Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Path)
Before the Amalfi Drive existed, this was the road. A narrow stone path stitching Minori to Maiori across terraced hillsides, it carried generations of farmers hauling baskets of sfusato lemons — the long, tapered variety unique to this coast — down to the harbours below. That commerce is mostly gone, but the lemon groves remain, climbing vertiginous terraces called macerine, and the scent of citrus still pulls you forward.
The route runs 3.9 kilometres with around 240 metres of elevation gain, passing through olive groves, Mediterranean scrub, and narrow alleys before the path flattens and tips downhill. Along the way, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo — over a thousand years old — stands in the hamlet of Torre, and the Mortella viewpoint opens a panorama named for the myrtle that grows thick on the slope.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who walk it from the Minori end tend to get the steep stone steps out of the way first, then coast the descent into Maiori. The cultivated lemon gardens are private and largely screened from the path — so it's the smell more than the sight that stays with you. Go before 9am in July or August; the shade is real but the midday heat is not forgiving.
The story behind Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Path)
For centuries, before any coastal road existed, these terraced pathways were the only land link between Minori and Maiori. Farmers and traders used them daily, carrying harvests of sfusato lemons down to the sea to be loaded onto boats and traded along the coast. The path's commercial function faded with the construction of the Amalfi Drive, which finally gave vehicles a route along the water.
No founding date for the path survives in the record — it predates documentation, worn into the hillside by use rather than designed by any single hand. What remains is the infrastructure of that older economy: the stone steps, the terrace walls, a thousand-year-old church at Torre, and the lemon groves still clinging to the slopes.
Good to know
No entrance fee. Start from central Minori or from the church of Santa Maria a Mare in Maiori. The SITA bus connects both towns to Amalfi and Salerno; seasonal ferries (April–October, €3–5 per leg) link the coastal villages every 30–60 minutes. Allow around 90 minutes moving, more if you stop. Wear proper shoes — the steps are many and uneven.
April through June and September through October give you the most comfortable walking weather — warm and generally clear, without the intensity of July and August. If you go in high summer, the early morning is a different experience from midday; aim to be on the path by 8am or wait until after 6pm.
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What travellers say about Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Path)
Took the trail from Minori to Maiori. Judging by the prior reviews, I expected the trail to be more challenging, however it wasn’t too bad at all. 95% of the uphill stairs are concentrated towards the start of the trail. This walk took us under an hour. We expected stops along the way to try some lemon granita and visit the lemon farms, however all of those stops were closed given that the timing. We did this walk around 3 pm which is right in the middle of the Italian Siesta. That said, would highly recommend the path as it does offer some great views along the way.
I went up for the hike without high expectations, but it turned out to be a lovely walk. The coastal views and lemon groves along the way were beautiful, and I enjoyed taking little breaks here and there. Around the middle of the trail, there was a small place selling homemade lemon cake and fresh lemonade, which made the hike even more enjoyable. It was the perfect little snack break!
This is a lovely hike on a paved path between Minori and Minori. The path is easier if you start in Minori as you avoid the the steep climb up the steps leading out of Maiori. Outstanding views of the lemon cover slopes as well as the towns and coastline. It is an easy walk alone the coast road between the two towns, but please be mindful of the traffic.
Walk from Maiori to Minori. Takes around an hour. Steep steps at start in Maiori. Wear sensible shoes, sun hat and water. Path quite steep in places but walkable for most people. Some lovely views. A few places to stop and rest.
This is a beautiful/ scenic walk/ hike. If you start in Maiori expect to go straight up hill for the first half. You can stop at the little restaurant at the halfway point and have some food/ drinks take a short break. Bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. The view is worth it!
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