Half-Day Hike in Valle delle Ferriere: Waterfalls, Paper Mills & Lemon Terraces
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
You should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and climbing stone steps for several hours; a moderate level of aerobic fitness is recommended.
Overview
Trade Amalfi’s seaside shimmer for the cool hush of Valle delle Ferriere. This half‑day guided walk follows the Canneto stream past thousand‑year‑old paper mill ruins, lemon terraces and waterfalls inside a protected nature reserve.
Half-Day Hike in Valle delle Ferriere: Waterfalls, Paper Mills & Lemon Terraces
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You step away from Amalfi’s seaside bustle and the town’s cobbled alleys give way to a narrow stone stair that descends toward the mouth of the Canneto. The sound changes first: gulls fade, water gardens in. A cool, fern-lined gorge breathes out mist and the path threads between ancient walls where once the mills of Amalfi ground coastal wealth into paper. For the next five hours you’ll be moving through a landscape that insists on being noticed — waterfalls daring you closer, lemon terraces reclining on the slope, and the hush of a protected forest that feels older than the town above.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early
Begin in the morning to avoid heat, capture soft light at the falls, and secure quieter trails.
Wear grippy shoes
Stone steps and cascade edges can be slippery — choose footwear with good tread and ankle support.
Bring water and snack
There are no services inside the reserve; carry at least 1.5 L of water and a compact lunch for the 5‑hour outing.
Stay on marked trails
The Oriented Nature Reserve protects fragile plants and fauna — keep to paths and pack out any trash.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Fire salamander and other amphibians near springs
- Common kingfisher hunting along the Canneto stream
History
The valley contains ruins of medieval paper mills that powered Amalfi’s paper industry when the town was a maritime republic; the mills processed rags into paper used across the Mediterranean.
Conservation
Designated an Oriented Nature Reserve to protect its humid forest and endemic flora, visitors are asked to stay on trails and avoid disturbing sensitive plants and water sources.
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Adventure Hotspots in Amalfi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provide traction and ankle support on stone stairs and wet rock near waterfalls.
Water bottle (1.5 L+)
No services inside the reserve; stay hydrated for the hike and return walk.
Light waterproof jacket
Spray from cascades, changing weather and shaded microclimate make a shell useful year‑round.
Camera or phone with good camera
For waterfall, mill‑ruin and terrace shots — bring a small tripod or stabilizer for crisp images.