Castello di San Nicola and the Reginna River Valley
Leaving the property, you arrive at the main street of Maiori. At the Casa dell’Acqua, take the Via Accola staircase leading to the castle entrance. A single bell chime, and "trasite, trasite" (please, come in)—Mastro Crescenzo, the owner of this ancient structure, will greet you with a smile. He is the last castellan of the glorious Castello di San Nicola de Thoro Plano.
Built in the 9th century, it covers an area of about 7,500 square meters, enclosed by 550 meters of fortified walls, equipped with battlements, buttresses, and nine towers. Inside, you will find farmhouses, warehouses, cisterns, and the ruins of the ancient Church of San Nicola, from which the castle takes its name. The panoramic view from here is breathtaking: the Gulf of Salerno, Monte dell’Avvocata, Ravello, and Monte Sant’Angelo a Tre Pizzi.
Leaving the castle, at the end of the first flight of stairs, follow the road downhill. Upon reaching Via Nuova Chiunzi, continue uphill until you arrive at the Church of San Martino Vescovo, which houses a small metal painting of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
After about 700-800 meters, you reach the village of Ponteprimario. Cross the bridge leading to the houses, pass through the small square, and on the right, you will find the Church of Madonna del Principio. Inside, a wooden statue of the Madonna, carved by a 13th-century shepherd, was lost and later miraculously rediscovered by a farmer while digging. The staircase on the left side of the church leads to the heart of the small village and its ancient washhouses. Returning to the square, take the right path along the old road, running parallel to the river. Walking through the picturesque valley, you will reach the Church of Santa Maria, in the center of the village of the same name. Inside, you can admire a 15th-century "Visitation" and "The Crucifixion", attributed to the workshop of Sabatini.
Continuing downhill, at the next bridge, turn towards the Church of San Pietro Apostolo.
You are now in the place where, in the 7th century, the Etruscans founded the first settlement of what would later become Maiori. This was once the site of the Temple of Vertumnus, demolished in the 4th century due to Christian fervor and replaced by the current basilica, which houses a beautiful statue of the Apostle.
Passing to the right of the church, you return to the main street of Maiori.
Built in the 9th century, it covers an area of about 7,500 square meters, enclosed by 550 meters of fortified walls, equipped with battlements, buttresses, and nine towers. Inside, you will find farmhouses, warehouses, cisterns, and the ruins of the ancient Church of San Nicola, from which the castle takes its name. The panoramic view from here is breathtaking: the Gulf of Salerno, Monte dell’Avvocata, Ravello, and Monte Sant’Angelo a Tre Pizzi.
Leaving the castle, at the end of the first flight of stairs, follow the road downhill. Upon reaching Via Nuova Chiunzi, continue uphill until you arrive at the Church of San Martino Vescovo, which houses a small metal painting of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
After about 700-800 meters, you reach the village of Ponteprimario. Cross the bridge leading to the houses, pass through the small square, and on the right, you will find the Church of Madonna del Principio. Inside, a wooden statue of the Madonna, carved by a 13th-century shepherd, was lost and later miraculously rediscovered by a farmer while digging. The staircase on the left side of the church leads to the heart of the small village and its ancient washhouses. Returning to the square, take the right path along the old road, running parallel to the river. Walking through the picturesque valley, you will reach the Church of Santa Maria, in the center of the village of the same name. Inside, you can admire a 15th-century "Visitation" and "The Crucifixion", attributed to the workshop of Sabatini.
Continuing downhill, at the next bridge, turn towards the Church of San Pietro Apostolo.
You are now in the place where, in the 7th century, the Etruscans founded the first settlement of what would later become Maiori. This was once the site of the Temple of Vertumnus, demolished in the 4th century due to Christian fervor and replaced by the current basilica, which houses a beautiful statue of the Apostle.
Passing to the right of the church, you return to the main street of Maiori.
The Path of Lemons
Al Raggio di Sole in Costiera > Collegiata di Santa Maria a Mare > Sentiero dei Limoni > Convento San Nicola > Minori > Return
Leaving the property, you reach the main street of Maiori. After a few dozen meters, in Piazza D’Amato, take the staircase leading to the Collegiata di Santa Maria a Mare.
On the mountain side of the church, take Via Vena, marking the beginning of the Path of Lemons.
This path winds through the lush valley between Maiori and Minori, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and terraced lemon groves. This is where the famous Sfusato Amalfitano, a unique lemon variety known for its elongated shape and exceptional flavor, is grown.
At the first fork, more adventurous travelers can take a steep one-hour detour (round trip) to reach the Convent of San Nicola, offering an unparalleled panoramic view.
Continuing along the main path, or returning from the convent, you will reach the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, from whose atrium you can enjoy a spectacular view of the western coast, Atrani, Amalfi, and Ravello.
