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Italy: The Bay of Naples

Gems of the Amalfi Coast Walking

Trip code: W07AM

Average customer rating 4.8 / 5(5 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Walking
7 nights twin centre
Demanding
Exodus trip
CO₂ rating 1/5
Headwater Navigation app

Trip highlights

Take in the sweeping coastal views of one of the most breath-taking coastlines in Europe

Stay in Amalfi & Positano, two of the coast’s most picturesque towns, with delectable cuisine

Walk over high mountain flanks, providing a perfect backdrop to the colourful coastline

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Trip details

One of the most breath-taking coastlines in Europe, the Amalfi Coast, is perhaps Italy’s most famous. Stretching 50km from Sorrento to Salerno, the landscape is hugely varied and surrounded by infinite and ever-changing views. Steep terraces full of scented lemon groves fall steeply into a shimmering Mediterranean Sea; whitewashed houses cling precariously to unforgiving slopes while sea and sky merge in one vast blue horizon. Pastel coloured coastal towns are pasted onto the steep slopes and have a history dating back 1000’s of years. Discover cultural treasures including rural chapels, castle ruins and ancient farmhouses. Man has created a mosaic terraced landscape, which nothing can compare with.

What's included

Included

  • 7 nights in 3-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Travel insurance

Travel options

Our travel specialists can arrange flights, rail and transfers to this holiday from wherever you are. Call us to plan your journey. +44 1606 720099

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrive in Amalfi

Arrive in Amalfi

Explore Amalfi’s marina, and admire those sea views, before dinner.

You stay at Hotel Floridiana

Terrace at the Hotel Floridiana
Image 1 of 2

Hotel Floridiana

Amalfi

  • Air conditioning
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

This simple yet comfortable, family run hotel has just 13 rooms, and boasts a prime location, just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Duomo and a short stroll from the beach. The hotel actually dates back to the 12th century, but was renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries; it retains much of its historic detail, including a beautiful frescoed ceiling in the breakfast room. The hotel also benefits from a rooftop terrace, which comes with a jacuzzi and enjoys views over Amalfi town and the surrounding countryside, Whilst the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, there is a wide choice of restaurants within easy walking distance.

Day 2 · 8km/5.0miHamlets of the Amalfi Coast

Hamlets of the Amalfi Coast

Today’s walk is to the charming historic village of Ravello, the first stretch along a scenic route around the headland to Atrani, a well-preserved little town with narrow streets and a serene town square. Then you climb up past Castiglione to the Villa Cimbrone, on Ravello’s headland. Take your time to wander around this ancient town, ‘closer to the sky than the seashore’ according to the French novelist, Andre Gide. Ravello is one of the most exclusive villages of the Amalfi coast, and has two magnificent villas, – the 11th century Villa Rufolo, once a papal residence and later the home of Richard Wagner, and the Villa Cimbrone, a sumptious 19th century mansion with fabulous gardens and unequalled views over the Gulf of Salerno. Later walk back down to Atrani along the ‘Valle del Dragone’ – the Valley of the Dragon, which was the industrial area of Atrani with power being harnessed from the rivers. Then retrace your steps back to Amalfi. Optional extra to the hamlets of Scala, Minuta and Pontone.

Elevation

Hamlets of the Amalfi Coast elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Floridiana

Terrace at the Hotel Floridiana
Image 1 of 2

Hotel Floridiana

Amalfi

  • Air conditioning
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

This simple yet comfortable, family run hotel has just 13 rooms, and boasts a prime location, just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Duomo and a short stroll from the beach. The hotel actually dates back to the 12th century, but was renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries; it retains much of its historic detail, including a beautiful frescoed ceiling in the breakfast room. The hotel also benefits from a rooftop terrace, which comes with a jacuzzi and enjoys views over Amalfi town and the surrounding countryside, Whilst the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, there is a wide choice of restaurants within easy walking distance.

