Hiking the Path of Lemons on the Amalfi Coast
Okay, so picture this: you’re strolling along the Amalfi Coast, salty breeze in your hair, the scent of lemons so strong it’s practically zesting your nostrils.
That’s the Sentiero dei Limoni, or the Path of Lemons, a scenic old trail that’s been around for centuries.
It is one of the easiest hikes one can do on the Amalfi Coast, but still one that offers breathtaking views.
Because we were traveling with a 1-year-old baby, we decided that hiking the Path of Lemons would be the perfect choice for us. And it was!
If you have some free time on your Amalfi Coast itinerary and are considering this hike, here is everything you must know before you go!
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Table of Contents
Hiking the Path of Lemons (Sentiero dei Limoni)
A short history
Back in the day, this wasn’t just a pretty walking path – it was the highway for lemon farmers.
Before modern roads existed, locals used this route to haul baskets of lemons between Maiori and Minori, two charming coastal towns. And we’re not talking about just any lemons.
These are Sfusato Amalfitano, the massive, fragrant lemons that the Amalfi Coast is famous for. They’re sweeter, less acidic, and basically the A-listers of the citrus world.
Farmers (and probably a few unlucky donkeys) would carry these golden beauties down steep staircases and winding paths to be loaded onto boats or sold in town.
And considering how much limoncello, lemon granita, and lemon-infused everything exists around here, you can bet this trail saw a lot of action.
Today, the Path of Lemons is more about stunning views and leisurely hikes than manual labor.
You’ll see old stone houses, terraced lemon groves, and maybe even some friendly locals who’ve been growing lemons for generations. Walk it at sunset, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into an Italian daydream.
Our experience: what it’s actually like to hike the Path of Lemons on the Amalfi Coast
Truthfully, we are not professional hikers. However, we enjoy walking in nature.
After living for a while in Hong Kong, we are accustomed to stairs and steep hills. However, we are not the type to exercise daily.
I’m saying this because I want you to understand that hiking the Path of Lemons is for (almost) anyone. You don’t have to be super fit to make it from one side to the other.
One thing is sure: there are plenty of stairs no matter which side you choose to start from.
We started from Maiori strictly because it was easier to find parking there. However, I do feel like the stairs in Maiori might be a bit wider than the ones in Minori.
As you went higher, we were rewarded with stunning views. And once we reached the mountain, it was a relatively easy walk below lemon trees.
Don’t expect to find restaurants or cafes at the top; the path is surrounded by nature. There are a few houses and mostly lemon orchards.
As we were walking towards Minori, a small girl with fresh lemonade stood in front of one of the orchards. She was selling cold, freshly squeezed lemonade and offering passers the chance to take a picture under the lemon trees.
Needless to say, it was an offer we couldn’t resist! For such cases, make sure to carry cash with you!
Even if the rain just started dripping, we grabbed a glass of lemonade and went inside to admire the lemon trees.
The hike was estimated at around 1 hour. Since Alex was carrying baby Iris in his back, we factored in around 1.5 hours. However, we managed to walk from Maiori to Minori in less than 1 hour. Maybe that was because of the rain, but it depends a lot on how many stops you make along the way.
How to dress for the hike on the Path of Gods (Sentiero dei Limoni)
As you might have noticed from the picture above, I wasn’t wearing proper clothes. The stairs are pretty steep, thus, wearing a long dress is not a good idea.
That being said, I managed to do the hike without a problem, but I would recommend better planning on your part.
Wear light, breathable clothes if you plan to hike on a summer day. Think moisture-wicking T-shirts, airy shorts, or lightweight hiking pants.
Bring a light jacket or sweater if you are hiking during spring or fall.
The sun can be relentless, and there is not much shade; thus, always bring a sun hat and sunglasses.
You’ll be dealing with cobblestone, uneven paths, and plenty of stairs. Sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes with grip are your best bet. Avoid flimsy sandals unless you want to reenact a lemon farmer’s worst day.
Planning the hike
We always plan our days ahead of time, and knowing where to park on the Amalfi Coast or how to get back to the car is vital.
If you are traveling by public transportation, it doesn’t really matter where you start and where you end your hike. However, if you are driving (as we did), finding a parking spot on the Amalfi Coast is one of the most challenging things.
That’s why we started from Maiori (a larger town with more parking options), and took the bus back from Minori.
The starting point in Maoiri for the Path of Lemons is right behind the Santuario Santa Maria a Mare.
It is an easy walk from Maiori’s center, and it is hard to miss.
If you would rather go with a local guide, we recommend this tour, which also includes a visit to a local lemon farm with a tasting of local dishes.
Do you like to hike? Here is another way of seeing the Amalfi Coast
If you’re seeking an immersive hiking experience along the Amalfi Coast but don’t want the stress of setting everything up, the Walking the Amalfi Coast tour offers a meticulously planned itinerary that combines daily hikes with cultural exploration.
Why Choose This Hiking-Focused Tour?
1. Daily Scenic Hikes:
Embark on daily treks through iconic trails such as the Path of the Gods and the ascent to Monte Tre Calli, offering panoramic views of the coastline. Each hike is designed to showcase the natural beauty of the region.
2. Cultural and Historical Exploration:
Beyond hiking, the tour includes visits to significant sites like Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, providing a balanced experience of nature and history.
3. Expert Local Guides:
Benefit from the knowledge of experienced guides who ensure safe navigation through trails and enrich your journey with insights into local culture and history.
4. Comfortable Accommodations:
Stay in well-appointed accommodations that offer comfort after a day of hiking, allowing you to rejuvenate for the next day’s adventure.
5. Small Group Experience:
With group sizes ranging from 4 to 16 participants, enjoy a more personalized and intimate travel experience.
6. Flexible Itinerary:
The tour offers optional activities, such as a ferry trip to Capri, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests.
It is specially tailored for hikers and helps you focus on what’s important – the experience!
Read more about the tour here!
Other Amalfi Coast Travel Guides
Picture-Perfect Towns Along the Amalfi Coast
Where to go wine tasting on the Amalfi Coast
Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast on a budget
The Best Town to Stay in on the Amalfi Coast
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