One of Sunflower’s most popular guides ever — just look at the comments on Amazon. Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri are wonderful areas for walkers. Accident of history and steepness of terrain have preserved a network of ancient footpaths linking the coastal towns of the Neapolitan Riviera and the surrounding countryside. You can either climb almost from your hotel doorstep up into the lemon groves or take a bus into the hills and walk back down. All along the way you will visit hillside villages or remote monasteries and be regaled by the most stunning views. The flowers are a constant delight: from broom and rosemary in March to freesias and cistus in May. In autumn, the woods are carpeted with cyclamen. Most of the paths can be followed easily by people who do not claim to be regular walkers, though committed hikers will like them just the same.

Area covered: The entire Amalfi (Sorrento) Peninsula, from the famous Amalfi Coast to the foothills of the Lattari Mountains; also the island of Capri, 6km off the coast

The best months for walking the Amalfi Coast are April-June, September/October.

This book is also available in a Kindle edition from Amazon websites world wide.

Sorrento or Amalfi are best for access to local buses and ferries.

7 car tours, 72 walk segments, 17 excursions with picnic
136 pages + touring/walking map; plans of Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello; 6 walk planners showing the 72 walk segments in the book
Currently available in the paperback edition: 7th ed, 2013; ISBN 978-1-85691-429-1; UK retail price £12.99 / USA retail price $17.99.

Table of contents:

Preface 4
Introduction 6
The Amalfi Peninsula 7
Planning a holiday 8
Getting about 8
Pronunciation guide 11
The inner man 11
Flora and fauna 12
The footpaths – their nature and origin 14
Hints to walkers 15
The walk planners 17
Guides and maps 18
Excursions with picnic 20

Touring 24
Tour 1: CIRCUIT FROM SORRENTO 26
Tour 2: SANTA MARIA DEL CASTELLO AND MONTE FAITO 28
Tour 3: MONTE PERTUSO AND NOCELLE 29
Tour 4: THE AGEROLA PLAIN 30  MAJOR SIGHTS OUTSIDE THE REGION 30
Tour 5: POGEROLA 32
Tour 6: PONTONE 32
Tour 7: TRAMONTI 33

Amalfi/Ravello (Walk segments 1-17) 34
Plans of Amalfi and Ravello 36
Walk segments and planner 38
Positano/Praiano (Walk segments 18-33) 58
Plan of Positano 59
Walk segments and planner 60
Conca dei Marini (Walk segments 34-38) 81
Walk segments and planner 82
Maiori/Minori (Walk segments 39-46) 88
Walk segments and planner 88
Sorrento (Walk segments 47-65) 100
Plan of Sorrento 101
Walk segments and planner 102
Capri (Walk segments 66-72) 121
Walk segments and planner 122

Bus timetables 129
Index 134
Country code for walkers and motorists 136
Fold-out area map inside back cover

Agerola 7, 21, 30, 38, 60
Amalfi 7, 9, 10, 19, 20, 24-25, 34-35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 43, 45, 50, 51, 81, 82, 86
  Town plan 36
Anacapri 23, 121, 122, 123, 125, 126-127, 128
Annunziata 26, 113
Arco Naturale 23, 122, 124
Atrani 8, 12-13, 20, 21, 25, 34, 37, 39, 40-42, 54, 55, 56

Belvedere Migliara 122, 128
Bomerano 30, 38, 60, 61, 73, 79
Bosco Grande 45, 53

Campidoglio 39, 47
Capitignano 33, 89, 95
Capo 23
Capri 4-5, 7, 9, 19, 23, 26-27, 103, 121, 122, 123-128
Caserma Forestale 61, 65, 66, 67
Colle la Serra 61, 70-74
Colli di Fontanelle 27, 102, 103, 117, 118, 119
Colli di San Pietro 58, 61, 76, 100, 102, 117
Conca dei Marini 7, 10, 22, 25, 38, 81, 82, 84-86

