Hiking Amalfi Coast: What You Need to Know

Traveling to the Amalfi Coast and up for a heart-pumping adventure?

You can always take in pastel-hued Positano, Ravello, and the rest of the crew by boat…

Or you can try donning your comfy shoes and exploring it on foot!

Hiking the Amalfi Coast is an equally (if not more) gorgeous way to explore the area.

If walking through waterfalls, meandering paths medieval merchants took, and turning the corner on gorgeous green hills to views of villages sounds like a treat, read on for our guide to our favorite Amalfi Coast hiking trails, what you need to know, and how to get to them.

Amalfi Coast Hiking Trails: What You Need to Know

First things first (because this is how we roll): you gotta plan and prep for your hiking holiday.

Even though certain trails have become well-trodden by hikers in Amalfi Coast, it helps to know what you’re getting into in advance — from traveling to the trails, the best times to go, and what to wear.

Here’s what you need to know before choosing a hiking trail in the Amalfi Coast:

1. How to get to your hiking trail

By car: If you’re taking a circular walk, try to choose a spot to park along your route in a smaller village. Parking is usually nutty along the main Amalfi Coast road.

By bus or taxi: If you’re within walking distance from main towns like Ravello or Sorrento, you can easily take a bus to a spot that connects to the beginning or end of your hike. Once you know which bus you need to get there, planning your walk becomes a whole lot easier. Taking a bus? Check the SITA bus schedule online for the most up-to-date timetable.

By foot: Your hiking trail of choice might be just outside of where you’re based, in which case, try to plan out your day so that you’re not totally sweaty by the time your walk begins. Shoot for an early morning, especially if you’re going to be in this area during the hot summer.

2. Consider the season

If you’re bent on hiking several trails along the Amalfi Coast, the best time is between September and June. Not only is the temperature way easier to deal with, but the landscape totally shifts too — think gorgeous wildflowers in the spring and yummy fig trees for miles.

If you’re planning to hike in the summer, shorter paths are probably best. Or if you’re determined to make it happen then, getting an early start to the day when the air is coolest is a good option (so that you aren’t regretting it halfway through!) and bring lots of water.

3. What to bring

Clothing: For most of the year, a good pair of shorts and a t-shirt will do the trick. If you’ll be along the Amalfi coast during winter, long-sleeved tops and pants will be best. And no matter the season, always bring along a light layer, because rain or sun protection will help.

Footwear: Your regular training shoes will do on most paths! (If you’re advanced and venturing into the mountains though, a good pair of boots will be handy.)

Snacks and water: Pack two liters of water per person for hot days. Always plan to stop at a village for a bite in the sunshine (you’re still on vacation, after all), but pack a couple of treats from a bakery or some fruit to enjoy on the trail.

Amalfi Coast Hiking Trails: Pretty Paths We Love

Most people familiar with the Amalfi Coast will have heard about The Path of Gods (and we’ll cover that in a sec), but there are tons of trails that take you to secret spots (and heights) you might not uncover on your own. Here are a couple of paths we heart –– for every hiking level.

Hiking Amalfi Coast: Beginner Hiking Trails

Il Vallone delle Ferriere

If you walked this path centuries ago, you would have found iron-wheeled carriages creaking along, manned by medieval merchants. This is the route that Ravello silk, Amalfi paper and lots of other gorgeous goods took when they made their way to the port of Amalfi. Today, you’ll be more wowed by its waterfalls, lush lemon groves, and cute chestnut trees. It’s got rainforest-in-the-mountain vibes, which is a truly surreal feeling. You’ll walk through vineyards, past cascades, the Canneto stream, and the Riserva Integrale –– a super rare spot for hard-to-find plants.

• Getting to Il Vallone delle Ferriere: Start from the Piazza Generale Avitabile in Agerola, and finish in Amalfi.

• How long this hike takes: It takes about 4 hours to complete this 6 km trail.

