Vallone di Conca
A vallone is a deep cleft in the rock — the kind of feature the Amalfi Coast has in abundance, where limestone ridges drop sharply toward the sea and leave narrow ravines between them. The Vallone di Conca cuts through the terrain above Conca dei Marini, a village whose very name comes from the basin-like bowl of land it occupies. Olive groves cling to the terraces here, lemon trees crowd the upper lanes, and the whitewashed houses of the upper village look out over a bay that shifts color through the day.
This is not a set-piece attraction but a piece of landscape you move through — on foot, slowly, with the SS163 coast road somewhere below you and the smell of cut grass or woodsmoke depending on the season.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who return to Conca dei Marini tend to mention the same thing: the walk from the Church of San Pancrazio toward the rocky ravine, locally linked to the so-called Path of the Mad Bats — a name that earns its keep once you hear the sound coming from the fissures at dusk. Go in the hour before sunset.
The story behind Vallone di Conca
Conca dei Marini's roots run back to Etruscan settlement, and by 272 BC the Romans had absorbed it. Through the early Middle Ages it operated as a trading outpost of the Republic of Amalfi, its small port active with commerce. In 1543 Turkish pirates sacked the town — the Torre Saracena, built in 1563 in the aftermath, still stands as a reminder of that vulnerability.
The valley and its surroundings remained working land long after the maritime trade faded. A tonnara — a tuna fishery — operated here until 1956, and the olive groves beside the Church of San Pancrazio, first documented by the Archbishop of Amalfi in 1370, carry their own local mythology: the legend of the janare, women-witches said to haunt the trees.
Good to know
Reach Conca dei Marini via the SS163 or SITA bus from Amalfi or Positano. Spring and autumn give you the valley without the July–August crush. Wear proper shoes — the terrain is uneven and the steps down to the water are steep.
Summers are warm and dry, with the coast road and nearby Grotta dello Smeraldo at their most crowded in July and August. April through June and September through October offer calmer conditions and better light for the valley's terraced landscape.
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What travellers say about Vallone di Conca
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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