Biking Tours of Italy: The Amalfi Coast

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Adventure starts in Palinuro, on the southern coast of Cilento National Park

   Welcome to Palinuro, a lively and picturesque village on the southern coast of Cilento, approximately three hours’ drive from Naples. Capo Palinuro is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and spectacular underwater caves.
   
   As some flights arrive late today, your main tour briefing will take place tomorrow morning.

   • Hotel Santa Caterina
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

   Around 9am, say ciao to your tour leader and fellow travelers as you gather for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
   
   Begin with a scenic circular ride along the southern coast of Cilento National Park, one of the most unspoiled stretches of coastline in southern Italy, offering spectacular views across the Gulf of Policastro. Arrive in the lovely coastal town of Marina di Camerota for a short break before climbing inland to the village of San Giovanni a Piro. Continue cycling around the impressive Mount Bulgheria and towards the Mingardo Canyon before making your way back to Palinuro.
   
   Tonight, your tour leader ensures you receive a warm Italian welcome by arranging your first group dinner.

   • 37.3 miles
   • 
     3,608.9 ft
     3,608.9 ft
   • Hotel Santa Caterina
   • Breakfast and Dinner
3. Day 3Ride to Capo Palinuro then to the medieval village of Pisciotta; descend to the coast and Casalvelino

   From Marina di Camerota, follow the beautiful coastline around the Capo Palinuro peninsula to the medieval village of Pisciotta, renowned for its delicious olive oil, which you’ll have the opportunity to taste. From here, climb gently towards the town of Ascea. On your way back to the coast, cycle past Velia, an ancient Greek settlement featuring an impressive fourth-century BCE arch, before continuing to the plain of Casalvelino, where you’ll stay at 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 ancient 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, take time to explore Paestum’s well-preserved temples and amphitheatre. You’ll also visit a local buffalo farm, where your tour leader introduces you to the animals, explains how buffalo mozzarella is made and shows you around the biodynamic garden. Enjoy a taste of fresh buffalo mozzarella at lunch before taking the train to Salerno, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast.
   
   In the afternoon, set off on a ride along one of the world’s most scenic coastal roads towards Minori. Stop along the way in the fishing village of Cetara, renowned for its delicious tuna and anchovies, before continuing to Capo d’Orso for breathtaking views across the Amalfi Coast and towards Capri. From here, it’s mainly downhill as you cycle past dramatic cliffs and lemon terraces through the coastal villages of Maiori and Minori, your base for the final three nights.

   • 13.7 miles
   • 
     820.2 ft
     820.2 ft
   • Hotel Caporal (or similar)
   • Breakfast
6. Day 6Cycle to Amalfi and Positano; climb to the Colli di San Pietro; sunset in Minori

   Ride the scenic coastal road to Amalfi this morning, where you 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.
   
   You'll then continue to Furore, Praiano and Positano, a route with views of the whole peninsula, including Capri. Then take a beautiful climb to the Colli di San Pietro, on the ridge between the Bay of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. Finally, return to Positano, a near-vertical town of colourful buildings, where you can enjoy free time to explore, before riding back to Amalfi and then Minori in time for the sunset.
   
   Please note: Today’s exact route is decided by the tour leader, based on local conditions. This may mean the distances, ascents and descents are different to those stated.

   • 35.4 miles
   • 
     3,280.8 ft
     3,280.8 ft
   • Hotel Caporal (or similar)
   • Breakfast
7. Day 7Free day to relax or go sightseeing

   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 Caporal (or similar)
   • Breakfast
8. Day 8Adventure ends in Minori

   You’ve cycled the Amalfi Coast, tasted delicious regional cuisine and clocked an impressive number of miles on the saddle. This morning, however, there’s time for a final breakfast of the holiday before beginning your return journey home.

   • Breakfast