An ancient network of routes is available to walkers who wish to explore the Amalfi Coast beyond the usual spots (aka Sorrento, Amalfi and Positano), discovering the world-famous coastline in a eco-friendly, low-impact way.
“A sense of wonder takes over each time you step out,” writes Gillian Price in her ‘Walking on the Amalfi Coast’ guidebook published by Cicerone Press. “The crowds and hustle of the coast are left quickly behind, and in their place are soothing green landscapes with masses of wild flowers and aromatic herbs, not to mention inspirational panoramas.”
The guidebook describes 32 days walks, from 3km to 11 km, all accessible by public transport, varying from family strolls to strenuous treks. It includes information on plants and wildlife, and on each major village of the Amalfi Coast. Each walk is graded for difficulty, described in detail and includes a map. It is a great little book to have both before your trip for good planning ahead, and during your trip as its small size fits easily in a backpack.
The walks depart from the major points of interests of the Amalfi Coast: Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and the two islands of Capri and Ischia. Because visitors tend to concentrate on the same ‘hot spots’, you’ll often find yourself on beautiful and solitary paths when you go on one of the walks described in the guidebook. Take for example the Sentiero dei Fortini, a 5-km walk that runs along the western coast of Capri, starting at Il Faro and ending at one of Capri’s greatest tourist magnets, the Grotta Azzurra. From Positano, the Montepertuso-Fornillo circuit takes you high above Positano, to the village of Montepertuso, among beautiful wildflowers. From Positano, you can also take the Amalfi Coast’s favorite walking route, the Sentiero degli Dei, or ‘Pathway of the Gods,’ where “magnificent views are enjoyed every single step of the way and you feel as though you’re on top of the world,” writes Price. From Sorrento, the Baia di Ieranto walk offers stunning views of the bay of Ieranto, among masses of Mediterranean wildflowers.
These are just a few examples of the kinds of beautiful walks you can take on the Amalfi Coast. Get the book, start planning and you’ll be on your way to see the Amalfi Coast as few do. Just walk!
