Current as of: April 16, 2024 - 23:24
The Islands of Amalfi Walk Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Italy
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 14+
- Trip Code: W07IN
Trip Overview
The beauty of the Bay of Naples has been enchanting travellers for centuries, with visitors falling in love with its dramatic coastline, glimmering seas, and pastel-coloured towns.
The beauty of the Bay of Naples has been enchanting travellers for centuries, with visitors falling in love with its dramatic coastline, glimmering seas, and pastel-coloured towns. Off the peninsula’s immaculate shores, lie the beautiful yet diverse islands of Amalfi: Procida, Ischia and Capri. This 7 night self-guided walking holiday takes you on a discovery of these stunning isles, with the option to extend your time in the area in bustling Sorrento or cosmopolitan Naples.
Your first 2 nights are spent on unspoilt Procida, the smallest of the 3 islands and an untouched gem with its multi coloured houses, sleepy fishing hamlets and pretty inlets. From here you head to Ischia, renowned for its thermal spas; the largest of the three islands, it’s a walker’s paradise with terraced vineyards, lofty mountains, verdant forest and golden beaches aching to be explored. Your last stop is world famous Capri; admire its vistas over the iconic Faraglioni, visit its Roman villas and sip coffee in its elegant piazze, perfect for people watching.
Given the island hopping nature of this trip, you are responsible for your luggage when using the ferry and hydrofoil services. Transportation of luggage to and from the hotels and the ports on each island is provided.
At a Glance
- 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3-star and 4-star hotels
- Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
- Route directions and maps
Highlights
- Island hopping in the spectacular Gulf of Naples; walks on Ischia, Capri and Procida
- Panoramic Procida - vibrant fishing villages, unspoilt nature reserves, ancient walled citadels
- Enchanting Ischia, the 'Green Island' - spas and thermal waters, pretty beaches, bustling marinas
- Stunning Capri - elegant Capri town, Roman villas, sleepy coves, imposing sea stacks
- All walks are optional with plenty of time to discover each destination
Is This Trip for You?
Terrain: This holiday follows stone steps, coastal paths and some forest trails. You need to be a reasonably fit and confident walker, as the frequent ascents and descents, particularly on the coastal paths, make this a more demanding holiday than the distances suggest. On day 3 guests with a fear of heights may have problems with certain sections. Walkers with knee problems may have difficulty descending the stone steps and walking poles are strongly reccommended.
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace.
It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Adult min age: 14
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Procida
- End City: Capri
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Travel to Procida
From Naples port, it’s a short crossing on the hydrofoil to the island of Procida. We meet you at Procida port and take you to your hotel. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.
You stay at the Hotel Solcalante (breakfast and evening meal included)
Explore Procida
Today’s walk takes you on a discovery of pint sized Procida, the smallest island in the Gulf of Naples. Set off for the ancient walled citadel of ‘Terra Murata’; perched on a promontory gazing out to sea, there’s much to explore here including the Abbey of San Michele and the 16th century governor’s palace and former prison of Palazzo d’Avalos. Drink in the sea views before heading to the little fishing village of Marina di Corricella, a cluster of brightly coloured houses huddled around its port, that was used on the film set of ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’. Your walk ends at the charming harbour and pristine sandy beach at Chiaiolella.
For those with more energy, it’s definitely worth extending the walk to untouched Vivara, a tiny island and nature reserve linked to Procida by a small bridge.
You stay at the Hotel Solcalante (breakfast included)
Leaving Procida for Ischia
There is time this morning to explore Procida’s northern shores before we take you back to the harbour for the ferry (pay locally) over to Procida’s larger neighbour, Ischia. Explore the vibrant marina before making your way to your comfortable 3* hotel housed in a former monastery within the walls of Ischia’s ancient castle. This Aragonese stronghold sits on a rocky outcrop gazing out to sea and is accessed via a scenic causeway.
You stay at the Hotel il Monastero (breakfast included)
Ischia's South Coast
Head south today for a panoramic walk along a steep cliff enjoying stunning views over the Bay of Naples and Capri. Pass through terraced vineyards and traditional hamlets before a descent to the golden sands of Marina dei Maronti. Treat yourself to a dip in the natural thermal waters of Cavascura, which date back to Roman times, before a leisurely walk along the beach takes you to the charming fishing village of Sant’Angelo and your bus back to the hotel.
