Telephone: +44 (0) 1722 322 652 Email: [email protected]

Amalfi Coast Along the Siren Coast

https://www.onfootholidays.co.uk/routes/amalfi-coast/

page 1/11 Route Summary

At a glance

Amalfi - 7 nights (6 walking days) - the standard route. Consider adding an extra night in Sant' Agata to explore the western end of the pensinsula, and adding rest days along the route (we suggest ) or extra nights in for day trips to or for example - or even nights on Capri itself. Contact us for advice.

How much walking?

Full days: 7-17 km per day, 2¼-8 hrs walking Using shortening options: 5-10¾ kms, 1½-4hrs with bus transfers

Max. Grade:

Wild mountains rising sheer from the Mediterranean sea. Unique old fishing towns clinging to the rocks, right down to the water’s edge. Spectacular paths high on the mountainside that link otherwise inaccessible vineyards, with views for miles. Bathing in little coves away from the crowds. This is a truly multi-graded walk for the hardy strider and, courtesy of the peninsula bus-system, the recreational walker too. The route shows both faces of the peninsula – the craggy scenery of the eastern (Amalfi) end and the more accessible charms of the western tip.

This standard version starts with 3 nights in Amalfi (including a walk to and back), then works its way along the coast via , Positano and the western promontories and includes a night in Sant’ Agata before arriving finally in bustling Sorrento, overlooking the bay of Naples and Vesuvius. Stay extra nights in any of our hotels along the way, and perhaps extend your stay with visits to Capri, Pompeii, and Naples – all possible from Sorrento.

Why not also consider a few nights (minimum stay of 2 nights and 3 in high season) on Capri at the end of walk? On Foot has devised some great walks to help you explore the island to the full.

page 2/11 Route Highlights

● The cobbled alleys of Positano and Amalfi ● Ravello and the gardens of the ● The Path of the Gods, high above the sea ● Our ridgetop walk from Positano to Sant’ Agata ● Walking the wild Valle delle Ferriere ● Grilled sea-bass on the waterfront at Praiano ● The San Costanzo peninsula and its secluded beaches ● The legendary island of Capri

We Recommend

Approaching Amalfi by sea from Salerno (n.b. latest ferry 15:30 with a few more in high season), an extra day in beautiful Positano, staying an extra night in Sant'Agata to do our peninsula walk, and extra days in Sorrento to visit Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius - we can provide notes for you on these options. Spend a few nights on Capri - we have devised some walks that will really help you explore this fascinating island.

Grading

Full days: 7-17 km per day, 2¼-8 hrs walking Using shortening options: 5-10¾ kms, 1½-4hrs with bus transfers An otherwise medium-hard graded walk can be softened by taking daily shortening options, while retaining the excitement of high coastal walking, though there are a lot of steps (up and down) which can be tiring. Signed paths (not always consistently - careful attention to our written walking directions required). Highest point on route: 800m.

Medium-hard: Average cumulative uphill stretches (CUSs) 683m (130m-1215m) per day.

Easy-medium: CUSs 236m (50m-400m) per day using all shortening options (bus past less easy stretches)

GPX file available for handheld GPS or smartphone App for complete route.

Important note: Times given for each day are walking times for an “average” walker and exclude stops. “CUSs” stands for “Cumulative Uphill Stretches” and measures the aggregated ascents in each day, expressed in metres of climb. See “Walk Grading” for more information.

page 3/11 When to go

The best months to walk: April, May, June, September, October

Other possible months: March, July, August, November

The is a great walk for seven months of year and extends well into autumn due to the warmth of the sea, although later autumn bookings may necessitate a change of accommodation due to hotels closing for the winter. With its warm climate, Amalfi is suitable for those people looking to walk at the beginning and end of the usual walking season, but it can be very hot during July, August and early September, when plenty of rest days are recommended. Hotels and restaurants on the coast and Capri begin to close for the winter towards the end of October, which lessens choice.

Please note: date ranges shown are for a 'normal' year. While Covid-19 restrictions remain, please contact us to discuss your plans and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Amalfi

... and settle in to your hotel. If you do not arrive too late, there is the cathedral as well as the waterfront to visit, or just wander the streets looking for your first restaurant.

Day 2 - The Ravello Circuit

Your first walk makes the spectacular stepped climb (380m) up to Ravello in the morning, with the chance to see the famed gardens of the Villa Cimbrone on the way. After a look at Ravello’s centre and cathedral, you descend to the little village of Pontone for lunch (picnic, or a choice of modest restaurants). For the afternoon, a visit to the dramatically sited castle Torre dello Ziro overlooking both Amalfi and is a must. (Standard circuit: Medium: 3¼ hrs, 6½ km, CUSs 650m)

Alternatives: Take bus to Ravello to remove most of climb; longer option also available.