Erchie 89, 96
Ercolano (Herculaneum) 9, 30

Ieranto 102, 113, 115
I Trasiti 65, 67

Lone 39, 49

Maiori 7, 11, 14, 22, 25, 33, 88, 89, 91-95, 99
Marina della Lobra 102, 113
Marina del Cantone 23, 27, 102, 115
Marina di Furore 58, 61, 75, 80
Marina di Puolo 102, 104
Marina Grande 121, 122, 125
Massa Lubrense 19, 26, 100, 102, 103, 105, 106, 109, 110, 113
Minori 7, 11, 22, 25, 34, 39, 44, 54, 57, 88, 89, 90, 93
Minuta 39, 45-47, 52
Monte Comune 65, 67, 76-77
Monte Faito 23, 28
Monte Pertuso 22, 29, 32, 58, 60, 61, 62, 63, 65, 66
Monte Solaro 23, 122

Napoli (Naples) 4, 9, 10, 31
Nerano 23, 102, 103, 114, 115
Nocelle 22, 29, 58, 61, 63, 64, 70

Paestum 30, 31
Pantano 102, 103, 104, 105
Pastena 39, 49
Pianillo 30
Pogerola 20, 32, 34, 39, 43, 50, 52, 82
Polvica 88, 89, 93
Pompei 4, 9, 30, cover
Ponteprimario 95, 96
Pontone 32, 39, 45,47, 51, 54, 55
Positano 7, 9, 10, 22, 23, 28-29, 38, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 65, 67, 68-69
Town plan 59
Positano (Bar Internazionale) 58, 61, 67-69
Praiano 7, 10, 25, 58, 60, 71, 78
Pucara 89, 96
Punta Campanella 102, 116, 117
Ravello 1, 7, 8, 11, 12-13, 19, 20, 22, 31, 34, 36, 37, 39, 41, 42-43, 44, 46, 47, 57, 89, 93
  Town plan 37
Recommone 102, 114, 115

Salerno 9, 10, 25, 30
Sambuco 88, 89, 93
San Costanzo 26, 100, 102, 115, 116
San Domenico 2, 61, 74
San Lazzaro 21, 31, 38, 39, 82, 83, 84
San Nicola 89, 93
Santa Caterina 47
Sant’Agata 19, 27, 100, 102, 103, 107, 110, 111, 118, 119
Santa Maria 26, 102, 108, 109, 113
Santa Maria del Castello 28-29, 61, 66, 67, 68-69, 76
Santa Maria de Olearia 88, 89, 91, 92
Santuario dell’Avvocata 88, 89, 96, 97, 98, 99
Scala 19, 39, 46
Sorrento 4, 7, 10, 23, 26, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 111, 117
 Town plan 101
Spiaggia di Conca dei Marini 22

Termini 9, 23, 26-27, 102, 103, 107, 108, 114, 116
Torello 39, 44, 54, 55
Torre Damecuta 5, 122, 126
Torre dello Ziro 38, 39, 40, 45, 55, 56
Tovere 82, 84, 85, 86
Tramonti 7, 32-33, 93, 94, 95, 136
Trugnano 89, 96

Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills) 39, 51
Valle delle Ferriere 39, 52, 53
Vallone di Praia 61, 78-80, 80
Vesuvio (Vesuvius) 4, 30, 104, cover
Vèttica Maggiore 24, 58, 60, 61, 71, 72-73, 74, 78
Vèttica Minore 87
Villa Cimbrone 1, 8, 20, 22, 37, 41, 43
Villa Jovis 23, 122, 123
Villa di Pollio 23, 102, 104

Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, 7th ed (March 2013 ); updated 21/05/2013

Updates for walks and car tours (drives) in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast given below supplement those provided in the guidebook. It is vital that this Update is read in conjunction with the text of the book, but note that the Update applies only to the edition stated and not to any earlier editions. (If you have an older edition of this book you can “upgrade” to the latest edition at half price.)

Information has been forwarded to us by users of the book, and Sunflower Books offers the data in good faith but cannot be held responsible for any misleading or inaccurate content in the Update. Unless indicated otherwise, what appears here has not been verified by the author or publisher, so please allow due caution when new or amended routes are suggested. Each piece of information is dated; bear in mind that some of the older observations may have since been overtaken by events or further changes. If, during your holiday, you are using the current edition of the guide and are able to provide any additional updating to add to this page, we will be pleased to hear from you. Please send information, preferably in hard copy, by post, to Sunflower Books, PO Box 115, Exeter EX2 6YU (or if you prefer, by e-mail, to mail@sunflowerbooks.co.uk).

