Cycling in Cilento with walks on the Amalfi Coast

You will arrive at the first hotel in Paestum on your own. Your bikes will be ready for you at the hotel. If you wish, you can already take the first short bike ride, past the temples and around the Greek city walls, or down to the beach for a quick swim. If you have arrived early, you can visit the temples now and thus have more time for a longer tour tomorrow. In the evening, a lovely dinner is included at a local restaurant in Paestum.

Hotel (example): Hotel*** - Paestum

Your first bike ride takes you through the ancient area of the Greek city of Paestum. You can choose a relaxed ride across the plain or a longer and more challenging ride, which takes you to some lovely medieval villages on the slopes and offers fantastic views. If you haven't already explored Paestum, you should do so before leaving the city tomorrow. Lunch can be enjoyed at a local buffalo farm, where you can taste delicious and authentic fresh mozzarella. Your bike ride takes you through the plain to the Sele River and past the 'Capo di Fiume' limestone springs to the villages of Giugnano and Cicerale (optional) and back to your hotel.

Hotel (example): Hotel*** - Paestum

Today you leave the Paestum plain to get a first taste of the real Cilento. From your hotel, you head towards the villages of Prignano and Torchiara, beautifully located on the lush green slopes overlooking the Cilento coast. You then continue to the villages of Laureana and Vatolla, where a visit to the 16th-century Palazzo Vargas (historical fortress) is a must. A short final climb from here takes you to Mercato Cilento. From here it's all downhill, first to Perdifumo, where you can take your time for a stroll or pause to refill your water bottles and observe the peaceful village life, and then along a road with wonderful views to the spectacular village of Castellabate. After a short visit, you cycle down to the road to the seaside town of Santa Maria di Castellabate. A short stretch along the coast brings you to San Marco di Castellabate, famous for its small harbor where skilled craftsmen continue a centuries-old tradition of building wooden boats by hand. Upon arrival at your hotel and check-in, you can either cycle or walk the short distance along the coast to the wonderful little island of Leucosia, located in the Punta Licosa marine reserve, or take a stroll through the town center for an aperitif at one of the local bars. If you prefer an easier day, we suggest a lovely coastal route through Agropoli, with plenty of time for a beach outing, such as the lovely small beach in Trentova. Upon arrival at your hotel, it's just a short walk down to the beach for a well-deserved relaxing swim.

Hotel (example): Hotel*** - San Marco di Castellabate

After leaving San Marco, you head south along the coastal road towards the Alento River plain. A short climb takes you through Mediterranean macchia and pine forests to the 'Ripe Rosse' or Red Cliffs. You then descend to the coastal village of Acciaroli, where Ernest Hemingway spent some holidays back in 1952 and - some say - was inspired to write 'The Old Man and the Sea'. Some of the village's older residents still remember meeting the great author and may be willing to tell you an interesting story or two. Regardless, Acciaroli deserves a stop and a quiet stroll around its small harbor and town center. A little further along the coast, you pass through the fishing village of Pioppi, another lovely little town. Here you'll find a small Sea Life Museum dedicated to the local marine fauna and flora. After visiting the museum, you have time for a quick coffee by the coast before cycling on. The coastal road then leads you to Casalvelino Marina and through the Alento River plain to the Greek and Roman site of Velia, home to philosophers Zeno and Parmenides and the birthplace of one of Europe's oldest medical schools. You can leave your bikes at the entrance and explore the amazing site. Alternatively, you can visit the site during tomorrow's tour and choose to swim at the beautiful sandy beach before leaving the coast and heading inland. From Velia, you have one last steep climb back up to the ancient village of Ascea, overlooking the coast. From Ascea, you follow a fantastic coastal route to the mountain village of Pisciotta, one of the best-preserved medieval villages in the area, where you settle in for the night. If you want to get all the way down to the coast, you can choose to cycle a few more km - all downhill - to Palinuro.

Hotel (example): Hotel*** - Pisciotta

Today is a relatively easy day, taking you along the scenic coastal road to the southern part of Cilento. The first few kilometers serve as a warm-up with a gentle downhill slope all the way to the mythical Cape Palinuro. This promontory, named after one of the helmsmen on the mythical hero Aeneas' ship, is one of the most famous spots in the Cilento National Park. Its unique topography, consisting of stunning high cliffs full of sea caves, among which the impressive 'Grotta Azzurra' stands out, makes it a wonderful sight. You can cycle all the way through the village of Palinuro - take a scenic detour over the top of the promontory and stop at the small harbor. Those who wish can take a short boat trip around the promontory here and visit the caves (tickets purchased locally). Or you can choose to enjoy a refreshing drink or take a stroll on the beautiful little beach. Then you cycle further east, a wonderful stretch along the southern coast of Cilento National Park. For those still full of energy, there's an opportunity to take one of the area's most scenic routes, a challenging climb up to Lentiscosa. Through the lovely village of Camerota, which is worth a visit, especially because of its castle and medieval town center, you then cycle back down to Marina. Upon arrival at the charming coastal town of Marina di Camerota, you can have a drink at the harbor and then check into your hotel. In the evening, we recommend dining out at one of the charming (fish) restaurants.

