Walk with us – 4th Edition 2025
75 kilometers. 4,500 meters of elevation gain. A single trail, CAI number 300.
An invisible thread that stitches together the ridges of the Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, from the heights of Cava de’ Tirreni to the extreme promontory of Punta Campanella.
A route unconventional, beyond expectations. An experience as challenging as it is possible. Above all, unforgettable.
We hiked the Alta Via dei Monti Lattari. We experienced it firsthand, with bated breath and full hearts.
First day of walking
Our journey began on May 31st , at the crack of dawn. We met in the hamlet of Badia di Cava de’ Tirreni, where the ancient stones of the thousand-year-old abbey mark the boundary between sacred and wild.
At 6:00 a.m. , our backpacks were already on our shoulders: it was time to set off.
Marco and Luca Casaburi, tireless organizers, led the group. With them were Dino, Carlo, Anna, and Gioia. We were energized, smiling, and full of enthusiasm. Still unaware, however, of the power with which these mountains would instill within us a profound sense of adventure.
The first steps flow quickly. Capo d’Acqua, Cappella Vecchia, Acqua Fredda… names that become stops in an already intense pace.
The thick green of the beech forests accompanies us towards Monte Avvocata , amid breathtaking views and the scent of ancient earth. When we reach the sanctuary, the sky seems closer. It is here that we meet Flavio , who joins the expedition, bringing with him new energy.
We’re only at the beginning, but something has already changed. The fatigue begins to speak to you, your thoughts empty, only your legs remain, your breath, and the wonder of being there.
After meeting Flavio, the group’s energy shifts. We’re united, one step after another, as the trail becomes wilder, more authentic.
We head toward Monte Demanio , a rarely traveled stretch, rugged, and sincere. A trail that doesn’t tolerate distractions, that isn’t easily tamed. It’s here that nature shows its most authentic side: rugged, silent, and profoundly free.
It’s not a route for everyone—it requires a sure-footedness and profound respect—but it offers an intimate connection with the mountain. One that remains etched in your memory forever.
Then the climb continues, and with it the elevation gain. We reach first the southern peak, then the northern one of Monte Finestra . Our muscles burn, our breath becomes shorter. The elevation gain now reaches 1600 meters , and every additional meter is a burden, but it’s also an achievement.
Second day of walking
The morning of the second day welcomes us with a new challenge: the climb to Monte Cerreto , the second-highest peak on the Alta Via.
After a quick breakfast and a few jokes to loosen up our legs, we set off again. Our minds are ready, but our legs less so—we can all feel it.
A change of strategy is needed: maximum concentration, a steady pace, we head straight for the summit to gain a moment of respite and beauty. And when we get there, the world opens up before our eyes.
A 360-degree panorama , from the Gulf of Salerno to the Gulf of Naples. But what truly strikes us is the outline of the mountains we crossed the day before , carved before us like a living map. Every crest is a memory, every curve a struggle overcome.
Then, turning back, there is Mount Molare , majestic, distant, yet already within our destiny.
The second stage is not over yet.
A mixture of surprise and despair can be seen in the eyes of our companions. “It’s impossible… we’ll never make it,” they say.
But we can’t allow anyone to give up. We need confidence, we need vision. Let’s take the lead, let’s rekindle our motivation: we’ll make it, and we’ll arrive by 5 PM .
And so, backpacks on, we set off again.
Step by step, beneath the Molare cliff, we cross the evocative Elephant Rock —and right there, tired and incredulous, we stop to survey the path we’ve traveled.
Then, shortly after, we reach Croce della Conocchia . Time is running out, and a long descent separates us from the end of the stage.
Off we go, down an endless snake of switchbacks, among rocks, roots, and silence. We almost run, propelled by a collective energy, all the way to the Forestry Barracks .
A look back shows us where we came from. It’s dizzying, it’s incredible.
And here we finally are, Santa Maria al Castello , the end of the second day. Our legs are shaking, but our hearts are full.
Third day of walking
The last dawn. The third day begins with few words and intense concentration.
A light breakfast, a few smiles, and then off we go: it’s the day of the finish line.
We know that the final stage, while seemingly the easiest, hides two major pitfalls : the long descents and the dreaded climb up Monte San Costanzo .
We adopt a different strategy: targeted breaks before the descents, to avoid sudden collapses. And it works.
One after the other, we cross Monte Comune , Monte Vico Alvano , Colle San Pietro , Colli di Fontanelle , Torca , Recommone , until we reach the sea at the beach of Cantone di Nerano .
At that point there are only 5 km left , but we know they will be the most intense: San Costanzo is ahead of us.
One last burst of energy, and we’re off again. The countdown has begun in our heads.
Every step is effort, but also determination. Incredibly, in just 35 minutes we’re at the summit.
The voices, the laughter, the disbelief: we’re almost there. Only 2 km to go.
And we don’t walk those last 2 km: we fly them .
The descent towards Punta Campanella is a liberating leap, an explosion of joy. At 8:30 PM we reach the lighthouse. There’s nothing left to overcome, nothing left to conquer.
Now all you have to do is breathe, look, hug, live .
We’re there. Punta Campanella. The end of the trail. But the beginning of something new, inside each of us.
This trail, the Alta Via dei Monti Lattari, is more than just a route. It’s a bridge between two worlds , between the rock and the sea, between the solitude of the peaks and the haunting beauty of the world’s most famous panoramas.
A journey measured not only in kilometers, but in emotions, connections, and conquests.
And we, in those three days suspended in time, walked not only towards a destination, but into an experience that transformed us .
The adventure continues
A heartfelt thank you to all the participants for the courage, determination, and beauty they brought to this adventure.
And thanks to the staff , who made every step possible with their presence, passion, and support.
The Alta Via dei Monti Lattari is more than just a trek.
It’s an epic journey. It’s a return to yourself.