Buses: On the Sorrento to Amalfi route, at peak times between April and October buses can become very crowded and consequently some advice might help (which applies to this route only – all the others should be OK):

- It pays to get to the bus in good time if you are taking the bus from its starting point.

- If the bus is full – which means as many standing as sitting! – it might not stop to pick people up from intermediate stops, so it is advisable to have a plan up your sleeve in case the bus sails past when you are waiting at a stop.

- A full bus also hinders getting the bus driver to drop you off a specific stop.

- The bus sometimes runs up to 15 minutes late when full, which might make connecting with the Monte Pertuso bus a problem. You could walk up to Monte Pertuso in 45min from the Bar Internazionale in Positano, where many people get off, by taking the start of Walk segment 24b to reach the Monte Pertuso road, and then turn right to follow this up to the village. The road is gently graded and carries little traffic. If you are staying in or near Amalfi, the best way by far to connect with the Monte Pertuso bus is to take a nine o’clock (or thereabouts) ferry to Positano to catch the 10.20 bus. (Author)

Segment 13: Walk planning tip: those wanting an extended walk in the hills flanking the coast could combine this segment with Segment 34 Pogerola to San Lazzaro. However, instead of descending into Pogerola to finish Segment 13 so as to pick up Segment 34 from its start, you can cut across from one to the other staying in the hills. To do this: at the prominent path fork (page 53, next to last line) take the right fork. This path now takes a gradually ascending route, keeping the slope up on your right. Look for intermittent CAI marks, and at path forks tend to take the upper (right-hand) choice. After about 1km/0.6mi you come to a spring Acquolella at the foot of the rocky gully that divides Monte Molignano on the left from the main mountainside on the right. Ascend this gully; at its top reach a broad path that climbs to the next corner of the mountain, where it curves right. Shortly Segment 34 joins from the left. Continue on Segment 34. (Author 2/13)

Segment 34: Option 2 (bottom of page 83), route via Convento di Cospito. This fascinating and exhilarating route that descends to the remote ruins of a convent and continues by climbing a rocky cleft requiring some scrambling and a head for heights. Add 30 mins walking time and 125m ascent. From the sharp right bend, take the level path going half left. Follow this for 400m/yds until it reaches the foot of a cliff and the view ahead opens. Follow a path going obliquely right down the slope, heading for the convent now visible 500m/yds down/ahead. From the convent take the path with handrail to the foot of the cliff 150m away, and turn right. The path hugs the foot of the cliffs and ascends steeply to a rocky cleft. Climb this on rough steps aided by wooden poles fixed to the rock. At the top of the cleft the path continues round to the left, and follows the top rim of the cliffs for 200m/yds, until it turns right, ascends a few more steps, becomes gravel and, after 200m/yds more, joins a broad stone path. Turn left down to San Lazzaro. (Author 10/10)

Segment 50a: It’s Station of the Cross number six. Also, line 7: “Descend right for 50m/yds to the next bend, and take the earthen path on the left.” This path might have “Private Property” signs which, although probably accurate, can be ignored by walkers. (User, 07/11)

Segment 56: In the middle section of the segment a stretch of the “paved path” (Segment 56a line 16; Segment 56b also line 16) has slumped down the hillside making the going awkward for maybe 20 m/yds. Wet weather will aggravate the situation. Barriers have been put in place at both ends of the stretch, but confident walkers can bypass these and continue. To avoid the section:

Segment 56a: At the barrier take the path left the short stretch up to the main road. Turn right and descend for 400m/yds to the first narrow road on the right. Descend this to a broad road and turn right. After 100m the original route joins from the right; continue ahead to the chapel in Crocevia.

Segment 56b: Return to the start of Via di Schisani and turn left. After 100m/yds turn left up a narrow road which leads up after 400m/yds to a main road. Turn left and, after 400m/yds at the start of a right hand hairpin bend, go left down a path. In just a few metres turn right onto the original route on the concrete path.

