Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 23:20

The Amalfi Coast Walk

The Amalfi Coast Walk Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
  • Destination: Italy
  • Programmes: Walking & Trekking
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

  • 9 Days: Flight Inclusive
  • 9 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 13+
  • Trip Code: W08AC

Trip Overview

This ever-popular self-guided walking holiday explores the Sorrentine peninsula below the gracious crescent of the Bay of Naples.

Travelling at your own pace, you’ll combine the elegance of eternal favourites like Ravello, Positano and Sorrento with discoveries most travellers never make such as farmers harvesting olives, fishermen crouched over brightly painted boats mending their nets and the bird’s eye view of the entire peninsula from the Path of the Gods above Positano.

From Ravello, whose exotic formal gardens at Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone seem to float ethereally between sea and sky, your route takes you first to Positano’s chic pastel houses and enticing pebble beach. It’s then on to Marina del Cantone, and the hidden shingle coves few visitors ever find. Finally you reach cliff-top Sorrento. With balcony views over Vesuvius, it’s a great base to visit Pompeii or Herculaneum by train, or Capri or Ischia by boat.

At a Glance

  • 8 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • 5 days walking (including two optional walks)
  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
  • Route directions and maps

Highlights

  • Emerald seas, plunging gorges, balcony views of Vesuvius brooding on the horizon
  • Vertical landscape of pastel villages clinging to dramatic hillsides
  • Stunning walking trails through lemon groves, olive trees and vines; swimming possibilities most days
  • Stay in elegant Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento
  • Option to visit the enchanted isle of Ischia, Capri or fascinating Pompeii

Is This Trip for You?

Average daily distance on move on days: 9.2km ( 5.9miles). Please note that these are the average distances for the shorter walks , however on two of the days there is the option to extend the walk.
No. of days Walking: 5 (Including two optional walks)
Terrain: This holiday follows stone steps, coastal paths and some forest trails. You need to be a reasonably fit and confident walker, as the frequent ascents and descents, particularly on the coastal paths, make this a more demanding holiday than the distances suggest. On day 3 guests with a fear of heights may have problems with certain sections. Walkers with knee problems may have difficulty descending the stone steps and walking poles are strongly reccommended.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.

Adult min age: 13

Itinerary

W08AC map

Land Only

  • Start City: Amalfi
  • End City: Sorrento

Flight Inclusive

  • Start City: London
  • End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Ravello

Arrive at your 4 star hotel in Ravello. There’s time for a dip in the swimming pool, offering stunning views, before dinner (Pay locally for dinner).
You stay at the Hotel Villa Fraulo (breakfast included)

Day 2
Exploring Amalfi (Optional)

Descend through citrus groves to Torre dello Ziro (the Saracen watchtower inspired Webster’s Duchess of Malfi), then continue along panoramic terraces, to enter the Valley of the Mills (a testament to Amalfi’s medieval paper industry) to world renowned Amalfi. A 20 min bus ride (pay locally) to return to picture perfect Ravello, where you can end the day with a visit to the famous Villa Rufolo and Greta Garbo’s legendary retreat, Villa Cimbrone.
You stay at the Hotel Villa Fraulo (breakfast included)

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Activity hours: 3.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Ravello/Bomerano to Positano

We will drop you off in Bomerano to begin today’s walk which takes you along the Path of the Gods, the region’s most famous walk offering views all the way along the peninsula, with Capri’s famous Faraglioni cliffs marking ‘land’s end’. There’s a choice of picnic spots with stunning views as you continue onwards past lemon groves and brigands’ treasure troves to Nocelle. Then it’s down through lush terraces to the vertical pastel town of Positano and your hotel in the historic centre.
You stay at the Hotel l’Ancora (breakfast included)

Distance covered: 7mi (11km)

Activity hours: 4

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
At Positano

Positano’s wide pebble beach is perfect for a lazy day, but if you fancy exploring further afield there’s a pleasant walk to Fornillo Bay with its twin Saracen watchtowers. Boat excursions to discover coral lined sea grottoes, as well as trips to the magical mediterranean island of Capri, are available in the harbour.
You stay at the Hotel l’Ancora (breakfast included)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Positano to Marina del Cantone

We take you into the hills near Fontanelle (30 mins) from where you wind through olive trees as you climb gently to Sant’Agata. There are balcony views – making this a fantastic picnic stop – of Capri, Procida and the Li Galli islands, once considered to be the home of the mythical sirens who lured sailors onto the rocks. A paved lane finally leads you down past geranium-decked houses to the small fishing resort of Marina del Cantone.
You stay at the Taverna del Capitano (breakfast included)

Optional shorter walk: 4.5hrs, distance 12km/7.5mi

Distance covered: 9mi (15km)

Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
At Marina del Cantone (Optional)

You’ll be tempted to linger in this pretty little village with its pebble beach lapped by incredibly azure waters, but it’s a shame to miss out on our optional walk on the gorgeous Jeranto Bay. There are sea views throughout as you climb to the Montalto Tower, perched on its 100m-high cliff-top outcrop with a truly fabulous panorama over Marina del Cantone and the Li Galli islands. You then descend through olive groves and olive growers’ dwellings to an atmospheric ancient limestone quarry, with great sea views, before a final ascent back to your hotel.
You stay at the Taverna del Capitano (breakfast included)

Distance covered: 4mi (6km)

Activity hours: 2.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Marina del Cantone to Sorrento

We give you a lift (15 mins) to Termini from where you wind through olive groves with ever-opening views over the Bay of Naples and its islands, Capri, Ischia and Procida. It’s well worth the detour to lovely little Annunziata to visit its pretty Aragonese castle for wonderful views. It’s then on to bustling, pastel-coloured Sorrento, with its enchanting gardens, maze of narrow streets and stunning views over to Vesuvius.
You stay at the Hotel Continental (breakfast included)

