サンタマリアラカリタの天然記念物・トップ20

Beautiful view of the mountain with a hole, precisely the "pretuso"

Montepertuso or the pierced mountain

The hike on the Sentiero degli Dei from Bomerano to Positano is a highlight on the Amalfi Coast. Breathtaking views accompany the path, which does not require a guide, but does require good shoes and plenty of water. After about 30 minutes, the path splits into a higher and a lower route, which later merge again. The destination is Nocelle, where you can fortify yourself with a refreshing lemon slush. From there, two paths lead down to Positano, either via Montepertuso or directly over hundreds of steps. Setting off early in the morning is recommended.

If taking the path back to Amalfi there is one steep section with no barrier as the track has been rerouted around landslip. Caution and sticks are needed.

An early start improves the experience as you avoid crowds along the track and at the final waterfalls which are beautiful and worth paying the entrance fee.

It is a fascinating place located on the Amalfi Coast, precisely in the hamlet of Montepertuso, which is part of Positano. According to popular mythology, centuries ago, people who came from the deep east lived inside some natural caves in the heart of the mountain. The Devil, wishing to demonstrate his power and ability to Our Lady, attempted to create a hole right inside the mountain, using only his hands. However, despite his efforts, the Demon failed in his attempt. Moved by pity for his failure, the Madonna raised her hand and touched the mountain: the rock suddenly crumbled and the Devil fell down the precipice, ending up on the stones below. Montepertuso is also a starting point for the famous Path of the Gods, which connects Agerola to Nocelle

At the beginning of April, the hike from St Lazarro to Valle de Ferrere was quite nice, but in comparison, not really recommendable. The forests are coppice forests, still leafless, only a few early bloomers and salamander larvae, a single orchid. In the end, at 3 p.m., we stood in front of a closed waterfall. That's a bit stupid. But understandable, hardly any people there. In some places, poorly signposted.

This last part of the path is home to magnificent waterfalls including a main one for which you have to pay a €5 ticket before accessing it. I highly recommend that you do.