Maiori adventures

The adventure begins

Maiori welcomes you with the sound of fishing boats and the aroma of freshly baked bread...
But today, dear adventurers, no simple stroll along the promenade for you, you’re heading uphill! Don’t worry, you won’t regret it.

The heart of this experience is the Sentiero dei Limoni, the Lemon Trail, an ancient farmers' path that connects Maiori to Minori, passing through the suspended village of Torre.

Admiring unforgettable places

Once you land at the port by sea, you’ll be just minutes from the center of Maiori.
Before setting off on the trail, I recommend a visit to the majolica-tiled dome of the Collegiata di Santa Maria a Mare. This church was once a fortress guarding against Saracen raids, later transformed into a place of worship when fishermen recovered a statue of the Virgin Mary and Child from the sea — untouched and miraculous. From that moment, the church became the spiritual heart of the city, taking the name Santa Maria a Mare. Now, back to our goal for today: exit the church and begin your slow climb up the steps of Via Vena, right next to the dome. In just a few minutes, you’ll feel like you’ve left time behind.
The rooftops disappear, the stones start to speak, and the sun filters through the branches of lemon trees.

Going ahead...

The scent of the Sfusato Amalfitano lemon accompanies you, step after step, surrounded by dry-stone walls and terraced groves.
Look up — you might catch a glimpse of a farmer tending the trees or hear the gentle clinking of mules carrying crates of golden fruit.

Here, beauty must be earned. And like all authentic things, it smells of sweat and ancient stories.

If you come across a small roadside stand, don’t hesitate to treat yourself to a glass of fresh lemonade and a taste of lemon salad — it’s the flavor of the Amalfi Coast itself: bittersweet, like its landscapes.

The trail hides a secret stop: the Rock-carved abbey few people know.
If you like to stray from the beaten path, take an hour to visit a silent, magnetic place: the Abbey of Santa Maria de Olearia, perched on the cliffs along the SS163.

Here, stone takes on the color of time, and silence smells like prayer. Ancient frescoes watch you from hand-carved walls, and the scent of moss whispers stories no one has written.
A place few know, but that leaves a deep mark.

Full of nature

Climbing to the Castle of San Nicola de Thoro Plano is an act of love for slowness.
Yes, more than 700 steps — but also one of the most breathtaking views on the coast.
From up there, Maiori is a handful of houses between sky and sea, and time seems to stop.

Once a refuge from Saracen invasions, today it's the perfect place to reflect on how much more we can see when we choose not to rush.
Inside, you'll find remnants of barracks, rooms, and walls that still speak of waiting and defense.
Bring a bottle of water — and more importantly, a gaze ready to get lost.

No need to tell you to take a break: once you arrive, enjoy your packed lunch immersed in greenery. 

Heading back into town, make another stop at the Collegiata di Santa Maria a Mare.
If you haven’t yet, step inside. Admire its architecture, the Lombard tower, and the small Sacred Museum, home to illuminated manuscripts and ancient religious artifacts — here, faith is identity.

Along the way, let yourself be surprised by the Saracen Towers, still visible between the houses or along the shoreline: stone sentinels that continue to guard the sea.

Flavors that speak to the heart

The day ends where it began: near the sea. But this time, you’re seated at the table.

Treat yourself to a sunset dinner featuring fresh fish, handmade pasta, and that golden drizzle of olive oil that tells the proud story of this land.

And perhaps finish with a glass of artisan limoncello: more than a digestif, it’s a sip of pure light.

For the tireless walkers...

If your legs and breath still hold out, know that from Maiori you can also take the trail that leads to the Sanctuary of the Avvocata — demanding, but with views that will leave you breathless (literally).

It’s the trail of free spirits, of those who walk to find something within themselves.

You’ve seen Maiori through different eyes, not those of a hurried tourist, but of someone who chooses to slow down and listen.

Because between a lemon, a stone stair, and a hidden terrace lies the true life of the Amalfi Coast.