Amalfi Coast – Independent
The Amalfi Coast is renowned as one of the great beauty spots of Italy, popular both with local Neapolitans and tourists from around the world. Between idyllically situated Ravello, with its famous gardens, and elegant Positano, this walk takes you into the heart of the Lattari mountains in the Valle delle Ferriere.
You will follow ancient paths that link villages, farms, churches and monasteries, usually only used by one or two people with their donkeys. Each afternoon, descend to the picturesque seaside towns and colourful fishing villages to stay in the more popular resorts and enjoy the bustling evening life.
We offer this trip in the spring and autumn months when wildflowers are in bloom. The sea is also at a beautiful temperature for swimming from September into October.
Duration: 5, 6, 8 or 9 days
Itinerary
Arrive in Ravello
Arrive in Ravello, with its splendid villas, gardens and art treasures in an incomparable setting. Stay in a 4-star former convent with pool.
Set 350m above sea level, this quiet mountain village is well known for its gardens and incomparable views of the coast. Indeed, it has influenced many artists and authors from Boccacio to Wagner.
Restored villa in private gardens with pool.
Upgrade rooms have balcony and sea view
A relaxing day to walk and explore Ravello - its cathedral, fine churches, Villa Ruffolo and Villa Cimbrone.
Restored villa in private gardens with pool.
Upgrade rooms have balcony and sea view
Follow ancient stairways down to the fishing village of Atrani, a maze of whitewashed alleys. Paths then lead through lemon groves to Scala, the oldest ‘little’ city of the coast, then back to Ravello (6.7 miles, 5 hours).
Restored villa in private gardens with pool.
Upgrade rooms have balcony and sea view
A high path leads to the famous nature reserve of Valle delle Ferriere, through meadows, chestnut groves and past waterfalls towards the village of Pogerola, and then down an ancient flight of steps towards the historic ‘city’ of Amalfi (8.5 miles, 6 hours). Stay in a 4-star former monastery with cliffside pool.
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Italy, this bustling little city has plenty to see and do. Unmissable is its fine duomo (cathedral) and its Cloisters of Paradise with their Arab-Norman architecture, peaceful gardens and notable tombs. Spare some time to try the local ice-cream – in our opinion the best in the world!
Previously a monastery, now an elegant hotel with ancient cloisters and cliff-side pool
The upgrade room is a Superior room
Time to visit Amalfi and its cathedral, with bronze door cast in Constantinople, mosaic façade and 13th-century cloister. A 1,000-year-old footpath leads through historic villages to Conca dei Marini. Opportunities to visit the Grotta dello Smeraldo (3.7 miles, 3 hours). Family-run 3-star hotel with sea-view terrace.
A small town set up on the ridge above the Capo di Conca. On the promontory is the 16th century Torre di Conca, a tower built to defend against Saracen raids and is sometimes used today for open-air musical recitals. A little further along the road towards Praiano is the entrance to the Grotta della Smeraldo, some popular caves with interesting formations and colours.
Friendly, family-run hotel with terrace overlooking the sea
A stepped footpath passes churches with panoramic views and descends into the spectacular fjord of Furore. Then the Via dell’Amore leads into the green Praia Valley, before descending to the quiet village of Vettica Maggiore and your 4-star hotel with rooftop pool and spa (5.5 miles, 4 hours).
Praiano is a small fishing village made up of a cluster of houses along the ridge of the Mont S. Angelo. Stay in Vettica Maggiore which is part of the township of Praiano but is set on one side around its attractive church of S. Gennaro and square.
Commanding position with wonderful views, rooftop pool and terrace, spa
Climb up to the monastery of San Domenico and along the Sentiero degli Dei (Footpath of the Gods), a high open ridge walk with fine views, before descending through olive groves to Positano (5.8 miles, 4.5 hours). Return to Vettica Maggiore by taxi.
Originally a small fishing village, this elegant resort is made up of a series of brightly coloured houses, its restaurants and shops attracting thousands of visitors every year and you can’t help but enjoy the relaxed pace of life in this charming town. Positano’s church boasts a lovely majolica dome and Byzantine Madonna.
Commanding position with wonderful views, rooftop pool and terrace, spa
Transfer to Positano by taxi. Spend the day exploring this exclusive resort town with optional walk; scenic paths with panoramic views lead from Montepertuso to Santa Maria and back along the fertile Pozzo Valley (5.4 miles, 4 hours). Return to Vettica Maggiore by taxi.
Commanding position with wonderful views, rooftop pool and terrace, spa
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Moderate to Challenging. The walk lengths vary from 3 to 6 hours. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas. The distances are not long, but the walking is physically demanding due to the stepped ascents and descents between the villages where we stay and the mountains above the coast.
