Walking the Amalfi Coast & Villages

Day 1  Corpo di Cava
Arrive in Corpo di Cava at any time.

Day 2  Corpo di Cava  
We suggest a gentle introductory circuit which starts from the village’s impressive Benedictine monastery, founded in the 11th century and later restored in Baroque style. The route leads through chestnut woods and crosses streams to rise to an ancient chapel from where there are fine views of the coast. You return to Corpo di Cava via another chapel which again boasts wonderful coastal panoramas. If you are feeling energetic, you could continue up from the ancient chapel to cross the eastern part of the Lattari Mountains, all the way to the cliff-edge Avvocata Monastery, from where you are rewarded with superior views that include Mount Vesuvius to the north and a far-reaching panorama along the peninsula. Alternatively, for a day of sightseeing, you could travel to Pompeii (pay locally).

Day 3  Corpo di Cava to Ravello
The day starts with a transfer to the coastal town of Maiori. From here, you ascend hundreds of ancient stone steps past fragrant lemon groves and through woods of pines and chestnuts to the late 11th-century Convent of San Nicola, which perches on a hill 486 metres above the sea, the highest point of the walk. You then descend through woodland to Ravello, passing occasional olive groves and vineyards. For your two nights in Ravello, you stay at the Hotel Bonadies or Hotel Parsifal, both of which enjoy locations overlooking the coast.

Day 4  Ravello    
Both of today's options follow an ancient route to cross the Valle del Dragone and reach Torre dello Ziro, one of Amalfi's oldest watchtowers. From here you have a choice of onward routes. Whichever route you follow, be sure to leave plenty of time to explore exclusive Ravello and appreciate the impressive views – the best in the region – of the Amalfi Coast. Some of the most breathtaking and far-reaching vistas are enjoyed by the formal gardens of the Palazzo Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo (pay entrance fees locally). The cathedral is also worth a visit as it houses some fine works of art. Ravello has a thriving concert society, and there are many musical recitals throughout the summer (pay locally).

Day 5  Ravello to Bomerano  
From Ravello you walk past isolated farms and along a panoramic path to enter the Valle delle Ferriere nature reserve, a lush valley in which salamanders, red woodpeckers, giant ferns and the insect-eating Pinguicola hirtiflora can be found. The path contours the Lattari Mountains, affording splendid views.

Day 6  Bomerano to Positano    
This is a spectacular walk, possibly rewarding you with a sighting of a peregrine falcon in addition to the breathtaking views which give you the impression of being on top of the world. The route contours the mountains and takes you along the very popular 'Path of the Gods' high above the sea, the views often stretching as far as the island of Capri. You then descend along hundreds of stone steps to reach the elegant resort of Positano, where you stay a short, seafront stroll from the centre in tranquil Fornillo – at either Hotel Pupetto or Hotel Vittoria. (You can opt to take a bus for the last leg to avoid the descent on the steps. Pay locally.)

Day 7  Positano
We recommend a thrilling route that penetrates the wild rugged mountainside behind Positano, some of the steepest and most exhilarating of the whole coastline. You ascend via an ancient, well-preserved mule-track which offers magnificent bird's-eye views over Positano. At its top, you reach the church of Santa Maria Castello, set beneath some of the highest peaks of the Monte Lattari range, and which also overlooks the Bay of Naples. There is a rustic bar-restaurant nearby for a well deserved lunch, before you descend via forest-clad slopes back to Positano.

Day 8  Positano
Your self guided walking tour ends on day 8, depart at any time.