Hike and Explore Italy's Amalfi Coast – Self-Launched
7 days · Amalfi Coast, Italy
Much Better Adventures charges £1,595
No-markup version: ~£620 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
From lemon-scented mule tracks to the legendary Path of the Gods, this self-launched version of Much Better Adventures' Amalfi Coast hiking week lets you experience the same iconic trails, villages and island escape at a fraction of the cost. Based in charming Maiori — the Amalfi Coast's longest beach and a local favourite — you'll hike the Sentiero dei Limoni, summit the Santuario dell'Avvocata, explore Capri's quiet coastal path, wander the Valle delle Ferriere nature reserve and finish with the unforgettable Sentiero degli Dei above Positano. All routes are well-marked and easily tackled without a guide. Swap the private minivan transfers for local SITA buses and ferries, book a budget guesthouse or B&B in Maiori, and you'll save hundreds of pounds while enjoying the same breathtaking coastline on your own schedule. Estimated costs are approximate and based on mid-2024 budget traveller rates.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Maiori
Naples → Maiori
Fly into Naples International Airport (NAP). From the airport, take the Alibus Express to Naples Centrale (roughly 20 minutes, ~£5), then catch a SITA or Flixbus coach to Salerno (around 1 hour, ~£5) and from Salerno hop on the SITA coastal bus to Maiori (about 45 minutes, ~£3). Alternatively, for ease, the Curreri bus runs directly from Naples Airport to Amalfi (roughly 1.5 hours, ~£10), from where the SITA bus continues to Maiori (15 minutes, ~£2). Check in to your guesthouse or B&B in Maiori, take a stroll along the seafront promenade and get your bearings. Head out for a welcome dinner at one of Maiori's local trattorie — try Da Carmela or La Tosca for great-value pasta and seafood.
🚌Alibus Express from Naples Airport to Napoli Centrale (~£5), then coach to Salerno and SITA bus to Maiori (~£8); or Curreri Viaggi direct bus from airport to Amalfi (~£10) then SITA to Maiori (~£2)
🛏B&B or guesthouse in Maiori — try B&B Il Giardino di Ines or Hostel Brikette (nearby Positano) or search Booking.com for Maiori budget options (~£35-50/night for a private room)
- →Transfer from Naples Airport to Maiori via Alibus + SITA coastal bus (~£13 total) or Curreri Viaggi direct bus to Amalfi then SITA to Maiori (~£12)
- →Evening stroll along Maiori's seafront promenade and beach
- →Welcome dinner at a local trattoria in Maiori (budget ~£15-25)
Hike the Path of the Lemons to Ravello and Amalfi
Maiori → Minori → Ravello → Amalfi → Maiori
Start the morning with breakfast at your B&B or grab a cornetto and espresso at a local bar. Set off on foot from Maiori along the Sentiero dei Limoni (Path of the Lemons) — a well-marked historic mule track (follow CAI trail signs) winding through fragrant lemon groves to Minori (~3km). In Minori, visit a traditional lemon grove for a self-guided look or join a small group tasting session (book via GetYourGuide, ~£10-15). Continue uphill to beautiful hilltop Ravello (another 3km, well-marked path), where the Villa Rufolo gardens and viewpoints are unmissable (~£7 entry). Descend through the picturesque village of Atrani to reach Amalfi (about 2km), enjoy the cathedral and historic centre at leisure, then catch the SITA bus back to Maiori (~£2). Dine out independently this evening.
🚌Walk the entire trail (Maiori → Minori → Ravello → Atrani → Amalfi, ~8km total). SITA bus from Amalfi back to Maiori (~£2, runs frequently).
🛏Same B&B in Maiori
- →Hike Sentiero dei Limoni from Maiori to Minori (3km, well-signed CAI trail, free)
- →Lemon grove visit and optional limoncello tasting in Minori (self-guided or GetYourGuide group session ~£10-15)
- →Explore hilltop Ravello — Villa Rufolo gardens entry ~£7
- →Descend through Atrani to Amalfi and explore the cathedral (free) and historic centre
- →SITA bus back to Maiori (~£2)
Above the Clouds to Monte Avvocata
Maiori → Badia di Cava de' Tirreni → Santuario dell'Avvocata → Maiori
An early start for the most demanding day of the week. Take the SITA bus from Maiori toward Salerno and alight at Cava de' Tirreni (~45 mins, ~£4), from where a short taxi or local bus brings you to the Badia di Cava (historic Benedictine Abbey — free to visit the exterior, guided visit ~£5 if available). From the abbey, follow the well-marked pilgrim trail (CAI) through golden chestnut woods and along panoramic ridgelines up to the Santuario dell'Avvocata, perched at nearly 1,000m above the Gulf of Salerno (~6km, 800m ascent). The sanctuary and sweeping views are yours to enjoy — this is a genuine hidden gem. Descend via ancient mule tracks back down to Maiori (~6km, 850m descent). Pack a substantial picnic lunch from a Maiori deli or supermarket (Despar or local alimentari) before you leave. Celebrate with a well-earned dip in the sea back in Maiori.
