ITALY, the Amalfi Coastal Trails

Arrival in Naples (airport) or Salerno (train station). You are met by a taxi (optional) and brought to your hotel in
Amalfi. Short visit to the town centre and maybe a swim to wash off the weariness of the journey.

Today you make a first easy walk, which gives you immediately a good idea of the amazing cultural and natural heritage of the Amalfi Coast. First you walk into the quiet little back alleys of Amalfi, where you still notice the strong Moorish influence. An ancient staircase takes you up underneath the impressive limestone cliffs, towards the little village of Pontone, part of the medieval defence system of the city of Amalfi. …..

Today you first take a local (open) bus up to the charming historic village of Ravello, one of the most exclusive villages of the Amalfi Coast, and a sought after place by artists over the centuries, as its lofty position and sunny, dry climate made it an appealing place to writers, artists, musicians and travellers from northern Europe. Boccaccio, DH Lawrence and Richard Wagner are among the more notable guests who have succumbed to its spells…

From Amalfi you walk along one of the oldest pathways of the medieval Amalfi Maritime Republic, the ‘Maestra dei Villaggi’, or ‘main road of the villages’, an old paved mule track dating back to the 9th century. You pass the little villages of Lone and Vettica, before arriving at the imposing monastery of Santa Rosa (there is also the possibility to take a local bus to here, avoid a 300-m. ascent!). …

From your hotel you walk through the little streets of Praiano, up towards the little church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli. From here on a comfortable path above the village itself, you walk into the Valley of Praia, a beautiful green valley with many vineyards clinged to the cliffs….

You start your walk again in the picturesque white washed alleys of Praiano. Along a medieval pilgrims’ route you then walk uphill towards the monastery of San Domenico, set in a stupendous scenery, dominating the coast from its hilltop. Here you can have a little rest before continuing the climb uphill, through spectacular scenery with bizarre rock formations and luxurious vegetation. .

First you take the local bus up to Montepertuso, from where you start a very scenic walk, around the upper valley of Positano. Following ancient footpaths through the forest and along marvelous viewpoints you climb up towards Santa Maria al Castello, the old fortress defending the narrow valley between the Amalfi- and Sorrento-side of the peninsula. ….

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.