Amalfi Coastal Trails
- Walk the ancient trails of the Amalfi Coast in Italy
- Unfiltered views of Positano and Capri from the Path of the Gods
- Feast on locally caught seafood and pasta with a cold glass of Falanghina
- The atmosphere and evening glow of Piazza Duomo in Amalfi town
- Charming Ravello and the manicured gardens of Villa Rufolo
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Amalfi and overnightThe small town of Amalfi is easily reached from Naples by taking a direct train to Sorrento and continuing on to Amalfi by bus or ferry. The town has a small beach, lively piazzas with bars and restaurants, and a cluster of white buildings overlooking the sea. It is the ancient capital of the Amalfi Maritime Republic and is surrounded by high mountains.
Take your time to explore its cobbled streets, walk along the colourful marina and make sure to grab a limoncello spritz next to its impressive Byzantine-influenced cathedral to celebrate your arrival on the Amalfi Coast.
Hotel l'Antico Convitto is situated in the heart of Amalfi town, right in the centre of the historical quarter of the ancient "Maritime Republic" and a short walk from the Cathedral and the seafront. This welcoming hotel offers spacious rooms with comfortable beds and private facilities to ensure a relaxing stay.
Your first day starts with a walk out of Amalfi following a scenic path passing waterfalls, old buildings and lemon groves. Upon reaching the Medieval Tower of Zirro you are rewarded with the first of many coastal views. Enter the Valley of the Ancient Mills and explore the ruins of the many paper factories which date back to the 11th century.
The hamlet of Ravello is one of this trip's highlights and is often said to have a 'metamorphic' effect on people. Discover Villa Cimbrone and its picturesque gardens just south of Ravello's Duomo (cathedral) and soak in its style and glamour.
If you wish to do so, you can walk back to Amalfi via Atrani descending one continuous staircase down to the clear sea or alternatively, you can catch a local bus (15-20 min, payable locally).
Amalfi to Ravello (Part 1): 7km/4mi, Ascent/Descent: 467m/115m
Ravello to Amalfi (Part 2): 3km/2mi, Ascent/Descent: 61m/411m
Combined: 10km/6mi, Ascent/Descent: 467m/411m
Hotel l'Antico Convitto is situated in the heart of Amalfi town, right in the centre of the historical quarter of the ancient "Maritime Republic" and a short walk from the Cathedral and the seafront. This welcoming hotel offers spacious rooms with comfortable beds and private facilities to ensure a relaxing stay.
Take a short local bus from Amalfi to the village of Scala (25 min, payable locally), a scenic bus ride taking you into the mountains. Today’s walk proves that Amalfi isn’t only about the coast; soon after setting off, you will enter the Ferriere Nature Reserve.
Quiet paths lead into a deep valley surrounded by high cliffs, woodland, and the remains of stone bridges and houses. The Italian word ‘Ferriere’ translates to ‘ironworks’, which was once a burgeoning industry here, utilising the many streams to power their factories.
Continue on through meadows, small waterfalls and spectacular landscapes on a high path to the tiny hamlet of Pogerola. You then descend an ancient flight of steps towards Amalfi where you will spend another night.
Ascent/Descent: 794m/1163m
Hotel l'Antico Convitto is situated in the heart of Amalfi town, right in the centre of the historical quarter of the ancient "Maritime Republic" and a short walk from the Cathedral and the seafront. This welcoming hotel offers spacious rooms with comfortable beds and private facilities to ensure a relaxing stay.
Enjoy an energising breakfast and some Italian coffee before heading to Bomerano by local bus (20 minutes, payable locally).
From here, you have a choice of walks; the longer option includes a climb up Mount Tre Calli and then back to Bomerano to continue along the first section of the famous Path of the Gods. This is a more challenging walk on uneven terrain with endless rewards. Glittering sea views from the ancient path will have you continually reaching for your camera.
The shorter option is walking the first section of the Path of the Gods from Bomerano to your next destination Praiano and skipping the climb up Mount Tre Calli. The path is a long downhill stretch with constantawe-inspiring views of Positano and Capri.
Mount Tre Calli: 9km/5.5mi. Ascent/Descent: 460m/461m
Path of the Gods to Praiano: 4km/2.5mi. Ascent/Descent: 194m/645m
Combined: 12km/8mi. Ascent/Descent: 460m/645m
La Perla is a small, family-run hotel with a spectacular location overlooking the coast and within walking distance of the village. All rooms offer comfortable beds, air conditioning and stylish tiled flooring. There is a rooftop terrace and restaurant offering local wines and regional food specialities.
Praiano was formerly known as a silk-production centre and many of the dukes of Amalfi made it their summer residence. It has a calmer and more low-key feel about it which is a true delight for those looking for some relaxation.
