Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast

Day 1

The trip starts at our hotel in Palinuro, a lively picturesque village on the southern coast of Cilento (approx. 3 hours drive from Naples). Capo Palinuro is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and impressive underwater caves. The cycling route on Day 2 of these departures will be very similar to the standard followed on the other departures, only slightly shorter.

Day 2

We start early in the morning with a scenic circular ride along the Southern Coast of the Cilento National Park, the most unspoilt stretch of coastline in southern Italy, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of Policastro. We arrive in the lovely coastal town of Marina di Camerota for a short break and then climb inland to the amazingly located village of San Giovanni a Piro. We cycle around the impressive Mt Bulgheria and to the Mingardo canyon before making our way back to Palinuro. Cycle approx. 60km (ascent +1100m, descent -1100m).

Day 3

From Marina di Camerota we follow the beautiful coastline to the peninsula of Capo Palinuro to the mediaeval village of Pisciotta, famous for its delicious olive oil which we will taste. From here we climb gently to the town of Ascea. En route back to the coast, we cycle past the ancient Greek settlement of Velia with its Pink gate, dating back to the 4th Century BC, before heading to the plain of Casalvelino, where we stay in a lovely agriturismo. Cycle approx. 40km (ascent +550m, descent -500m).

Day 4

Today we enjoy one of the finest rides in Italy as we leave the Casalvelino plain behind and cycle through picturesque coastal villages to Acciaroli, a favourite of Ernest Hemingway. We stop for lunch in Santa Maria di Castellabate, where there is the opportunity for a swim in the sea. In the afternoon we enjoy the final section of our route to Agropoli, a charming town overlooking the sea, and ride to our hotel, just a stones throw away from the 6th Century BC Greek temples of Paestum. Cycle approx. 60km (ascent +650m; descent -675m).

Day 5

This morning we have time to visit Paestum's well-preserved temples and amphitheatre. We will also have the opportunity to taste the famous local fresh buffalo mozzarella at lunch, before taking a train to Salerno, the gateaway to the Amalfi Coast. In the afternoon we ride one the most scenic coastal roads in the world to the Minori. Along the way we stop in the fishing village of Cetara, famous for its delicious tuna and anchovies. We then continue to Capo d'Orso, offering breathtaking views over the Amalfi Coast and Capri. From here it's mainly downhill as we cycle past dramatic cliffs and scented lemon terraces to the coastal villages of Maiori and finally Minori, our base for the last three nights. Cycle approx. 22km (ascent +250m; descent -250m).

Day 6

This morning we ride along the scenic coastal road to Amalfi, where we 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. The large Duomo dominates the town with its bright coloured tiles so typical of the region. We then continue to Furore, Praiano and on to Positano, a near vertical town of colourful buildings. The route offers fantastic views of the whole peninsula, including the island of Capri. We then make a beautiful climb to the Colli di San Pietro, on the ridge between the Bay of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. Time permitting, your leader may decide to extend this ride to Sorrento. There are several options for lunch, before we cycle back to Positano, Amalfi and finally Minori in time for the sunset. Cycle approx. 56km (ascent +1000m; descent -1000m).

Day 7

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.

Day 8

The trip finishes in Minori after breakfast.