Hike with me to Paradise through the Amalfi Coast
- At November 25, 2020
- By Zia Lucy
- In Paths, walking tour
- 0
Visiting the Amalfi Coast could be one of the best experiences in your life, especially if you add some hiking in your holiday!
A beautiful piece of paradise was chosen by artists and writers, they decided to have a great escape after visiting the most popular cities of Italy. Later in 1960’s the Amalfi Coast became a really popular place for ceramics, lemons, great fresh food and the warm climate.
People come here not only to enjoy the sun and the marvellous beaches but also to discover our culture, admire the amazing nature surrounding us and enjoy our “too Italian lifestyle”. Classic Tours you can do here are: getting a Ferry or a private boat to Capri, visit ancient vineyards, stopping to the archaelogical Site of Pompeii on the way to the airport.
But, have you ever thought about hiking?
There’s a great selection of trails you can take on the Amalfi Coast: Every path is different due to the geographical position of the Coast and its micro climate which changes from one place to the other. You can do half or full day hikes, combining your walks other activities and tours.
Hiking on the Amalfi Coast can be a great holiday for the entire family, a “once in a lifetime adventure”. If you are looking for a longer adventure, you can do one week trekking between Amalfi and Sorrento or vice versa, enjoying off the beaten path and later relax into the beautiful small towns, go to the beach or do some shopping.
Hiking on the Amalfi Coast offers you a different point of view and if you do it with a guide, it improves the quality of your holiday. With a native guide In fact, you are able to connect with locals and discover the hidden secrets of a place. A guide not only points out flowers and places, but also tells you stories you can’t find in books because they belong to the everyday life and to popular traditions. A guide can suggest you the best viewpoint where you can stop and take a selfie and always try to skip the crowds.
Hiking along the Amalfi Coast with a local guide could change your holiday from nice to Paradisiac.
So why not try?
Here’s there’s a list of my favorite hikes (… yes, local guides have favorite places too):
1. Ravello to Atrani via Sambuco
Start hiking from Ravello, one of the most beautiful towns in the Amalfi Coast. Before walking, I suggest to visit Villa Rufolo and then have a pastry at Caffè Calce (my favorite bar for gelato and brioche, they also have a pizzeria for lunch). The hike brings you to San Nicola Convent through a path surrounded by ancient dry-walls, small rivers and chestnut trees. After crossing the Convent, you can take a path to get to Minori or Maiori and walk through a pine forest with some coastal views and lemon gardens at its end. I like going to Minori.
2. Papermills Valley
You can read a description of this hike in this post: http://en.zialucy.com/2020/04/18/paper-mills-valley-hike-amalfi/
3. Path of the Gods
Considered the most beautiful trail in Italy, this hike is suitable for many people (not for those who have knee, legs, heart or balance problems). I’ve done this hike more than 1000 times and I never get tire of it. Me and my guides will be happy to show you the best spots and talk about local legends.
4. Positano to Colli di Fontanelle (path of the 2 provinces) or Le Tese
One of the most challenging hike for length and elevation gain. It’s my favorite for the challenge and the views: Once above Monte Comune, weather permitting, you are able to enjoy the spectacular views on the two bays (Salerno and Naples) divided by the Isle of Capri and the best part of our mountains! If you can’t hike for 13 km with 1000 meter of elevation, I recommend to go for a walk to Santa Maria del Castello through Le Tese Hike (the path where I do a big workout before starting the hiking season).
5. Sirenuse Trail
Considered the alternative hike to path of the gods, This trail is more beautiful and with a bigger variety of views. It’s recommended for people who stay in Sorrento as its start is only 30 minutes driving.
6. Athena Trail
Once upon a time, there was a path getting the Sanctuary of Athena. Nowadays it’s not possible to get to the Sanctuary but the hike is amazing and it looks like you touch Capri with your hands!
Find more info Here: Athena Trail
7. Villa Jovis and Arco Naturale
Emperor Tiberius in 27 AD decided to live in Capri. Here an amazing Villa was built, on the highest side of Capri, far away from the dangers of Rome. Here he reigned and here, according to Suetonius, Tiberius engaged in wild debauchery. Nowadays, it is possible to admire some ruins of this Villa and later you can walk back to Capri, taking a path that leads you to a Natural Arch and above the Faraglioni Rocks. Great spots and incredible vegetation will let you feel the real energy of Capri and you will understand why, from The Romans to Romantic Painters, people choose to have their great escape in this amazing Isle!