Enjoy a walk from your hotel to the outskirts of Furore through the Valley of Praia. This route allows you to ‘zoom in’ and provides the opportunity to explore this dramatic coastline. Visit the natural harbour of Marina di Praia with its colourful boats and popular sandy beach before returning to Praiano the same way you came.
Ascent/Descent: 463m/458m
La Perla is a small, family-run hotel with a spectacular location overlooking the coast and within walking distance of the village. All rooms offer comfortable beds, air conditioning and stylish tiled flooring. There is a rooftop terrace and restaurant offering local wines and regional food specialities.
Today the choice is yours; take a well-earned rest day visiting neighbouring Positano, browsing its chic boutiques and soaking up the Southern Italian charm. There is certainly no shortage of fine restaurants and flower-filled courtyards to enjoy a refreshing drink, a bite to eat or a lemon-flavoured gelato. Reach Positano by local bus (15min, payable locally) or pre-arrange a private transfer (please let us know in advance if this is of interest, so we can organise this for you).
Another option is to continue along the awe-inspiring Path of the Gods to Positano, a more challenging section. Climb steeply out of Praiano to reach the convent of San Domenico and catch your breath whilst enjoying the stunning panorama. The path then twists and turns further up the mountain where you can enjoy more views of terraced lemon groves and tiny villages that cling to steep cliffs. Follow the vertiginous trail to the village of Nocelle, from where you will continue to the charming town of Positano, your next overnight stop.
Ascent/Descent: 1113m/1157m
Hotel California was founded by brothers Antonio and Francesco Cinque who turned this former residence of a noble Neapolitan family into a welcoming hotel. The property boasts a spacious terrace where you can enjoy breakfast in the morning. All comfortable rooms offer private facilities, air conditioning and views of Positano.
An unforgettable day awaits as you take a ferry to the seriously beautiful Capri. This island just off the Amalfi Coast has preserved its unspoilt charm and has grand villas and banks of colourful bougainvillae. When you arrive with the ferry take the funicular from Marina Grande to the Piazza Umberto I. This way you don't have to climb up the stairs.
Enjoy an easy walk which will cover Capri's highlights; the impressive Roman ruins of Villa Jovis, Emperor Tiberius’s villa, a panoramic coastal path to the Arco Naturale, and the Faraglioni. These three giant rocks rise up out of the sea and are one of the island's most famous points of interest.
Later you can visit the Convent of San Giacomo and the Gardens of Emperor Augustus or relax in the square, before returning to Positano.
Ascent/Descent: 487m/483m
Hotel California was founded by brothers Antonio and Francesco Cinque who turned this former residence of a noble Neapolitan family into a welcoming hotel. The property boasts a spacious terrace where you can enjoy breakfast in the morning. All comfortable rooms offer private facilities, air conditioning and views of Positano.
From Positano you can return to Naples by bus/train. Alternatively, it’s possible to arrange a private transfer for an additional charge. Please ask our Sales team about this at the time of booking.
This trip has a carbon score of 7kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 7kg is equivalent to 1 single running shoe (not even a pair!). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?Graded moderate, this tour is an exciting journey to the iconic coastal towns of the Amalfi coast and the iconic island of Capri. Some walks are more challenging due to the elevation gains and losses and the high number of stone staircases involved, so a head for heights and walking poles to support your knees are needed. Spend each night in comfortable and characterful hotels and B&B's in Amalfi, Praiano and Positano, where you are only ever a few minutes' walk from the sights and local attractions. If you enjoy coastal trails and mountain paths with far-reaching views, fragrant local wine, and fresh seafood, this trip is for you!
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This holiday is graded moderate with walking days of up to 13km (8 mi) and has some more challenging walks that are optional with significant elevation gains and losses. On most days there is a choice of walks in order to enjoy this walking trip at your own pace, please view the itinerary for more details. This trip is suitable for those with a good level of fitness.
On some walks, the path can be close to the cliff edges with sheer drops which would not be appropriate for people suffering with vertigo or a fear of heights. It should be noted that some sections include prolonged descents and ascents on stony stairs which can be tough on the knees, so we would strongly recommend taking walking poles and perhaps knee supports if needed. It’s best ahead of time to do some practice walks including stairs and ascents and descents like those you will experience on the trip whilst carrying your day bag.
The terrain consists of footpaths, dirt tracks, stepped trails, lots of stone staircases, and some sections that are uneven underfoot. There may be some short sections of road walking, but not on busy roads or traffic routes. You will occasionally be following minor paved roads, mostly to get from the end of your walk to your hotel.