Leaving the churchyard, take the left fork downhill along Via Torre, which leads to the heart of Minori. Here, visit the Basilica of Santa Trofimena, built in the 7th century to house the miraculously recovered relics of the saint. Inside, you will find: 16th-century panel paintings 18th and 19th-century canvases On the main altar, a Crucifixion by the workshop of Marco Pino da Siena In the crypt, an alabaster urn, crafted by Ragozzino in 1722, preserving the relics of Santa Trofimena.
Leaving the basilica, visit the Roman Maritime Villa.
Built in the 1st century, the Viridarium, enclosed on three sides by a portico, features a central pool with still-visible hydraulic systems. On the northern side, admire a triclinium-nymphaeum, adorned with Pompeian-style frescoes and mosaics. The adjacent rooms house the Antiquarium, displaying amphorae, pottery, and artifacts.
Free entrance | Tel. (+39) 089877087 | www.villaromanaminori.com Return to Maiori via the beautiful Minori seafront, then walk along the Amalfi Drive (SS 163) for less than a kilometer.
Leaving the property, you reach the main street of Maiori. After a few dozen meters, in Piazza D’Amato, take the staircase leading to the Collegiata di Santa Maria a Mare.
On the mountain side of the church, take Via Vena, marking the beginning of the Path of Lemons.
This path winds through the lush valley between Maiori and Minori, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and terraced lemon groves. This is where the famous Sfusato Amalfitano, a unique lemon variety known for its elongated shape and exceptional flavor, is grown.
At the first fork, more adventurous travelers can take a steep one-hour detour (round trip) to reach the Convent of San Nicola, offering an unparalleled panoramic view.
Continuing along the main path, or returning from the convent, you will reach the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, from whose atrium you can enjoy a spectacular view of the western coast, Atrani, Amalfi, and Ravello.
Leaving the churchyard, take the left fork downhill along Via Torre, which leads to the heart of Minori. Here, visit the Basilica of Santa Trofimena, built in the 7th century to house the miraculously recovered relics of the saint. Inside, you will find: 16th-century panel paintings 18th and 19th-century canvases On the main altar, a Crucifixion by the workshop of Marco Pino da Siena In the crypt, an alabaster urn, crafted by Ragozzino in 1722, preserving the relics of Santa Trofimena.
Leaving the basilica, visit the Roman Maritime Villa.
Built in the 1st century, the Viridarium, enclosed on three sides by a portico, features a central pool with still-visible hydraulic systems. On the northern side, admire a triclinium-nymphaeum, adorned with Pompeian-style frescoes and mosaics. The adjacent rooms house the Antiquarium, displaying amphorae, pottery, and artifacts.
Free entrance | Tel. (+39) 089877087 | www.villaromanaminori.com Return to Maiori via the beautiful Minori seafront, then walk along the Amalfi Drive (SS 163) for less than a kilometer.
Ravello
Al Raggio di Sole in Costiera > Sentiero dei Limoni > Convento San Nicola > RIOLA > Ravello > Pedestrian path Via Paradiso > Minori > Sentiero dei Limoni > Return
Follow the same route as the Path of Lemons until you reach the first fork. Here, take the uphill path leading to the Convent of San Nicola. After about 30 minutes of stairs, you will reach the stunning panoramic viewpoint of the convent (483.7 m above sea level), offering a spectacular view over the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Salerno.
The path continues on gentle terrain for about 500 meters until reaching Passo del Mandrino (441 m), near the ruins of an old structure. At this point, turn left and follow the trail to Ravello.
Without any deviations, the route crosses the Sambuco stream before leading to a stairway, which brings you onto a paved road in the village of Sambuco. Turn left and follow the road for about 500 meters. Fifty meters after the bus stop, you will find Via Riola, a long downhill path that follows the river to Minori, passing by ancient paper mills and mills.
Ignore this detour and continue to Ravello. Once there, visit the majestic Duomo, the breathtaking Villa Rufolo, and the enchanting Villa Cimbrone.
For the return, you can either take a bus or, if you still feel like walking, descend via the village of Torello and take the panoramic Via Paradiso, which leads to Minori in about 30 minutes. From Minori, follow the seafront and a short stretch of the Amalfi Drive (SS 163) to return to Maiori.
Follow the same route as the Path of Lemons until you reach the first fork. Here, take the uphill path leading to the Convent of San Nicola. After about 30 minutes of stairs, you will reach the stunning panoramic viewpoint of the convent (483.7 m above sea level), offering a spectacular view over the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Salerno.
The path continues on gentle terrain for about 500 meters until reaching Passo del Mandrino (441 m), near the ruins of an old structure. At this point, turn left and follow the trail to Ravello.
Without any deviations, the route crosses the Sambuco stream before leading to a stairway, which brings you onto a paved road in the village of Sambuco. Turn left and follow the road for about 500 meters. Fifty meters after the bus stop, you will find Via Riola, a long downhill path that follows the river to Minori, passing by ancient paper mills and mills.
