Alta Via dei Monti Lattari - 05

The Alta Via dei Monti Lattari - 05 is an 8 km point-to-point trail in the Lattari Mountains of Campania, Italy, gaining roughly 550 m of elevation across a single full hiking day. Rated moderate (CAI grade E), this high-level ridge stage links Monte Cerreto with Colle Sant'Angelo, delivering sweeping views over both the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Naples.

About the Alta Via dei Monti Lattari - 05

Stage 05 forms one segment of the celebrated CAI Trail 300, the half-height path that traverses the entire Sorrentine-Amalfitan peninsula from Cava de' Tirreni in the east to Punta Campanella in the west. The full Alta Via dei Monti Lattari runs roughly 73 km across 11 official stages, and Stage 05 sits in its heart, threading the limestone backbone of the Monti Lattari well above the famous coastline.

Measuring 8 km point-to-point, this stage is maintained by the Sezione CAI - Castellammare di Stabia, one of the Club Alpino Italiano chapters responsible for waymarking the red-and-white CAI signs that guide hikers along the route. As a Regional Walking Network (RWN) route, it carries genuine regional significance and connects to a wider web of trails fanning out toward Agerola, Positano and the Conca dei Marini valleys.

What sets Stage 05 apart is altitude with a sea view. The Monti Lattari rise sharply from the Tyrrhenian Sea, and this section threads ridgelines and karst plateaus between roughly 700 m and 1,300 m. On a clear day you can pivot from the deep blue of the Amalfi Coast on one flank to Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples on the other — a panorama few 8 km walks anywhere in Europe can match.

Route Overview & Stages

While Stage 05 is a self-contained 8 km day, it is most rewarding when understood within the broader CAI 300 sequence. The table below breaks the stage into its three natural sections and shows how it fits with the neighbouring legs.

Total distance is 8 km with around 550 m of cumulative ascent. Most hikers complete Stage 05 in 3 to 4 hours of walking time, though the constant photo stops along the ridge mean budgeting a full day is sensible. The CAI grades the segment E (Escursionisti / moderate), meaning sure-footedness on rocky terrain is needed but no technical scrambling or fixed ropes.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Monte Cerreto (1,316 m) — One of the highest summits of the Monti Lattari, offering a 360-degree sweep from the Sorrento Peninsula to the Picentini range.
• Colle Sant'Angelo — The saddle that gives Stage 05 its western terminus and a key junction with paths descending toward Tramonti and Maiori.
• The beech forests of Cerreto — Shaded, cool woodland on the eastern ascent, a welcome contrast to the exposed ridge above.
• Amalfi Coast overlook — A series of ridge viewpoints where the towns of Maiori, Minori and Ravello appear as a stacked terrace far below.
• Gulf of Naples panorama — On clear mornings, Vesuvius, Capri and the islands of the bay line the northern horizon.
• Karst dolines and limestone pavement — Classic Monti Lattari geology, with sinkholes and fluted rock formations shaped over millennia.
• Mediterranean maquis — Wild rosemary, broom and orchids that perfume the trail in late spring, attracting butterflies and raptors.
• Historic mule paths — Cobbled mulattiere that once linked coastal villages with high pastures, still visible along sections of the descent.

Best Time to Hike the Alta Via dei Monti Lattari - 05

The Monti Lattari follow a classic Mediterranean rhythm, so timing matters. The two prime windows are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when daytime temperatures along the ridge sit comfortably between 15 °C and 24 °C and the air is clear enough to see both coastlines at once.

As of 2026, the single best month to hike Stage 05 is May. By then the winter rains have eased, the beech canopy has leafed out, and the maquis is in full bloom — wild orchids and broom carpet the ridge. Trail surfaces are dry and firm without the dust and heat haze of high summer. June is a strong second choice, though afternoons grow warmer and busier.

Avoid July and August if you can. Coastal humidity pushes the heat index well past comfort, shade on the ridge is scarce, and the risk of afternoon thunderstorms over the high ground rises sharply. Winter (December to February) brings rain, occasional snow above 1,000 m, and slick limestone — feasible for experienced hikers but not the trail at its best. Whatever the season, start early: morning light gives the clearest views before the coastal haze builds.

Practical Information

Accommodation

There are no staffed mountain refuges directly on Stage 05, so most hikers base themselves in the valley towns and treat the ridge as a day walk. In Agerola, a popular trailhead hub, family-run B&Bs and agriturismi typically run €60–€95 per double room in shoulder season, while a basic hostel dorm bed costs around €25–€35 per night. Castellammare di Stabia and Tramonti offer a wider spread of guesthouses from €70 upward.

Wild camping is not officially permitted in the Parco Regionale dei Monti Lattari, and there are no managed campsites on the ridge itself; the nearest formal campgrounds sit near the coast and charge roughly €12–€20 per pitch. If you plan to link several CAI 300 stages, the Rifugio and agriturismo network around Agerola is the most practical chain of overnight stops.