Day 3 - The Valle delle Ferriere circuit

If you're feeling in need of a little wilder walking, today’s foray into the mountains along hill paths will offer some relief, and splendid views. Our route starts directly from Amalfi climbing up to the high-level path in the mountains via the village of Pontone (which you visited yesterday). The final staging post is Pogerola, a lovely little hill village, well endowed with bars for end-of-walk refreshments. You then have a gentle stepped path down through woods back to Amalfi (or bus back). (Medium-hard: 4¾ hrs, 11kms, CUSs 735m OR take bus up to Scala to start easy-medium: 4½ hrs, 10km, CUSs 320m)

Alternatives: Either take the bus to Scala to start the walk and avoid initial climb, or take bus from Pogerola back down to Amalfi after the walk (or both!).

page 4/11 Day 4 - Amalfi to Praiano

Now the journey west starts. It is quite a tough day, using many old medieval paths with loads of views as always, some quite lonely places culminating in the spectacular high Abu Tabela path from the mountain village of San Lazzaro. The day has a definite sense of making a journey along the coast, ending in the pleasant town of Praiano. (Medium-hard: 4½hrs, 12 km, CUSs 680m).

Alternatives: There are lots of options today both easier and harder. Ask On Foot for advice.

Day 5 - Praiano to Positano

We continue our journey westward, to Positano. We ascend to a now uninhabited monastery, San Domenico, and join the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) across a wild hillside to the mountain village of Nocelle. The views along and of the coast are unsurpassed. Then, passing through another village, Montepertuso, the descent takes us to the heart of Positano with its boutiques and milling hordes. (Medium: 4 hrs, 10 km, CUSs 500m). (The Sentiero degli Dei is very busy at weekends so try to plan your walk to avoid the crowds if you can).

Alternatives: Easier end option - arrive in Nocelle (for the bus to Positano, avoiding descending steps) OR take the bus the whole way to Positano.

Day 6 - Positano to Sant’ Agata

Today’s continuation of the westward journey comprises two parts: Positano to Colli di Fontanelle; and from there to Sant’ Agata. For the first part there is a choice between a hard mountain section or a transfer by bus. Experienced hill walkers (and when the weather is good) should try our Hard section followed by Medium or Easy to reach their goal. This is our spectacular walk, even more than the Sentiero degli Dei, but it’s tough. It involves a walk straight up the hill from Positano, then a marvellous ridge-top walk with views for miles. (GPS file available and advised as navigation can be tricky).

More recreational types could spend the morning in Positano and then try the easy option, starting (after a bus ride) from Colli di Fontanelle, about 13km west of Positano. Once in Colli di Fontanelle, follow the coastal path which explores remote terrain high above the sea, reaching the village of Torca before splitting, depending on that night’s accommodation.

Full walk Hard: 8 hrs, 17km, CUSs 1215m Easy option (bus to start) Easy: 2¾ hrs, 5km, CUSs 310)

Option

An option to consider.

Spend an extra night in Sant' Agata and try the The Sorrento Peninsula walk - a day of many choices, as the tip of the peninsula has much to offer. It overlooks the island of Capri and gives views across the bays of Naples and Salerno from a fine network of paths. The official day consists of a walk to Termini, with its bar and eateries, and a choice of optional coastal walks thereafter. Those staying in Sant’ Agata take the bus back. (Easy: 2 hrs, 7km, CUSs 130m to Termini).

page 5/11 Day 7 - Sant' Agata to Sorrento

We make the final stage of our journey along typical old paths, visiting the town of on the way. There is an option to make a detour to a headland viewpoint (with views over the whole bay) at one stage, but you may wish to save the time to explore Sorrento. (Medium: 3-4½ hrs, 10-14 kms, CUSs 150-450m).

Alternative: Bus to Sorrento for the day.

Option

Two-three nights on Capri as an add-on. We have two walks on the island, or you can just relax! See the accommodation page for information on where you can stay.

Travel Information

ARRIVING BY AIR

The best “local airport” is Naples. Intercontinental flights may use Rome then take a train directly to Salerno (around 2½ hrs) and from there either a bus or ferry (April – Oct only, latest 15:30 in low season, see www.travelmar.it for timetables) to Amalfi. The transfer from Rome Fiumicino airport to Rome Termini station takes around 30 mins.

NAPLES

Land by: 14:30 if using public transport (later arrivals possible, missing supper). Private shared shuttles enable later landing times.

Return flight earliest: 10:00 (missing breakfast).

Land by/earliest return flight times not applicable if using a pre-booked taxi.

Flight information can change rapidly and not all flights run daily. Please do check directly with the airlines’ websites or Skyscanner (see below) before finalising any booking with us. Do not book your flights until we have confirmed that we have provisionally reserved accommodation for you.

For up-to-date schedules and flights from all airports check Skyscanner.

See “Getting to the start of the walk” below for transfer information

ARRIVING BY TRAIN

Nearest railway station: Start: Salerno Finish: Sorrento (Circumvesuviana Railway to Naples Centrale)

Typical rail journey from UK via Paris and Rome: Sleeper train from Paris Bercy to Rome. Next morning take the train to Naples, change for Salerno and then either

page 6/11 ferry (best) or bus to Amalfi. ~12 hrs. Also TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to either Geneva or Turin. Then train (possible change in Milan) to Salerno. ~13 hrs.

From Sorrento: Circumvesuviana train to Naples, then Naples to Rome for the overnight train to Paris . ~17 hrs.

