7-Day Amalfi Coast Hiking Itinerary: Naples, Capri & Pompeii

Italy’s southern coastline offers a perfect blend of dramatic landscapes, ancient history, and coastal charm, making it ideal for a hiking-focused getaway. This 7-day itinerary emphasizes moderate treks, cultural immersion, and relaxation amid turquoise waters and cliffside villages. Starting in vibrant Naples, travelers hike volcanic craters, wander preserved Roman ruins, ferry to glamorous Capri, and traverse iconic coastal paths. Expect daily walks ranging from 2-5 miles with elevation gains suitable for fit beginners to intermediate hikers. Ferries, trains, and local buses connect sites efficiently, while boutique stays provide comfort after active days.

Why Choose This Hiking-Focused Itinerary?

The Amalfi Coast and surrounding areas stand out for their UNESCO-listed scenery and historical depth. Mount Vesuvius’s trails reveal volcanic power that shaped Pompeii, while Capri’s rugged paths lead to hidden coves. Unlike crowded bus tours, this plan prioritizes guided hikes for safety and insight, with free afternoons for personalization. Spring or fall avoids peak summer heat, ensuring pleasant 60-75°F weather for trekking. Budget €1,200-2,000 per person excluding flights, covering lodging, meals, entries, and transport.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Arrival in Naples and Pompeii Introduction

Land in Naples, a bustling gateway to Campania’s treasures. Settle into a central hotel like those near the historic district. Afternoon: Head to Pompeii, the Roman city frozen by Vesuvius’s 79 AD eruption. Ash buried this prosperous hub under 20 feet of debris, preserving mosaics, villas, and amphitheaters. Opt for a 2-hour guided tour (€22 entry, archaeologist-led for context on daily life—baths, brothels, forums). Evening: Savor Neapolitan pizza, birthplace of the Margherita. Distance walked: 3 miles. Overnight: Naples.

Day 2: Summit Mount Vesuvius and Ferry to Capri

Morning bus to Vesuvius National Park (1 hour from Naples). Hike Il Gran Cono trail: 2.5 miles round-trip, 718 feet elevation to the steaming crater rim. Guides explain the 79 AD cataclysm that pummeled Pompeii with pumice for days. Post-hike lunch at a farm-to-table agriturismo with local wines. Afternoon ferry (45 minutes) to Capri. Check into seaside lodging. Explore Marina Grande’s waterfront. Distance: 4 miles hiking. Overnight: Capri.

Day 3: Capri’s Coastal Trails and Blue Grotto

Start with a boat tour circling Capri: Pass Faraglioni rock arches (legend says kissing beneath ensures eternal love), Grotta Bianca, Verde, and Azzurra (Blue Grotto—rowboats enter its electric-blue cave when tides allow, €18 extra). Afternoon hike: Sentiero dei Fortini Borbonici, 4 miles with 656 feet gain along cliffs past Napoleonic-era forts to Punta Carena lighthouse. Swim in clear bays if weather permits. Sunset views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Distance: 5 miles. Overnight: Capri.

Day 4: Capri to Sorrento – Chairlift and Peninsula Hike

Morning chairlift from Anacapri to Monte Solaro (1,200 feet up, panoramic island vistas). Descend via trails through pine groves. Ferry to Sorrento (20 minutes), base for coast exploration. Hike Punta Campanella trailhead for clifftop views of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Visit the Natural Arch and Villa Malaparte. Evening: Stroll Sorrento’s lemon-scented streets, try limoncello. Distance: 4 miles. Overnight: Sorrento.

Day 5: Path of the Gods – Amalfi Coast Masterpiece

Bus to Bomerano for Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), Amalfi’s signature 4.5-mile hike from Agerola to Nocelle. Dramatic 1,800-foot descents reveal Positano’s pastel homes tumbling to sea. Pass ruins, wild herbs, and sheer drops—moderate with some exposure. End in Positano for beach time and seafood. Alternative: Fiordo di Furore bridge-to-cove trek. Distance: 5 miles. Overnight: Positano.

Day 6: Amalfi, Ravello, and Wine Tasting

Bus to Amalfi town: Climb to the 9th-century cathedral, explore paper museum (birthplace of Europe’s rag paper trade). Bus to Ravello for Villa Rufolo and Cimbrone gardens—clifftop infinity views that inspired Wagner. Afternoon wine tasting at a vineyard (Falanghina whites, Aglianico reds). Optional short hike through lemon terraces. Relax in thermal springs if time allows. Distance: 3 miles. Overnight: Amalfi.

Day 7: Return via Herculaneum or Leisure, Depart

Morning option: Train to Herculaneum (better-preserved than Pompeii, with carbonized wood and frescoes). Or leisure in Sorrento—cooking class for pasta/pizza. Train back to Naples airport. Reflect on volcanic hikes, azure seas, and timeless ruins. Distance: 2-4 miles.

Practical Planning Essentials

Getting There: Fly into Naples International (NAP). Trains/ferries via Circumvesuviana line (€5-20). SNAV/GLP ferries for Capri (€20-30 RT).

Accommodations: Mix boutique hotels—urban in Naples/Sorrento, sea-view in Capri/Positano (€150-300/night). Book 6 months ahead for summer.

Packing List:

• Hiking boots with grip for rocky paths
• Light layers, rain jacket (microclimates vary)
• Swimsuit, towel for cove dips
• Daypack, reusable water bottle, sun protection
• Power bank, EU adapter

Budget Table:

Best Time: April-June or September-October for mild hikes, fewer crowds. Avoid August heat/traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this itinerary suitable for beginners?

Yes—trails are moderate (300-700 ft gain/day). Guides ensure safety; alternatives like buses available.

How physically demanding are the hikes?

Expect 3-6 miles daily, some steep sections. Train with hill walks beforehand.

What if seas are rough for Capri ferries/Blue Grotto?

Check forecasts; grotto closes in wind. Land hikes remain viable.

Can I extend to Rome or shorten?

Add Day 0 train from Rome (3 hours). Compress Days 5-6 for 5 days.

Vegetarian/vegan options?

Abundant—caprese salads, pasta al pomodoro, grilled veggies everywhere.

Health, Safety, and Sustainability Tips

Stay hydrated (carry 2L water), use reef-safe sunscreen. Stick to marked trails to prevent erosion. Support locals: Eat at family trattorias, skip single-use plastics. Vesuvius/Pompeii cap visitors (15,000/day high season). Travel insurance covers ferries/hikes.

This itinerary transforms passive sightseeing into active discovery, forging memories amid Italy’s most photogenic corners. From Vesuvius’s fiery past to Amalfi’s divine paths, every step reveals layered beauty.