Mills Valley Amalfi

Morning pick-up from your hotel or prearranged meeting point in Amalfi and/or Ravello.

We start by going down ancient stairs and paths amid lemon trees. On the way down, we visit an 8th-century church, followed by the ruins of a Roman basilica. We leave the village and get on the trail, with stunning views of the Amalfi Coast and Salerno Bay.

In about 2 hours, we reach the Mills’ Valley – a pristine wooded area full of springs and waterfalls, amid high cliffs. Within the deep valley, there are several examples of industry from the 10th century, such as the remains of an old aqueduct and ironworks. In addition, we have ruins of paper factories that witness the history of wealth and power of the medieval Republic of Amalfi.

Amalfi’s famous paper was produced by hand with cotton shipped from Egypt. Amalfi was one of the earliest locations where paper was produced in Western Europe.

The vegetation of the Mills’ Valley has been studied since 1859, starting with the famous German naturalist Karl Haekel. In this subtropical microclimate, we can find Cyclamen, Wild Orchids, Pterris vittata, Pinguicola hirtiflora (a carnivorous plant). In addition, we have the Woodwardia Radicans, and Erica terminalis (a rare species of the giant fern which has its origins in the tertiary period). You can also spot Peregrine Falcons, Otters, and the Spotted Salamander “with glasses”.

The Mills Valley, known as the Lost Paradise, will surprise you for the nature of the places, left almost untouched. 

Once we reach the town of Amalfi, we discover the medieval tradition of making paper, and have a paper-making demonstration.

After our visit, there is free time to further explore the town of Amalfi, purchase souvenirs, or enjoy a well-deserved gelato or pastry at an outdoor cafe.

Return transfer to hotel or drop-off point.