You stay at the Hotel il Monastero (breakfast included)
Monte Epomeo
Today you discover Ischia’s two highest mountains – Monte Epomeo at 789m, and Capo dell’Uomo (721m). A short bus ride onto the mountain slopes takes the sting out the tail of the ascent, so you continue along gentle paths to Epomeo’s summit, and are rewarded with far reaching vistas of the entire Bay of Naples. Descend through lush forest and fertile vineyards, passing ancient hermit dwellings carved from the mountain rock, to the town of Forio on Ischia’s western shores. Return to Ischia Town by bus.
You stay at the Hotel il Monastero (breakfast included)
Capri's South Coast - Villas and Views
Private transfer to Ischia harbour this morning to catch the ferry to stunning Capri (services are Ischia-Naples-Capri in October). Then explore elegant Capri town with its luxury boutiques and bustling cafes. From its vibrant piazzetta, walk past colourful villas with bougainvillea filled gardens to the Roman Villa Jovis, once the residence of the Emperor Tiberius. From here, it’s downhill past the Arco Naturale to the famous Faraglioni, 3 sea stacks that stand guard off Capri’s southern shores. Leave time to discover the Gardens of Augustus with their panoramic flower-decked terraces en route to the sheltered bay of Marina Piccola. A short bus ride takes you back to your hotel.
You stay at the Hotel Senaria (breakfast included)
Capri: Monte Solario and the Grotta Azzurra
Take the chair lift up Monte Solario, the highest point on the island and one of the best viewpoints on the trip, to follow a panoramic downhill path to the island’s most western lighthouse. Continue along the trail as it hugs the coast, past restored fortresses and tiny coves to the Grotta Azzurra, a natural sea cave with crystalline blue waters. Return to the hotel by bus.
You stay at the Hotel Senaria (breakfast included)
Leave Capri
We take you back to Capri port for the hydrofoil to Naples
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotels
Your hotels are as unique as the islands themselves and include a family run hotel set within tranquil gardens overlooking the Bay of Ciraccio and a stunning monastery set within the ancient walls of Ischia’s Aragonese castle.
Food & Drink
The cuisine on the Bay of Naples uses the freshest vegetables and the famous mozzarella cheese is always on the menu. Try it in salad with sweet tomatoes, baked with aubergine slices or on its own with an accompaniment of herbs. Fresh fruit features heavily too – figs are often used in antipasti along with slices of ham and what better way to finish off a meal than with a slice of fresh water melon? Pizza is a favourite dish all over Italy, but nowhere more so than here (it was invented in Naples!). The thinnest of bases are cooked in the hottest of wood ovens and are garnished with a mouth-watering variety of toppings.
The Amalfi Coast itself is not a wine area as such: the terraces are often too high for the vines to flourish. The region of Campania, however, has a number of good wines from vineyards further inland. Vines flourish too in the rich soil near Mount Vesuvio. Look out for Lacrima Christi del Vesuvio.
Weather & Seasonality
Southern Italy, like much of the Mediterranean, has a hot, dry climate in summer and cooler but sometimes wet spring and autumn periods. Unseasonable cold spells and rain are possible at any time of year, so we recommend bringing some warm clothes, especially useful in Bomerano where evening temperatures can be lower than expected. Summer can be very hot with daytime temperatures in July and August reaching up to 34-37°C on the coast.
What to expect in the low season (October – March)
A common misconception about the Amalfi Coast is that it is very warm and year round. However, autumn and winter months may be cooler than you’d expect; although usually milder than Northern Italy, average temperatures in December, January and February range from lows of around 8°C to highs of 15-17°C. Travellers should be prepared for periods of colder weather (with temperatures sometimes dropping to 2°C) especially at higher elevations – there may even be snow atop the Lattari Mountains and sometimes in Bomerano itself! During the winter up to early spring there is also more rain than usual (with an average of one day in four affected) but there are still plenty of enjoyable crisp sunny days. Overall the Amalfi Coast is still a great destination in winter as the coastline is beautiful year-round and you have the chance to visit the sights without the summer crowds and traffic.
What To Take
Practical Information
Visa
Italy
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
Vaccinations and Health
Italy
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.