Getting There & Back

The gateway is Naples. From Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP), the Monti Lattari trailheads are about 60–90 minutes away by road. By rail, take the Circumvesuviana line from Naples to Castellammare di Stabia station (roughly 45 minutes), then a SITA SUD or EAV regional bus up to Agerola or the Monte Cerreto access points (a further 45–70 minutes on winding mountain roads). From Colle Sant'Angelo, onward buses descend toward Maiori and Amalfi on the coast, where the SITA coastal service and seasonal ferries return you to Salerno or Sorrento.

Because mountain bus frequencies are limited — sometimes only a handful of departures per day — check the latest EAV and SITA SUD timetables before you set out and carry a printed copy. A taxi from Castellammare to the trailhead runs roughly €40–€60 if buses don't align with your schedule.

Permits & Fees

No permit or entry fee is required to hike Stage 05. The trail lies within the Parco Regionale dei Monti Lattari, which is free to access on foot, and the CAI waymarking is open to all. There are no booking systems or quotas. Your only costs are transport, accommodation and any guided-walk fees should you hire a local mountain guide, which typically start around €30–€50 per person for a group day outing.

Gear & Packing List

Stage 05 is a single-day mountain walk on rocky, sometimes exposed limestone, so footwear and sun protection top the list. Pack sturdy trail shoes or light boots with grippy soles, at least 2 litres of water (there are no reliable springs on the ridge), sun hat, high-factor sunscreen and a windproof layer for the breezy summits. Trekking poles ease the descent to Colle Sant'Angelo.

A compact, well-fitted daypack is ideal for the load. The 2400 Windrider is light enough for a fast day yet roomy for extra water, while the ADV Skin 12 suits hikers who want a vest-style fit for moving quickly along the ridge. If you intend to link several CAI 300 stages with overnight gear, the larger Abisko Hike 35 carries a couple of days' supplies comfortably. Fuel matters too: ridge walking burns more than you expect, so read how many calories you need hiking a full day and pack snacks accordingly. For multi-stage thru-hikers shaving grams, our roundup of the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 is worth a read before you commit.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the high-level ridge walking of the Monti Lattari appeals, Italy's Dolomites offer the same alpine grandeur on a longer canvas. These Alta Via routes share the CAI waymarking system and the same reward of sustained mountain panoramas — natural next steps once you've sampled Stage 05.

• Alta Via n. 2 delle Dolomiti - Dolomiten-Höhenweg Nr. 2 (Italy), 185 km
• Alta via n. 6 delle Dolomiti (Italy), 180 km
• Alta via n. 6 delle Dolomiti - XI tappa (Italy), 180 km
• Alta via n. 6 delle Dolomiti - X tappa (Italy), 180 km
• Alta via n. 9 delle Dolomiti - Dolomiten-Höhenweg Nr. 9 (Italy), 140 km

For a different flavour of dramatic point-to-point mountain crossing abroad, the Balkans deliver with our guide on how to hike the Theth to Valbona trail in Albania.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Alta Via dei Monti Lattari - 05?
May is the single best month, with clear air, mild 15–24 °C ridge temperatures and the maquis in full bloom. The wider sweet spots are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). Avoid July and August, when coastal humidity, scarce shade and afternoon thunderstorm risk make the exposed ridge uncomfortable and potentially hazardous.

How difficult is Stage 05?
The Club Alpino Italiano grades it E (Escursionisti / moderate). You need sure footing on rocky, occasionally exposed limestone and a head for the roughly 550 m of cumulative ascent, but there is no technical climbing, scrambling or fixed-rope terrain. Reasonably fit walkers with some hill experience will manage it comfortably in good weather.

How long does the 8 km take and what is the daily distance?
Stage 05 is an 8 km point-to-point day, completed in about 3 to 4 hours of walking. With photo stops on the ridge, plan a relaxed full day. If you link it into the wider CAI 300 route, daily distances across the 11 stages average 6–8 km, since steep terrain rather than length sets the pace.

Where can I stay near the trail?
There are no refuges on the ridge itself, so hikers base in valley towns. Agerola offers B&Bs and agriturismi at €60–€95 per double, with hostel dorms around €25–€35. Castellammare di Stabia and Tramonti add more guesthouses from €70. Wild camping is not permitted inside the Parco Regionale dei Monti Lattari.

Do I need a permit or pay a fee?
No. Stage 05 requires no permit, booking or entry fee. It runs through the freely accessible Parco Regionale dei Monti Lattari on open CAI-waymarked paths with no quotas. Your only expenses are transport, accommodation and optional guide fees, which typically start at €30–€50 per person for a group day walk.

For official route details and waymarking updates, consult the Alta Via dei Monti Lattari trail authority and the national hiking body Club Alpino Italiano (CAI), which maintains the trail grading and signage standards referenced throughout this guide.