Self-Guided Hiking: Capri & the Amalfi Coast
It is a real pleasure to introduce our new self-guided hiking tour of Capri & the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is truly enchanting. Who wouldn’t want to go there?
The region surrounding Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula has everything that you could ask for in a “civilized” hiking vacation, from scenic hillside walks like the Sentiero degli Dei (the Trail of the Gods), to quiet dinners beneath the pagliarelle, traditional straw canopies that transform your dinner table into an intimate dining experience. From natural wonders like the Faraglioni, three highly-photographed rock formations standing off the coast of Capri, to man-made luxuries like limoncello, a delectable lemon-flavored liqueur and specialty of the region, you’ll find something beautiful, delicious, or both, waiting around every corner.
Our seven-day hiking tour begins in Sorrento, Italy, a coastal town famous for its legendary views of Naples, Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. You’ll spend one night at our favorite hotel in Sorrento before hopping on a boat for a brief transfer to Isle of Capri. Once on Capri, you’ll be in heaven. We guarantee it. We’ve selected the best hikes on Capri, but since this is a self-guided hiking tour, you can indulge in anything you like. Explore ancient villas. Visit tourist sites like the Grotta Azzurra, a popular sea cave that glows with electric blue light. Take a swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea. We’ve designed this itinerary so that you can lose yourself in Capri, from coastline walks and Mediterranean vistas, to exquisite boutiques and sun-soaked Dolce Vita. This is a perfect trip for couples, especially if he wants to shop, but she wants to hike.
After two days on the island of Capri, you’ll transfer back to the mainland, this time to the south side of the Sorrentine Peninsula and a famous port village called Amalfi. While most people know Amalfi for its dramatic cliffs, coastal views and a cascade of terraced villages, there is infinitely more to this seaside gem than what we’ve been shown in Hollywood. With our hike descriptions in hand, you’ll explore the Amalfi that inspires filmmakers, walking along footpaths laid down by the Romans centuries ago. You’ll see the medieval architecture in the center of town, including sites like the Duomo di Amalfi, an eleventh century cathedral, and the Museo della Carta, a fourteenth century paper mill, and you’ll climb 1,700 feet above the village to witness the mountain culture of southern Italy. You’ll also have a chance to sample limoncello, the principal specialty of Amalfi, and you’ll wander through the tranquil lemon orchards that produce this classic Italian cocktail. Following a traditional lunch at a quiet hamlet high in the hills, (and provided you didn’t sample too much limoncello), you’ll return to Amalfi via the Antrani trail, descending hundreds of ancient stairs directly to the sea.
No walking tour of the Amalfi Coast would be complete without a visit to Positano. There is something distinctly “Italian” about this tiny fishing village. Maybe it’s the gentle sound of clinking wine glasses by the water, or the smell of Italian cooking on the salty sea air, but something about Positano feels very calming and timeless. You’ll access Positano by hiking along the Sentiero degli Dei (the Trail of the Gods), and if you haven’t blown through your memory cards during the first half of the trip, then you’ll certainly fill them up during your last two hiking days. You’ll enjoy huge views over the Mediterranean Sea and you’ll discover why people refer to Positano as, “the vertical city,” a nod to the terraces of homes that seemingly tumble down the hillsides and into the sea. You’ll have plenty of time to relax on the beach or hike dizzying trails in the hills. Have dinner on the water, or simply relax in your eighteenth century 4 star hotel. That’s the glory of a self-guided hiking tour through southern Italy! We make it easy to enjoy La Dolce Vita.
Please visit our tour page for the full Capri & the Amalfi Coast itinerary.
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