Amalfi/Sorrento
from retreat to retreat or rather, from B&B to Farm the B&Bs and Holiday Farms dotted along the Monti Lattari hillside villages between Amalfi and Sorrento, just a few hours’ walking distance between one and the next, are perfect for rambling tours
Rambling “from retreat to retreat” has for years been the best way to enjoy nature and the tranquillity of rambling. Given their popularity and their well-recognised hospitality, it was decided to talk to accommodation owners - especially those located outside the centres of the main towns - about an idea to promote a specific and consolidated type of tourism in many hillside and mountain villages throughout the world. Of course we mean not sleeping in alpine retreats, for example, but in much more comfortable B&Bs or holiday farms of which there are many along the slopes of the Monti Lattari, often close to or directly on the more spectacular rambling trails, perhaps the tightest network of trails in all of Italy. Along the Amalfi Coast and the crests of the Monti Lattari hills there are hundreds of kilometres of rambling trails, none particularly difficult and accessible all year round. This area is of widespread excursion-naturalist-landscape interest which spreads more or less directly east-west, the southern slopes sun-drenched for many hours a day, so with a mild climate even in winter. Few people know that the Monti Lattari, despite being “surrounded” by bustling resorts of international fame - Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello - enjoy a peaceful isolation thanks to the lack of main roads. The crest is crossed only at the Valico di Chiunzi (the Agerola road goes through a tunnel), which means that walking the stretch of hills between Cava dei Tirreni and Maiori it is possible to go as far as the Colli villages (Piano di Sorrento) fifty km west crossing only one main road. Wherever you choose to begin rambling and anywhere you choose to spend the night, numerous trail alternatives are open to you. For example, from Agerola to Santa Maria del Castello you could choose from among a dozen of possible trails of between 10 and 25 km, at heights of between 300 and 1000 metres above sea level, which could satisfy both those interested in the tougher physical activities and those looking for a slow, easy walk. Everyone is free to choose the trail that best fits their needs, capacity and interest. The idea could be developed not only for classic rambling tours of 2-7 days, but also 2-night stays in one spot by including “roundtrips” in the itinerary. The basic novelty of the idea is to promote even one-night stays, which doesn’t mean reducing the overall number of presences but instead attracts a higher number of ramblers even during the week, so increasing the average number of guests per B&B or farm. For this operation to be a success, the cooperation of everyone involved in the project, both public and private entities, is crucial. The initiative certainly points in a new direction for those who love the outdoor life as a means of best enjoying the natural and landscape treasures and beauty that the Sorrento-Amalfi Coast area has to offer - to anyone - all year round.
