September 26, 2025. Daniela, little Aida, and I, in her bassinet, decide to take a scenic route as the first walk with our 25-day-old baby. We decided to treat ourselves to a slow, scenic walk through the hamlets nestled in the eastern hills of the Metelliana Valley.
The starting point is San Pietro , with its Church of San Pietro Apostolo , which stands austere yet welcoming, just steps from the city park. The weathered facades tell stories of times gone by, while the surrounding greenery and colorful houses create the perfect entrance to this little adventure.
Leaving the hamlet behind, we set off along the road that leads to the hamlet of Maddalena : a long, paved road that immediately offers a view of the entire town of Cava de’ Tirreni. There, before us, a natural theater opens up: the profile of the Lattari Mountains , with Monte Finestra and the Monte Sant’Angelo massif with its antennae, silhouetted against the still-clear sky. The sunlight plays between the clouds and the reliefs, creating that evocative effect that only autumn afternoons can provide.
Continuing, we arrive at the hamlet of Cava de’ Tirreni di Dupino , home to the Church of San Nicola di Bari . Inside, it houses an ancient and fascinating mechanical nativity scene, a living reminder of a craft that unites faith and folk tradition. The houses thin out, and the landscape opens up toward Monte San Liberatore : we recognize its cross at the summit, an unmistakable symbol that silently watches over the valley and the sea of the Gulf of Salerno just beyond.
A final climb takes us to Santi Quaranta , where there’s a small square where you can stop for a bite to eat. The square welcomes you with its simplicity, and we stop for a quick break: Aida sleeps peacefully, while we breathe deeply in the fresh air that smells of both mountains and sea.
The return journey is slow and peaceful, along the same road, amidst light conversations and silences filled with gratitude for the places around us. It’s surprising how, just a stone’s throw from the town of Cava de’ Tirreni, you can find yourself immersed in such tranquility and beauty.
Download the gpx route published on Outdoor Active.