Terrain: The route combines old, stepped paths, woody and rocky trails, and sections of surfaced road. Due to the rugged terrain, please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. A small section of path, where the coastline ‘appears’ to drop dramatically to the sea, may be unsuitable for vertigo sufferers. If you have any concerns, please discuss this stretch with your Route Manager.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Moderate to Challenging. The walk lengths vary from 3 to 6 hours. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas. The distances are not long, but the walking is physically demanding due to the stepped ascents and descents between the villages where we stay and the mountains above the coast.
Terrain: The route combines old, stepped paths, woody and rocky trails, and sections of surfaced road. Due to the rugged terrain, please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. A small section of path, where the coastline ‘appears’ to drop dramatically to the sea, may be unsuitable for vertigo sufferers. If you have any concerns, please discuss this stretch with your Route Manager.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
This is a wonderful area offering additional local experiences - some can be booked to fit in with your chosen itinerary, whilst for others you may wish to customise your trip to have an extra leisurely day or two to enjoy.
Additional activities are paid for locally and can be booked via your Route Manager who will contact you 2 weeks prior to departure.
In Ravello:
Olive oil tasting - from 70€/person
In Amalfi:
Guided tour of local lemon grove with Limoncello tasting - from 60€/person or from 110€/person including dinner
Boat hire (private boat tour with stop for lunch or dinner on the beach - meals not included) – prices vary
Local cooking class - including a tour through the vegetable gardens from 230€/person
Chef’s Table - a private cooking experience with the chef of restaurant da Ciccio Cielo Mare Terra, available from Monday to Friday for lunch only from 280€/person
In Positano:
Boat hire (private boat tour with stop for lunch or dinner on the beach - meals not included) – prices vary
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
I was born in Milan. Ten years ago I moved to my grandmother’s house in Amalfi for a new life full of sea, scents and colour! So, I have experienced this region as a visitor, as a resident and, since 2021, as a guide when I joined ATG. I am here to support you where needed with the walks, but also to help you escape the regular tourist trail and find the hidden local spots for a more real and authentic experience.
“This trip was to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary and the Route Manager played a big part in making it memorable.”
"Laura was the best!! We were so thrilled with her suggestions and support."
"Laura was excellent - friendly, informative and very resourceful and helpful when it came to suggestions/bookings/advice!"
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
You can expect each hotel to be one of the most characteristic, comfortable and best located for travellers on foot, with the character and sometimes the standard varying from place to place.
Star ratings indicate official classification, although many delightful places have no star rating. In more remote areas hotels may be of a generally lower standard in relation to their ‘star ratings’.
Single travellers are accommodated in double rooms for single occupancy for a supplemental charge.
On this route, upgraded accommodation is available at some overnight stops, as specified on the itinerary.
Breakfast is included and there are suggestions in the Route Book about where to buy provisions for a picnic lunch, as well as restaurant recommendations. Dining options often include a choice of restaurants that can be pre-booked for you by your Route Manager.
Food & Wine
The Campania region is famous for its pasta, mozzarella and pizza. Fresh seafood is also a staple. Roasted or preserved vegetables are common – parmigiana di melanzane (aubergine baked in parmesan cheese) is a favourite. There are few accredited DOC wines from the Amalfi Coast. However, Ravello produces some excellent red, white and rosé table wines. The Route Book contains a section on the cuisine and wines of the region, and a list of recommended restaurants en route. The Route Manager will be pleased to help you with any queries, requests or advice.
Flora & Fauna
The high routes above the ravines and dramatic rock faces take you into some little-known areas with birds of prey and rare wildflowers supported by specialised microclimates. In March and April flowers are abundant: the paths are lined with flowering broom and the pervasive smell of rosemary warmed by the sun follows you as you walk. In May, the lemon blossom is in flower, with lemons growing in profusion through winter and spring. Freesias and cistus are everywhere, and bee orchids and monkey orchids are common. You can expect to see bougainvillea in window boxes and gardens and the scent of jasmine is ever-present on the paths. In Autumn, the woods are carpeted with cyclamen. Our Route Book provides further detail while apps such as ‘LeafSnap’, ‘Flora Incognita’, ‘ChirpOMatic’ and child-friendly ‘Seek by iNaturalist’ can identify the flora and fauna en route.
Travel Arrangements:
Travel arrangements, including flights, for ATG Independent Footloose trips should be made independently.
