One of the most breath-taking coastlines in Europe, the Amalfi Coast, is perhaps Italy's most famous. Stretching 50km from Sorrento to Salerno, the landscape is hugely varied and surrounded by infinite and ever-changing views. Steep terraces full of scented lemon groves fall steeply into a shimmering Mediterranean Sea; whitewashed houses cling precariously to unforgiving slopes while sea and sky merge in one vast blue horizon. Pastel coloured coastal towns are pasted onto the steep slopes and have a history dating back 1000's of years. Discover cultural treasures including rural chapels, castle ruins and ancient farmhouses. Man has created a mosaic terraced landscape, which nothing can compare with.
We offer a fantastic selection of walks from the thousands of footpaths along the Amalfi Coast such as the famous Sentiero degli Dei 'Pathway of the Gods' or the ancient Maestra dei Villaggi 'main road' of the Republic of Amalfi. Most of the walks follow the coast allowing you to enjoy the dazzling coastal views of the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples from a high vantage point and on occasions as far as the island of Capri in the distance. Immerse yourself in the typical Mediterranean landscape, with wonderful, terraced lemon groves and vineyards and explore rural villages which makes you feel far away from the tourist trail.
Your first four nights are in the beautiful town of Amalfi which has its origins documented as long ago as the 6th century when it was the centre of a trading network spread throughout the Mediterranean. Today, it is still known well beyond what its size should command due to the beauty of the town and its stunning setting. Situated at the head of a deep ravine, wander along the town's narrow alleyways, discover its quaint shops packed with local produce and crafts, and take refreshments in the tea shops, inspired by the English 100 years ago when they were the dominant visitors. Exploring further, steep steps lead to the exquisite 9th century Duomo and many other examples of medieval architecture. Far below, the town also has its own beach popular amongst visitors and locals alike.
You spend your final three nights in Positano, arguably the Amalfi Coast's most photogenic town, rising almost vertically from the sea in a riot of colour. It is called the 'Gem of the Divine Coast' with houses and villas built on terraces with beautiful gardens planted with palm trees, orange and lemon groves. The main road passes high above, leaving the town mostly to those who wish to explore the narrow streets, winding lanes, paths and tracks around the town on foot. Small shops and elegant boutiques line the narrow streets. Below is a small beach fringed with restaurants - why not sip a cool 'Limoncello' here whilst taking in the atmosphere after a day's walking.
This holiday follows stone steps, coastal paths and some forest trails. You need to be a reasonably fit and confident walker, as the frequent ascents and descents, particularly on the coastal paths, make this a more demanding holiday than the distances suggest. On day 5 and day 7, guests with a fear of heights may have problems with certain sections. Walkers with knee problems may have difficulty descending the stone steps and walking poles are strongly recommended.
Explore Amalfi's marina, and admire those sea views, before dinner.
Overnight at Hotel Floridiana 3* (breakfast included)
Today's walk is to the charming historic village of Ravello, the first stretch along a scenic route around the headland to Atrani, a well-preserved little town with narrow streets and a serene town square. Then you climb up past Castiglione to the Villa Cimbrone, on Ravello's headland. Take your time to wander around this ancient town, 'closer to the sky than the seashore' according to the French novelist, Andre Gide. Ravello is one of the most exclusive villages of the Amalfi coast, and has two magnificent villas, - the 11th century Villa Rufolo, once a papal residence and later the home of Richard Wagner, and the Villa Cimbrone, a sumptious 19th century mansion with fabulous gardens and unequalled views over the Gulf of Salerno. Later walk back down to Atrani along the 'Valle del Dragone' - the Valley of the Dragon, which was the industrial area of Atrani with power being harnessed from the rivers. Then retrace your steps back to Amalfi. Optional extra to the hamlets of Scala, Minuta and Pontone.
Overnight at Hotel Floridiana 3* (breakfast included)
Set off along the quiet back alleys of Amalfi where you will notice the strong Moorish influences. An ancient stairway 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. Onward to Monte Aureo with its fortified ruins, from where you will have unforgettable views along the Amalfi Coast. Back through Pontone you walk to the Valle dei Mulini, the valley of the mills, with the ruins of Europe's most ancient paper mills, dating back to the 11th century. The footpath descends through abundant woodlands and then passes lemon groves on its way back to Amalfi.
Overnight at Hotel Floridiana 3* (breakfast included)
You can choose to take today as a rest day, or you can catch a bus to Bomerano and walk up into the mountains, towards the highest peaks of the Amalfi Coast, from where the views are perhaps even more beautiful than from the Sentiero degli Dei. A stiff walk up through the outskirts of Bomerano then through chestnut woods, the path starts to climb towards Monte Tre Calli. Reach the ridge of Monte Tre Calli with unrivalled 360-degree views. A scenic walk along the ridge, through grassland and woodland to a natural rock formation known as Il Fungo, 'The Mushroom'. From there you have the choice of returning the way you came or making a loop by descending steeply to join a forest road, which leads to a shrine of the Virgin of the Silence, with magical views towards Positano.
Overnight at Hotel Floridiana 3* (breakfast included)
Hop on a bus to Bomerano, then take the most famous footpath in Southern Italy, the Sentieri degli Dei, (Footpath of the Gods), across a steep rugged hillside with sweeping views of the Gulf of Salerno. You will reach the tiny hamlet of Nocelle and pass through another spectacular valley to arrive at the little village of Montepertuso, then a short but steep drop down steps to the charming seaside town of Positano.
Overnight at Hotel Pupetto 3* (breakfast included)
Why not catch a ferry (April to October only) to the Isle of Capri - the most famous of the three islands in the Gulf of Naples. In the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrento peninsula, it is an ancient continuation of the Latteri mountains which form the backbone of the peninsula.
From both Amalfi and Positano, there are boats sailing for Capri throughout the day - take an early boat so that you have enough time to explore. There are many places to visit - including several Roman villas - the most famous being the Villa Jovis - the Natural Arch, the Faraglioni (3 impressive sea stacks), Via Krupp (a historic switchback paved footpath leading down to Marina Piccola), and Villa Lysis - dedicated to 'the youth of love', built in 1905.
Overnight at Hotel Pupetto 3* (breakfast included)
Take a bus to Montepertuso, then following ancient footpaths through the forest, you climb uphill towards Santa Maria del Castello, the fortress defending the narrow valley between the Amalfi and the Sorrento sides of the peninsula. From here you can admire both the Gulf of Salerno and the Bay of Naples. You then skirt the mountainside on a mule track to reach the Caserma Forestale, the Foresters' Barracks. The walk continues through the forest on a zigzagging trail down to Montepertuso and then another pathway down to Positano.
Overnight at Hotel Pupetto 3* (breakfast included)
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades: Terrace and Side Sea View.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can continue to develop, and where necessary improve, our services and ensure our holidays continue to be the best they can be. However, as this is a relatively new holiday, we don't yet have any customer reviews available.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Twin-centre accommodation in hotels
All breakfasts
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Luggage transfers between hotels
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Meals
All breakfasts
Other details
Transportation to/from the walks as per the advertised itinerary (buses on days 4, 5 and 7 and return hydrofoil to Capri) is approximately 47 euros per person.
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
