Trek the High Trails of Italy's Amalfi Coast
Hike the remote Alta Via above Italy’s most beautiful coastline for spectacularly untrodden trails along the Mediterranean
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking mountain guideAll accommodation
5 nights in family-run *agriturismi*, 1 night in a hotel and 1 night in a mountain hutMeals
All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and a couple of short transfers between hikesPorterage
Vehicles to transport your luggage throughout the trekSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Tackle one of Italy's most stunning yet little-known trails via rugged peaks and quaint villages, all with jaw-dropping views
Scramble from the highest peaks in the Lattari Mountains down to the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea for cool swims
Rest weary legs in family-run agriturismi, where you can tuck into delicious regional cuisine and get spoiled with warm Italian hospitality
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Naples!
Meet your host at Naples airport and transfer to the charming hamlet of Cava de' Tirreni, tucked into a beautiful location in the Lattari Mountains, overlooking the sea. Join your guide and fellow adventurers for a welcome briefing and enjoy a leisurely walk through the historic centre and to the amazing Badia di Cava, one of the most impressive monuments of Southern Italy. Settle into your comfortable hotel and prepare for the adventure to come.
Day 2
Ascend to the top of Monte Avvocata
Hiking
Today you will complete the first stage of the Alta Via dei Monti Lattari, one of Italy's most stunning long-distance trails. Surprisingly quiet, the path follows the ridge of the Lattari Mountains, which form the backbone of the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula. Setting off right from your hotel, you'll follow a famous pilgrim route up through golden chestnut woods and along panoramic paths until the Avvocata Sanctuary, perched at almost 1000m above sea level. This is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular viewpoints of the entire coast, yet it's unknown to most visitors to the area. Descend down the trail to the edge of the Amalfi Coast at Maiori to dip your toes in the sea. A short local bus journey will take you up the verdant valley of Tramonti in time for dinner. Settle in your cosy, family-run agriturismo for the night and enjoy some hearty homemade food with local wine. Buon appetito!
Day 3
Above the clouds to Santa Maria dei Monti
Hiking
Hike to the Valico di Chiunzi, a small pass on the ridge of the Lattari Mountains, before climbing to the second-highest peak on the Amalfi Coast - Cerreto (1313m) - and take in the spectacular views of the coastline, Mount Vesuvius and Naples. Descend to a high plain and enter the Valle delle Ferriere nature reserve, continuing on to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria ai Monti, located high above the village of Scala and overlooking the coastal towns Amalfi, Ravello and Atrani. Your home for the night is a cosy mountain hut in a unique panoramic setting, the perfect spot to enjoy sunset and a rustic, fire-cooked dinner. Enjoy the solitude and serenity of this secret spot, hidden high above Italy's most glamorous coastline.
Day 4
The lush Ferriere Valley to Amalfi
Hiking
Take a detour from the Alta Via and hike down to Amalfi and the sea, via the picturesque villages of Scala and Minuta and the lush greenery and cascading waterfalls of the Ferriere Nature Reserve. A gradual descent will take you to the Valle dei Mulini, passing the ruins of ancient, 11th-century paper mills. Passing by lemon groves, walk into the UNESCO-listed town of Amalfi where you can spend the afternoon exploring, take a refreshing swim or people-watch with a gelato, before you transfer to the friendly village area of Agerola for the night.
Day 5
Climb Monte Molare
Hiking
The big one! Lace up your boots and tackle the highest peak of the Amalfi Coast. Walk through quaint Bomerano village and through breathtaking forest scenery, backed by stunning mountain views and seascapes. A steep, steady climb will take you to the summit of Monte Molare (1444m), suspended between the blue sky and sparkling sea. On a clear day, the 360-degree view stretches out to the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius, the Sorrentine Peninsula and the island of Capri. Begin a steep descent to Santa Maria del Castello, where you can celebrate your efforts with a hearty dinner in a family-run agriturismo.
Day 6
Descend to the Sorrentine Peninsula
Hiking
Fuel up on breakfast then set off from the doorstep of your agriturismo for a steady descent to the Sorrentine Peninsula, with the colourful hamlet of Positano at your feet. An easy stretch along the edge of the plateau leads to beautiful wildflower pastures. Hike downhill amongst the Mediterranean scrub and wild herbs, then parallel to the coast with spectacular views over the Islands of the Sirens. Reach your base in the afternoon - a converted farmhouse surrounded by apple orchards, vines, olive groves and woodland. Tuck into a meal made from local organic produce and enjoy a relaxing night with your fellow travellers in this authentic rural location.
Day 7
The blue Bay of Leranto
Hiking
Today you'll explore the ever-changing Mediterranean seascape, charming hamlets and fjords that dot the Sorrentine Peninsula all the way to its tip. Hike through pine woodland, olive groves and orchards down to the picturesque inlet of Marina di Crapolla, where you can enjoy a swim. Continue along undulating paths past medieval ruins and over spectacular cliffs until you reach Punta Campanella, the very tip of the peninsula. It was here that according to a legend, Ulysses erected a temple in honour of Athena. Finally, hike on to Termini village to enjoy a celebratory drink with a view of Capri, before a transfer back to Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi. Enjoy a last farewell dinner in the garden of your agriturismo and cheers to the completion of your epic Amalfi Coast traverse!
Day 8
Arrivederci
Enjoy a morning relaxing or down at the beach before your transfer back to Naples Airport. Alternatively, you may wish to extend your stay in one of the nearby towns of Sorrento, Positano or Amalfi - surely a deserved treat after a solid week of hiking!
