
Distance: 16.2 km.
Cumulative difference in altitude: +/- 456 m.
Timetable: about 5 and a half hours. Walking time without stops: 4h30min.
Water: in the towns of Massa Lubrense and Marina di Ila Lobra.
Difficulty: The route runs along well-defined cobbled paths. The gradient is moderate and allows for a relaxed walk. In some sections we will have to be attentive not to miss the signs and in a small stretch of road, the vehicles.
Recommended equipment: comfortable clothing, canteensome food, sun protection, a baton for the rise and GPS useful.
Suggestions: spend some time strolling around the town of Sorrento and especially its harbour.
Itinerary:
Departing from the beautiful town of Sorrento, we will climb up to Monte Corbo along cobbled paths between lemon trees. Once at the top, we turn off for about 200 metres to contemplate the chapel of San Giussepe and begin the descent into the Massa Lubrense. Here we will leave the footpath CAI 343 to seek the Marina de la Lobra and follow a coastal stretch that will take us to San Montano. A stretch of stairs and a stretch of road will take us back to the marked path. Now we will walk again among crops and so, little by little, we will get closer to the town centre of San Montano. Sorrentobefore contemplating the fabulous views of the island of Capri.
2- From Maiori to Amalfi.
Path between these two towns.
From Maiori take the asphalted road to Minori. Then take the stairs that lead up to Ravello, passing through Torello, where a visit to Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone is a must. Having visited Ravello we choose to go down the road that is immediately to the left leaving Villa Cimbrone, this road runs along the cliff (the one with the infinity terrace) then goes down towards Atrani, from here we reach Amalfi on the asphalted road.
3- Path of the Gods: from Bomerano to Positano
The Path of the Gods o Sentiero degli Deiis the most famous route of the Amalfi Coast. It can be divided into two parts:
- From Bomerano to Nocelle5.8 km. A gentle path with coastal views leading to the village of Nocelle.
- From Nocelle to Positano: Here several alternatives arise: down the "1700 steps" that lead to the "...".strada statale 163 Amalfitana"also known as "Amalfi drive"and walk by road to Positanoor continue from Nocelle a Montepertuso and down the stairs to Positano.
TransportTo get to Bomerano you can take the bus from Naples to Amalfi. The return from Positano to Amalfi can be done by boat.
Not to be missed:
Take a leisurely stroll through the coastal villages, visit the island of CapriThe citrus orchards, the hidden coves, the hidden coves, the climb up to the crater of the Vesuvius, wandering around Naplesthe visit to the ruins of Pompeii…
Pompeii
In 79 AD this Roman city was buried by ash and volcanic lapilli from the volcano Vesuvius. Covered by 6-7 metres of sediment, it was rediscovered in the 18th century and is now an impressive tourist attraction.
You can access with the train stop Pompei Scavi Villa Misteriof the Circumvesuviano train. The tickets You can buy them on the Internet and we advise you to go early in the morning, after that it gets very crowded.
Vesuvius volcano
This 1281 m volcano is located near Naples. Access to the "Parco nazionale del Vesuvius" (Vesuvius National Park) and its many trails is free of charge. But if you want to access the crater you will have to pay an entrance fee. You have several options for access by public transport or private vehicle. If you want more information, here you have the PARK WEBSITE.
Naples
This city will not disappoint you, it consists of seven castles within its perimeter (highlighting the Castel dell'Ovo or egg castle) numerous churches, squares, markets, bustling streets, clothes on the line, pizzas and of course, the omnipresent Maradona. Web information.