Optional shorter walk: 3hrs, distance 7km/4.5mi

Distance covered: 5mi (8km)

Activity hours: 3.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
In Sorrento

Staying at your 4 star hotel panoramically overlooking Mount Vesuvius, you’re ideally placed to visit Naples or one of its islands, such as Ischia or Capri, by hydrofoil. Alternatively the historical sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum can be visited using the excellent Circumvesuviana Railway.
You stay at the Hotel Continental (breakfast included)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9
Leave Sorrento

The tour ends after breakfast in Sorrento.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotels

The Amalfi Coast Walk

You stay at carefully picked hotels throughout your Amalfi Coast walking trip.

They range from a beautifully restored villa with stunning sea views in Ravello, to an elegant 4 star hotel in Sorrento overlooking the panorama of the Bay of Naples.

For your evening meals you can choose to sample the hotel’s specialities or select one of the many fine local restaurants (all payable locally).

Lunch options are varied and include picnics in panoramic locations or a trattoria lunch, perhaps delicious mozzarella, grilled vegetables and fresh fish from the sea.

Single supplement from £ 994

Food & Drink

The cuisine on the Bay of Naples uses the freshest vegetables and the famous mozzarella cheese is always on the menu. Try it in salad with sweet tomatoes, baked with aubergine slices or on its own with an accompaniment of herbs. Fresh fruit features heavily too – figs are often used in antipasti along with slices of ham and what better way to finish off a meal than with a slice of fresh water melon? Pizza is a favourite dish all over Italy, but nowhere more so than here (it was invented in Naples!). The thinnest of bases are cooked in the hottest of wood ovens and are garnished with a mouth-watering variety of toppings.

The Amalfi Coast itself is not a wine area as such: the terraces are often too high for the vines to flourish. The region of Campania, however, has a number of good wines from vineyards further inland. Vines flourish too in the rich soil near Mount Vesuvio. Look out for Lacrima Christi del Vesuvio.

Transport

On some of the days we will transfer you to the start of your walk and one day you will pay locally for a 20 minute bus ride to take you to Ravello.

Weather & Seasonality

Southern Italy, like much of the Mediterranean, has a hot, dry climate in summer and cooler but sometimes wet spring and autumn periods. Unseasonable cold spells and rain are possible at any time of year, so we recommend bringing some warm clothes, especially useful in Bomerano where evening temperatures can be lower than expected. Summer can be very hot with daytime temperatures in July and August reaching up to 34-37°C on the coast.

What to expect in the low season (October – March)
A common misconception about the Amalfi Coast is that it is very warm and year round. However, autumn and winter months may be cooler than you’d expect; although usually milder than Northern Italy, average temperatures in December, January and February range from lows of around 8°C to highs of 15-17°C. Travellers should be prepared for periods of colder weather (with temperatures sometimes dropping to 2°C) especially at higher elevations – there may even be snow atop the Lattari Mountains and sometimes in Bomerano itself! During the winter up to early spring there is also more rain than usual (with an average of one day in four affected) but there are still plenty of enjoyable crisp sunny days. Overall the Amalfi Coast is still a great destination in winter as the coastline is beautiful year-round and you have the chance to visit the sights without the summer crowds and traffic.

Weather Charts

The Amalfi Coast Walk

Joining Instructions

Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many ‘low cost’ airlines, we can book these on your behalf (£30 admin fee per person). We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.

Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).

Self Drive
We can arrange various channel crossings for you. Please call for details and prices.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Amalfi
Location end: Sorrento

Transfer Details

Air prices include our standard flights/transfers
British Airways Gatwick to Naples 06:35/10:20 transfer to hotel 80 minutes. Return: Transfer to airport 70 minutes British Airways Naples to Gatwick 11:05/12:55.

Standard transfers
Standard return transfers are only included for flight inclusive bookings from Naples airport at 10:20, and back to naples airport at 07:00. Customers booking a land only trip will be able to add arrival/departure transfers at a supplement payable in advance.

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Small daypack (for water bottle, camera etc)

Lightweight waterproof jacket and wind stopper 2-3 season

Walking boots or trekking shoes with good grip 

Long walking trousers (some paths may be overgrown)

Warm clothes for departures between October and March (including a warm hat and gloves)

Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for summer departures

Walking poles are strongly recommended

Water bottle: while mineral water is available at the hotel and shops, it’s safe to drink the local tap water, so remember to bring refillable water bottles and keep hydrated during the day

Optional Equipment

A small umbrella in case of unexpected showers

Swimming costume for pool at the hotel or sea

Beach towel

Reading List

Eyewitness Guide to Naples and the Amalfi Coast
Berlitz: Naples, Capri and the Amalfi Coast Pocket Guide
Fodor’s the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Naples

Practical Information

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Vaccinations and Health

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

Credit and debit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants although cash is generally easier. Therefore we recommend obtaining some € cash before travelling or on arrival at Naples airport.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

For lunches not included, you should budget €10-20, depending on whether you choose a set menu in a café or restaurant.

Approximately €25-30 should be enough for an evening meal including drinks.

LOCAL TAXES: many Italian cities have recently introduced a tourist tax for non-residents. The local administration is in charge of the tax, which will be collected by the accommodation provider at check-in or check-out. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and number of days of stay. It is usually between €0.50 and €1.50 per person per night. For this trip, please allow between €5 and €10, depending on the season, for the week. Children and people aged 75 or over are exempt from this tax.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.