Amalfi Coast Walks - Ravello to Atrani and Amalfi
There is a little known but enchanting pathway from the eagle's nest of Ravello that ducks and weaves down crumbling pathways, past ancient stone walls and alongside family gardens and grapevines. It is a pathway from where you have the sapphire Amalfi Coast at your feet and not a single person in your way.
In an increasingly crowded Amalfi Coast you can find hidden gems - see my post here:
https://bellaitaliacampania.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-amalfi-coast-and-its-hidden-gems.html
On my last visit in October 2017, I found another hidden gem. The path from Ravello to Atrani and Amalfi. Everyone's heard of the Path of the Gods from Bomerano to Nocelle - that trail that takes you literally above the clouds - but this one takes you on a 'staircase of the Gods'.
I started in Ravello by taking the bus from Amalfi. It's easy - just wait at the far side of the Amalfi bus terminus and look out for the locals - loaded with shopping bags - and follow them because when the bus to Ravello pulls up it's a mad dash for a seat - with the locals winning. The bus takes you up a winding road and Ravello is suddenly there - off the bus and through a tunnel - Villa Rufalo on one side and the bewitching piazza just to your right.
I had been to Ravello before but this time it was about finding THAT path - and Villa Rufalo led me there. These photos are the views from this villa. I'd been there before and it was just as enchanting as the first time - however I was on a mission. I had a feeling the path to Atrani was somewhere nearby.
Long story short - the pathway is secluded and truly a hidden gem. To find the path in Ravello, you need to walk past Villa Rufalo, take a left down the pretty pedestrian path lined with ceramic shops and upscale boutiques - and when you come to a fork in the path - take the fork to the left and head downhill - to this....
View of Amalfi from the tiny pedestrian walkway that joins both villages.
In an increasingly crowded Amalfi Coast you can find hidden gems - see my post here:
https://bellaitaliacampania.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-amalfi-coast-and-its-hidden-gems.html
On my last visit in October 2017, I found another hidden gem. The path from Ravello to Atrani and Amalfi. Everyone's heard of the Path of the Gods from Bomerano to Nocelle - that trail that takes you literally above the clouds - but this one takes you on a 'staircase of the Gods'.
I started in Ravello by taking the bus from Amalfi. It's easy - just wait at the far side of the Amalfi bus terminus and look out for the locals - loaded with shopping bags - and follow them because when the bus to Ravello pulls up it's a mad dash for a seat - with the locals winning. The bus takes you up a winding road and Ravello is suddenly there - off the bus and through a tunnel - Villa Rufalo on one side and the bewitching piazza just to your right.
I had been to Ravello before but this time it was about finding THAT path - and Villa Rufalo led me there. These photos are the views from this villa. I'd been there before and it was just as enchanting as the first time - however I was on a mission. I had a feeling the path to Atrani was somewhere nearby.
Long story short - the pathway is secluded and truly a hidden gem. To find the path in Ravello, you need to walk past Villa Rufalo, take a left down the pretty pedestrian path lined with ceramic shops and upscale boutiques - and when you come to a fork in the path - take the fork to the left and head downhill - to this....
ABOVE: These are the gardens of Mama Agata's Cooking School. I wanted to do a class here but missed out as they were full. An unmissable experience, so I've heard.
No one around - all to yourself. And then you pop up in little Atrani - a truly hidden gem right beside bustling Amalfi - but who would know there are thousands of tourists right next door?
This is Atrani (above 6 photos) - in late September 2017 - no one there - all to yourself - now go get a spritz/beer - after all those stairs you deserve it.
Back in Positano, beer at Bar Bruno and time to rest those weary legs.
DETAILS:
I took the SITA bus from Positano to Amalfi and then changed buses from Amalfi to Ravello.
I returned to Positano using the Coast to Coast red coach. It was 10 euro but worth it for the seat and the air conditioning.
A gorgeous and truly rewarding day - with no one around - another Amalfi Coast hidden gem.
Kathy
Travelled: October 2017
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