Amalfi · Ravello
Valle delle Ferriere (Valley of the Iron Mills)
- Distance
- 6 km
- Elevation Gain
- 100 m
- Duration
- 3-4 hours
The Valle delle Ferriere is the Amalfi Coast’s hidden rainforest — a deep, shaded gorge where waterfalls cascade over moss-covered rocks and Woodwardia radicans, a giant fern from the Tertiary period, survives as a living fossil. The name refers to medieval iron forges that once used the valley’s water power, and you pass their ruins along the way. Starting from the hamlet of Pontone above Scala, the trail descends through chestnut and oak forest into the heart of the nature reserve. The microclimate is astonishingly cool even in August: constant mist from the waterfalls keeps temperatures 10 degrees below the coast. Midway down, you reach the main waterfall — a 20-meter curtain of water that fills the gorge with rainbows on sunny mornings. The lower section follows the stream through the ruins of an ancient paper mill, a reminder that Amalfi was medieval Europe’s paper capital. The trail emerges in Amalfi town near Piazza Duomo. This hike is the antidote to the coast’s heat and crowds.
What you see
- 20-meter waterfall with rainbows in the morning light
- Woodwardia radicans fern — a Tertiary-period living fossil
- Ruins of medieval iron forges and paper mills
- Cool microclimate even in peak summer
Where to take pictures
- Main waterfall
- The 20m cascade fills the frame. Best light 9-11 AM when sunbeams pierce the canopy and create rainbows in the mist
- Fern grotto
- Woodwardia ferns hanging over the rocks, a species left from the Tertiary period
- Paper mill ruins
- Stone arches framing the stream, covered in moss — atmospheric and moody
Seasonal Notes
Year-round, but best in spring when waterfalls are fullest. Summer is ideal for the cool relief. After heavy rain the stream can swell — check conditions. Winter may have slippery sections.
Getting There
Start: from Amalfi, walk or drive up to Pontone (30 min on foot via steps, or taxi). Alternatively start from Amalfi and hike up the valley (harder). End: Amalfi center, all buses and ferries.
The tip
Go in the morning when sun angles create rainbows in the waterfall mist. Bring a light waterproof layer — the spray will get you. Entrance to the nature reserve costs around 5 euros.