If you have asked yourself, “How do I escape the crowds?” After waiting an hour at a tourist spot in the town of Amalfi just to take a photo, then you’re not alone. Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, and Amalfi is a highly popular destination in the country for both international and local tourists, but the good news is that this is more than just a town, it’s a whole coast waiting for you to explore, and there’s no better way to explore it than on a walking holiday.
This is a collaborative post
When you explore the Amalfi Coast and the whole country’s southwest coast is on a walking holiday, you’re stepping away from the crowded main places and directly supporting the small, more local communities. While everyone else is stuck in traffic, you’ll be walking across an ancient trail. This is where you see the real, authentic Amalfi Coast.
Mapping Your Perfect Amalfi Itinerary
Now, every good trip starts with a plan, and a long-distance hike needs a lot of that, planning, to the point it can get overwhelming. Fortunately, there are specialized agencies like Orbis Ways, which offer self-guided tours to the Amalfi Coast and many other locations across Europe.
Their team is composed of seasoned hikers who know exactly what you need, and this is shown in their packages. You get everything taken care of, from booking accommodations to luggage transfers and 24/7 support.
The company offers specific itineraries for the Amalfi Coast, like “The Complete Amalfi” or “Walking on the Amalfi Coast,” which include everything we’ve talked about.
Despite that, getting involved is the best way to truly avoid the crowds; you need to know not just where to go, but when and how.
Start Your Journey in Historic Amalfi
Your adventure begins in the town of Amalfi itself, the historic capital of a maritime republic. While the main cathedral can be busy, the true experience starts when you stroll around its side streets.
Use your first full day to hike towards the Torre dello Ziro, a Saracen watchtower that offers one of the most beautiful panoramic points on the entire coast.
After that, you can continue to Atrani, the smallest village on the coast and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s just a short walk from Amalfi; here you will find a charming square and a beach that most tourists miss.
From there, you can catch a local bus up to the village of Ravello in the afternoon.
Experience the Path of the Gods
No trip to the Amalfi Coast is complete without walking the “Sentiero degli Dei,” or Path of the Gods. This is the region’s most famous trail for a reason: the views across the peninsula and over the sea to Capri are incredible.
But in order to experience it without the biggest crowds, the trick is to start your walk from Bomerano (Agerola) rather than from the more popular access points closer to Positano.
As you walk the trail, you’ll be surrounded by wild rosemary and have the Faraglioni cliffs of Capri marking the “end of the earth” on the horizon.
The path eventually leads you down to the vertical town of Positano.
Discover Hidden Coves and Fishing Villages
It’s time now to discover a place that many visitors miss. A short walk takes you to the starting point for a walk to Marina del Cantone, a little fishing resort that feels authentic.
The walk offers stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and its islands. Even better, you can take a side trip to the stunning Bay of Ieranto (Baia di Ieranto), a hidden gem of a cove with blue waters that few tourists ever find.
This is the perfect spot to relax and feel like you’ve discovered a secret all your own.
Conclusion
Walking the Amalfi Coast without the crowds isn’t just a fiction; it’s also really possible, and all you need is proper planning and the right help from experts. You’ll not only trade crowded attractions for old trails, but you’ll also be able to discover hidden beaches and local towns. You will truly connect and immerse yourself in the culture, and experience a popular destination in a unique way.
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