Walking on the Amalfi Coast

One of the world's most celebrated coastlines, the Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where dramatic limestone cliffs plunge to turquoise water, ancient villages cling to terraced hillsides, and a network of centuries-old mule tracks and pilgrim paths weave between lemon groves and hidden coves. Walking here is an experience unlike anywhere else in Italy.

Criss-crossing this extraordinary landscape, this comprehensive guidebook by Gillian Price covers 32 walks from 3 to 11km (2 to 7 miles), taking between 1 and 5 hours and suited to family strollers and experienced trekkers alike. Walks are graded 1 to 3, can be combined to create longer days out and are easily accessible from Naples, Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi, with detailed public transport, accommodation and refreshment information throughout.

• 32 graded walks across five areas, covering Ischia, Capri, Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi, with routes along ancient mule tracks, pilgrim paths, coastal cliff trails and mountain ridges above the Gulf of Naples
• The Sentiero degli Dei, the Path of the Gods above Positano, is described in full — one of the most celebrated and photographed walks in Italy, with views across the Amalfi Coast that few other trails in Europe can match
• The islands of Capri and Ischia each have dedicated sections, with walks including Monte Solaro on Capri, the Sentiero dei Fortini coastal path and multiple routes across Ischia's volcanic interior
• Sketch maps for every walk are provided alongside detailed route descriptions, with walks designed to be linked together to create longer itineraries and plenty of shorter options for first-time visitors
• Practical information on public transport, accommodation and local food and drink throughout, including ferry connections between the coast and the islands, making this the ideal planning companion for any Amalfi Coast visit

Few places in the world combine natural beauty, cultural heritage and walking opportunities as effortlessly as the Amalfi Coast. Gillian Price, Cicerone's foremost Italy author, has captured every step of it in this guidebook.

Seasons

all year round, though midsummer can get a bit hot. The spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) months are probably the best. Winter can be wonderful - and quiet

Centres

Naples is the main city and airport, but key walking bases are Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and the gorgeous islands of Capri and Ischia

Difficulty

all walkers catered for, from strollers to active trekkers; simple short routes on old mule tracks, but flat land is in short supply here and stepped pathways are the norm; walks are graded 1-3

Must See

the UNESCO World Heritage Amalfi Coast, with Ravello, Positano and Amalfi as well as Sorrento on the Gulf of Naples, the gorgeous island of Capri and neighbouring Ischia. Walks are both easy and challenging, Sentiero degli Dei, the Monti Lattari, Roman villas, hidden coves, lemon orchards, coastal ferry trips, divine Neapolitan cakes, medieval alleyways

Map legend

Overview map

Introduction

Flowers and plants

Wildlife

Exploring and bases

Information

Getting there

Getting around

When to go

Accommodation

Culinary delights

What to take

Maps

Emergencies

Using this guide

Dos and don’ts

Ischia

Walk 1 Over Monte Epomeo

Walk 2 Bosco della Maddalena

Walk 3 Maronti to Sant’Angelo

Walk 4 Piano Liguori traverse

Capri

Walk 5 Sentiero dei Fortini

Walk 6 Over Monte Solaro

Walk 7 Villa Jovis loop

Walk 8 Arco Naturale–Faraglioni circuit

Sorrento

Walk 9 On Monte Sant’Angelo

Walk 10 Bagni della Regina Giovanna

Walk 11 Monte San Costanzo and Punta Campanella

Walk 12 Monte San Costanzo

Walk 13 Baia di Ieranto

Walk 14 Sant’Agata to Massa Lubrense

Walk 15 Marina di Crapolla

Walk 16 The Siren trail

Walk 17 Sant’Elia

Positano

Walk 18 Santa Maria Castello to Montepertuso

Walk 19 Montepertuso–Fornillo circuit

Walk 20 Sentiero degli Dei

Walk 21 Above Praiano

Walk 22 Grotte di Santa Barbara

Walk 23 Furore Fjord

Amalfi

Walk 24 Upper Valle delle Ferriere

Walk 25 Valle dei Mulini, Ferriere and Pontone

Walk 26 Torre dello Ziro

Walk 27 Ravello to Amalfi via Valle del Dragone

Walk 28 Ravello and Santa Caterina loop

Walk 29 Minori–Atrani–Amalfi

Walk 30 Minori and San Nicola

Walk 31 Santuario dell’Avvocata

Walk 32 Badia Santa Maria dell’Olearia

Appendix A Italian–English glossary

Appendix B Walk summary table

Appendix C Further inspiration