GemmaAmalfi is more than just a picturesque town on the edge of the Italian coastline—it’s a paradise for photographers and anyone who loves to explore. With dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, charming villages, and lush landscapes, the Amalfi Coast offers countless opportunities to capture breathtaking scenes. If you’re a photography lover, planning your next trip around scenic walks is the perfect way to experience the region.
From my own personal experience, walking these trails allows you to truly immerse yourself in Amalfi’s beauty, giving you perspectives that photos from the main roads or tourist spots simply cannot. Whether you’re seeking panoramic views, hidden beaches, or charming villages tucked away in cliffs, this guide to 12 coastal walks will inspire your next adventure and help you capture memories that last a lifetime.
1. Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)
The Path of the Gods is perhaps the most iconic hike along the Amalfi Coast. Stretching between Bomerano and Nocelle, this trail is famous for its dramatic views over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
- Distance & Difficulty: About 7.8 km, moderate difficulty.
- Highlights for Photography: Panoramic views of Positano, lush valleys, and cliffside villages. Sunrise and sunset are perfect for capturing dramatic light.
- Tips: Wear sturdy shoes as some parts are rocky. Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the vast landscapes.
From my own personal experience, walking this path early in the morning not only gives you softer light for photos but also a peaceful atmosphere before crowds arrive.
2. Valle delle Ferriere
For a greener, more shaded walk, the Valle delle Ferriere near Amalfi town is ideal. This trail combines waterfalls, ancient mills, and rare plants, offering a different perspective of the Amalfi Coast.
- Distance & Difficulty: 6 km loop, moderate.
- Highlights: Waterfalls, ferns, moss-covered stones, and small streams perfect for macro photography.
- Tips: Wear comfortable, water-resistant shoes. A polarizing filter helps capture water textures beautifully.
Exploring this trail feels like stepping into a hidden oasis. From my own personal experience, the sound of flowing water and the soft green canopy makes this trail both calming and photogenic.
3. Ravello to Amalfi Coastal Walk
The walk from Ravello to Amalfi is a combination of history, art, and breathtaking views. Ravello’s gardens and Amalfi’s cathedral offer incredible photo opportunities along the way.
- Distance & Difficulty: About 8 km, easy to moderate.
- Highlights: Villa Cimbrone gardens, Villa Rufolo, Amalfi Cathedral, panoramic terraces overlooking the coast.
- Tips: Visit in spring or fall for fewer tourists and softer sunlight.
This walk blends architecture and nature seamlessly. From my own personal experience, capturing Ravello’s gardens with the sea in the background is one of the most rewarding shots on the coast.
4. Punta Campanella Trail
If you want a walk with a mix of coastal views and historical sites, the Punta Campanella Trail is a must. This trail leads to the tip of the Sorrentine Peninsula, offering sweeping sea views and Roman ruins.
- Distance & Difficulty: 8 km, moderate.
- Highlights: Lighthouse, cliffside paths, ancient Roman ruins, and wildflowers in spring.
- Tips: Bring a tripod for sunset shots and binoculars to spot Capri in the distance.
This trail is perfect for capturing both landscape and historical elements. From my own personal experience, the cliffside views make you feel as though you are on the edge of the world.
5. Sentiero dei Limoni (Path of the Lemons)
The Sentiero dei Limoni connects Amalfi and Maiori through lemon groves, offering a uniquely fragrant and colorful walking experience.
- Distance & Difficulty: 5 km, easy.
- Highlights: Terraced lemon groves, vibrant village houses, panoramic sea views.
- Tips: A macro lens can help capture the lemons up close, while a wide-angle lens works for terraces.
Walking among fragrant lemon trees while photographing vibrant yellow fruits is truly special. From my own personal experience, the contrast of lemons against the blue sea is irresistible for any photographer.
6. Positano Coastal Trail
Positano is known for its colorful houses stacked along cliffs, and the Positano Coastal Trail allows you to see the town from a different perspective.
- Distance & Difficulty: 4 km, easy.
- Highlights: Overlooking Positano’s pastel buildings, small beaches, and the Marina Grande.
- Tips: Early morning is best for soft light and fewer crowds.
From my own personal experience, photographing Positano from the trail gives a sense of scale and depth impossible to capture from the beach.