🚌SITA bus Maiori → Cava de' Tirreni (~£4). Short local taxi or bus to Badia (~£4 return). Return to Maiori on foot via descent trail.
🛏Same B&B in Maiori
- →SITA bus from Maiori to Cava de' Tirreni (~£4)
- →Visit to Badia di Cava Benedictine Abbey (free exterior, ~£5 guided)
- →Full-day hike on CAI pilgrim route to Santuario dell'Avvocata (~12km, 800m up / 850m down, free trail)
- →Picnic lunch on the ridge (pack from Maiori supermarket, ~£6)
- →Swim at Maiori beach on return
Island Trails and La Dolce Vita on Capri
Maiori → Amalfi → Capri → Maiori
Take the SITA bus from Maiori to Amalfi (~£2) and board the ferry to Capri (Caremar or NLG ferries, roughly 1.5 hours from Amalfi, ~£25 return — book in advance at capritourism.com or direct at the port). On arrival at Capri's Marina Grande, take the local orange bus to Anacapri (Piazzale Capri, ~£2). From Anacapri, walk to the Faro di Anacapri (lighthouse) and pick up the Sentiero dei Fortini coastal trail — a spectacular and easy-to-follow 5km path linking ancient Aragonese watchtowers above brilliant blue water (free, no guide needed). In the afternoon, ride the Monte Solaro chairlift (~£15 return) for panoramic views, or visit Villa San Michele (~£10 entry). The Blue Grotto rowboat entry is ~£15 extra if you want to add it. Take the ferry back to Amalfi in the late afternoon (check the last boat time — usually around 18:00-19:00 in season), then SITA bus back to Maiori.
🚌SITA bus Maiori–Amalfi (£2 each way). Return ferry Amalfi–Capri (~£25). Local bus on Capri (~£2 each way).
🛏Same B&B in Maiori
- →SITA bus Maiori → Amalfi (~£2)
- →Return ferry Amalfi → Capri (~£25, book ahead at capritourism.com or port ticket office)
- →Local bus Capri Marina Grande → Anacapri (~£2)
- →Self-guided hike on Sentiero dei Fortini coastal path (~5km, free)
- →Optional: Monte Solaro chairlift (~£15 return) or Villa San Michele entry (~£10)
- →Optional: Blue Grotto visit (~£15 extra)
- →Ferry back to Amalfi, SITA bus to Maiori (~£2)
Waterfalls, Ruins and Lunch in Valle delle Ferriere
Maiori → Pontone → Valle delle Ferriere → Amalfi → Maiori
Take the SITA bus from Maiori to Amalfi (~£2), then a local taxi or shared minibus up to Pontone village (~£5-8, or walk the stepped path from Atrani, about 30 minutes). From Pontone, descend on foot into the Valle delle Ferriere — the Amalfi Coast's lush, shaded nature reserve, home to ancient fern species, a beautiful waterfall and the haunting ruins of medieval paper mills (free trail, well-marked, ~4km descent to Amalfi). Arrive in Amalfi for a self-guided visit to the Museo della Carta (13th-century working paper mill, entry ~£5 — you can try making your own Amalfi paper as part of the visit, book direct at museodellacartalfi.it). Have lunch at a local trattoria or alimentari around Amalfi (budget ~£12-18). Spend free time exploring the cathedral, harbour and backstreets before catching the SITA bus back to Maiori (~£2). Enjoy a relaxed beach afternoon or sunset swim.
🚌SITA bus Maiori–Amalfi (£2 each way). Taxi or walk to Pontone (~£5-8 or free). Walk the full Valle delle Ferriere trail descent to Amalfi.
