Valle delle Ferriere (Maiori side trail)
The trail into Valle delle Ferriere starts modestly enough — lemon groves, the faint sweetness of Amalfi's oversized fruit hanging in the air — then the valley closes in around you and the Rio Canneto takes over. This is not a gentle stream. It runs fast, cutting rapids and small falls through limestone, and the sound of it stays with you for the entire walk.
At the valley's heart sits a protected nature reserve where a fern called Woodwardia radicans has survived since the glacial age, kept alive by the cool humidity the mountains trap. The ruins of 12th-century ironworks push up through the undergrowth beside them, remnants of an industry that once smelted iron ore shipped from Isola d'Elba.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who do this trail more than once tend to go earlier than they think necessary — the reserve's ticket point in Pontone runs on cash only, and the 5 € entry fee catches first-timers off guard. Bring exact change, start before 9am, and the Canetto waterfall's 25-metre drop is yours almost alone.
The story behind Valle delle Ferriere (Maiori side trail)
The valley's name comes from its ironworks — ferriere — which date to the 12th century. Iron ore was brought by ship from Isola d'Elba and processed here using the Rio Canneto's current for power. Extraction continued until the mid-18th century, when new trade routes made the operation unviable.
Alongside the ironworks, water channeled through an ingenious canal system fed 17 paper mills operating between 1200 and 1800. After a catastrophic storm destroyed Amalfi's port in 1250, paper production became one of the city's primary industries. The great flood of 1954 ended what remained of the valley's working life. A few mills, including Cartiera Amatruda, still operate — though in Amalfi itself, not here in the valley.
Good to know
The reserve officially opens 12 May through 20 September; October access has been confirmed but check ahead. Entry is 5 €, cash only, paid at Pontone. As of late 2025, a section between Pontone and Amalfi was closed due to landslides with no bypass signage — verify current conditions before setting out. Sturdy shoes are non-negotiable on the rocky stairs.
Spring — roughly April through May — is the most reliable window: temperatures between 10°C and 20°C, trails dry enough to be manageable. Summer is hotter on the coast but the valley runs several degrees cooler, shaded by dense forest and chilled by the stream's evaporation. Autumn brings more rain; the stone stairs turn slick and some sections become genuinely treacherous.
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What travellers say about Valle delle Ferriere (Maiori side trail)
Unfortunately we got here at 3.30pm in April and the warden was just shutting up. So if coming specifically to get to the top waterfalls, make sure you leave early enough so you don’t experience the same. The whole walk up is amazing, so should you get to the top and this bit has closed, it won’t have ruined your day,
Awesome hike, not too long, not too short. Excellent restaurant on the way Up there but you need réservation
A paradise in this valley - very comfortable stay. The climb is worth it, plus the steps help you digest all the yummy food the area has to offer. Breakfast was such a treat, the attention to detail was incredible. Gino was so helpful and kind. It’s a calm place very close to the busy city center, it’s peaceful.
I had a great stay at this hotel. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, and they always made me feel comfortable. I really appreciated the complimentary breakfast, which was a very kind gesture. The hotel was very clean, and the service was excellent. Thank you for your hospitality and for making my stay enjoyable. I highly recommend this hotel.
We started the Valle delle Ferriere hike right after arriving in Amalfi and it was such a great way to kick things off. If you’re looking to get away from the busy town and enjoy some peace, nature, and amazing views, we totally recommend it. At one point we reached the Natura 2000 reserve, where there’s a small €5 entrance fee per person. After seeing some beautiful views, we continued toward Pontone and eventually made our way back to Amalfi. The hike was a bit tiring in places, but honestly, the scenery made it 100% worth it. A beautiful trail and a great adventure overall!
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