Segment 65: A report has come in of a gate being now in place in Via Pietrapiana, the minor road that starts/ends the segment from Colli di Fontanelle. It seems it is in the short section of path that terminates the lower of Via Pietrapiana’s two parts. Coming up from Colli di Fontanelle, just before reaching the main road, you would now have to take the left bend staying on the minor road, and then turn right on the main road for 100m/yds to reach the continuing path on your left. Descending to Colli di Fontanelle, in the last sentence, instead of crossing the main road you would have to turn right along it for 100m/yds, looking to turn left on a minor road down to the village. (User/author, 5/13)

Segment 66, Line 8: About half way up the “1.5 km” the path takes a right turn, still signed Villa Jovis. (Author 2/13)

Walk planning tip from Anacapri: There is a very good path up to the top of Mt Solaro. From Piazza Victoria, take the path past boutiques towards Axel Munthe’s villa. After maybe 150m/yds look on the right for Via Monte Solaro. It goes parallel with the chairlift and enables the energetic to go up separately from those who use the chair lift, and meet at the top. Also a descent option. (Author 2/13)

Here is an extra walk to consider:

From Sorrento: Ascent of Monte San Michele

It is not difficult to climb the highest of the Lattari Mountains at 1444m/4738ft, the peak visible from Sorrento to the east. By taking the cable car (out of action in 2013 owing to repairs) from Castellamare di Stabia (connecting at the Circumvesuviana station) you are whisked up to Monte Faito at 1102m/ 3615ft, and from there well-built and easily-followed paths lead straight to the summit of San Michele. Although the route lies mostly in woodland there are fabulous views at many places on the ascent. You descend by the way you went up. There is little risk of losing the way, but these instructions must be followed carefully as a simple mistake can lead you into difficult territory. The main risk comes from the effects of deteriorating weather, as at that height temperatures can drop quickly, possibly aggravated by wind and/or rain. Thus the climb must be attempted only in settled weather, and you should carry weatherproof clothing. The cable car does not operate November to mid-April – check operating times at the AST Sorrento.

Time: 2h ascent/1h40min descent Grade: moderate, with an ascent of 500m/1650ft

On exiting from the cable car building turn left to take the steps and landing above the exit to gain access to the ridge-top path. Follow this ascending gradually, after 200m/yds passing to the left of a radio station. Follow a good track along the crest of the ridge for 20min, until a second radio station blocks the way. Pass to the right of it, onto a narrow tarmac road. Stay on this until it reaches the ridge top again by small level grassy area. From here take the rough path ahead up the ridge to the chapel of San Michele and a third radio station, which are now visible (50min). From the chapel, descend the road in zigzags to the second right-hand bend. Go ahead here to a flat gravelly area; from its far left-hand end descend left for about 200m/yds by a rough stepped path, to a well-built mule track going right (ie, with the slope up to your right). At first descend gradually for about 200m/yds; then the gradual ascent starts. From here you start seeing red/ white CAI paint signs. When you meet a rough rocky patch with great bulging overhang to the right, look for the zigzag path up ahead, cut in the rock. After the rocky patch the path comes out onto a level rock ledge with handrails (and fabulous views left of the square peak (“Molare” = molar) towering above on the other side of the deep valley which is our destination). 200m/yds after the handrails you come to imposing cliffs above to the right; in a further 300m/yds you come to a T-junction. Turn sharp right; a red/white CAI V-turn is painted on a rock at the junction (1h30min). (On leaving the junction, look back to memorise it for the return.) Ascend the path in about four wide zigzags to a second three-way junction (1h40min); the two routes ahead are marked ‘Conocchia’ to the right and ‘Molare’ (i.e. “molar” describing the shape of the peak) to the left. Go left. After 200m/yds the path zigzags and transfers to the other (south) side of the mountain. Continue to a small col between the main mountain and an outlying knoll to the right (1h50min). The final rough stepped path leads left from here to the summit (2h).

Although you descend the same way, here are some reminders: Go down to the col (10min), then the junction marked Conocchia/Molare (15min). (From here, if you have time you might like to explore a little of the Connochia route, even as far as its summit with cross – returning to this junction). Descend about four zigzags to the junction marked with a CAI red/white V-turn which you memorized: go left here (25min). Pass cliff/ handrails/rocky patch until the path starts to ascend gently. Ascend left up to the gravelly area (50min) – or to the road, if you have overshot and have come into an open area, with the chapel of San Michele visible up ahead. From the hairpin bend a quicker way back avoiding the climb to the chapel of San Michele goes as follows: descend the road (left) to a scout building on the right; 200m/yds after this take the narrow tarmac road on the right, which ascends gradually to radio mast number two. Pass this on the left to regain the ridge with its track down to the cable car. (Author 10/10)