Coats Quests

Is there a dreamier walk than one that takes you under scores of lemon trees and stretches from one tiny Italian coastal town to another? There is not. The Path of the Lemons is ancient and is a beautiful way to experience the rich southern Italian culture. The walk (hike?? The jury is still out on whether to call this a hike or a walk…there are a LOT of stairs, so you will definitely get your heartrate up!) connects the towns of Maiori and Minori and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. There are several viewpoints along the route, as well as places to stop for homemade lemonade. I have spotted donkeys carrying supplies on the trail every time I’ve been, so it always feels like I’m transported to another time, when things were so much less rushed.

You can drive directly to Maiori and park on the street, but to make a day of it, drive to Vietri sul Mare, which is a much easier drive (except the final few minutes down by the water, where the streets narrow!), and take the ferry! Once you have paid for street parking, make your way to the ferry port. Purchase tickets ahead of time or once you arrive at the port (my preference). Honestly, this is one of the best parts of the day! You can see the Amalfi Coast from the water on the way to Maiori, where you disembark.

Make your way down the Lungomare, through the town shops, and up a staircase to the trailhead. This can take a few minutes or a few hours depending on how much you like to shop! Once you begin the trail, it is clearly marked throughout. You will descend into the town of Minori, where you can enjoy lunch by the water or lounge at the lido. Once you have taken your fill of cuisine or Vitamin Sea, purchase your return ferry tickets to Vietri sul Mare and make your way home!

Alternatively, you could train into Salerno and take the ferry from there to Maiori. This option is great if you are coming from another major city.

What my kids liked: the views all along the route are amazing, and it’s a day trip that doesn’t really last all day!!

What to bring: Cash for limonata along the path! There are few places you can purchase refreshing homemade lemonade!