Amalfi City Guide
Valle delle Ferriere (Nature Reserve & Waterfalls Hike)
The valle delle ferriere is a protected canyon and state nature reserve rising directly behind Amalfi, following the rushing Canneto torrent through overgrown medieval ironworks (ferriere), cascading waterfalls, and rare prehistoric microclimates. The main trail is free and open to all hikers, while the inner biological reserve containing giant carnivorous plants (Pinguicula hirtiflora) and Tertiary-era Woodwardia radicans ferns charges a $5.85 (€5.00) conservation fee. Lower valley cultural stops like the Museo della Carta lead right to the trailhead, and town sights are indexed on the Amalfi nature trail guide homepage.
Quick answer Hike duration, trail difficulty, and reserve ticket rules
The Valle delle Ferriere hike takes 3 to 4 hours round-trip from Amalfi center. The trail is moderate with rocky stairs and shaded forest paths along the river. Access is free except for a $5.85 (€5.00) fee for the inner waterfall reserve.
Key takeaways
- Sturdy trail running shoes or hiking boots with grip are strongly advised; river stones and mossy steps stay slick year-round.
- Combine the hike with a visit to the Museo della Carta located right where town meets the wild trail.
- You can hike uphill from Amalfi and loop back via the panoramic village of Pontone for dramatic views over Ravello and Atrani.
Key facts
Opening hours
| Daily daylight hours | 08:30–18:00 |
|---|
Closed Open year-round (inner reserve gated during severe storm warnings or trail repairs)
Admission
- Adult
- Free on trail / $5.85 (€5.00) inner reserve
- Reduced
- $3.50 (€3.00) children under 12
- Free
- Children under 6
Planning it
- Time needed
- 3 to 4 hours round-trip from Amalfi center
- Book ahead
- Optional — walk-up usually fine
- Address
- Valle delle Ferriere Trailhead, 84011 Amalfi SA, Italy
Trail access and reserve permits for the Valle delle Ferriere, verified with municipal forestry guidelines on 10 September 2026.
| Trail Section | Cost | Includes | Access | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Hiking Trail (CAI 325) | Free | Full trail from Amalfi through ruined iron mills to Pontone | Open public trail, no ticket needed | Official site |
| Inner Integral Botanical Sanctuary | $5.85 (€5.00) | Enclosed canyon with primary waterfalls and prehistoric ferns | Pay warden at the reserve entry gate | Official site |
from $55.00
Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) Guided Cliffside Trek
4.5-hour guided hike along the world-famous cliff path from Bomerano to Nocelle with certified alpine guide, walking poles, and shepherd snack stop.
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Hike Description: From Mill Valley to the Deep Canyon
Departing from Piazza Duomo, follow the pedestrian artery Via Lorenzo d'Amalfi past lemon shops and past the Paper Museum. Beyond the town edge, cobblestones give way to a stone path along the rushing Canneto stream. Soon you encounter the crumbling, ivy-covered stone walls of medieval mills and iron foundries that processed iron ore shipped from the island of Elba during the Republic of Amalfi.
As the trail ascends, high limestone walls close in, trapping cool moisture and blocking direct sunlight. This unique microclimate preserves a botanical relic from the Tertiary era: the rare giant fern Woodwardia radicans, which has survived here for millions of years alongside lush moss carpets and small mountain salamanders.
Recommended Loop Route via Pontone
Rather than simply backtracking down the same stream bed, cross the wooden footbridge below the reserve gate and follow the marked red-and-white CAI trail climbing east toward Pontone. Pontone is a peaceful hamlet perched on the ridge between Amalfi and Ravello, featuring a shaded village piazza with a water fountain and breathtaking views across the Amalfi valley. From Pontone, descending stairs lead back down into Amalfi or toward Atrani in about 40 minutes.
Trail Map & Landmarks
The trail begins in northern Amalfi and traces the Canneto gorge upwards into the Monti Lattari park.
Nearby Stops Along the Route
Natural and cultural points of interest directly connected to the trail.
Museo della Carta
Amalfi's paper mill museum, situated at the entrance to the lower hiking trail.
Directly on trail pathDuomo di Amalfi
The landmark cathedral complex in Piazza Duomo, where the hike begins and ends.
20 min walk downstreamFrequently Asked Questions about Valle delle Ferriere
How long is the Valle delle Ferriere hike?
The full round-trip hike from Amalfi to the waterfalls and back measures approximately 6.5 kilometers and takes 3 to 3.5 hours at a comfortable pace.
Is the Valle delle Ferriere hike difficult?
The trail is rated moderate. The elevation gain is around 250 meters over stone steps, natural dirt tracks, and occasional wooden boardwalks. It is accessible for anyone with basic walking fitness.
Is swimming permitted in the waterfalls?
Swimming and wading in the protected waterfall basins are strictly prohibited inside the state reserve to safeguard the fragile aquatic ecosystem and rare amphibians.
What should I bring on the hike?
Bring a refillable water bottle (fountains exist in Amalfi and Pontone), hiking shoes with solid tread, a light waterproof windbreaker, and cash for the €5 reserve gate fee.
Can I do this hike in the summer?
Yes. Valle delle Ferriere is one of the best summer activities on the Amalfi Coast because the deep river canyon and dense forest canopy keep temperatures several degrees cooler than the coast.
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