Day 3 · 8km/5.0miPontone and the Valle dei Mulini

Pontone and the Valle dei Mulini

Set off along the quiet back alleys of Amalfi where you will notice the strong Moorish influences. An ancient stairway takes you up underneath the impressive limestone cliffs towards the little village of Pontone, part of the medieval defence system of the city of Amalfi. Onward to Monte Aureo with its fortified ruins, from where you will have unforgettable views along the Amalfi Coast. Back through Pontone you walk to the Valle dei Mulini, the valley of the mills, with the ruins of Europe’s most ancient paper mills, dating back to the 11th century. The footpath descends through abundant woodlands and then passes lemon groves on its way back to Amalfi.

Elevation

Pontone and the Valle dei Mulini elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Floridiana

Terrace at the Hotel Floridiana
Image 1 of 2

Hotel Floridiana

Amalfi

  • Air conditioning
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

This simple yet comfortable, family run hotel has just 13 rooms, and boasts a prime location, just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Duomo and a short stroll from the beach. The hotel actually dates back to the 12th century, but was renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries; it retains much of its historic detail, including a beautiful frescoed ceiling in the breakfast room. The hotel also benefits from a rooftop terrace, which comes with a jacuzzi and enjoys views over Amalfi town and the surrounding countryside, Whilst the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, there is a wide choice of restaurants within easy walking distance.

Day 4 · 9km/5.6miWalk to the Highest Peaks

Walk to the Highest Peaks

You can choose to take today as a rest day, or you can catch a bus to Bomerano and walk up into the mountains, towards the highest peaks of the Amalfi Coast, from where the views are perhaps even more beautiful than from the Sentiero degli Dei. A stiff walk up through the outskirts of Bomerano then through chestnut woods, the path starts to climb towards Monte Tre Calli. Reach the ridge of Monte Tre Calli with unrivalled 360-degree views. A scenic walk along the ridge, through grassland and woodland to a natural rock formation known as Il Fungo, ‘The Mushroom’. From there you have the choice of returning the way you came or making a loop by descending steeply to join a forest road, which leads to a shrine of the Virgin of the Silence, with magical views towards Positano.

Elevation

Walk to the Highest Peaks elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Floridiana

Terrace at the Hotel Floridiana
Image 1 of 2

Hotel Floridiana

Amalfi

  • Air conditioning
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

This simple yet comfortable, family run hotel has just 13 rooms, and boasts a prime location, just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Duomo and a short stroll from the beach. The hotel actually dates back to the 12th century, but was renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries; it retains much of its historic detail, including a beautiful frescoed ceiling in the breakfast room. The hotel also benefits from a rooftop terrace, which comes with a jacuzzi and enjoys views over Amalfi town and the surrounding countryside, Whilst the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, there is a wide choice of restaurants within easy walking distance.

Day 5 · 10km/6.2miAlong the Footpath of the Gods

Along the Footpath of the Gods

Hop on a bus to Bomerano, then take the most famous footpath in Southern Italy, the Sentieri degli Dei, (Footpath of the Gods), across a steep rugged hillside with sweeping views of the Gulf of Salerno. You will reach the tiny hamlet of Nocelle and pass through another spectacular valley to arrive at the little village of Montepertuso, then a short but steep drop down steps to the charming seaside town of Positano.

Elevation

Along the Footpath of the Gods elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Pupetto

Beach and exterior of the Hotel Pupetto
Image 1 of 2

Hotel Pupetto

Positano

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television

Situated on Fornillo’s beach, with its restaurant/pizzeria overlooking the pebbly shores, the family run Hotel Pupetto is set in a fragrant garden of lemon trees and vibrant flowers surrounded by rich Mediterranean foliage. All rooms here are ensuite and with whitewashed walls and the local Vietri handpainted tiles adorning the floors. The hotel has a section of the beach with its own sun loungers and parasols along with a café that serves drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Day 6 · 9km/5.6miA trip to Capri

A trip to Capri

Why not catch a ferry (April to October only) to the Isle of Capri – the most famous of the three islands in the Gulf of Naples. In the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrento peninsula, it is an ancient continuation of the Latteri mountains which form the backbone of the peninsula.

From both Amalfi and Positano, there are boats sailing for Capri throughout the day – take an early boat so that you have enough time to explore. There are many places to visit – including several Roman villas – the most famous being the Villa Jovis – the Natural Arch, the Faraglioni (3 impressive sea stacks), Via Krupp (a historic switchback paved footpath leading down to Marina Piccola), and Villa Lysis – dedicated to ‘the youth of love’, built in 1905.

