Torre dello Ziro
Perched on a rocky spur 300 metres above sea level between Amalfi and Atrani, the ruined 14th-century watchtower Torre dello Ziro rewards a 45-minute hike with the most jaw-dropping unobstructed panorama on the entire coast — no crowds, no entrance fee, just sky and sea.
The Hike Up
The trail begins in Atrani, the tiny, largely tourist-free village just east of Amalfi, reachable on foot in 10 minutes along the shoreline road. From Atrani's main square, follow the signed path up a steep staircase of ceramic-tiled steps through lemon groves and Mediterranean scrub.
The ascent takes 40–50 minutes at a moderate pace. The path is mostly shaded by carob and chestnut trees and passes an old paper mill ruin — a reminder that the Valle dei Mulini below once powered Amalfi's medieval paper industry.
What You See at the Top
From the tower's base you look straight down onto Atrani's terracotta rooftops, then sweep your gaze west across Amalfi's harbour, the green folds of the Valle dei Mulini, and on clear days all the way to Capri floating on the horizon.
The tower itself is a modest cylindrical ruin, but the stone platform around it is perfect for a picnic. Bring water — there is none on the trail — and a wide-angle lens if you shoot with a camera.
Combining with Ravello
Experienced walkers can continue past the tower along the ridge on the Alta Via dei Monti Lattari to reach Ravello in another 90 minutes, making a satisfying point-to-point day walk with a bus or taxi return.
Start no later than 9 am in summer to avoid hiking in peak afternoon heat. The trail is well-marked with red-and-white CAI blazes but can be slippery after rain.
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