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6 – Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Each region of Italy has its own distinct cuisine that reflects its history as well as local ingredients, and the Amalfi Coast is no different. This sunny and fertile area is famous for its freshly-grown ingredients, as well as for some of the best and freshest seafood in the country. Recipes are usually simple but delicious, making use of seasonal vegetables such as tomatoes, aubergines, artichokes and more. Although the region is commonly known as the birthplace of pizza, there are plenty of other local specialities you'll get to try during the trip. The Lattari Mountains pride themselves on their strong cheesemaking traditions and the local ricotta, fior di latte and provola are to die for! Lunches will be picnics prepared for you by the accommodation owners or purchased in the villages where you’ll be staying. In the evening you'll mostly eat in local agriturismi, which offer authentic home-cooked dishes prepared with seasonal and organic produce from the family farms.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Cava de' Tirreni
You'll spend your first night at a comfortable hotel in Cava de' Tirreni, either the Hotel Palazzo San Giovanni, or the Hotel Scapolatiello (depending on availability). Both hotels feature stylish rooms with free WiFi, air conditioning, a restaurant and a bar. A terrace is also available at both properties.
Local agriturismi
For five nights on the trip you’ll be staying at family-run agriturismi - converted farms which feature ensuite rooms, WiFi, large verandas or gardens and are immersed in tranquil, rural settings. Meals are freshly prepared on the premises, providing an amazing opportunity to savour typical dishes from the region, cooked from ingredients from the family's very own produce.
Mountain hut
Enjoy the incredible opportunity to snooze at the Santa Maria dei Monti mountain hut, with breathtaking views of the Lattari Mountains and the Amalfi Coast. The group will usually be split into female and male dorm rooms with bunk beds, and facilities include shared toilets, a shared kitchen and complimentary bedding and blankets. A delicious dinner made with local produce and breakfast will be cooked by the local staff at the hut.
Staying at the mountain hut, you'll need to carry your overnight items in your backpack on Day 3 & 4. There is no luggage transfer on Day 3 due to the hut being inaccessible by road. Just as it should be!
Upgrades
Due to the style and limited capacity of the accommodation used on this trip, single rooms are limited and only possible for four nights of the seven nights (nights 1, 4, 6 & 7). See Optional Extras for the price and request this upon booking.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
This is a demanding trek with some long steady hikes and considerable elevation gain and loss on some days, so previous hiking experience and stamina is recommended. There are some sheer drops and steep sections on rough terrain, as well as sections involving long series of stone steps, but the views are worth it. You should be comfortable walking for up to 7 hours a day.
What will I need to carry?
You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daypack to carry personal items in during each day of hiking. On Day 3 there is no luggage transfer included from Tramonti to Santa Maria ai Monti mountain hut, so you'll need to carry one change of clothing and any other essential personal items with you in your daypack.
From May to October the daytime temperatures in the Amalfi Coast range from 22 – 35°C and cool off to 11 – 20°C at night. The hot weather in summer (between July and September) can make some of the hikes more strenuous, however temperatures are generally much cooler up in the mountains, where you'll be hiking. Rain is possible at any time of year, although the weather is generally dry so you'll have plenty of sunshine to enjoy.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Naples International Airport
14:30 on Day 1
Ends
Naples International Airport
12:00 on Day 8
Transfers
Your host will meet you at Naples International Airport on Day 1 and transfer you to Cava de' Tirreni (approximately 1hr) - your starting point for the long distance trek in the the Amalfi Coast. If you wish to join the group arrival transfer (usually scheduled early afternoon), please book a flight landing in Naples before 14:30.
On the final day (afternoon of Day 8), your host will transfer you from your accommodation in Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi, on the Sorrento Peninsula, back to Naples Airport. Please don't book a flight departing before 14:00. You host will advise you of the exact transfers arrangements and timings prior to departure, so please provide your flight details upon booking.
If you decide to arrive at a different time and wish to travel to the start point independently, the closest major city to your start hotel in Cava de' Tirreni is Salerno, well connected by train from Naples and other big cities. From Salerno, you can reach Cava de' Tirreni by regional train (15 mins) or local bus (30 mins). Given the Sunday arrival day, the starting hotel may be able to assist with a taxi/transfer from the train or bus station when you arrive in town, contact them in advance for more details. If you require further information about your travel options or wish to book a private transfer, just reach out to your host and they'll be able to help out.
Travel options
There are regular direct flights to Naples airport from major airports across the UK and Europe.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
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What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or backpack for main luggage
- Daypack (30 litres)
- Waterproof liner for your pack
CLOTHES
- Lightweight down jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket, jumper and some warm layers for the early and late season departures
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Sandals
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle or bladder 2-3 litres
- Hydration/Electrolyte tablets
- Hiking poles (optional but strongly recommended)
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Optional Private Room Upgrade (for nights 1, 4, 6 & 7 only)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade (for nights 1, 4, 6 & 7 only)
…
Private Airport Transfer Naples Airport - Cava de' Tirreni (1-3 pax)
Payable Before Departure
Private Airport Transfer Naples Airport - Cava de' Tirreni (1-3 pax)
…
Private Airport Transfer Sant'Agata - Naples Airport (1-3 pax)
Payable Before Departure
Private Airport Transfer Sant'Agata - Naples Airport (1-3 pax)
…
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