Italian coast

Undiscovered Europe: The Alta Via dei Monti Lattari, Italy

Author: Naomi Dunbar

As we continue to bring you our undiscovered Europe series, in this article we are going to take a look at the incredible Alta Via dei Monti Lattari, which is a long-distance hiking trail that runs from Cava dei Tirreni on the Amalfi Coast, arguably Italy’s most picturesque coastline, all the way to the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula. To do so, we teamed up with the experts of hiking in this staggering area The Natural Adventure Company, to give us a real taste of what you can expect from the trail.

You can see why the Amalfi Coast section of this hike gets its exquisite reputation. The path runs high above the sparkling blue waters and pristine sandy beaches below, almost meeting the electric blue skies above, as they wind and snake through old vineyards, past rugged cliffs and ancient farming land. Every new corner brings a view that rivals the last.

Amalfi Coast Italy
Photo: Grover Massenburg

The Amalfi Coast offers a stunning combination of quaint coastal towns, mountains, rich culture and fascinating wildlife. There is also plenty of gorgeous plant life to admire en-route, such as sweet smelling meadows, myrtle shrubs, mastic trees and delicious herbs. Walking these paths is a sensory delight for all.

As you continue along the trail, and the Amalfi Coast starts to fade into the background, you’ll be met by the magnificent sights of olive groves, small churches, ancient castle ruins, and old farm houses, all dotted along the trails waiting patiently for you to discover them. The path will then wind you into the lands of the Sorrento Peninsula.

Sorrento Italian coast
Photo: Kevin Kimtis

Here, you’ll enjoy rural and almost alpine scenery that feels so far away from the glamour and buzz of some of the more fashionable places along the coast, giving you a serene sense of isolation and a chance to soak in the divine landscapes with a blissful calm.

This 55-mile trek offers a tapestry of views and scenery that you’ll likely never forget, and gives you a taste of the raw beauty of Italy. The Mediterranean weather is mild, the golden sunlight reaches down and kisses everything it touches, all the while the warm breeze caresses your skin with every new step you take.

How to hike the Alta Via dei Monti Lattari

Hiking paths Amalfi coast
Photo: Kevin Kimtis

If you want to hike this breathtaking trail (who wouldn’t!?), then you should check out the fantastic eight-day walking tour by The Natural Adventure Company. On this tour you’ll get to take in all the very best sights that the Alta Via dei Monti Lattari has to offer, stay in comfortable accommodation and taste some of the most sublime tradition Italian cuisine in the area. All the while, you’ll have a friendly and knowledgeable guide by your side every step of the way.

If you’d like to find out more about this trip, read the full itinerary or see the full range of trips that the company has to offer, then head over to The Natural Adventure Company website.

Amalfi Coast travel information

Amalfi coast landscape
Photo: John Karwoski

How to get to the Amalfi Coast

The closest airport is Naples, which is located approximately 37 miles away.

What to eat

As you would expect, being a coastal area the best food to eat in the Amalfi Coast in the seafood. Particularly a dish of clams, squid, mussels and shrimp with spices, cooked in a pignatiello, which is a clay pot.

What to drink

You must, of course, drink and cheers with a limoncello when dining in the Amalfi Coast. Limoncello is a an Italian lemon liqueur that is mainly produced in southern Italy, particularly in the region around Naples, the Sorrentine Peninsula and the coast of Amalfi.

What to say

Hello: Ciao
Goodbye: Addio
Yes please: Sí grazie
No thank you: No grazie
I don’t speak Italian: Non parlo italiano
Do you speak English? Parli inglese
You’re welcome (or cheers): Prego

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