Sorrento visitor guides - Walks in Sorrento and the Amalfi coast

SORRENTO WALKS

Sorrento and the Amalfi coast offer a wide choice of walks to suit all ages and mobility. Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and the other main towns provide a warren of streets to explore by foot with unlimited opportunities to stop and relax with incredible views. Pompeii and Herculaneum also present more than an just a quick stroll.

But for those who wish to explore the countryside it will be a pleasant surprise to find numerous well signposted walks available. From short leisurely country walks interlinked with the local bus routes, to more challenging escorted mountain routes above the Amalfi coast, where you can walk the 'Paths of the Gods'. In addition to the breathtaking scenery there is the chance to visit the many villages and harbours in the area such as Pantano, Massa Lubrense, Termini, Nerano, Marina del Cantone and Sant' Agata.

Caruso in Sorrento Many of the coastal villages are within the protected marine area "Punta Campanella", which extends from Piano di Sorrento to the North of the Peninsula to Positano in the South. The main aim being to protect the natural, scenic and historical aspects of this area and safeguard its traditional economic activities. Ancient mule tracks, vineyards, lemon, olive and chestnut groves, fishing villages, crystal clear coves are all waiting to be enjoyed.

Route maps, and quided walks, are available from a number of sources. The local tourist office (located in the Entrance to the Foreigner's Club) provides free maps for ‘Sorrento Country Walks’ and ‘Massa Lubrense’. They also provide a timetable for local buses, trains and ferries. Also recommended is the publication 'Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri Tours. Car Tours and Walks' by Julian Tippett which provides an excellent choice of walks, picnics and tours with practical information, such as bus links, and suggestions to help make the most of your time.

The islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida also provide walks of all descriptions and again the public transport can be used to circumvent the more difficult terrain.

Those who enjoy leisurely walks through parks and gardens will be more than rewarded with the Capodimonte Park, Botanical Gardens and the Virgilian Park located in or near Naples. The Royal Palace and Gardens of Casserta (The Italian Versailles) are north of Naples and La Mortella Gardens (home of composer Sir William Walton) are on Ischia. Other gardens to visit are in the Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, both in Ravello.

For the more experienced walkers there are of course more challenging trails up in the Lattari mountains overlooking the Amalfi coast. For more information on these we would highly recommend a visit to the website of Giovanni Visetti (see links directory) who is a professional walking guide and cartographer with an unrivalled knowledge of this area. As well as providing detailed information of the walks available there is a wonderful collection of photographs and videos taken from them. He also has a site dedicated to wild orchids found on the Amalfi coast, Sorrento Peninsula and Capri.
Click camera to see photos from walks

Further afield, but still easily accessible from Sorrento, there are a number of protected enironments and natural parks with walking trails.