Amalfi Coast: Albori - Maiori #1

DESCRIPTION
Between faith and panoramas: the hike from Albori to the Santuario della Madonna Avvocata.

Geographical Location
The itinerary winds through the splendid Amalfi Coast, in the province of Salerno, along the majestic Monti Lattari. This mountain range of the Campanian Anti-Apennines forms the backbone of the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, offering unforgettable panoramas stretching between sky and sea.
The starting point is Albori, the smallest and most picturesque hamlet of Vietri sul Mare. This enchanting village, situated at 264 meters above sea level, is part of the I Borghi più Belli d'Italia (The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy) association. Suspended between the sea and the woods of Monte Falerio, the village is characterized by narrow alleys and houses built from stone and lime with Neapolitan tile roofs.

Hike
The stage begins with a short visit to the parish church of Albori, dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch: inside are frescoes attributable to the Neapolitan school, elements that tell the artistic history of the village.
From the village, the trail climbs steeply towards Monte Falerio, which represents the most challenging part of the route. The effort of the climb, however, is amply rewarded by the extraordinary panorama that opens up over the Gulf of Salerno: the view embraces the entire coastline, the turquoise waters blending with the blue of the sky, and the white villages dotting the mountain slopes.
Continuing along the paths, you reach the Santuario di Maria Santissima Avvocata, a keeper of ancient stories and deep devotions. The descent towards Maiori, although prolonged, does not present any particular technical difficulties and offers truly suggestive glimpses. As you descend, the view of Maiori becomes increasingly clear: the town stretches elegantly along the coast, characterized by its famous long beach, white houses shining in the sun, and the majolica-tiled dome of the Collegiate Church standing out like a precious jewel.
The overall hike covers 11 kilometers with an elevation gain of 820 meters, requiring good physical training and adequate preparation. It is an experience that combines the effort of the walk with the wonder of the panoramas, the spirituality of the sacred places with the unspoiled beauty of the Mediterranean nature.

History and Curiosities
The Santuario di Maria Santissima Avvocata
The origins of this place of worship date back to 1485 and are shrouded in a fascinating legend. Tradition tells that a young shepherd from Maiori, named Gabriele Cinnamo, while grazing his goats, discovered a cave hidden in the woods of the mountain. Following a dream in which the Virgin Mary asked him to build an altar in that place, the young man left his job and retired to a hermitage on the mountain, collecting offerings to build a chapel with an altar in the cave.
In 1503, with the consent of Pope Leo X, a church was built on the rock overlooking the cave, followed later by the addition of the bell tower. Since then, the sanctuary has become an important place of pilgrimage. The feast of the Avvocata is celebrated every year on the Monday following Pentecost, a time when faithful from all over Campania gather for a pilgrimage that unites faith, tradition, and nature.
The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare in Maiori
This church was built in the 13th century, expanding the pre-existing chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The name derives from the statue of the Madonna which, according to tradition, was found on the beach in 1204 by some fishermen. In 1506 the building was elevated to an eminent collegiate church by Pope Julius II, subsequently undergoing numerous renovations, including one in 1836 by the architect Pietro Valente Wikipedia.
The hemispherical dome, covered with majolica tiles in brilliant shades of yellow and green, was completed in 1863 and is clearly visible from the sea, becoming one of the distinctive symbols of Maiori. This church represents the spiritual heart of the city and houses precious works of art, including a golden coffered ceiling from 1529 and a crypt that hosts a museum of sacred art.
The Castle of San Nicola de Thoro-Plano in Maiori
This majestic medieval fortification dates back to the 9th century. It was not a true residential castle, but rather a fortress built as a bulwark and refuge for the population against the frequent raids of marauders.
The settlement developed around an ancient church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, from which it took its name. The castle underwent a radical expansion around 1465, when the Piccolomini family, having taken possession of the lands bathed by the Reginna river, perfected the surrounding wall with its various turrets, making it a hardly impregnable fortress.
The building still retains its 1465 form, with a polygonal perimeter of 550 meters, walls equipped with arrow slits and buttresses, interspersed with nine towers. From its strategic position, you enjoy an extraordinary view of the city and the entire Amalfi Coast, making the visit an unforgettable experience that combines history and landscape beauty.
The Salicerchio Tower in Maiori
Also called the Norman Tower, this defensive structure was part of an articulated coastal watchtower system. The towers were built between the 9th and 17th centuries as a military garrison to prevent attacks from the Turks and pirates who threatened these coasts from the sea.
The Castello Miramare in Maiori
This building was desired at the end of the 19th century by the Marquis Mezzacapo, inspired by a castle he had admired in France, along the Loire. What was born as an architectural dream of a nobleman has now been transformed into a refined accommodation facility, a testament to the elegance and timeless charm of the Amalfi Coast.

ITINERARY
After visiting the hamlet of Albori (233 m) follow trail 303a, which leads to the foot of Monte Falerio. From here, ascend to the summit of the mountain (684 m), where you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama, before retracing your steps. Continuing on trail 303a, you reach the Cappella Vecchia (694 m).
From this point, take trail marker 300, following the Alta Via dei Monti Lattari to the Santuario di Maria Santissima Avvocata (853 m).
The descent to the coast is done by following trails 307, 307B, and 304 in sequence, which via steps and mule tracks lead down to Maiori (10 m).

EXCURSION DATE
October 19, 2025

STARTING POINT
Albori

REFRESHMENT POINT
Only at the start and finish points. There are some water fountains along the route.

AUTHOR’S SUGGESTIONS
Reach Albori by public transport or taxi, because parking spaces are very few and very small.

SAFETY ADVICE
The viability of the proposed itinerary, like all mountain morphology, is subject to environmental changes due to natural events and weather conditions. Therefore, before setting off, consult the relevant tourist offices and/or the reference mountain huts.
Our GPX tracks are only indicative, meaning the route was done under the best conditions of the trails and weather on that specific day. Therefore, always assess the situation on site.
Also remember to evaluate the route based on your physical abilities, training, and the equipment you have.
It is advisable to inform someone of the itinerary you intend to follow.
Remember that the emergency number is 112.

EQUIPMENT
It is recommended to have equipment suitable for the route, weather conditions, and season: windproof and/or rain jacket, map and/or GPS device, sunglasses, sunscreen, hiking boots, first aid kit, specific clothing, gloves, backpack with food and drinks.

RECOMMENDED MAPS
CAI, Monti Lattari. Penisola sorrentina. Costiera amalfitana. Isola di Capri. Trail map scale 1:25000

INTERESTING LINKS
https://www.maiori.it/

HOW TO ARRIVE
From Salerno take the SS18. In Vietri sul Mare continue on the SS163 and then onto the SP75, continuing until you reach Albori.

PARKING AREA
Along the small road leading up to the village: few spaces and risky.
GPS Coordinates: 40.669810, 14.708687

Albori dall'alto

Chiesa di Santa Margherita di Antiochia

Partenza della tappa

Si sale sul sentiero 303a

Vista verso il Golfo di Salerno

In cima al Monte Falerio

La Cappella Vecchia

Magnifica vista verso il Golfo di Salerno

Santuario di Maria Santissima Avvocata

Santuario di Maria Santissima Avvocata

Si scende

Al bivio si va a sinistra

Scendiamo con gli ultimi raggi del sole

Maiori dall'alto

Arrivati a Maiori