Walking & Trekking
The Mount and Sanctuary of the Avvocata: a trekking itinerary combining the sacred and the profane.
- Amalfi Coast -

Trekking on the Mount of the Avvocata on the Amalfi Coast is a classic route combining the sacred and the profane: breathtaking views over the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast and the search for the divine through long ascents on foot towards the Sanctuary. Every Monday after Pentecost, in fact, the sanctuary is reached by the pilgrims of Cava and Maiori to renew their devotion to Our Lady. The wide open spaces overlooking the sea in this walking route drives the visitor to the contemplation of the Infinite. The Sanctuary of the Avvocata is located on the Falerzio Mount can be achieved starting from the Abbeyof Cava dei Tirreni using a mule track, the path is longer but less difficult, or via a long staircase from Maiori.

The route starts from the Benedictine Abbey of Cava dei Tirreni, 380 m above sea level, through Dragonea of Vietri to the Sanctuary is a path in the past so much appreciated by the English nobleman Henry Swinburne, who loved 'walking' in the woods of the Amalfi Coast during his Italian stay. For lovers of hiking and outdoor activities it is good to know that this path goes through chestnut woods, and that the first stage is at 566 m after reaching Capo d'Acqua at the Old Chapel in Dragonea. Continue walking along the marked path, losing altitude until Cetara and then going up again to the source of Acquafredda at 875 m. Remarkable are the views of the Amalfi Coast, and on the mountains going through forests of oak, hornbeams and maples, chestnut, and pastures in the Mediterranean bush. The trail leads over a rocky ridge to the west to the Serra terminal from which you will climb on top of the Mount of Avvocata at 1014 m, to finally reach the Sanctuary and rest.

The trekking path to the Mount of Avvocata is of medium difficulty with a duration of about six hours and a drop of 120 meters down and 600 up. The right clothing? Comfortable, of course! Possibly long pants and comfortable shoes, but above all do not forget your camera, a bottle of water, sunscreen and a hat.