Punta Campanella

Cobblestoned paths winding through olive trees? Yes, please! This path is truly like stepping back in time –– you’ll even see remnants of temples where the Greeks and Romans worshiped Athena along the way. Punta Campanella is the result of the Gulf of Sorrento converging with the Amalfi Coast, so it’s really just silly gorgeous. Along the trail, you’ll see the tops of Praino and Positano, the Gulf of Sorrento and ancient bits and pieces. Oh, and a towering lighthouse that will give you the best views of Capri!

• Getting to Punta Campanella: Start in the main piazza of Termini, in Massa Lubrense (it’s way up in the hills of Sorrento), and follow the signs for Punta Campanella. When the road changes from paved to cobblestoned, you’re on the path.

• How long this hike takes: It should take anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours to complete this 7 km round trip journey.

Hiking Amalfi Coast: Intermediate Hiking Trails

Sentiero degli Dei (The Path of the Gods)

There’s a reason that this trail is real popular: the va-va-voom view. Panoramas of Praiano, Positano, and Capri. But a word to the wise –– it’s hot in the summer. This path is gorgeous, but it’s got near to zero shade! If we could choose, hiking this path at 7 AM or doing it during less hot months, like mid-September, would be ideal.

• Getting to The Path of the Gods: No matter where you’re based, you’ll have to get to the town of Agerola to start (we recommend doing so by bus, early in the morning). Begin at Piazza Paolo Capasso in Agerola, moving down to Nocelle and ending at Positano via the mini-bus that runs every 30 mins –– or taking the 1,800 steps to the main road, where you’ll end up at Arienzo Beach (gorgeous views, but not for the faint of vertigo-heart).
• How long this hike takes: From Agerola to Nocelle: it should take about 4 hours to do the 7 km hike. If you’re taking the stairs down to Arienzo Beach, tack on another hour to your plan.

La Baia di Leranto

Rumor has it that just around the corner from this bay, Homer commissioned a crew of sirens to seduce Ulysses. We don’t know if they’re still lurking in the water, but there’s definitely something mystical about the area. Starting in a tiny fishing village and moving through olive trees, views of Capri, the Amalfi shoreline and even remnants of old kilns from back in the day –– the whole trail is flanked by gorgeous flowers and descends down to warm, crystal-clear waters (pack your swimsuit for a dip!).

• Getting to La Baia di Leranto: Start in the main square of Nerano, a fishing village that’s easily reachable by bus from Sorrento. The path to start the hike is well marked, once you start walking down the main street.

• How long this hike takes: It’ll take you about 3 hours to walk this 6 km trail.

Hiking Amalfi Coast: Advanced Hiking Trail

Monte Tre Calli

Mountain lovers, this one’s for you. Unlike most paths that try to lead you back to the coast, this one just keeps going up –– ending at the summit, 1100 m above sea level. Pro tip: pack a picnic! This is one of the few trails where you have a 360° view of literally the entire Amalfi Coast, Vesuvius and the Gulf of Sorrento. You’ll wanna hang out there for a while, so come fueled. The best part? You’ll likely only run into a couple of people, so that delicious view will be all yours.

• Getting to Monte Tre Calli: Start in the Piazza Paolo Capasso in Agerola and take Via Mannini to start your ascent. The first half is all uphill, so be prepared!
• How long this hike takes: You’ll take about 2.5 hours to complete the 3 km trail.

***

Want more intel on the Amalfi Coast and hiking Italy? Check out these posts:

• Traveling To The Amalfi Coast, Matera or Puglia?
• An Awesome Amalfi Coast Alternative
• 10 Italian Coastal Cities We Love to Love (and How to Get There)
• The Top 10 Spots in Southern Italy
• Cinque Terre Hiking Trails: 21 Tips To Know Before You Go

Got questions about hiking the Amalfi Coast? Write to us below and let us, or a fellow hiker, help.