A scenic descent from the hilltop town of Ravello through terraced lemon groves, past ancient hamlets, to the coastal town of Minori. The trail offers changing perspectives on the Amalfi Coast landscape from above, passing working lemon groves and small chapels.
The trail from Ravello to Minori via Torello is a classic Amalfi Coast descent that exchanges the elevated gardens and cliff-top panoramas of Ravello for the fishing village seafront of Minori, 350 metres below. It is one of the most satisfying downhill walks on the Campanian coast and is typically completed as a one-way excursion with a bus or seasonal ferry return from Minori to Amalfi.
The route begins in Ravello's Piazza Duomo, departing through the narrow lanes east of the cathedral and picking up the signed path toward Torello. For the first kilometre, the trail passes between high garden walls concealing some of Ravello's celebrated villas, then opens into active lemon and orange grove terraces — a working agricultural landscape that has shaped these impossibly steep slopes for at least eight centuries. The terraces are supported by dry-stone retaining walls, and in spring the air carries an intense citrus fragrance from the blossom of the limone costa d'Amalfi, the peninsula's prized lemon variety.
At roughly the halfway point, the path passes through the ancient hamlet of Torello, a compact cluster of dwellings and small chapels set amid the terraces. Torello has a belvedere with views across to the long sandy shore of Minori beach and the bay of Maiori beyond. A small roadside shrine marks the edge of the hamlet before the trail descends more steeply on stone staircases and traditional mule tracks toward the coast. The surface throughout is a mix of limestone slabs, compacted earth, and loose gravel; it is reliable underfoot in dry conditions but demands careful footing when wet.
The final descent into Minori arrives near the church of Santa Trofimena, a short walk from the town's sandy beach and seafront promenade. Minori is known for its traditional pastry shops specialising in scialatielli and lemon confections; the seafront café strip is well-stocked for post-walk refreshments. SITA bus services from Minori connect to Amalfi year-round; seasonal ferry services provide a scenic alternative return. The trail is 5 km one way with 350 metres of descent, and no permit or fee is required.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Ravello to Minori, Amalfi Coast
- Best season
- Year-round except heavy rain
Highlights
- Lemon grove terraces
- Views of Maiori and Minori bays
- Ancient hamlet of Torello
- Local agricultural landscape
Tips for visiting
- Comfortable shoes for uneven stone paths
- The descent can be slippery when wet
- Stop for lemon granita in Minori at the end
When to visit
April to June and September to November are the most pleasant months, when temperatures are mild and lemon groves are either in fragrant blossom or heavy with fruit. The trail is walkable year-round except after heavy rain, when stone steps become slippery. A morning start is advisable in July and August to avoid peak midday heat on the open terrace sections.
Accessibility
The Ravello to Minori trail is not wheelchair accessible. The descent involves stone staircases, narrow mule tracks, steep gradients, and loose gravel that require sure footing throughout. The trail is also unsuitable for strollers. Ravello's accessible garden terraces at the Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone offer panoramic Amalfi Coast views for visitors with reduced mobility.
Frequently asked questions
Can the trail be walked from Minori up to Ravello instead?
Yes. The trail is walkable in either direction. The ascent from Minori to Ravello is steeper and more demanding, taking approximately 3–4 hours. Most walkers prefer the Ravello-to-Minori direction, which is predominantly downhill and saves the legs for the views that open progressively during the descent.
Are there refreshments available on the trail?
No cafés or water sources exist between Ravello and Minori. Walkers should carry sufficient water before departure. The bar in Ravello's Piazza Duomo is the last opportunity to stock up, and Minori's seafront offers ample restaurants and cafés at the trail's end.
How do visitors return to Ravello or Amalfi from Minori?
SITA buses run year-round between Minori and Amalfi, with onward connections to Ravello from Amalfi's bus terminus. Seasonal ferry services link Minori to Amalfi, Positano, and Salerno and are a scenic option when operating from approximately April to October.
Is the trail well-signposted?
Signage is present but inconsistent; junctions in the Torello section can be ambiguous. Carrying an offline GPS track downloaded in advance — available on Komoot and Wikiloc for this specific route — is recommended, particularly for first-time walkers.