Santa Maria dei Monti, Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius

Santa Maria dei Monti: A journey of history with breathtaking views. In the
authenticity of the Santa Maria dei Monti refuge, reach the top where there is the
amazing viewpoint of Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples. A unique experience where the past mixes with modern sustainability, giving you time for tranquility with the beauty of the Amalfi Coast and the entire Gulf of Salerno at your feet.

Type of Path

Round trip
Departure and arrival location: Santa Caterina square in Scala

Difficulty

High (Expert Hikers)

How long it takes

5h (excluding stops) – 9 km

Altitude difference

Maximum altitude: 1050 mt
Minimum altitude: 350 mt

Path information

We will discover Santa Maria Dei Monti, with the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius “in the distance” through an exciting round trip route that offers breathtaking views and a unique experience in the heart of the Amalfi Coast.
Santa Maria dei Monti is a picturesque mountain refuge located on Mount Campanaro, over 1000 metres above sea level. From there, you can enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of the entire coast of Salerno. As well as offering breathtaking scenery, this location is also a place of devotion where the statue of the Madonna is celebrated every year on 25th April. Spiritual leaders of the past such as Saint Alfonso Maria De Liguori went there for a period of physical and spiritual rest.

Today it is possible to stay overnight at the welcoming refuge, a complex that offers comfortable accommodation and an unforgettable experience of tranquility.
Our journey starts from Santa Caterina, a charming hamlet of Scala immersed in chestnut groves, at 450 metres above sea level. After a short uphill stretch on a rolling road, we will cross the Annunziata Forest following CAI path 353, which will lead us to the picturesque locality of Santa Maria dei Monti, at 1039 metres above sea level.

We will then continue through the Piano del Ceraso, at 1036 metres above sea level, to reach the source of the “Vrecciaro”, a natural water spring that flows from the mountains, where we will be able to admire a spectacular panorama of the Gulf of Naples with Vesuvius in the distance.
Finally, we will return to Santa Maria dei Monti following the same path that will take us back to the starting point in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, thus closing this extraordinary experience in the beautiful nature of the Amalfi Coast.

Suggested equipment

Hiking shoes

Layered hiking clothing

Long trousers

Windbreaker or windproof cape

Headlamp

Telescopic sticks

Water (at least 1.5 lt) and packed lunch

Useful information

How to get to "Santa Caterina" district in Scala

To reach the hamlet of Santa Caterina di Scala, you can use public transport.

The local company SITA SUD runs through all the villages of Scala (in this case the nearest stop is “San Pietro” 500 meters from the meeting point ) or you can take the ride that reaches the central square of Scala and continue on foot (about 15 minutes).

Check the bus timetable