Are you ready to hike with Zia Lucy? Feel free to contact Us: [email protected]
Paper-Mills Valley hike in Amalfi
- At April 18, 2020
- By Zia Lucy
- In Paths, Senza categoria
- 0
Everybody knows The Amalfi Coast for its breathtaking landscapes. Many people know it for delicious food.
Many people have the idea of going to Capri by a private boat or Ferry. Getting to the beach is one of the best things to do while staying in Positano?
But there’s someone who loves hiking and relaxing. This can be possible because there’s a variety of paths. Those trails let you discover an off-the-beaten-path way of enjoying the Amalfi Coast.
Many people know Path of the Gods above Positano but many people ignore Valle delle Ferriere path (Paper-Mills Valley). This Path connects Nature with History of Our Glorious Maritime Republic. History made of people and tradings. Local merchants during Middle Ages produced a luxury and more sustainable paper made out of cotton, hemp and flax. Paper from Amalfi became so popular that was used for Manuscripts and letters all over Europe.
In Amalfi, just a few meters above the City Center, close to Canneto River there were Local Factories. Those Factories had wheels connected with wood machines who cut the fabrics. After a long process, workers finally produced the luxury “Carta d’Amalfi”. Factories were called Paper-mills as wheels were activated by the power of water.
Nowadays it is possible to hike into the valley and discover its treasures. It is not only a good opportunity to discover local History.It is also a relaxing walk where you reconnect with Nature. And there are lots of lemons!
I made a video which could be a great introduction about The Paper-Mills Valley Hike (Valle delle Ferriere):
We would be happy to bring you to Paper- Mills Valley. We really take care of our history and traditions and it is very important for us if you discover a place which is far from the crowds and bring you in a more intimate connection with Nature.
The Path of the Gods, why and how to walk there
- At April 06, 2016
- By Zia Lucy
- In Paths
- 0
Between all the paths of the Amalfi Coast, the “gods” is considered one of the most popular.
Local guides love walking on other paths too and if you stay in Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Capri or Sorrento for a week it’s worth to hike on other paths, such as The Valle delle Ferriere, Punta Campanella or Mount Solaro.
If you like hiking, we recommend you to walk as much as you can and the Amalfi Coast can be a great choice to escape from tourist places and go “off the beaten path”.
The path of the gods became so famous that sometimes it can be really crowded but you should see it.
Why to choose it?
Because of the views: the incredible lanscapes on all the Amalfi Coast, Li Galli archipelago and Capri Island.
Because of the flora: beautiful oaks, chest nuts, rock roses, wild orchids, and more…
Which is the best way to do it?
It depends on your personal needs but if you do it for the views, the best starts are from Bomerano (easier) or Praiano (more challenging, lots of steps, not recommended if you are scared of heights).
What to bring?
Water and snacks are required as there are not many fountains on the trail but in Bomerano, Praiano and Nocelle you can buy them before starting the tour.
How to wear?
The most important things are the shoes: hiking shoes are highly recommended, but you can also use running, trail running with a good traction.
Sandals, Ballerinas, Flip-flops, All Stars, etc are the worst shoes for hiking.
The path of the gods is a mountain trail with steps and rocks, not the flat and wide road you are used to… and the Amalfi Coast is so beautiful because of its verticality.
Go with a guide?
You can go on your own and enjoy the beauties of the area. There are several maps you can buy into Newsagents and Tabacchi.
A local guide can be a good choice for a walking tour on the Path of the gods in case you are looking for an unforgettable and unique experience as you will be able to know the real life of the Amalfi Coast.
Feel free to contact us even just for infos and enjoy your walk!
The Vuallariello: a walk to Mount San Costanzo
- At September 13, 2015
- By Zia Lucy
- In Paths
- 0
I’ve walked with Giovis and some friends along an old path that links the village of Termini to Mount San Costanzo, in the Sorrento Peninsula.
This path, called Vuallariello, could be an alternative to the path called Athena as the area to Punta Campanella is closed for some work in progress until 2016.
The path is of about 4.5 km with an elevation gain/ loss of 250 metres and it has breathtaking views on the Islands of Capri, Ischia, the Gulf of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
Have a look at the video made by Amalfi Coast Insider:
Amalfi
- At August 28, 2015
- By Zia Lucy
- In Paths
- 0
(photo: courtesy of Andrea Milano)
Despite its beauty and lemons, the town of Amalfi has an incredible history which everyone can dicover just by moving a little far from the crowded centre.