7. Praiano to Conca dei Marini Walk
This lesser-known trail between Praiano and Conca dei Marini is perfect for photographers seeking solitude and raw beauty.
- Distance & Difficulty: 6 km, moderate.
- Highlights: Small coves, rugged cliffs, and turquoise water.
- Tips: Take your time exploring hidden spots for unique angles.
This walk feels intimate and untouched. From my own personal experience, discovering a secluded beach along this path is like finding a secret only the locals know.
8. Atrani Village Coastal Stroll
Atrani, just east of Amalfi, is a small village that retains its traditional charm. The coastal stroll through Atrani is short but rich in photographic opportunities.
- Distance & Difficulty: 2 km, easy.
- Highlights: Narrow streets, Piazza Umberto I, and charming fishing boats.
- Tips: Capture reflections in the water during the golden hour.
From my own personal experience, the authenticity of Atrani makes it a must-see for capturing traditional Amalfi life without the crowds.
9. Conca dei Marini to Furore Fjord
This walk explores the dramatic Furore Fjord, a hidden gem with towering cliffs and a small beach below.
- Distance & Difficulty: 5 km, moderate.
- Highlights: Fjord views, quaint bridges, and turquoise waters.
- Tips: Midday light works well for water shots, while sunrise adds dramatic shadows.
From my own personal experience, the fjord feels like a natural amphitheater carved by the sea, offering endless angles for creative photography.
10. Amalfi Coast Sunset Trail
If capturing sunsets is your goal, the Amalfi Coast Sunset Trail is unbeatable. Stretching along various cliff paths from Amalfi to Positano, this walk focuses on the evening light.
- Distance & Difficulty: Variable, moderate.
- Highlights: Golden hour lighting, silhouettes of villages, reflective sea surfaces.
- Tips: Bring a tripod and experiment with long exposures.
From my own personal experience, photographing Amalfi at sunset from a high trail makes you feel like the light itself is embracing the town.
11. Vietri sul Mare to Cetara Coastal Walk
For a combination of art, culture, and sea views, the walk from Vietri sul Mare to Cetara is ideal. Vietri is famous for ceramics, and Cetara for its fishing culture.
- Distance & Difficulty: 7 km, moderate.
- Highlights: Colorful ceramics, small harbors, coastal cliffs.
- Tips: Capture reflections in the harbors and focus on textures of walls and tiles.
From my own personal experience, photographing the ceramics in Vietri against the backdrop of the sea creates striking contrast and vibrant compositions.
12. Minori to Maiori Cliffside Walk
The trail from Minori to Maiori offers gentle cliffs and quiet beaches, perfect for those seeking peaceful photography spots.
- Distance & Difficulty: 6 km, easy.
- Highlights: Terraced cliffs, small vineyards, and panoramic sea views.
- Tips: A lens with a slight zoom works well for capturing distant details without disturbing the scenery.
From my own personal experience, this walk is ideal for capturing the slower, quieter side of the Amalfi Coast, with fewer tourists and more authentic scenery.
Tips for Photography on the Amalfi Coast Walks
- Timing: Early morning or late afternoon provides soft, warm lighting.
- Equipment: A wide-angle lens for landscapes, a tripod for low-light or long-exposure shots, and a polarizer for reflections.
- Footwear: Comfortable hiking shoes are a must for uneven or rocky trails.
- Safety: Stay on marked trails, and always carry water.
- Composition: Look for natural frames like arches, cliffs, or terraces, and use leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the Amalfi Coast on foot offers a unique way to experience its stunning beauty. From my own personal experience, the combination of sea views, charming villages, and hidden trails creates opportunities that go beyond typical travel photography. Each walk brings something unique, whether it’s the dramatic cliffs of the Path of the Gods, the serene waterfalls of Valle delle Ferriere, or the fragrant lemon groves of the Sentiero dei Limoni.
For photography lovers, Amalfi is not just a destination—it’s a canvas waiting to be captured. Take your time, explore the lesser-known paths, and allow the coast to reveal its beauty through your lens. With these 12 walks, you’re equipped to see the Amalfi Coast like never before, capturing images that will remind you of the magic of this Italian paradise for years to come.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.