I reached the top of the staircase and found a stone bench carved directly into the cliff. Below me, the Gulf of Salerno stretched all the way to the horizon. That was the moment I understood the title of this article — the trail to the Sanctuary of Santi Cosma e Damiano in Ravello doesn’t end at a viewpoint. It ends at a table. A place to sit, rest, and just be.
The view from the Sanctuary of Santi Cosma e Damiano extends across the Gulf of Salerno, reaching as far as Punta Licosa and Cilento on clear days.
This short hike to the Sanctuary of Santi Cosma e Damiano is one of the most rewarding on the Amalfi Coast — not just for the view, but because you end up sitting on benches carved into the rock, facing the sea, with nothing left to do but take it in.
Hikers seeking quiet
Solo travelers
Families with older kids
This article is for anyone visiting the Amalfi Coast who wants a break from the crowds. I’ll walk you through the sanctuary itself, the trail to get there, and a few other hikes worth your time. I’ll also cover the practical logistics of getting around the coast, because that’s half the battle.
The Sanctuary of Santi Cosma e Damiano
Before I talk about the trail, let me tell you about the place at the end of it.
The Sanctuary of Santi Cosma e Damiano sits high above Ravello, tucked into the limestone cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. It’s a sacred site that has drawn pilgrims and locals for centuries. The twin saints Cosma and Damiano, patron saints of doctors and pharmacists, are honored here with mosaics that narrate their lives, martyrdom, and miracles. The apse features a celestial mosaic that invokes peace and healing. Side chapels depict moments like the healing of Deacon Giustino and the story of the talking camel. The feast day falls on September 26, when the faithful come in large numbers. Inside the sanctuary, the atmosphere is calm and reflective.
What surprised me most was the silence. After the noise of the coast road, the sanctuary feels like a different world. The stone walls absorb sound. The only thing you hear is the wind and, occasionally, a bell from the valley below.
The Trail to the Sanctuary
Getting to the sanctuary requires a bit of effort, but that’s part of what makes it special.
The trail starts from the center of Ravello. You follow a series of stone steps and narrow lanes that wind through lemon groves and residential areas. The elevation gain is moderate, and the path is clearly marked. Most people complete the walk in about 30 to 45 minutes one way, depending on your pace. The staircase leading to the entrance is the most dramatic part — it emerges from the cliffside like a natural extension of the rock.
Start the walk by 9 a.m. to avoid the midday heat and the crowds that arrive after 11 a.m. Ravello’s streets are quiet in the morning, and the light on the gulf is softer for photos.
I brought a compact drone with me to capture the coastline from above. It’s the kind of spot where aerial footage really shows the scale of the cliff and the sanctuary’s position. A lightweight drone with a good camera makes a difference on hikes like this — it’s easy to carry and gives you perspectives you can’t get any other way. The vertical shooting mode is especially useful for social media clips.
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The trail is doable with kids, but I’d recommend it for children aged 7 and up. Lily managed the stairs without complaint, but Ethan needed a carry for the last stretch. The benches at the top make a good rest stop, and the sanctuary courtyard has space for younger kids to move around safely.
The sanctuary is open daily, but hours can vary. Check with the Ravello tourist office or your hotel before heading out. There is no entrance fee, but donations are appreciated.
Other Hikes on the Amalfi Coast Worth Your Time
If you have more than a day on the coast, these three trails are worth considering.
The Amalfi Coast has a network of footpaths that connect its towns and offer views you can’t get from the road. The most famous is the Path of the Gods, or Sentiero degli Dei, which runs from Agerola to Nocelle. It’s about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) one way and takes roughly 2 hours 30 minutes at a moderate pace. The elevation gain is around 600 meters, and the trail is considered easy to moderate. The views toward Positano are the highlight. You can walk it in either direction, but starting from Agerola gives you the iconic perspective. The Amalfi Coast trekking guide lists the Path of the Gods as the most scenic and well-known footpath on the coast.
The Valle delle Ferriere hike starts in Amalfi town and follows a river through a lush valley. The trail passes abandoned paper mills and waterfalls, with plenty of shade from the trees. The full loop is about 8.2 kilometers (5.1 miles) and takes roughly 2 hours 25 minutes. The elevation gain is around 400 meters, and the difficulty is moderate to easy. The waterfall at the end is a good reward. You can also make it shorter by turning around at the mills.
