Path of the Gods
Beginning in the charming town of Agerola, renowed for its fiordilatte – a special variety of mozzarella – the path ends in a small fraction of Positano, Nocelle. The trail is approximately 9 km long, and is famous for its breath-taking panoramic view of the Amalfi coastline.
Historically, the name “Path of the Gods” stems from several ancient legends about the area. One such legend tells that, long ago, Greek gods traveled this path to rescue Ulysses from the sirens on the island of Li Galli. As for the locals, this route was, up until the construction of the famous coastal road, the sole connection between the Amalfi villages.
This trail is divided into two sections: a “high path”, and a “short path”. As the name suggests, the latter is less difficult and more panoramic. Instead, for those who are up for a challenge, the higher path is the perfect choice.
Punta Campanella & Ieranto Bay Beach
Much like the “Path of the Gods”, this area is steeped in myth. According to ancient legends, this is the place where Ulysses encountered the Sirens while on his journey back to Itaca.
The hike begins in Nerano, a quaint fisherman village at the tip of the Sorrento peninsula, and it ties the beauty of the mountain landscape with the seaside. Nearly a 6 km walk, the route ends in the renowned Ieranto Bay Beach: with a view of Capri’s Faraglioni and Punta Campanella (a promontory on the Amalfi Coast and a marine protected area), this beach is a natural reserve safeguarded by FAI for its historical and environmental heritage. Its stunning marine reef attracts numerous tourists and locals for activities such as snorkeling and kayaking.
A few helpful tips:
- We recommend arriving early, as the beach is quite small and can quickly become crowded;
- Bringing your own umbrella and equipment is also crucial, as there are no rental services here.
Valley of the Ironworks
Valley of the Ironworks, located in the municipality of Scala in the Salerno province, is one of Italy’s 41 biogenic reserves. The trail begins in Pontone (a fraction of Scala), and culminates in Amalfi at a show-stopping panoramic terrace. It is 6,4 km long, and is supposed to take from 2 ½ to 3 hours.
The upper section of the hike near Scala is known for the remnants of the ancient ironworks of the Amalfi republic, specialized in producing nails for boats. In contrast, the lower section near Amalfi, once home to old paper mills, is aptly named the “Valley of the Mills”. The local community historically harnessed the springs and streams, like Rio Canneto, to power both types of factories.
This walk offers a suggestive immersion into the woods, adorned with waterfalls and centuries-old flora. Notably, the area is home to the European chain fern (Woodwaria radicans), a rare giant fern considered a living fossil dating back to the Tertiary period. This makes it a perfect destination for botany enthusiasts.
Ziro Tower
Similar to Valley of the Ironworks, the Ziro Tower trail commences in the town of Pontone and concludes in Atrani, near Amalfi. Spanning 5 kilometers, it is the most leisurely hiking trail, ideal for those seeking a pleasant stroll. Approximate walking time is 3-4 hours, though this can vary due to the presence of several staircases. The walk appeals to both trekking enthusiasts and history buffs, as the destination is a tower dating back 500 years—an important landmark in Amalfi’s history.
The place is historically known as the site of Giovanna d’Aragona’s imprisonment. Giovanna was the Duchess of Amalfi. After becoming a widow, she fell in love with one of her husbands’ servants, whom she secretly married. When her brothers discovered this, they attempted to separate the lovers. Although Giovanna and her lover initially managed to escape, they were quickly tracked down. Giovanna’s lover was killed, and she was sent back to Amalfi, where she ultimately disappeared.
Moreover, it is one of the many coastal towers built to overlook the sea and safeguard the area from the Saracen pirate attacks.
Path of the Lemons
When thinking of the Amalfi Coast, its lemon groves are among the first images that come to mind. These lemons, particularly the unique “Sfusato Amalfitano” variety native to the region, are used in a wide range of recipes, from beverages such as “Limoncello” to pastries like “Delizia al limone”.
Citrus harvesting on the Amalfi Coast is part of a centuries-old tradition that remains vibrant today. The ancient walls of the Path of Lemons, a historic route connecting the towns of Maioriand Minori, border this scenic trail and the renowned lemon groves. This path was once traversed by “Formichelle” (in English, “Little ants”), women who carried large baskets of lemons on their heads, each weighing aroung 50 kilograms.
This hike spans approximately 3 km and is quite simple. It begins in Maiori, passes through the village of Torre, and concludes in Minori. Minori, also known as the “City of Flavor”, is the best place to savor iconic lemon pastries. A renowned pastry shop to visit is the famous “Sal de Riso”, where you can indulge in these delightful citrusy treats.
Choose your preferred hiking trail and experience the Amalfi Coast like never before with our private van transfers. An unforgettable adventure awaits, ready to etch itself into your memories forever!
