Gentle Hikes Along Italy’s Amalfi Coast
Hiking is all about testing yourself to the limits of your physical and mental capabilities, battling against the elements, fatigue and upside down maps in order to reach your goal. Isn’t it? Well, not necessarily.
Hiking doesn’t have to hurt; it doesn’t even have to take place in blustery, rain-swept conditions in which visibility is the wrong side of treacherous and you regularly lose your footwear in muddy bogs that have been callously hidden from view by particularly firm-looking grass. Walking holidays can, believe it or not, be relaxing, fun and – turn away you hardened hill walkers – even gentle.
What, prey, is the point of going on a walking holiday that is going to be gentle? If you are the kind of serious-headed rambler who spends more on your gaiters and walking sticks than you do on your flights and accommodation, you might as well stop now and go and take an ice bath in preparation for your next great adventure. But if you are the kind of clear-minded person who enjoys beautiful countryside, the great outdoors, excellent food and wine, but would rather rest your head on a soft pillow in a nice hotel than a pair of someone else’s feet in a tent, then this is for you.
If you are keen to experience a healthy – but not arduous – vacation that incorporates the best elements of hiking without the hassles, then walking holidays for beginners in Italy could be right up your coastal path. The Italians know a thing or two about food and wine, of course. The country has been blessed with the beautiful natural surroundings and combining that with the culture, gastronomy and history of the place is sure to create situations in which you cannot help but relax.
One area of Italy that is certainly worth exploring on foot is the Amalfi Coast, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 for its cultural significance. The archetypal Mediterranean landscapes abound in the area, with colourful buildings built in precarious-looking clusters up the sides of rugged cliffs and mountains, overlooking natural harbours and coves.
The area is also a great base to explore such fine Roman ruins as those at the ancient towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were engulfed by the gigantic eruption of Vesuvius on 24th August AD 79. The fact the towns were buried for so long – from the time of the eruption until the 18th century – has meant many of the buildings and relics have been preserved, giving a keen insight into what life was truly like during the Roman Empire of the day.
More recent architectural gems exist in the area too, with outstanding cathedrals to be found in Amalfi (the town) and Ravello, and many fine churches built in various architectural styles, which are sure to catch your eye as you explore the lovely towns that dot the coastline. But you are really after a spot of walking, right? So walking is what you should endeavour to do.
One of the best trails in the area – and, may say, in the whole of Italy – is dubbed “The Path of the Gods”, so named because it takes you high above the tourists below: look down and face sheer drops, look up to circling falcons… or maybe just look where you’re going. With caves, vineyards, amazing panoramas of the rugged coastline, along with well-maintained paths, this route from Bomerano to Positano will certainly make you feel rewarded, invigorated, and probably a little hungry and thirsty. And with so many great restaurants in Positano to choose from, many of which offer great views out to sea, it is the perfect place to kick back and sip of glass of the local wine while the sun goes down and the sea gently laps against the rocks. And not a hailstorm in site.