The Torre dello Ziro is a shorter option. It’s a 15th-century tower on a hill between Amalfi and Atrani, with an aerial view of both villages. The trail from Pontone is about 2.2 kilometers (1.4 miles) one way and takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. There are 750 steps to climb if you start from Amalfi, but you can take the bus to Pontone to shorten the climb. The Valle delle Ferriere page has more details on combining these two routes.
| Trail | Distance | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Path of the Gods | 6 km (3.7 mi) | 2h 30min | Easy to moderate |
| Valle delle Ferriere | 8.2 km (5.1 mi) | 2h 25min | Moderate to easy |
| Torre dello Ziro | 2.2 km (1.4 mi) | 1h 15min | Easy |
The Path of the Gods has limited shade. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen. The trail can be slippery after rain, and the edge drops are significant in some sections. Not ideal for very young children or anyone with a fear of heights.
- Start the Sanctuary trail by 9 a.m. for the best light and fewest crowds.
- Combine the Torre dello Ziro and Valle delle Ferriere into a half-day loop from Amalfi.
- Use the SITA bus or ferries to get between trailheads — driving between towns takes longer than you think.
Getting Around the Amalfi Coast
The coast road is narrow, winding, and slow in summer. Your choice of transport matters more than you expect.
The New York Times 36 Hours guide notes that congestion on the Amalfi Coast is increasingly horrible in summer, and that May and early June are less trafficked. If you can time your trip for late spring, you’ll have a much easier time on the roads. The SITA Sud buses run between Sorrento and Salerno, but service can be crowded and infrequent. High-speed ferries are more reliable and often faster. The ferry from Sorrento to Amalfi takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and costs around €25. Scooter rentals are a local favorite, but the NYT guide recommends having experience before attempting the coastal curves.
If you’re visiting Ravello, Praiano, or Vietri sul Mare, these towns tend to be quieter than Positano and Amalfi. Short-term rentals in these areas are often easier to find and more affordable.
I brought a leather backpack that fit my camera, drone, water bottle, and a light jacket. Having a comfortable, well-organized bag makes a difference on a day with multiple stops. The slim leather backpack with a laptop compartment I used held everything securely and looked professional enough for lunch afterward. The luggage pass-through sleeve was handy when I used it as a carry-on for the flight home.
Before You Head to Ravello and the Sanctuary
How long should I plan for the sanctuary visit?
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours total, including the walk from Ravello, time inside the sanctuary, and a rest on the benches. If you want to take photos or sit quietly, add another 30 minutes.
Is the trail suitable for strollers or young children?
Not really. The path has stairs and uneven stone sections. A baby carrier works better for toddlers. Children aged 7 and up can manage the walk with breaks. The benches at the top are a good spot for snacks.
Is the sanctuary overrated or disappointing?
It depends on what you expect. If you’re looking for a grand cathedral with ornate decorations, this isn’t it. The sanctuary is small and simple. The real draw is the peace and the view. If you’re short on time, skip it. If you want a quiet break from the coast crowds, it’s worth the effort.
Can I visit the sanctuary and also do the Path of the Gods in one day?
That would be a stretch. Both are in different parts of the coast. The Path of the Gods takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours, plus travel time. The sanctuary trail is shorter. I’d pick one per day to avoid rushing.
What should I bring for the hike?
Water, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. A light jacket or scarf is useful even in summer because the sanctuary can be cool inside. A small camera or phone with a good lens is enough for photos — you don’t need professional gear.
Why a Bench on a Cliff Became the Highlight of My Amalfi Coast Trip
I’ve visited the Amalfi Coast three times now. I’ve eaten at the famous restaurants, taken the boat tours, and walked the crowded streets of Positano. But the moment I remember most clearly is sitting on that stone bench at the Sanctuary of Santi Cosma e Damiano, with the gulf spread out below me and no sound except the wind. It reminded me that travel isn’t always about the famous spots. Sometimes it’s about finding a place where you can stop, breathe, and let the view do the work. For more on staying in Ravello and the quieter side of the coast, read Ravello Offers Amalfi Coast Beauty Without the High Cost.
Sources and further reading
Amalfi Coast. “The hidden spiritual gem of Ravello: the Sanctuary of Santi Cosma e Damiano.” 🔗
Explored by Marta. “Hikes on the Amalfi Coast, Italy.” 🔗
Amalfi Travel. “Amalfi Coast Trekking Guide.” 🔗
New York Times. “36 Hours: Amalfi Coast, Italy.” 2026. 🔗
Related reading on Emily in Italy
Amalfi Coast Glamour, Food, and Roman Ruins — A broader look at the Amalfi Coast’s highlights, from restaurants to archaeological sites.
Amalfi Coast Stay in Historic Italian Villas — Where to stay on the coast, including options in Ravello and the quieter towns.
Discover Sorrento’s Lemon Delights and Amalfi Coast Views — A guide to Sorrento, the gateway to the coast, with tips on food and local products.
Amalfi Coast: Italy’s Scenic Routes and Hidden Gems — Scenic drives and lesser-known spots along the coast for those who prefer to travel by car.