Hotel (example): B&B - Marina di Camerota

Here ends the cycling part of the journey. After breakfast, there is a private transfer to Centola train station, from where you will take the train to Salerno, and from there, a boat to the heart of the Amalfi Coast, namely Amalfi town (The port is close to the train station.) During the boat trip, you will be able to enjoy the fantastic views of the entire Amalfi Coast and the charming towns dotted along it. In Amalfi, you will check in to a centrally located hotel, and there will be plenty of time to explore the town or enjoy a refreshing swim from the beach.

There is a dinner included at one of the town's restaurants this evening.

Hotel (example): Hotel Floridiana

The landscape of the Amalfi Coast is incredibly diverse and surrounded by endless, changing vistas. Along the coast, it can be typically Mediterranean, with numerous species of wild, fragrant herbs, myrtle bushes, thyme, rosemary, and mastic trees. Take a local bus up to the charming historic village of Ravello. The village has a very interesting history and many medieval monuments but also offers beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast. The French writer André Gide once described the village as being 'closer to heaven than the sea'. Take your time to stroll through the village. We recommend visiting Villa Cimbrone and its fantastic terrace (admission ticket included) before starting the hike down to the coast.

Here you will pass through the village of Castiglione and hike through vineyards and citrus groves before descending medieval stairs to the beautiful little village of Atrani. This is one of the best-preserved villages on the coast, where you have the opportunity to wander through the narrow, white streets of the village center.

The last short stretch to Amalfi is very picturesque and offers beautiful viewpoints over the city center.

Hotel (example):Hotel Floridiana

The Amalfi Coast is renowned for being Europe's most dramatic coastline. You'll take a local bus up to the small village of Bomerano, on the Agerola plateau. This is the starting point of the famous 'Sentiero degli Dei' - 'Path of the Gods', one of Italy's most famous hiking trails and certainly a journey with unparalleled views. After a very panoramic stretch overlooking the entire Amalfi Coast, stretching all the way to the island of Capri, you'll reach the crossroads for the San Domenico monastery, situated in stunning nature and dominating the coast from its hilltop (optional detour along a medieval pilgrim route). You then continue on a more or less flat path through spectacular nature with bizarre rock formations and lush vegetation. Here, the 'Path of the Gods' truly lives up to its name as you enjoy several breathtaking views. You'll arrive at the small village of Montepertuso, from where it's a short walk down to Positano, considered one of Italy's most beautiful villages and certainly one of the gems of the Amalfi Coast. You can wander through its alleys, relax at a café, or enjoy a swim at its large beach before taking the boat back to Amalfi in the evening.

Note: The 'Path of the Gods' is one of the most famous hiking trails in Italy. If you prefer a quieter trail (or to extend your stay in Amalfi by an extra day), we can offer the following alternative trail.

Alternative 'Pontone and Valley of the Mills' Hike | Hiking Distance (10 km)

Today, you can enjoy a beautiful walk directly from your hotel in Amalfi town. Explore the quiet narrow alleys and side streets of Amalfi, where you can still sense the Moorish influence. An ancient staircase then leads you up towards the impressive limestone cliffs and to the small village of Pontone, part of the medieval defense system for the town of Amalfi. Walk to the wonderful ruin, Torre dello Ziro, located on a narrow ridge with unforgettable views of Amalfi on one side and Atrani on the other. Find yourself a picnic spot and enjoy the view. Your trail continues through the charming village of Pontone and into the 'Valle dei Mulini' - 'Valley of the Mills'. Discover the ruins of Europe's oldest paper mills, dating back to the 11th century. The trail then follows the course of the river. If you're feeling energetic, you can take a detour further into the valley beneath the towering cliffs and admire several beautiful waterfalls. Then, you'll return to Amalfi, and the landscape will change from the lush green valley to citrus groves and macchia landscape. Depending on when you return, you'll have time in the afternoon to simply relax.

Hotel (example): Hotel Floridiana

After breakfast, it is time to check out of the hotel and depart on your own.