dossier

Ravello to Sorrento Walk

Day 1: Arrive in Naples
We meet you and take you to your hotel in Ravello in time for dinner.

Day 2: Exploring Amalfi
A path descends through citrus groves to Torre dello Ziro, (the Saracen watchtower inspired Webster’s Duchess of Malfi). Onwards to Pontone, and lunch in the village trattoria. Then along panoramic terraces, to enter the Valley of the Mills (a testament to Amalfi’s medieval paper industry). Emerging from the verdant gorge, the ceramic tiled roofs of Amalfi hove into view, as you enter the town. Time to explore the Moorish gilt mosaiced 13C cathedral before taking the bus back to Ravello (20 mins; pay locally).

Day 3: Ravello/Bomerano-Positano  11km/7mi/4hr
Today’s walk takes you along the Pathway of the Gods, the region’s most famous walk offering views over the entire peninsula, with Capri’s famous Faraglionicliffs marking Lands End. Onwards past lemon groves and brigand’s treasure troves to Nocelle - many tempting trattoriefor lunch. Then down through lush terraces to the vertical pastel town of Positano and your hotel in the historic centre.

Day 4: At Positano
Positano’s wide black sand beach is perfect for a lazy day, but if you fancy exploring further afield there is a pleasant walk to Fornillo Bay with its twin Saracen watchtowers. Boat trips to discover coral lined sea grottoes are available in the harbour, or you could just take time to explore the winding narrow alleyways lined with tempting boutiques (elegant Italians come from as far as Rome to shop here!).

Day 5: Positano/Marina del Cantone  12km/8mi/4.5hr
We take you to Fontanelle (30 mins) from where you wind through agaves and oleander to the tiny village of Torca. Then through olive trees, sunlight glinting on the heavy nets strung between them, to beautiful Marina di Crapolla. Time for a swim perhaps and a picnic looking over the beautiful isle of Isca? As you climb gently to Sant’Agata, you enjoy balcony views over Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples before a paved lane leads past geranium decked houses to Marina del Cantone. (The more energetic can detour via Torca.)

Day 6: At Marina del Cantone
In a quiet bay more accessible by foot or boat than by car, you’ll be tempted to linger at your hotel with sun terrace and direct access to the sea. But it’s a shame to miss out on Capri, arguably the Mediterranean’s most beautiful island. Take the local bus (or taxi) to Sorrento and pick up the hydrofoil.

Day 7: Marina del Cantone/ Sorrento 11km/7mi/4hr
We give you a lift to Termini (20 mins - diehards can walk up!) from where you wind though olive groves with ever opening views over the Bay of Naples and its islands Capri, Ischia and Procida. The best lunch spot is Baia di Puolo, where fishermen mend their nets by the shingle shore. It’s then on to Punta Capo for an unforgettable panorama over both Vesuvius and the pastel coloured houses of Sorrento clinging to the rocks, before you reach your elegant 19C hotel, overlooking the bay.

Day 8: In Sorrento
Staying at your ssss hotel with its unrivalled position overlooking the harbour, you’re ideally placed to visit Naples or one of its islands by hydrofoil. Alternatively Pompeii and Herculaneum – both cities were frozen in time by ash from mighty Vesuvius that still overshadows them- can both be visited in a day using the excellent circumvesuviana railway.