A rewarding coastal walk following the Amalfi coastline between Positano and Praiano, passing through the village of Vettica Maggiore. The trail alternates between sea-level paths and high viewpoints, offering constantly changing perspectives on the Mediterranean coast.
The coastal walk from Positano to Praiano links two of the Amalfi Coast's most celebrated villages along a trail that alternates between intimate cliff-top paths, stepped mule tracks, and open panoramic viewpoints over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Unlike the higher-altitude Path of the Gods, this route stays closer to sea level and passes directly through the living landscape of the coast — crossing through the working village of Vettica Maggiore and descending to the hidden cove of Marina di Praia.
The walk begins at the bus stop on the SS163 coast road in Positano, from where a signed path above the village climbs briefly before tracing the cliff above Fornillo Beach toward the west. The path then crosses terraced olive and lemon groves, occasionally sharing space with access tracks serving private properties, before arriving at the belvedere above Praiano and the village of Vettica Maggiore at roughly the midpoint. The Torre a Mare — a sixteenth-century Aragonese watchtower — stands at this viewpoint and is one of dozens of coastal defence towers built by the Kingdom of Naples against Saracen raids along the Campanian coastline.
From Vettica Maggiore, the trail descends on stone steps into the village of Praiano, with the whitewashed church of San Luca perched above the path. A short extension beyond Praiano leads to Marina di Praia, a tiny fishing harbour wedged between near-vertical cliff walls, with a small pebble beach, a seasonal restaurant, and a sea cave accessible by swimming — a spot popular with snorkellers for its clear water and rock formations. The marina is also a seasonal ferry stop for coastal boats between Amalfi Coast villages.
The 7 km one-way route involves 300 metres of ascent and equivalent descent on a surface of stone slabs, compacted earth, and intermittent loose sections. Trail markings are present but variable; downloading an offline GPS track before departure is strongly recommended. No water sources exist along the route. Positano's village centre offers cafés before departure, and Praiano provides good restaurant options at the trail's end. SITA buses run year-round between all Amalfi Coast villages for the return journey.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Amalfi Coast
- Best season
- April-June, September-October
Highlights
- Sea cliffs and coves
- Views of Positano from above
- Torre a Mare ancient tower
- Marina di Praia access
Tips for visiting
- Early morning avoids heat and gets best light
- The trail is not always clearly marked - use maps.me or a GPS app
- Combine with ferry return from Praiano
When to visit
April to June and September to October are the ideal months, combining comfortable temperatures with clear coastal light and manageable foot traffic. Early morning departures before 08:30 are particularly rewarding in summer, when the cliff paths are cool and the Tyrrhenian Sea is often calm enough to reflect the limestone cliffs below.
Accessibility
The Positano to Praiano coastal walk is not wheelchair accessible. The trail involves stone staircases, cliff-edge paths, steep ascents and descents, and uneven surfaces throughout. The route is also unsuitable for strollers. Positano's lower seafront terrace and Praiano's coast road viewpoint offer accessible coastal vistas for those unable to complete the trail.
Frequently asked questions
How do walkers return from Praiano to Positano after completing the trail?
SITA buses run year-round along the SS163 between Positano and Praiano and are the most reliable return option. Seasonal ferry services connect the two villages by sea and are a scenic alternative from approximately April to October.
Is the trail clearly marked between Positano and Praiano?
Signage exists but is inconsistent, and some junctions near Vettica Maggiore are ambiguous. Downloading an offline GPS track before departure — available on Komoot and AllTrails — is strongly recommended. The route is well-documented by hiking communities online.
Are there swimming opportunities along the route?
Marina di Praia at the Praiano end of the trail has a small pebble beach with clear water suitable for swimming and snorkelling. Fornillo Beach in Positano can be visited at the walk's start. Both are accessible to trail walkers; sun lounger hire at each beach is optional.
Can the walk be completed in the reverse direction, Praiano to Positano?
Yes. The reverse direction covers the same terrain and is practically equal in difficulty. Many walkers choose the direction based on bus or ferry arrival times at each end of the route.