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4.3
| 8 reviews

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

Duration

7 nights

Annual Leave

5 days off work

Group Size

Up to 12 people

Season

May-Oct

Location

Italy

Meeting Point

Naples International Airport

Classic Accommodation

Hotel · Guesthouse · Mountain hut

Customer Reviews

(8)

4.3

Difficulty

Challenging

From

From

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

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

5hrs · 12km · 650m up · 900m down

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

5hrs · 15km · 1000m up · 450m down

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

4hrs · 11km · 100m up · 1000m down

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

7hrs · 16km · 950m up · 1050m down

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

5.5hrs · 15km · 600m up · 850m down

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

5hrs · 15km · 800m up · 900m down

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!

Included

Guides

Expert, English-speaking mountain guide

Accommodation

5 nights in family-run agriturismi, 1 night in a hotel and 1 night in a mountain hut

Meals

All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners

Transfers

Airport transfers and a couple of short transfers between hikes

Porterage

Vehicles to transport your luggage throughout the trek

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Tips for your guides

Some meals as described

Visas where required

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Guesthouse · Triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3

Mountain hut · Same sex dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Guesthouse · Triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6 – Day 7

Guesthouse · Twin share

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.

The Area

map

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

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

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
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

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)

Emily(October 2023)

A fantastic way to see the Amalfi Coast away from the crowds. Norma was a very knowledgeable guide and the hiking was pretty tough in places - I’m very glad I took walking poles - but worth it for the views (and to work off all of the amazing food we were treated to in the agriturismi)!

Paul(October 2023)

I did this trip in early September 2023. The trip was excellent - the hikes and views are amazing, the guide and group were friendly, and it was cool to see so many different areas. As noted in the trip description, it is fairly tough and involves 6 days hiking in a row with a fair bit of ascent and descent.

Jason(October 2023)

We had the best time on this trip - Norma was fantastic and ensured the whole group was safe and well throughout. The kit list was accurate and we used everything we packed. Highlights were that every day was different and the accommodation and food at each stop was great.

Nadia(September 2023)

I had a great holiday- wonderful hiking, beautiful views, great company, amazing food! Hopefully easy to fix for future trips: we used public buses for transfers to accomodation at the end of day of walking, but we had problems with unexpected timetable changes and Amalfi bus station chaos- private minibus transfers would have been much better.

Amanda(September 2023)

I think this was the best way to explore the Amalfi coast and avoid most of the crowds! Norma was a great guide who kept us safe and showed us the way, the hikes were interesting and varied, with stunning views. The accommodation & food was also great, especially at the refuge and agritourismos. It was the autumn break I needed.

Anna(August 2023)

This was a great trip, a challenging 6 day hike but the views, accommodation and food made it all worth it. You get to see a beautiful part of Italy that isn't ruined by crowds of tourists and it is so peaceful. Our guide, Norma, was exceptional at looking after us and motivating us to continue despite the extreme heat!

Husain(May 2023)

An amazing experience and worth the trip! The views are amazing when the clouds finally clear out. Was rained on every day with some high winds on some other days, but I feel like it made the experience.

Dom(May 2023)

I cant really give a fair review because the weather we got at the start of May was so bad. But the accomodation was great, you get a good mix of exploring the country side and some of the classic amalfi towns/villages and in the few hours of sun we did get the views were amazing!

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 160kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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.

Very unlikely! The beauty of this trek is that it stays away from the busiest and most well-trodden trails (such as the Path of the Gods), but the views are equally as stunning. You'll be hiking along more remote and higher mountain trails, usually only known by locals, so it's less likely you'll encounter many other hikers along the way. You'll be staying overnight in very small villages, which will feel a world away from the busy coastal towns.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip your leader for good service.

The local tap water is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottle to fill up at the guesthouses and public fountains to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles.

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.

No. 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.

We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

Yes, when staying overnight in Italy, certain cities have a tourist tax. These must be paid by the client directly to the hotel before the end of the stay. Please budget approx. Eur 5-10 for this trip.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.

TRIP DEPARTURE DATES

May 2024

Sunday • 5th May 2024

to Sunday • 12th May 2024
Guaranteed to run

Sunday • 19th May 2024

to Sunday • 26th May 2024
Guaranteed to run

Sunday • 2nd June 2024

to Sunday • 9th June 2024
Guaranteed to run

Sunday • 23rd June 2024

to Sunday • 30th June 2024
Guaranteed to run

Sunday • 1st September 2024

to Sunday • 8th September 2024
Guaranteed to run

Sunday • 15th September 2024

to Sunday • 22nd September 2024
Guaranteed to run

Sunday • 6th October 2024

to Sunday • 13th October 2024
Guaranteed to run
Private trip

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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