Ignore this detour and continue to Ravello. Once there, visit the majestic Duomo, the breathtaking Villa Rufolo, and the enchanting Villa Cimbrone.
For the return, you can either take a bus or, if you still feel like walking, descend via the village of Torello and take the panoramic Via Paradiso, which leads to Minori in about 30 minutes. From Minori, follow the seafront and a short stretch of the Amalfi Drive (SS 163) to return to Maiori.
Montecorvo
Al Raggio di Sole in Costiera > Via Casale dei Cicerali > Via Lazzaro > Via Montecorvo > Torre Normanna > Amalfi Drive > Maiori Seafront
Leaving the property, head to the main street of Maiori, then turn onto Via Nuova Chiunzi.
Near Hotel Torre di Milo, take the stairs on the left leading to Via Casale dei Cicerali.
A few dozen steps into the shaded alleyway, you will find a precious wooden crucifix. Just beyond, another even older crucifix stands along the way.
On the wall, a plaque commemorates the Jewish community that, during the Middle Ages, worked in Maiori as fabric dyers and leather tanners.
Turn right to reach the Chapel of the Virgin of Sorrows, where Saint Alphonsus Maria de’ Liguori is said to have preached.
Turn right again to enter Via Montecorvo, a path that winds through lush lemon groves, offering breathtaking views over Maiori and the coast.
The trail ends at the Torre Normanna, a 16th-century watchtower, built under the Spanish Viceroy Don Pedro de Toledo Ribeira as part of an elaborate coastal defense system.
This defensive network, designed to counter frequent pirate raids, once included 379 towers, stretching from Gaeta to San Benedetto del Tronto.
From the tower, descend and take the first stairway on the outer side, which leads to the seafront of Maiori. A leisurely stroll brings you back to the hotel.
Leaving the property, head to the main street of Maiori, then turn onto Via Nuova Chiunzi.
Near Hotel Torre di Milo, take the stairs on the left leading to Via Casale dei Cicerali.
A few dozen steps into the shaded alleyway, you will find a precious wooden crucifix. Just beyond, another even older crucifix stands along the way.
On the wall, a plaque commemorates the Jewish community that, during the Middle Ages, worked in Maiori as fabric dyers and leather tanners.
Turn right to reach the Chapel of the Virgin of Sorrows, where Saint Alphonsus Maria de’ Liguori is said to have preached.
Turn right again to enter Via Montecorvo, a path that winds through lush lemon groves, offering breathtaking views over Maiori and the coast.
The trail ends at the Torre Normanna, a 16th-century watchtower, built under the Spanish Viceroy Don Pedro de Toledo Ribeira as part of an elaborate coastal defense system.
This defensive network, designed to counter frequent pirate raids, once included 379 towers, stretching from Gaeta to San Benedetto del Tronto.
From the tower, descend and take the first stairway on the outer side, which leads to the seafront of Maiori. A leisurely stroll brings you back to the hotel.
Santuario della Madonna Avvocata
Al Raggio di Sole in Costiera > Via de Jusola > Via San Vito > San Vito Vineyards > Santuario dell’Avvocata > Village of Erchie > Return to Maiori by bus
Follow the same route as in the Montecorvo trail until you reach Via Nuova Chiunzi. Above the school building, turn left onto Via De Jusola.
At the second crucifix, turn left onto Via Grade dei Pezzi. At the next fork, turn left again onto Via San Vito, where a steep staircase marks the start of the trail (CAI route 307).
As you climb, the panoramic view over Maiori and the entire Gulf becomes more stunning.
The path continues until reaching the ridge, where you will find a pink and white house (1.4 km). A few meters ahead, turn left, following the stairway uphill.
You will pass the ruins of the Chapel of San Vito a Capella (246 m). At the end of the staircase, near a stone wall, continue straight ahead, first on flat ground through terraced vineyards and lemon groves, then on a rocky ascent.
After passing a red-painted house and a small stream, you will reach the clearing with the ruins of Santa Maria de Stellis or Santa Marina, an old farmhouse of the Sanctuary.
Another ten minutes ahead, beyond an ancient lime kiln, you will reach the Acqua ’o Castagne (Chestnut Spring). Here, the path splits—take the right fork, and after twenty minutes, at the next fork, turn left.
A series of trail markers guide the way, as the path runs along a rocky cliff before the final ascent to the sanctuary (3.5 km).
For the descent, there are several options. This hike follows the route to Erchie, a charming seaside hamlet of Maiori.
Exiting the sanctuary, turn right, following the outer wall. Just before a small fountain, turn left onto a narrow trail that descends along Monte dell’Avvocata.
You will pass: A small forest A fern grove A fork—turn left and continue downhill along the mountainside.
