Hiking Near Positano Italy
Positano is one of the most beautiful towns of the coast, with its
pristine bay surrounded by pastel-painted houses rising up the steep
hillside, anchored by its church’s incredible yellow and green tiled
dome. It’s a strenuous hike to Monte Pertuso, a natural arch shading
a tiny mountain village. For a mellow day, head to lovely Nocelle,
which was not accessible by road until this decade, and back down to
Positano for lunch on the beach. For a longer hike with well-marked
paths and gorgeous views of both mountains and sea, continue through
the forest to the church of Santa Maria del Castello, then wind back
down to Positano.
Hiking the Island of Capri
The island of Capri is home to a wonderful stairclimb hike that will
get you away from the crowds. Until the road was built in the 19th
century, the 995 steps of the Scala Fenice were the only way to travel
from the upper town of the island, Anacapri, to the marina. The way is
obvious and steep, but there are frequent landings to take in the
view. After the steps it’s a gentle walk to the lovely Villa San
Michele, former home of the doctor Axel Munthe; his autobiography The
Story of San Michele describes his life on the island. The gardens
house his collection of antiquities and boast views of the entire Bay
of Naples, and the surrounding land is a bird sanctuary. If the stairs
didn’t provide you with enough exercise, head back to Capri piazza
and pick up a caprese sandwich (fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, and
olive oil–delicious!), then walk up to explore the Villa Jovis, the
ruins of the villa of Roman emperor Tiberius.
Hiking the Amalfi Coast allows you to explore the natural beauty of
this UNESCO World Heritage Site up close and at leisure, making for an
unforgettable trip.
For complete directions for these hikes and others, I highly recommend
the walking guide Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast from Sunflower Books,
sunflowerbooks.co.uk.
Audrey Sheridan is a food-lover and doctor who is passionate about
helping people take charge of their health and happiness by making
positive lifestyle choices. She blogs at eattothrive.blogspot.com.
2 comments
Sounds like a great place to eat food and do some hiking!
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Food & trails: To paraphrase Julie Andrews, “These are a couple of my fav-o-rite things…”