Our Amalfi Coastal Trails holiday includes overnight accommodation in small hotels. We specifically choose the hotels to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay and we book en suite rooms as standard. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and a delicious breakfast.
Details of the lovely local hotels we normally use are detailed below. These are subject to availability, and early booking is highly recommended for June-September in particular, as this is a popular area.
Alternate Accommodation
We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in your itinerary. Very occasionally, due to limited availability, there may be an option to be accommodated at an alternative location. In the unlikely event that we must accommodate you elsewhere, we will advise you of this before confirming your booking. If those listed are unavailable the alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard than those described.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This independent walking holiday is available to solo walkers for a supplement and is subject to availability. If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning. In Italy, this is generally a light continental breakfast with baked goods. Lunch and dinner are not included but are available from your hotel or nearby restaurants. The food of the Amalfi coast is strongly influenced by local produce. Traditional specialities include seafood and gnocchi alla sorrentina.
Room Upgrades
At Praiano you may like to upgrade your room to a sea view at Hotel la Perla. These are available on request and subject to availability and at an additional supplement.
Additional Nights
You may wish to take some extra nights along the route, either to rest or for those with plenty of energy to explore some of the other walking opportunities nearby. Please let us know if this is of interest and we can help organise this for you.
The routes are waymarked in some areas, but not in others. However, we provide the Macs Adventure Smartphone App making it simple to follow the route using a smartphone. Rest assured that by downloading the route maps in our app, that this will continue to work even in areas without any mobile or internet reception. For extra reassurance there are also turn-by-turn route notes within the app too for the walks.
On your arrival at the first hotel our local partner will have left an arrival information pack for you which contains a guide to the local buses. This includes information on where to catch the buses, ticket costs and the most up-to-date timetables. Please be aware that although the buses on the Amalfi Coast run frequently, they are also a very popular way to travel and are therefore often busy, especially the closer to summer you travel. If buses are full the driver won't stop or will turn you away and you will have to wait for the next bus. The buses also tend to be busier when it's raining with people cutting the walks short, so it's best to pack suitable raingear for waiting, head to a local cafe to wait out the rain or hop in a taxi instead. Taxis are more expensive in Amalfi than many other areas of Italy. On some routes you may also find it quicker to use a ferry rather than wait for the bus. More information on the ferries can be found here.
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels, guesthouses and agriturismos on a twin share basis
- Daily breakfasts
- Door to door baggage transfers as per your itinerary
- Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- All your trip documents including a detailed information pack provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
- Telephone support from our offices and local partners in the event of a problem
- Travel insurance (required) and personal equipment
- Travel to Amalfi and from Positano
- Boat to/from Capri (approx. €40)
- Capri Cable Car (approx. €4)
- Local bus tickets to walks
- Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
- Lunches, dinners, drinks, and snacks
- Tourist taxes (charged locally at hotels)
- Private transfers to and from Naples
- Additional Nights
- Hotel room upgrade supplements (if available)
This Amalfi Coast walking holiday is available from late March to October. You can start your holiday on any date in the season apart from the period between the end of July and late August as this is the hottest time of year when it is unpleasant to walk in this area. Hotel bookings during that time are also almost impossible to secure due to it being the Italian summer holidays, and the walking routes tend to be crowded, so we feel it’s best to avoid travelling during this period.
Spring in the Amalfi Coast is sublime and April, May and June are absolutely lovely. May is when most of the wild flowers tend to be in bloom. Autumn is a perfect time of year as the landscape is made up of a gold and red pallet so September and October are unmissable.
Please note that you should ideally book 6 months in advance if you are intending on travelling in early July, at the end of August or in September. Early booking is recommended in order to secure the best choice of accommodation at this busy time of year. It is best if you have some flexibility regarding your dates and itinerary.
The Amalfi Coast is known to have long, hot summers with July and August being the hottest months. Always make sure to stay hydrated and carry plenty of water whilst out exploring. During summer it is not unlikely for the temperatures to rise into the 30 degrees Celsius during the day.
The months before and after the high season will be sunny but a little cooler, which could be preferable. Spring on the Amalfi Coast is sublime with wildflowers in bloom and a more comfortable temperature; April, May and June are absolutely lovely. Autumn is a great time of year as the landscape is made up of gold and red pallet and it cools down during the night, September and October are unmissable.
Due to climate change, there are more frequent bursts of torrential rainfall, which are known to have triggered mud and landslides in the Amalfi Coast area in the past. However, our local supplier keeps us informed of any geological risks at a local level. i.e. a necessity to do an alternate walk due to the trail being closed. This does not happen very often but it’s good to be informed that this could potentially happen ahead of time.
