Amalfi Coast suggested itineraries

One of Italy's most important nature reserves, the Lattari Mountains are the western continuation of the Picentini mountain range. Winding their way between the Gulfs of Salerno and Naples, the mountains are no less beautiful than the legendary sea of the Amalfi Coast lying at their feet. The Lattari Mountains are traversed by numerous nature trails, all of which relatively easy going, the only equipment required being a good pair of walking boots.

The Sentiero dei Dei, the Path of the gods, is the best known of the mountain paths, a route which offers spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast and owes its name to the numerous temples which, in the Roman era, were built here. Whilst walkers generally commence in Praiano, from where to reach the Colle Serra pass, Vettica Maggiore, situated between Amalfi and Positano, offers an excellent alternative starting point.

During the walk, by way of a flight of steps immersed in the green, visitors reach the religious complex of San Domenico, comprised of the Church of Santa Maria and Dominican Convent. From here walkers, proceed in the direction of Nocelle (a fraction of Positano) and what many consider the most attractive stretch of the Sentiero degli Dei. Here the path snakes through quiet pinewoods, past hidden caves and offers the most stunning views of the Amalfi Coast. From Nocelle, walkers can decide to return to Positano or Amalfi by bus or on foot.

The Valle delle Ferriere walk is a nature lover's dream. Starting in Atrani, the path cuts through the medieval center of the town and enters the Dragone creek so as to reach the village of Pontone. From here walkers proceed towards the Valle delle Ferriere, one of Italy's most fascinating nature reserves. Here the abundance of streams, waterfalls, and the almost tropical microclimate, has resulted in lush vegetation and the ideal habitat for a great number of rare plants and small amphibians.

Again, from Pontone, visitors can choose to head in to the Valle dei Mulini, where to see what remains of Amalfi's historic paper mills. This is where the "carta bambagina" was produced, a paper so highly prized that Federico II forbade its use for public notices.

Another interesting walking route is that around Punta Campanella, extreme point of the Sorrentine Peninsula. This walk takes visitors past the towns of Nerano, Marina di Cantone, Marina di Recomone and Torca, fraction of Massa Lubrense (where the route normally ends), in the company of the most spectacular scenery and breathtaking views of the Gulfs of Naples and Salerno.

In the past, these sites were inhabited by worshipers of the cult of the Minerva in whose honour a series of temples were erected. Once beyond the block houses of Torre Fossa and Torre di Crapolla, built so as to defend the coast from Saracen attack, there are a number of Christian houses of worship worthy of visit: the Church of S.Salvatore in Nerano, the Church of S.Tommaso Apostolo in Torca and the Chapel of S. Antonio di Padova in Cantone.

The walk commences in Termini's Piazza S.Croce, and continues all the way to the summit of Monte San Costanzo, from where to admire a fabulous panorama extending from the Torre di Fossa di Papa below, as far as the Faraglioni of Capri. Punta Campanella is one of the most enchanting places on this route: forming a natural pivot around which the panoramas of the Gulf of Salerno, the island of Capri and the Gulf of Naples rotate. The crystal clear waters of Punta Campanella are protected by a marine reserve, created so as to consent the preservation of this beautiful stretch of the coast, the fame of which is worldwide.