We suggest thetrainline.com for times, ticket booking and other information, except for the Circumvesuviana (Naples-Sorrento) timetable which can be found at http://www.eavsrl.it .

ARRIVING BY CAR

Parking available in Amalfi at Luna Rossa underground car park (not tested, c. €20 per day). Bus back from Sorrento at the end.

Getting to the start of the walk

The first hotel is in Amalfi and the last in Sorrento. Transfer times and methods are suggested for Naples airport below. For train arrival transfers see below.

NAPLES AIRPORT:

Outward: Bus/bus or bus/train/bus or ferry (c. 3½ hrs) OR pre-booked taxi transfer from Naples airport to first hotel OR web-booked shared shuttle (see amalficoastairportshuttle.com or amalfishuttle.com). Return: Airport bus (~€10 pp) or train/bus shuttle (c. 1 ½ hrs) OR pre-booked taxi from final hotel to Naples airport

Transfers from train stations: Outward: Bus or ferry from Salerno to Amalfi (c. 1 hr) Return: Short walk or local taxi from Sorrento hotel to station for Circumvesuviana railway to Naples Central

For all pre-bookable taxi prices, see “Prices”

Full transfer advice, including timetables, is provided in your Walkers’ Pack. Contact us if you would like additional pre-booking information.

page 7/11 Where You'll Stay

Spend your first nights in one of several possible hotels in the heart of Amalfi. Our hotels in Praiano are quietly located and friendly (upgrade with sea-view rooms and pool available for two-night-plus stays). We offer several small hotels in Positano; most are well-located in the heart of the town and, therefore, within easy reach of dinner but one is on quiet Fornillo beach and therefore away from Positano’s milling hordes. In Sant’ Agata stay in a well appointed hotel or choose Le Tore, a working organic farm where you’ll normally have dinner; much of what you’ll eat has been grown here too. In Sorrento, you’ll stay right in the heart of the town. On Capri, our hotel is in the heart of Capri village but still quiet (minimum stay of 2 nights and 3 in high season), or you could choose to stay in quieter Anacapri.

Night 1, 2 & 3 Amalfi – Hotel Floridiana (B&B)

Boutique hotel tucked away in a quiet square.

Night 1, 2 & 3(Upgrade) Amalfi – Luna Convento (B&B)

A former 13th century Franciscan Friary in excellent location. Pool.

Night 4 Praiano – La Perla (B&B)

On the edge of the village. Close to the beach and restaurants.

page 8/11 Night 5 Positano – Pupetto Hotel (B&B)

Charming hotel on quiet Fornillo beach, 10 mins walk away from Positano itself.

Night 6 Sant’ Agata – Grand Hotel Hermitage & Villa Romita (B&B)

A 4-star family run hotel which enjoys excellent views. Villa Romita is located nearby and is a restored 19th century villa.

Night 7 Sorrento – Hotel Mignon (B&B)

Traditional Italian hotel in a central yet quiet location.

Night 7(Upgrade) Sorrento – Palazzo Guardati (B&B)

Boutique 4* hotel located in the Tasso Square. Rooftop pool.

page 9/11 Staying in Capri and Rome On Capri we can offer the Hotel Gatto Bianco in Capri town, or Villa Ceselle in little Anacapri, or you can book your own accommodation – you will still get our walking notes!

We think we have one of the best and most reasonably priced places to stay in Rome – Roberta’s B&B Orologio. In a narrow street between the Piazza Navona and the Vatican, Roberta has been our Rome host for the last ten years and has never let us down. With her stylish charm and attention to detail she ensures that if you return to Rome you will stay there again. And has opened another B&B nearby just in case she is full!

If you wish to stay in Naples, there are plenty of choices – please ask if you would like us to help find somewhere to stay.

Prices

Price: £1115

7 nights in double/twin room, all breakfasts, luggage transfers from between all hotels on walking route; full Walkers Pack with route directions, maps, transfer and background information; local telephone support.

All prices are per person unless otherwise indicated, and are based on a standard booking in May. Prices may vary seasonally and a fixed price will be given to you before you commit. Locally levied tourist taxes are not included.

Single Room Supplement (SRS): From £385 Lone Traveller Additional Supplement (LTAS): From £100 Maximum party size: 20

page 10/11 Add Ons

Additional B&B nights in any accommodation, nights on Capri: Call for prices (vary with season)

Sending Walkers Packs to addresses outside the UK: £10-£40 (per pack, location dependent)

TAXIS

Naples airport to first hotel: From £130 (1-3 persons), £150 (4-7) (Weekday daytime rates, supplement for night arrivals) Salerno Railway Station to first hotel: From £80 (1-3 persons), £100(4-7) (Day time weekday rates, supplement for weekend/holiday/night arrivals) Final hotel to Naples/Naples Airport: From £100 (1-3 persons), £115 (4-7) (Day time weekday rates, supplement for weekend/holiday/night departures)

MINIBUSES for larger groups - contact On Foot Holidays

On Foot Holidays Telephone: +44 (0) 1722 322 652 Griffin House, Malthouse Lane, Email: [email protected] Salisbury, SP2 7RF, United Kingdom

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