It is said that the first who moved to Amalfi were roman patrician during the I BC. They founded along the Coast amazing Luxury Villas for their holidays but, according to a legend called the Chronicon Amalfitanum, some roman families escaped from Palinuro due to Vandal raids and they founded the villages of Amalfi and Atrani.
From 839 to the XII Century Amalfi was a powerful Maritime Republic: all the Coast from Cetara to Positano, the Monti Lattari and the Islands of Capri and Li Galli were under the control of the republic and the borders were fortified by castles and watch towers which are still visible nowadays.
People from Amalfi were great traders: they founded houses, monasteries, kiosks and shops all over the south of Italy, the Byzantine Empire and the northen side of Africa. They used to sell wood and buy spices, gold and silk that they later sold to the North Italian markets. The trade with the Arabs influenced amalfitans’ architecture, trading and lifestyle.
Nowadays is still possible to walk around Amalfi and imagine its glourious past. As a local guide and an insider, I highly recommend to visit the Paper Museum and the Mills Valley: an itinerary that goes to the upper side of Amalfi where you will discover a hidden River surrounded by an incredible nature, where it is possible to admire huge lemon yards and ruins of medieval paper mills. An enchanted place enclosed into the past, far from the crowds and the tourist areas where it is still possible to enjoy the real local life and nature.
Walking around The Sorrentine Peninsula
- At May 20, 2015
- By Zia Lucy
- In lifestyle in Positano, Paths
- 0
When I started to be a guide my boyfriend introduced me to Giovanni Visetti, aka Giovis.
With Giovis I discovered many paths along the Sorrentine Peninsula.
Many paths on the area are not as famous as the path of the gods but they have breathtaking views and you can enjoy the off the beaten paths walks.
In my opinion, as well as local people believe, the best path on Peninsula is called Athena: it starts in Termini, a small village nearby Nerano, it continues to Punta Campanella (the extreme side of the Peninsula) up to Mount San Costanzo and then down to Termini. The trail is called Athena because of the Temple situated on the cliffs of Punta Campanella, dedicated to Athena during greek time, then to Minervae into the 2nd century BC.
This site has an important archeolgical interest but also amazing views: it seems that you can touch Capri with your hands and hiking up to the hill of San Costanzo you can see the amazing bay of Ieranto with its incredible waters. During clear days you can see all the gulf of Naples. The first time I did this hike was at night and we walked under the moon light. I don’t recommend to walk on this path during the warmest hours of the day. My best suggestion is to start the hike after 4pm during the summer so to enjoy the sunset ( always check at what time it becomes dark in order to avoid problems). For more info you can visit http://www.athenatrail.com/
Another beautiful hike is called Path of the Sirenuse. This loop trail is developed mostly on the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula, between the town of Sant’Agata sui due golfi (above the two Gulfs), the hamlet of Massa Lubrense and Colli di Fontanelle. It takes its name from Li Galli Archipelago which is considered the place where the sirens of greek mythology lived. Of course you won’t see any Siren but there are amazing views along one side of the Amalfi Coast, Punta Campanella and Capri, the gulfs of Naples and Salerno. During the spring, it is possible to admire amazing wild orchird and other plants which bloom such as the Asphodel, the Broom, the Rock Rose and many other.
Walking up to the Pizzitiello there’s the house of my dreams: a small rural house which looks like a tower, surrounded by small prickly pears facing the blue sea. Fore more infos http://www.pathofthesirenuse.com
I higly recommend those two hikes but there are other beautiful walks around the area. Would you like to discover them with me?
Hikes of the Amalfi Coast
- At May 04, 2015
- By Zia Lucy
- In Paths, Positano
- 0
The paths of the Amalfi Coast are incredible places where you can discover local culture and explore the authentic essence of villages such as Positano, Amalfi and so on. Going off the beaten paths and explore the Amalfi Coast in an unique way could be the adventure of a lifetime, an adventure that you will remeber forever.
As a local guide I should tell you that I love all the paths on the Amalfi Coast but there are some foothpaths I love most.
Of course the first on the list is the path of the gods, not only because it’s the most popular but also because it’s the first place where I’ve guided people. I never get tired of this walk and I love reaching the path from Praiano or starting from Bomerano in order to have the best views. I love taking the steps that from Praiano go to the Monastery of Santa Maria a Castro or San Domenico. There are about 1000 steps and it’s a good workout. The monastery was built between the 11th and the 14th century and when it’s open you can admire amazing frescoes which are under restoration. From there you can reach the path of the gods by a small and narrow path, not recommended for those who are scared of heights.
