Biking Tours of Italy: The Amalfi Coast

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Start in Palinuro, on the southern coast of Cilento N.P.

   The trip starts at your hotel in Palinuro, a lively picturesque village on the southern coast of Cilento (approx. 3 hours drive from Naples). Capo Palinuro is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and impressive underwater caves.
   
   

   • King's Residence Hotel, Palinuro or similar
2. Day 2Cycle along the most unspoiled stretch of coastline in Southern Italy, then inland to the Mingardo Canyon and abandoned village of San Severino

   You will start early in the morning with a scenic circular ride along the Southern Coast of the Cilento National Park, the most unspoiled stretch of coastline in southern Italy, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of Policastro. You will arrive in the lovely coastal town of Marina di Camerota for a short break and then climb inland to the amazingly located village of San Giovanni a Piro. You will cycle around the impressive Mt Bulgheria and to the Mingardo canyon before making your way back to Palinuro.
   

   • 37.3 miles
   • 
     3,608.9 ft
     3,608.9 ft
   • King's Residence Hotel, Palinuro or similar
   • Breakfast
3. Day 3Ride to Capo Palinuro then to the medieval village of Pisciotta; descend to the coast and Casalvelino

   From Marina di Camerota you will follow the beautiful coastline to the peninsula of Capo Palinuro to the medieval village of Pisciotta, famous for its delicious olive oil which you will taste. From here you will climb gently to the town of Ascea. En route back to the coast, you will cycle past the ancient Greek settlement of Velia with its ‘Pink gate’, dating back to the 4th Century BC, before heading to the plain of Casalvelino, where you will stay in a lovely agriturismo.
   

   • 24.9 miles
   • 164 ft
     1,804.5 ft
     1,640.4 ft
   • Agriturismo Zio Cristoforo, Casal Velino or similar
   • Breakfast and Dinner
4. Day 4Undulating ride through coastal villages; stop for lunch and optional swim; continue on to Paestum with its 6th Century BC Greek ruins

   Today you will enjoy one of the finest rides in Italy as you leave the Casalvelino plain behind and cycle through picturesque coastal villages to Acciaroli, a favorite of Ernest Hemingway. You will stop for lunch in Santa Maria di Castellabate, where there is the opportunity for a swim in the sea. In the afternoon you can enjoy the final section of the route to Agropoli, a charming town overlooking the sea, and ride to your hotel, just a stone’s throw away from the 6th Century BC Greek temples of Paestum.
   

   • 37.3 miles
   • -82 ft
     2,132.5 ft
     2,214.6 ft
   • Hotel Villa Rita, Paestum or similar
   • Breakfast
5. Day 5Train to Salerno; scenic ride to Minori, your base for the next three nights.

   This morning you will have time to visit Paestum's well-preserved temples and amphitheatre. You will also have the opportunity to taste the famous local fresh buffalo mozzarella at lunch, before taking a train to Salerno, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. In the afternoon you will ride one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world to the Minori. Along the way, you will stop in the fishing village of Cetara, famous for its delicious tuna and anchovies. You will then continue to Capo d'Orso, offering breathtaking views over the Amalfi Coast and Capri. From here it's mainly downhill as you cycle past dramatic cliffs and scented lemon terraces to the coastal villages of Maiori and finally Minori, your base for the last three nights.
   
   

   • 13.7 miles
   • 
     820.2 ft
     820.2 ft
   • Hotel Santa Lucia, Minori or similar
   • Breakfast
6. Day 6Cycle along the 'Strada Amalfitana' to Amalfi, Praiano and Positano; climb inland to the Colli di San Pietro for great views over the Bay of Naples; return to Minori via Amalfi

   This morning you will ride along the scenic coastal road to Amalfi, where you will have time for a short stroll. The town has been popular with the British since Edwardian times, when the upper classes viewed the town as a pleasant place to spend their winters. The large Duomo dominates the town with its bright coloured tiles so typical of the region. You will then continue to Furore, Praiano and on to Positano, a near vertical town of colourful buildings. The route offers fantastic views of the whole peninsula, including the island of Capri. You will then make a beautiful climb to the Colli di San Pietro, on the ridge between the Bay of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. Time permitting, your leader may decide to extend this ride to Sorrento. There are several options for lunch before you cycle back to Positano, Amalfi and finally Minori in time for the sunset.
   

   • 34.8 miles
   • 
     3,280.8 ft
     3,280.8 ft
   • Hotel Santa Lucia, Minori or similar
   • Breakfast
7. Day 7Free day to relax on the beach at Minori, visit Ravello and Amalfi, take a boat trip to Capri or visit Pompeii and Vesuvius

   A day off the bike to relax in Minori. Alternatively, you could take a guided walk to glorious Ravello, enjoy a boat trip to the island of Capri or visit the iconic UNESCO sights of Pompeii and Vesuvius.
   

   • Hotel Santa Lucia, Minori or similar
   • Breakfast
8. Day 8End Minori

   The trip finishes in Minori after breakfast.
   

   • Breakfast