🛏Same B&B in Maiori
- →SITA bus Maiori → Amalfi (~£2), then taxi or walk to Pontone (~£5-8 or free walk)
- →Self-guided hike through Valle delle Ferriere nature reserve (free, ~4km, waterfalls and medieval ruins)
- →Visit Museo della Carta working paper mill in Amalfi (~£5, book at museodellacartalfi.it)
- →Lunch at a local trattoria or deli in Amalfi (~£12-18)
- →Free time in Amalfi historic centre
- →SITA bus back to Maiori (~£2), beach or sunset swim
The Legendary Path of the Gods
Maiori → Agerola → Path of the Gods → Nocelle → Positano → Maiori
The week's grand finale. Take the SITA bus from Maiori to Amalfi (~£2), then another SITA bus up to Agerola (about 1 hour total from Maiori, scenic mountain road, ~£5) — check timetables at sitasudtrasporti.it as services can be infrequent. From Agerola, pick up the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) trailhead and set off on one of Italy's most celebrated hikes: a dramatic ridge trail with sweeping views from Capri to the Lattari Mountains (~10km, mostly downhill, 50m up / 650m down). At the midpoint, look out for shepherd farmsteads along the route where you may be able to buy local cheese and cured meats — pack your own picnic from a Maiori deli just in case (~£8). The trail ends at Nocelle, from where you can descend to Positano via the famous stone staircase (free, ~20 minutes) or take the local bus down (~£2). Spend free time in stunning Positano before catching the ferry back to Amalfi (~£10) and the SITA bus to Maiori (~£2). Celebrate with a farewell dinner in Maiori — treat yourself to a proper sit-down meal.
🚌SITA bus Maiori–Amalfi–Agerola (~£5). Walk the trail to Nocelle. Steps or bus to Positano (~£2). Ferry Positano–Amalfi (~£10). SITA bus to Maiori (~£2).
🛏Same B&B in Maiori
- →SITA bus Maiori → Amalfi → Agerola (~£5 total, check sitasudtrasporti.it for timetables)
- →Self-guided hike on Sentiero degli Dei, Agerola to Nocelle (~10km, free — one of Italy's iconic trails)
- →Picnic lunch on the trail with local cheese and meats (pack from Maiori deli, ~£8, or buy from a shepherd along the route)
- →Descent from Nocelle to Positano via stone staircase (free) or local bus (~£2)
- →Free time in Positano
- →Ferry Positano → Amalfi (~£10), then SITA bus to Maiori (~£2)
- →Farewell dinner in Maiori (~£20-30)
Arrivederci, Amalfi Coast
Maiori → Naples Airport
After a leisurely breakfast, check out and make your way back to Naples. Take the SITA bus from Maiori to Salerno (~45 mins, ~£4), then a direct Flixbus or Marino coach from Salerno to Naples Airport (roughly 1 hour, ~£6-8) — or take the train from Salerno to Naples Centrale (45 mins, ~£8) and then the Alibus Express to the airport (~£5). Allow at least 3 hours for the journey in total, more if connections are tight. If you have time to spare, Naples is well worth a morning visit — its historic centre, street food scene (try a fried pizza in the Quartieri Spagnoli) and the National Archaeological Museum are all exceptional.
🚌SITA bus Maiori → Salerno (~£4). Flixbus/Marino coach Salerno → Naples Airport (~£6-8), or train Salerno → Napoli Centrale (~£8) + Alibus to airport (~£5).
🛏N/A — departure day
- →Leisurely breakfast and hotel check-out
- →SITA bus from Maiori to Salerno (~£4)
- →Coach or train from Salerno to Naples, then Alibus to airport (~£8-13 total)
- →Optional: explore Naples city centre if time allows (street food, Quartieri Spagnoli, archaeological museum)
Self-launched vs. Much Better Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Much Better Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£620 | £1,595 |
| Duration | 7 days | 7 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £975 per person (61%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Much Better Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£620
estimated per person
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Hike and Explore Italy's Amalfi Coast – Self-Launched cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £620 per person for 7 days in Amalfi Coast, Italy. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Much Better Adventures?+
Yes — Much Better Adventures charges around £1,595 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £620 — a saving of roughly £975 (61%) per person.
How long is the Amalfi Coast, Italy trip?+
This itinerary runs 7 days, covering 7 day-by-day stops through Amalfi Coast, Italy.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a hiking, culture, adventure trip through Amalfi Coast, Italy, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
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