The Amalfi Coast is world-famous for its breathtaking landscapes, picturesque coastal towns, and rich cultural history. However, not everyone knows its more hidden side, made up of mountain paths, quiet villages, and ancient traditions. Among the lesser-known gems of this area of ​​Campania is Agerola, a peaceful hamlet in the Lattari Mountains that offers visitors an authentic and unique experience.
Why visit Agerola
Located nearly 2,000 feet above sea level in the Lattari Mountains, Agerola is also known as "the door to the Divine Coast." This picturesque town is surrounded by hiking trails, fragrant lemon fields, and spectacular views of the Gulf of Salerno and the Bay of Naples. In contrast to the more well-known and crowded places on the coast such as Amalfi and Positano, Agerola offers a more relaxed atmosphere and direct contact with nature. You can enjoy the sunset in peace and walk among ancient paper mills, windmills, and fresh springs.
Places like Agerola represent "the other side of the Amalfi Coast," the hilly and rural one, immersed in nature and far from the tourist crowds. A stay in Agerola, or at least a day visit, is recommended if you want a respite from the summer heat and the chaos of the coastal resorts. Agerola cuisine is also a good reason to visit this little village on the outskirts of the Parco dei Monte Lattari nature park. Tasting the traditional local fiordilatte mozzarella cheese is worth the detour from the coast and the climb to get here.
How to get to Agerola
The town of Agerola is located in the province of Naples in a valley on the Lattari Mountains, nearly 2,000 feet above sea level. In the past it belonged to the territory of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi. Nowadays, its proximity to the coast means it can easily be included in an itinerary to discover this wonderful corner of Italy.
By car: Take the A3 Naples-Salerno highway and get off at the Castellammare di Stabia exit, then continue along State Road 366 to the Gragnano crossroads to reach Agerola.
By bus: Agerola can be reached with Sita buses from Amalfi or Castellammare. If you depart from Sorrento, take the first bus to Amalfi and then continue to Agerola.
The Path of the Gods
The main attraction of Agerola is the famous Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei), probably the most famous and popular hike on the Amalfi Coast. This path offers breathtaking views of the sea and the sheer cliffs. You can walk this path on your own or as part of an organized paid tour (private or group).
The starting point of the Path of the Gods is located in the in the hamlet of Bomerano, which is a part of the municipal area of ​​Agerola. To reach Bomerano you can take the Sita bus from Amalfi to Agerola and get off at the Bomerano stop.
If you don't want to reach the start of the trail by public transport, you can opt for a private transfer or an organized group excursion. There are several opportunities departing from Positano or even directly from Sorrento.
Valley of the Ironworkers
If you love hiking, don't miss the path that crosses the lush natural reserve of Valle delle Ferriere e dei Mulini. The low-difficulty trail takes about three hours to walk and includes several ups and downs and steps.
Depart from the hamlet of San Lazzaro in Agerola and follow the path to Monte Murillo, then continue towards the Valle dei Mulini. The hike winds its way through shady woods, springs, small waterfalls, and the rapids of the Rio Canneto river.
Along the way you can admire the remains of 12th-century paper mills that were once used to produce the paper that Amalfi is famous for. The mills were powered by the water of these local streams and waterfalls. Halfway along the route you come across the ancient ironworks, from which the valley takes its name, which supplied the Maritime Republic of Amalfi with iron.
What to see in Agerola
Historic center of Bomerano: Explore the picturesque historic center of Bomerano, one of the hamlets of Agerola, where you can admire the traditional houses and savor the local cuisine in its welcoming restaurants.
Churches and local architecture: Visit the 10th-century Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Pianillo to admire the Romanesque architecture and discover the religious history of the region.
Tour of the hamlets: Take a tour of the various villages that make up Agerola, such as Santa Maria, Campora, and San Lazzaro. Each village has its own unique character and offers interesting glimpses of local daily life.
What to eat in Agerola
The name Agerola derives from the Latin ager, which means "field," and highlights this area's long agricultural tradition going back to the Middle Ages. Tasting the traditional foods of the area is an absolutely unmissable experience for those visiting Agerola.
Dairy products, produced with the milk of Agerolese cows, are the protagonists of the local cuisine: fiordilatte, smoked provola, Provolone del Monaco D.O.P. will delight your palate. Accompany them with crunchy fennel-flavored Agerola taralli and a platter of artisanal cured meats. The area also offers delicacies such as the dark-green Pennata pear and the pomodorino di collina agerolese (Agerola hill tomato), which is small and very sweet.
In Agerola you can also taste the fragrant Amalfi lemons and the most famous recipes of Neapolitan cuisine.
Where to stay in Agerola
For your stay in Agerola we recommend Tenuta Novecento, an agriturismo (farm stay) built in an ancient stone farmhouse where you can taste farm-to-table organic products.
What to eat in Agerola
For eating out you can choose between various farmhouses and trattorias. We recommend Zi' Carmine for authentic local products and generous portions at modest prices.
When to visit Agerola
Spring and fall are the ideal seasons to visit Agerola, when the climate is mild and pleasant for outdoor activities such as excursions and walks.
Agerola is a true jewel of the Amalfi Coast, perfect for those looking for a less touristy but equally enjoyable experience. This picturesque mountain town will win you over with its pristine natural beauty, its delicious cuisine, and its hospitable warmth.