Picture-perfect is an apt description for the Amalfi Coast and it is no exaggeration. Whether you are looking at the clusters of charming houses that seem to cling precipitously on the face of the cliff or at the wide expanse of the sparkling cerulean sea, the views will not fail to take your breath away.
Unfortunately, thousands of tourists fancy looking at the same visual treats and you just cannot seem to shake them off. It is a good thing there are plenty of hiking trails here where you can escape the crowd while treating yourself to even more stunning views of the coast and its surrounding area.
One of the most famous hiking routes in the Amalfi Coast is the Pathway of the Gods or the Sentiero degli Dei. It is a 10 kilometer stretch that will take about 5 to 8 hours depending on how fast or slow you want your pace to go. There are several attractions waiting for you along the way so feel free to take plenty of stops and explore areas that are of interest to you.
You can start the hike at the old town of Bomerano. Take the route to Colle della Serra all the way to Nocelle passing blooming shrubs and wild orchids along the way. Enjoy the spectacular panorama of the coastline as you continue to Montepertuso and Monte Gambera. You will travel downhill from there along ancient stairways carved out of the cliffs until you reach the picturesque resort town of Positano.
If you want to hike around the old town of Amalfi but are staying in the more budget friendly town of San Lazarro, just follow the descending pathways of Via Maestri past quaint villages and their charming churches and you will soon reach the beautiful but tourist laden Amalfi. Head out to the beach and enjoy the lovely atmosphere as you relax and re-charge before you head out to the next route.
When you are good and ready (this is Italy afterall), proceed to the watermills and explore the paper factories, some of which date back to the 11th century. You can then go uphill towards Pontone and its famed attraction called Torre dello Zirro. The tower itself may not look impressive but wait until you have climbed all the way to the top and the dramatic panorama of Amalfi and Atrani will surely capyture your heart. After you have taken in the remarkable vista, follow the ancient stairway to Ravello until you reach Villa Cimbrone. Its gardens are gorgeous but the views of the Amalfi Coast it affords are even that much more thrilling.
If you want to channel the pilgrim in yourself, you can also take hiking tours to the many churches and chapels scattered around the towns and villages near Amalfi. Follow the ancient route of Via Maestra dei Villagi past Lone and Vettica until you reach the monastery of Santa Rosa. You may also want to visit the many churches in the area such as those of San Pancrazio, San Michele Arcangelo and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snow, among others, as well as the magnificent Emerald Grotto.
Once done, you can follow the descending path to the lovely fjord of Furore and its picturesque orchards of olives and lemons, scenic vineyards and blooming wild flowers against an azure sea background.
Here, you will find the churches of Holy Jaco, St. Elias and Santa Maria, to name a few. Even more churches await at the lovely town of Praiano. You can continue hiking there by taking the path of Via dell'Amore along Praia Valley or you can just hop on the bus and be there in no time. The bus is recommended if you are planning to catch the sunset in one of the lovely beaches of Praiano.
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand.
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