Elevation

A trip to Capri elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Pupetto

Beach and exterior of the Hotel Pupetto
Image 1 of 2

Hotel Pupetto

Positano

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television

Situated on Fornillo’s beach, with its restaurant/pizzeria overlooking the pebbly shores, the family run Hotel Pupetto is set in a fragrant garden of lemon trees and vibrant flowers surrounded by rich Mediterranean foliage. All rooms here are ensuite and with whitewashed walls and the local Vietri handpainted tiles adorning the floors. The hotel has a section of the beach with its own sun loungers and parasols along with a café that serves drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Day 7 · 10km/6.2miCircular walk above Positano

Circular walk above Positano

Take a bus to Montepertuso, then following ancient footpaths through the forest, you climb uphill towards Santa Maria del Castello, the fortress defending the narrow valley between the Amalfi and the Sorrento sides of the peninsula. From here you can admire both the Gulf of Salerno and the Bay of Naples. You then skirt the mountainside on a mule track to reach the Caserma Forestale, the Foresters’ Barracks. The walk continues through the forest on a zigzagging trail down to Montepertuso and then another pathway down to Positano.

Elevation

Circular walk above Positano elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Pupetto

Beach and exterior of the Hotel Pupetto
Image 1 of 2

Hotel Pupetto

Positano

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Television

Situated on Fornillo’s beach, with its restaurant/pizzeria overlooking the pebbly shores, the family run Hotel Pupetto is set in a fragrant garden of lemon trees and vibrant flowers surrounded by rich Mediterranean foliage. All rooms here are ensuite and with whitewashed walls and the local Vietri handpainted tiles adorning the floors. The hotel has a section of the beach with its own sun loungers and parasols along with a café that serves drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Day 8 · —Leave Positano

Leave Positano

Extending your holiday

Stunning sea views on the terrace at the Hotel Continental, Sorrento

Hotel Continental

Sorrento

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool

Situated in a pretty piazza in the very heart of Sorrento, the 4 star Hotel Continental benefits from superb views over Vesuvius.
The comfortable bedrooms are all ensuite and with balcony, and feature the local Vietri tiles for which the region is renowned.
The hotel boasts excellent facilities including a sparkling outdoor pool and jacuzzi set amongst tranquil gardens, and 2 stylish and modern bars – one with an external terrace looking out over the stunning backdrop of the Bay of Naples.
Massages are also possible on request.

HOTEL IL CONVENTO, NAPLES (3 STAR)

Hotel Il Convento

Naples

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Shops

Il Convento is located just a few minutes’ walk away from the Via Toledo shopping area and ten minutes away from the famous Piazza Plebiscito and Castel dell’Ovo. It is ideally situated for a long weekend break or a short stopover.

The hotel dates back to the 1600s and has been tastefully converted to make the most of its original features. There’s a cosy feel to all the rooms, with exposed brickwork walls and breakfast served by candle light!

What our travellers say

Beautiful part of Italy with ample opportunities to sample local food and refreshment. The walks are not for the faint heartened. Shortish distances each day but a lot of climbing up and down. Very easy to use local buses and ferries to get around

Sara Cranfield

Really enjoyable trip in a beautiful if rather crowded part of Italy. The walking was different to usual with many steps, but the routes were interesting with superb views. The accommodation was of a high standard. The Amalfi hotel was very welcoming and friendly, whilst the Positano hotel larger and less attentive,
The navigation system does come with cliches and at times some confusing directions, but you eventually you get used to it.
We’d travel with Headwater again.

John Ingham

I think Helen did her best to find us good alternative accommodation when first choices became unavailable. Walking notes were detailed.

Mr Breedon

Good map, seamless transitions, good accommodation

Prof Shaw

Lovely hotels, friendly helpful staff. Close to amenities, bars, restaurants. Great navigation app (an improvement would be syncing turn-by-turn directions to Apple Watch to avoid opening the phone constantly), great suggestions for places to stop en route. Nicely paced walks, mixture of terrains and difficulty, fantastic views.

A Valued Customer
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

14.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

From£1,209per person