The covered passages of the Ruga
Running parallel to the main street are vaulted passages and tunnels that link the houses of the old town. Walking through them gives you a sense of what the medieval city was like, built to defend itself and to make use of every metre of space.
Pogerola, the balcony above Amalfi
A hamlet perched above the town, Pogerola offers a view from above over the coast and the port. You can reach it by car, by bus or on foot via a long staircase. It is a good starting point for short walks among lemon groves and terraces.
Pontone and the Torre dello Ziro
Pontone, a hamlet of Scala, lies between Amalfi and Ravello and is linked to Amalfi by paths and staircases. From here a trail leads to the Torre dello Ziro, an ancient lookout tower overlooking Amalfi and Atrani. The view rewards the climb: tackle it with suitable footwear.
The upper part of the Valle dei Mulini
Beyond the Museo della Carta, the valley becomes narrower and greener. You'll come across the remains of old paper mills and small bridges over the stream. Further up begins the Valle delle Ferriere: find out beforehand about the condition of the trail and any restrictions on access to the reserve.
The churches of Atrani
In Atrani, a few minutes from Amalfi, the Collegiata di Santa Maria Maddalena overlooks the sea with its majolica-tiled dome, while the church of San Salvatore de' Birecto stands on the little square. Two places often overlooked by passing visitors.
Scala, the oldest village on the Coast
Above Amalfi, on the same side of the valley as Ravello, Scala is considered one of the oldest settlements on the Amalfi Coast. The Duomo di San Lorenzo, the hamlets scattered among chestnut woods and the lemon terraces tell of an agricultural, mountain landscape, very different from the coast's seaside image.
Several trails start from Scala: some descend towards Amalfi and Atrani, others climb towards the woods of the Monti Lattari. These routes often consist of stone steps, with significant changes in elevation.
Walking tips
- Set off early in the morning, especially in summer. - Wear light trekking shoes, not sandals. - Bring water: fountains are rare along the trails. - Check trail conditions after heavy rain, when some stretches may be closed or slippery. - Remember that for the return you can use the local bus: check the timetable beforehand.
How to explore them without stress
Many of these places are connected by narrow roads with little parking. A Vespa lets you move flexibly between Amalfi, Pogerola and the viewpoints along the coast road; the trails, however, must be done on foot.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Torre dello Ziro hard to reach?
The route is short but involves steps and uphill stretches. You need a minimum level of fitness and suitable shoes.
Sources and useful links
Times, prices and services can change: always check with the official sources before you travel.
Updated: 2026-10-26
