Valle delle Ferriere: a short guide to the waterfall trail from Agerola

The Valle delle Ferriere (Valley of the Ironworks) is a nature reserve behind Amalfi, famous for its waterfalls, its damp woodland and an extremely rare fern that has grown here since before the Ice Age. You can reach it on foot from Agerola: the classic route starts in San Lazzaro, goes down towards Pogerola and the valley and ends in Amalfi, in about 4-5 hours. It’s a harder hike than the Path of the Gods, but completely different: instead of sheer drops to the sea, you get shade, water and green.

I’m Sebastiano, I live in Agerola and run Costa Blu B&B. When guests ask me “what should we do after the Path of the Gods?”, the Valle delle Ferriere is the first thing I suggest.

The Valle delle Ferriere at a glance

Start from Agerola: San Lazzaro (main square)
Finish: Amalfi
Length: about 12-13 km from San Lazzaro to Amalfi
Time: 4-5 hours, not counting stops
Elevation: mostly downhill, from about 650 m to sea level
Difficulty: for experienced hikers (EE) on the full route; some stretches near the streams are slippery
Water: fountains in San Lazzaro, Pogerola and Amalfi

Why it’s worth it

The waterfalls. In the upper valley the Canneto stream forms small waterfalls that keep the air wonderfully cool in summer.
The prehistoric fern. Woodwardia radicans grows here, a giant fern that survived the Ice Age thanks to the valley’s humid microclimate. It’s protected: look, don’t touch.
The history. The name comes from the old ironworks, and on the way down to Amalfi you pass the ruins of the paper mills where the famous Amalfi paper was made.
The contrast. After the sun of the Path of the Gods, here you walk almost always in the shade.

The route from Agerola

From San Lazzaro towards Pogerola. The trail leaves San Lazzaro and heads down the Amalfi side of the mountain with views of the coast. San Lazzaro is one of the villages of Agerola, a few kilometres from Bomerano.

In the valley. After Pogerola you enter the reserve: thick woodland, moss on the walls, the sound of running water. It’s the most beautiful stretch and also the one where you need to be most careful, because stones and roots are often wet.

Down to Amalfi. Along the Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills) you walk past the ruins of the old paper mills to the centre of Amalfi, where you can visit the Paper Museum to round off the day.

Getting back. From Amalfi you return to Agerola on the SITA bus.

A shorter version

If you don’t feel up to the full route, you can visit just the most beautiful part of the valley starting from Pontone (a village of Scala, above Amalfi): it’s a walk of about 6 km and 3-4 hours, easier and with little climbing. You can reach Pontone by bus from Amalfi.

When to go

Spring: the best time, with the waterfalls full and the woods bright green.
Summer: great for the cool of the valley, but the final descent into Amalfi is hot and crowded.
Autumn: beautiful, but after rain the trail is more slippery.
Winter: possible on dry days; start early because it gets dark early.

Note: some parts of the reserve, especially the upper waterfall area, may be closed because of landslides or works. Always check before you go.

What to bring

Hiking boots with soles that grip on wet ground (essential here)
Water and a snack
A light jacket: it’s cooler in the valley than in the village
Trekking poles, useful on the long descent
Cash for the bus back

Mistakes to avoid

City shoes. Wet stones and moss are unforgiving.
Leaving the trail to get closer to the ferns or waterfalls. You damage a fragile environment and risk slipping.
Starting late. The valley is deep and the light goes earlier than on the coast.

Frequently asked questions

Is it harder than the Path of the Gods? The full route from Agerola, yes: it’s longer and has slippery stretches. The short version from Pontone, on the other hand, is suitable for everyone.

Can I do it with children? The short version from Pontone, yes, with children used to walking. I wouldn’t recommend the full route from Agerola for young children.

Do I need a ticket to enter the reserve? To enter the protected area, the most beautiful part of the valley, you usually pay a small fee of a few euros. Bring some coins with you.

Your base for the Lattari Mountains trails

Agerola is the ideal starting point for the best hikes on the Amalfi Coast: the Path of the Gods, the Valle delle Ferriere, the Fiordo di Furore. At Costa Blu, in the centre of Bomerano, you’ll find rooms with private bathrooms, breakfast included to set off full of energy, and all my tips on the trails.

«Die zentrale Lage, 5 min vom Wanderweg “Pfad der Götter” entfernt… Großzügiges Zimmer, sehr sauber, Balkon.» (Central location, 5 minutes from the Path of the Gods… spacious room, very clean, with a balcony.) — Tina, Germany, May 2026

Information checked on 31/10/2026. Trails and access may change: always check before you go.