We recommend you fly to Naples. From there you can take a Curreri bus from outside the terminal to Sorrento which takes 1hr15m. Alternatively, you can take a direct Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento which takes 1hr30m.
From Sorrento, you take a SITA bus to Amalfi which takes around 1hr40m. We can arrange private transfers at an additional cost, please let us know if this is of interest.
Another option when travelling between May and October and between Naples Airport and Amalfi is to take the Pintour shuttle bus. The journey takes about 1hr50m and timetables can be found on the Pintour website.
From Positano, you can return to Naples by SITA bus to Sorrento and Curreri shuttle bus to Naples Airport. Alternatively, you can take the SITA bus to Sorrento and then the Circumvesuviana train to Naples and ALIBUS shuttle bus to Naples Airport.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
This walking holiday is graded moderate and involves 3.5 - 5.5 hours of walking each day so you should enjoy an active lifestyle to get the most from this holiday.
Spring in the Amalfi Coast is sublime and April, May and June are absolutely lovely. Autumn is a perfect time of year as the landscape is made up of a gold and red pallet so September and October are unmissable. July and end of August can be very hot so you will have to start early to miss the heat of the day, although the towns and villages are buzzing which is great.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this walk and location is extremely popular. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans so just ask.
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc.
Naples is the best airport to fly into and then you can catch the Curreri bus to Sorrento and then the Sita bus to Amalfi or arrange private taxi transfers to Amalfi.
Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
WHY MACS?
The Biggest Choice
Around Since 2003
23,000+ Customer Reviews
B Corp Certified
-
Walk of the Week: Amalfi Coastal TrailsRead More1 Min Read09 October 2014
-
WalkingTop Reasons to Visit the Amalfi CoastRead More2 Min Read30 December 2020
-
Amalfi Coast: Footpath of the GodsRead More2 Min Read20 April 2022
-
7 Unmissable Spots Near the Amalfi CoastRead More3 Min Read20 April 2022
-
Guide to Walking in ItalyRead More4 Min Read08 October 2024
-
Italy Travel Tips: Everything You Need To KnowRead More3 Min Read10 October 2024
-
Tips for Travelling To and Around ItalyRead More8 Min Read15 October 2024
-
Cinque Terre vs Amalfi CoastRead More4 Min Read22 October 2024
-
Ultimate Guide to Walking the Amalfi CoastRead More6 Min Read23 October 2024
-
Food and Drink on the Amalfi CoastRead More3 Min Read24 October 2024
-
The Best Things to Do on the Amalfi CoastRead More7 Min Read25 October 2024
-
Save %5 Days 4 Nights
Paestum and the Cilento Coast Short Break
Explore the quieter side of Amalfi on this slow travel walking trip in the Cilento National Park.Highlights- See the iconic ancient Doric temples at Paestum
- Coastal walks including the Path of the Sirens
- Try creamy, freshly made water buffalo mozzarella
-
Save %8 Days 7 Nights
The Amalfi Coast & Sorrento Peninsula
Discover the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento on foot as you explore walking trails high above the seaHighlights- Explore Amalfi and the Footpath of the Gods
- Breath-taking views of the coast and mountains
- Guilt-free indulging in local Italian delights
-
Save %8 Days 7 Nights
Amalfi Coast & Mountains
Explore and walk this beautiful region of Italy, Amalfi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Highlights- Walk the mountains and coast of Amalfi
- Charming town of Ravello and Isle of Capri
- Breathtaking views over the Mediterranean
-
Save %8 Days 7 Nights
Walking Portofino and the Cinque Terre
An unforgettable journey exploring Italy’s Ligurian coast and the villages of the Cinque TerreHighlights- Explore Italy’s Cinque Terre National Park
- Pathways through lemon groves and vineyards
- Chilled limoncello, and freshly caught seafood
-
Save %8 Days 7 Nights
Walking in Puglia
Walk in Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian seas.Highlights- Fairytale trulli houses of Alberobello
- Ostuni, the white city rising from the plateau
- Enjoy the views from Locorontondo
- 8 Days 7 Nights
Via Francigena Stage 1: Bourg St Pierre-St Martin
Cross the Great St Bernard Pass from the heart of the Swiss Alps into Italy and the Aosta ValleyHighlights- Sublime views with a backdrop of mountain scenery
- The “Chemins de Vignobles” a local wine trail
- Wander the ancient streets of Aosta, a Roman city
- 9 Days 8 Nights
Walking the Catalan Coast in Style
Walk on quiet trails between traditional Catalan villages, staying in stylish boutique hotels.Highlights- Stay in boutique hotels along the Catalan coast.
- Llafranc, former haunt of Salvador Dali.
- Wine tasting at the country house of Bell-lloc.