Following the red and white CAI markers (Trail 305A), continue descending. After a wide left curve, you will gradually lose elevation.
The path eventually joins a wider trail—turn right and keep heading down. At the third fork, turn right (do not go left toward the small stream).
After 1.5 km, you will reach a residential area under construction and soon after, the State Road 163 (Amalfi Drive).
Turn left (east) and follow the road until reaching a junction leading to the beach of Erchie.
To return to Maiori, take a SITA bus from the Amalfi Drive bus stop (approx. 6 km).
Follow the same route as in the Montecorvo trail until you reach Via Nuova Chiunzi. Above the school building, turn left onto Via De Jusola.
At the second crucifix, turn left onto Via Grade dei Pezzi. At the next fork, turn left again onto Via San Vito, where a steep staircase marks the start of the trail (CAI route 307).
As you climb, the panoramic view over Maiori and the entire Gulf becomes more stunning.
The path continues until reaching the ridge, where you will find a pink and white house (1.4 km). A few meters ahead, turn left, following the stairway uphill.
You will pass the ruins of the Chapel of San Vito a Capella (246 m). At the end of the staircase, near a stone wall, continue straight ahead, first on flat ground through terraced vineyards and lemon groves, then on a rocky ascent.
After passing a red-painted house and a small stream, you will reach the clearing with the ruins of Santa Maria de Stellis or Santa Marina, an old farmhouse of the Sanctuary.
Another ten minutes ahead, beyond an ancient lime kiln, you will reach the Acqua ’o Castagne (Chestnut Spring). Here, the path splits—take the right fork, and after twenty minutes, at the next fork, turn left.
A series of trail markers guide the way, as the path runs along a rocky cliff before the final ascent to the sanctuary (3.5 km).
For the descent, there are several options. This hike follows the route to Erchie, a charming seaside hamlet of Maiori.
Exiting the sanctuary, turn right, following the outer wall. Just before a small fountain, turn left onto a narrow trail that descends along Monte dell’Avvocata.
You will pass: A small forest A fern grove A fork—turn left and continue downhill along the mountainside.
Following the red and white CAI markers (Trail 305A), continue descending. After a wide left curve, you will gradually lose elevation.
The path eventually joins a wider trail—turn right and keep heading down. At the third fork, turn right (do not go left toward the small stream).
After 1.5 km, you will reach a residential area under construction and soon after, the State Road 163 (Amalfi Drive).
Turn left (east) and follow the road until reaching a junction leading to the beach of Erchie.
To return to Maiori, take a SITA bus from the Amalfi Drive bus stop (approx. 6 km).
Valle delle Ferriere – Ferriere Valley
Starting point: Scala | Ending point: Amalfi
UPPER VALLEY - Length: 7 km | Duration: 3h 30m | Difficulty: Moderate (E) (+600m / -450m)
From Scala, the trail passes through the stunning landscapes of Punta Aglio and La Pellagra, reaching the Fica Noce Spring. It continues through the Tavernate forests, arriving in Pogerola. The hike ends in Amalfi, descending via the ancient Pomicara stairway.
OLD IRONWORKS - Length: 11 km | Duration: 5h | Difficulty: Challenging (EE) (+/-560m)
Alternatively, from Fica Noce, follow the downhill path along the river, reaching the Valle dei Mulini and finally Amalfi.
UPPER VALLEY - Length: 7 km | Duration: 3h 30m | Difficulty: Moderate (E) (+600m / -450m)
From Scala, the trail passes through the stunning landscapes of Punta Aglio and La Pellagra, reaching the Fica Noce Spring. It continues through the Tavernate forests, arriving in Pogerola. The hike ends in Amalfi, descending via the ancient Pomicara stairway.
OLD IRONWORKS - Length: 11 km | Duration: 5h | Difficulty: Challenging (EE) (+/-560m)
Alternatively, from Fica Noce, follow the downhill path along the river, reaching the Valle dei Mulini and finally Amalfi.
Sentiero degli Dei – The Path of the Gods
The most famous hiking trail in Southern Italy, so breathtaking that only the gods could have conceived it!
From Agerola, the trail leads to Nocelle, then continues to Positano via the 1,700 steps of Via Arienzo or by following the old path through Montepertuso, before descending via La Pestella and Li Parlati.
Starting point: Agerola | Ending point: Positano
Length: 6 km | Duration: 4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate (E) (+170m / -630m)
From Agerola, the trail leads to Nocelle, then continues to Positano via the 1,700 steps of Via Arienzo or by following the old path through Montepertuso, before descending via La Pestella and Li Parlati.
Starting point: Agerola | Ending point: Positano
Length: 6 km | Duration: 4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate (E) (+170m / -630m)
...in the Heart of the Amalfi Coast
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In Maiori
Via Barche A Vela 11
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e-mail: booking@alraggiodisoleincostiera.it
