Vallone della Bonea & Ferriere Waterfall Trail
Just inland from the coast's famous cliffside drama lies a completely different landscape: the cool, fern-draped Vallone della Bonea gorge, where a well-marked trail follows a mountain stream through ancient chestnut woodland to the Cascate delle Ferriere — a series of waterfalls tumbling up to 30 metres into moss-covered pools. This is one of the few places in Europe where the prehistoric fern Wo
The Trail
The trailhead is accessed from Amalfi town (8 km west of Vietri sul Mare by coastal bus), but the gorge system extends through the hills directly above Vietri and can be approached from the Dragonea hamlet above Vietri via connecting CAI paths — a longer but more rewarding approach that avoids the Amalfi tourist crowds entirely.
The round trip from Amalfi is approximately 6 km with 250 m elevation gain on a clear, well-maintained path; allow 3 hours. The path crosses the stream on stepping stones several times so waterproof sandals or trail shoes with grip are essential in spring when water levels are high.
What You'll Find
The valley floor is a protected nature reserve (Riserva Naturale Statale Valle delle Ferriere) and entry is free; the main waterfall pool is a legitimate swimming spot in summer, though the water temperature rarely exceeds 18°C even in August — bracingly refreshing after the coastal heat.
The rare Woodwardia radicans fern — a Tertiary-era relic that survived the last ice age in these sheltered gorges — grows in enormous hanging curtains beside the falls. Its fronds can reach 2 metres in length and the sight of them backlit by shafts of light filtering through the canopy is genuinely extraordinary.
Getting There from Vietri
Take the SITA Sud coastal bus from Vietri sul Mare toward Amalfi (journey ~25 min, €2.50) and alight at the Amalfi bus terminal. The trailhead is a 15-minute walk from the terminal following signs to Valle delle Ferriere through the upper residential streets of Amalfi.
Alternatively, hire a local guide through the Amalfi Coast hiking cooperative Trekking Amalfi Coast for a half-day guided walk that includes botanical commentary on the rare flora — groups of up to 8 people, cost approximately €25 per person.
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