Another incredible path is one side of the Alta Via dei Monti Lattari. People call this walk the path of the 2 provinces as it is situated on the mountains between the Amalfi Coast (province of Salerno) and the Surrentine peninsula (province of Naples). Starting from Positano, the first section of this walk is really challenging as you have to reach Santa Maria del Castello and then Monte Comune, an elevation gain of about 600 metres.
It is a challenging hike but once at Monte Comune you have an incredible view on both the Gulf of Naples and the last side of the Amalfi Coast facing the island of Capri. From Monte Comune you can reach Monte Vico Alvano and from there you can go to Arola where you can eat at Torre Ferano (a restaurant with a very yummy food) or you can walk to Colli di San Pietro where you can get a bus.
One path on the Amalfi Coast that in my opinion is really cultural is the Valle delle Ferriere in Amalfi. During Middle Ages, the village of Amalfi was a great Maritime Republic, famous all around Europe for the production of a luxury paper made of cotton. The valley behind Amalfi was full of Paper Mills which were activated by the power of the River Canneto.
Nowadays it is possible to see the ruins of those papermills while walking on a path surrounded by an incredible nature. Having the possibility to walk all day, you can walk from Amalfi to Pontone along the Mills Valley (lower side) and then to go to Pogerola (upper side). Sometimes I’ve also walked from Pontone to Pogerola where I had a great meal at trattoria Rispoli. Here at Trattoria Rispoli the “sisters” (owners) will delight you with a home atmosphere and good food. From Pogerola you can down to Amalfi by an old muletrack.
When in Amalfi, I also love visiting the paper museum. Here you can learn about our culture as a local guide in the museum shows you the medieval way of producing paper (guide included in the entrance price).
Feel free to ask for infos regarding the paths and enjoy my Amalfi Coast.
Guide me to paradise through the Amalfi coast
- At March 23, 2015
- By Zia Lucy
- In Paths
- 0
Visiting the Amalfi Coast could be one of the best experiences in your life.
This beautiful peace of paradise whas chosen by artists and writers who decidedto have their great escape after visiting the most popular cities of Italy.
The Amalfi Coast infact, offers a series od incredible paths with breathtaking views.
Every path is different from the other, due to the position of the coast but also to the miscro climate which changes from one place to the other.
it is possible to do some half-day or full-day hikes along the coast and to combine them with other activities and tours.
Hiking along the coast offers you a different point of view and if you do it with a local guide, it improves the quality of your holiday.
With a local guide, infact, you are able to connect with locals and discover the hidden secrets of a place.
A guide on the Amalfi Coast can tell you about flowers and places but above all tells you stories you can’t find in books because they belong to the everyday life. A guide suggests you the best viewpoint where to stop and take pictures and also the best time to avoid the crowd.
Hiking along the Amalfi Coast with a local guide could change your holiday from “nice” to “paradisiac”… so why not to try?
My walk to the beach of Crapolla
- At March 21, 2015
- By Zia Lucy
- In Paths
- 0
Few weeks ago I decided to walk into a path where I generally don’t go.
I started my walk from the hamlet of Torca, nearby Sant’Agata sui due Golfi, and took a slippery paved path because I wanted to go to the beach of Crapolla. After walking for about 20 minutes I went on a beautiful path surrounded by plants of Myrtle, Lentiscus and Asphodels. I was not alone as a funny and friendly dog, that generally follows me when I do the Sirenuse trail, was with me.
The views from there are breathtaking, you can see the archipelago of Li Galli and the small islands of Vetara and Isca (where the artistic family de Filippo has built a beautiful Villa). It was so quiet and relaxing that I decided to stop and enjoy the silence which was only broken by the sound of a small goiter boat.
I then took more than 500 steps down to the small chapel dedicated to Saint Peter (in medieval times, the chapel was a side of an important Benedictine Monastery).
While walking down to the beach, I noticed some ancient ruins of roman cisterns.
There was no one on the beach except me and a dog, so I decided to have a swim.
The sea water was very cold but I loved it!
Evening Walks
- At August 03, 2014
- By Zia Lucy
- In lifestyle in Positano, Paths
- 0
It’s so marvellous to walk in the evening.
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