Hiking the Amalfi Coast in July?
 

I would appreciate any feedback regarding the weather and/or tourist conditions in the Amalfi Coast region in mid-July. Will it be too hot to walk along the coastline trails from town to town during that time of year? I know that Tuscany and Rome can be very hot at that time (just returned)... but I'm thinking the Amalfi area might have a nice coastal breeze making that do-able in July.

Hi S,

It will be warm to hot, mostly sunny and there will be lots of tourists.

You might like to take this Walking Tour

Take the bus to Amalfi, then the bus to Bomerano, then walk back to Praiano.
The path from Colle la Serra to Nocelle is part of the walk called "Path of the Gods."

((I))

I was in the Amalfi Coast region end of July beginning of August this year and the temp averaged around 40c (one day it was 44c) and it was also very very humid. However the locals said that they were having a heat wave and it was not usually as warm as this but globally the weather is changing so who knows what it will be like next July.

Personally for me it would have been too hot and humid to hike from town to town but then I am from Ireland and more used to rain and wind.

Hope this helps

Your mention of "walk along the coastline trails from town to town" sounds more like the Cinque Terre than the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Drive is a road - an incredibly busy road - and not for pedestrians. Not sure there are hiking trails all along this route - since the road itself is cut into the side of the cliffs. Although naturally there are a lot of places to walk, including up into the hills.

Thanks for all your replies. Actually there are quite a few trails along the Amalfi Coast (I've not been there, but this is my understanding). I'm actually going with a group and a guide. Maybe we'll do the walks in early morning. I just wasn't sure if I should change to a less crowded, less hot destination. I'm a teacher... so traveling in summer is my best option.

Goodness, nytravelr, how do you imagine all the locals got up and down and between towns since time began? All the hills above and below the roads have many ancient stone paths and stairways. The Sentieri degli Dei is a great experience. Ira, how did you enjoy it?

Susan001, Yes it will be hot, but can be done. You're smart to go with a group. And you can also pick up hiking maps from the tourist offices (in Sorrento for the Sorrentine Penninsula) in Amalfi, and in Ravello, if you decide to do any self guided hikes. Have an amazing time, wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun, and try to memorize those views!

Sorry to sound negative. But the OP didn;t mention walking tours with groups - and it sounded lke she was thinking about walking the Amalfi Drive. Obvioualy there ar elots of places to walk in the area - but I just wanted to make it clear that hiking the drive is not really something a pedestrian can do with any degree of safety - esp in the summer months.

(And naturally this was a walking trail before a road - but since it is now a VERY BUSY road - it is no longer suitable for hiking.)

Hi bella,

>The Sentieri degli Dei is a great experience. Ira, how did you enjoy it? <

Unfortunately, we did not get to do it. My Lady Wife unexpectedly developed vertigo and couldn't go up that high.

((I))

We did a little hiking in the area in mid/late June this year. It was warm, but the coast was a bit cooler than it was in Naples or at Pompeii at the same time. We did a little bit of the Sentiero degli Dei out of Nocelle, and the walk down from Nocelle to Positano (all steps through olive and lemon groves). The views are fabulous; if we had to do our trip over, we would have allocated more time to hiking in the area. If you don't have it already, the Sunflower Guide to hiking in Sorrento/Amalfi Coast/Capri is a great resource.

There is an excellent paperback book with tips, maps and descriptions of the dozens of trails on the Sorrentine peninsula and Capri. I recommend it highly and hope it is still available:

"Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast"
By Julian Tippett
Published by Sunflower Books
17 Kendrick Mews
London SW7 3HG, UK
www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk

I paid 10 pounds for my copy in 2000. I ordered it on line from Alibris or Amazon.

We have only hiked these trails in the fall. Even then it was warm but very enjoyable.

The book says the local water is fine and identifies tap locations on the trails. We usually carried our own water to be safe. The book also includes info on where to catch a bus but does not include bus schedules. Each trail is graded ("easy," "strenuous," etc.) and an estimate of time to complete is given. Good luck!

Thanks for your helpful feedback, and guidebook recommendations. I really appreciate your insights regarding the weather, the trails, and how best to prepare. You have reassured me that the trip is do-able despite the warm-to-hot weather.

Hi Ira,

Yes, I don't remember that in all your many posts, you had ever mentioned trail-hiking up in the hills along the Amalfi Coast yourself.

I am still trying to adjust to this rather
interesting approach to claiming expertise on such a plethora of subjects, so I hope you don't mind if I question it occasionally!

,

Ira,

I forgot to mention that I will be doing a hike with the group (weather permitting) along the "Path of the Gods," as you mentioned, to the town of Priaino.

correction: Praiano.