The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its natural landscape with wild an uncontaminated nature dominating the region despite the millions of tourists that flock there each year. Centuries of art have captured the majesty of the Amalfi Coast, immortalizing its beauty. Even today, the Amalfi Coast is a supermodel when it comes to photography. Visitors come here to enjoy the colourful coastal towns accented by the vibrant blue water and to get a taste of why everyone returns so enamoured with it. While touring the coast is one of the most popular ways to view the coast, Amalfi still has treasures for those that like to walk the land.
Capri
It only takes a 40 minute ferry ride from Sorrento to visit this idyllic island paradise off the Amalfi Coast. From the harbour, visitors can catch the funicular up to Capri town, but for those who really want to soak in the beauty; it is worth the effort to climb the steps. One of the biggest tourist traps on the island is to catch a tour boat and head into the Blue Grotto underneath the island. While the iridescent blue waters are a sight to behold, the tourist queues can be mind blowing for what only amounts to a few minutes inside. Visitors are better off taking in the coastal beauty of the island from the 17 kilometre hiking path that runs along its shores. However, a ride up Monte Solaro via the chair lift is equally as exciting. At 589 metres in the air, it's hard to get much higher without flying and visitors will be treated to the best views of the Faraglioni Rocks, the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius in the distance.
Vesuvius
While it requires some decent physical fitness, climbing Vesuvius is a once in a lifetime experience. From Pompeii, hikers can catch a bus up to the base of Vesuvius where they will be on their own to climb the singular trail up the mountain. Climbing a steep 800 metres on a rough gravel trail is hard on everything from shoes to legs. However, it is not every day that visitors can reach the rim and peer into an active volcano that once levelled cities. For those with an excess of energy, visitors can go even further by starting this climb at San Vitto, following the trail through the national park on its way to the summit. While on the rim, be sure to check out the ruins of Pompeii below as well as Herculaneum (now known as Ercolano), both destroyed by this volcano's might.
Castello Di Arechi
Located just outside of Salerno, the Arechi Castle dominates the coastal hills. Up on its hillside perch sits a stone gem dating back to the 8th century. While visitors technically could walk up to Arechi from Salerno, it is not recommended as the three kilometre walk is a steep climb into the hills. No matter whether visitors hike or take the bus, they are faced with a beautiful stone monument that has never been conquered in battle. Visitors can tour the medieval relics inside the castle museum, but most visitors come for the view. From its perch, Arechi gives unparalleled views of Salerno and over the Mediterranean beyond. During the summer, the castle also serves as a popular concert venue.
Ischia
After walking around the steep and mountainous Amalfi Coast, visitors deserve a reward. The best reward that Amalfi can offer is Ischia. The island of Ischia has a natural beauty that could rival Capri, but with the added bonus of hosting natural springs. It is said that the high mineral content of the water due to its volcanic composition is great for easing arthritis as well as a number of other maladies. A number of resorts have been built on the springs, but visitors can still get the natural treatment on many spots of the island. Between the massive thermal pools, beautiful beaches and lush Mediterranean gardens, visitors will not want to leave. Although, the Amalfi Coast seems to always have that effect on those who visit.
Sentiero Degli Dei
For those that want to see everything that Almalfi has to offer, the best option is to walk in the footsteps of the Gods. Sentiero Delgi Dei, or "Trail of the Gods," is a must for the avid explorer or hikers. This eight kilometre path starts in Bomerano, a small mountain village located between Sorrento and Amalfi, taking visitors on an adventure through vineyards, caves, a gorge and breathtaking views over all the rest. As few visitors come to Amalfi to do much hiking, the crowds are low and the sights are beautiful, although visitors are likely to spot a few locals taking in the sights during the peak season. However, as this hike traces mountain ledges and ridges carved deep into hillsides, it is not a hike for those easily swayed by vertigo.
Have you hiked any of these Amalfi trails?
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