Outward travel to Amalfi (5-day) / Ravello:
There are various ways to get from Naples airport to Amalfi, from where you take a bus on to Ravello.
a) Take the airport shuttle bus into Naples, then a train from Naples to Salerno. From Salerno there are regular ferries or buses to Amalfi.
b) Take the airport shuttle bus into Naples, then a train or bus from Naples to Sorrento, then a bus to Amalfi.
c) Take a boat from Naples to Sorrento or Capri, then another ferry to Amalfi. It is a very scenic introduction to the Amalfi coast but departures are somewhat seasonal and weather dependent.
Return travel from Vettica Maggiore/Positano:
a) Take a ferry or hydrofoil from Positano to Capri, Sorrento or Ischia, then a ferry on to Naples.
b) Take a bus to Sorrento from either Vettica Maggiore or Positano. From Sorrento there are buses to Naples airport, or catch the Circumvesuviana train, which goes via Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Trip Options & Prices
Overview
This 5 day independent walking tour along the Amalfi Coast starts in delightful Ravello. The short break to Italy includes 3 days of coastal walking – an ideal ‘taster’ of the area combining great walking, fine coastal views and picturesque seaside towns.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Ravello*
Day 2: Ravello to Amalfi*
Day 3: Amalfi to Conca dei Marini
Day 4: Conca dei Marini to Vettica Maggiore
Day 5: Departure day
*The upgrade price option includes an upgrade in Ravello
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 6 day independent walking tour in Italy offers everything on the 5 day itinerary plus the option to walk the ‘Footpath of the Gods’ - a spectacular final walk, visit fashionable Positano, or simply to enjoy a day relaxing.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Ravello*
Day 2: Ravello to Amalfi*
Day 3: Amalfi to Conca dei Marini
Day 4: Conca dei Marini to Vettica Maggiore
Day 5: Vettica Maggiore - excursion to Positano
Day 6: Departure day
*The upgrade price option includes an upgrade in Ravello
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 8 day independent walking tour along the Amalfi Coast is a more in-depth visit to the area and includes 3 days walking, plus 2 optional walks. Discover the Amalfi Coast at a more relaxed pace with time to explore the delights of Ravello and Positano on this weeklong trip to Italy.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ravello*
Day 2: Ravello* - free day
Day 3: Ravello* - excursion to Atrani
Day 4: Ravello to Amalfi*
Day 5: Amalfi to Conca dei Marini
Day 6: Conca dei Marini to Vettica Maggiore
Day 7: Vettica Maggiore - excursion to Positano
Day 8: Departure day
*The upgrade price option includes an upgrade in Ravello
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 9 day independent walking tour is our most extensive visit to the area. It includes everything on the 8 day itinerary plus an extra day to visit the elegant resort town of Positano. Enjoy a longer trip to Italy with more time to savour the charm of Positano or, for keen walkers, an additional scenic walk.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ravello*
Day 2: Ravello* - free day
Day 3: Ravello* - excursion to Atrani
Day 4: Ravello to Amalfi*
Day 5: Amalfi to Conca dei Marini
Day 6: Conca dei Marini to Vettica Maggiore
Day 7: Vettica Maggiore - excursion to Positano
Day 8: Vettica Maggiore - free day in Positano
Day 9: Departure day
*The upgrade price option includes an upgrade in Ravello
Prices (per person)
Our Independent Footloose itineraries have the flexibility to be customised if you would like to spend more time in any of the places en route; perhaps to incorporate some of the add-ons available locally or just to create a more relaxed pace to your holiday.
If you wish to build your own itinerary please complete our customise form and our Sales team will provide you with a bespoke quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
On each route there is an ATG Route Manager, who is there to take care of all the practicalities and ensure the success of your trip. Route Managers have all been ATG-trained, speak English and the language of the country fluently, and live in the local area. Your Route Manager will make contact with you a couple of weeks prior to departure (usually by email) and will then meet you at the start of your trip and will be available during your trip to move your luggage from hotel to hotel, provide local information, make restaurant reservations and do everything possible to ensure that you derive maximum enjoyment from your holiday.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Route Manager can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Route Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
If you are planning to take an Independent trip as a single traveller, we would ask you to consider the potential dangers of walking alone before making a booking and if necessary discuss this with our Sales team.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently.
The trips in our Independent programme make ideal family holidays for those with children who are old enough (and keen enough!) to enjoy a walking holiday or young enough to be carried in a backpack.
You would need to consider costs for lunches (either a picnic style lunch or lunch in a café as you prefer) and evening meals. Where an evening meal is included at a hotel this is indicated on the trip page. For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. You would also need to factor in any entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs, items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to not to walk on some days.
Tourist Tax
This tax is charged per guest per night and the rate is determined by the local council based on the star rating of the accommodation. The rate usually varies from €2 up to €5 per person per night, although the rate can be higher in major cities. This tax is not included in the price of your holiday but where applicable will be payable direct to your hotel in cash.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
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