Out and back walk along the Path of the Sirens, from Santa Maria di Castellabate to its sister village of San Marco di Castellabate and beyond to Punta Licosa.
It’s said in Greek mythology, that it’s here that the Sirens – a creature that is half bird and half woman, would lure sailors to wreck their ships on the rocks through their hypnotizingly sweet song, but if any mortal should survive their encounter, then the Sirens would perish. So, when Ulysses in the Odyssey sailed through and lived to tell the tale, the Sirens choose to hurl themselves into the sea, and they bothered no person ever again. Licosa derives its name from the Greek 'Leucosia', who is said to have been one of these Sirens. Punta Licosa is now a pristine marine reserve, rich in archaeological finds, with jagged rocks jutting out from the water, and an ancient port submerged beneath the waves.
Along the walk you can take in the views over the island of Capri, the Amalfi Coast, and Sorrento Peninsula. You may choose to take a swim in the aquamarine shallow waters out to a little island with a lighthouse. Before beginning the walk back along the coastal path.
Author’s recommendation
There aren't any restaurants easily accessible along this route, so we would suggest bringing a picnic lunch, as there are plenty of scenic spots to enjoy this at along the way. Please ask for assistance at your hotel reception with arranging this or alternatively, along Via Caduti del Mare and Corso Matarazzo there are several bars and some small minimarketswhere you could buy your lunch.
As this is an out and back walk, so you can decide to cut short the walk at anytime to turn around and head back to your hotel, but the scenery is worth the effort of going all the way if you can. It can also be shortened by taking a local bus to the village of San Marco di Castellabate (about 4 kms from Santa Maria di Castellabate).
Alternatively, it’s possible to extend the walk by around 5.2 kms and details of this can be found in the Macs Adventure app - Path of the Sirens - Extended Walk.
Rest stops
Approdo Resort Thalasso SpaSafety information
There are some exposed and unfenced edges throughout the walk; be careful and keep walking on the path.
There are a few sections of the walk on small country roads. If there is no pavement or grass verge, please take extra care. The general rule is that you walk on the same side of the road as oncoming traffic, in order to avoid having your back directly to oncoming traffic. Be prepared to walk in single file and to stay as close to the side of the road as possible.
There may be sections where you will be walking through fields containing livestock. Be vigilant and respectful of all animals.
Always make sure to stay hydrated and carry plenty of water. There are no drinking water taps along this path. It is also advised to wear skin-protecting clothing and use sun cream/screen. We recommend you inquire about the day’s forecasted weather before setting out on your walks. A useful website for climate information specific to towns and countries is www.weather2travel.com or www.yr.no
Tips and hints
In San Marco di Castellebate the route takes you by Approdo Resort Thalasso Spa where you might like to book a treatment on your walk back. You could then walk on to Santa Maria di Castellebate or take a local bus back. Pre-booking of treatments is advisable and additional costs apply.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
*** To help you follow the route with confidence we have provide these route notes to help you. The route is partially waymarked, but we strongly suggest that you follow the GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone app to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable, and problem-free day. The daily maps can also be printed from the web version of the app should you wish to take paper copies with you. ***
Beginning from the seafront of Lungomare Perrotti in Santa Maria di Castellebate. Head southwest toward Via Perrotti.
Turn left and continue along Via Perrotti for about 200 meters with the sea on your right hand side.
At the end of the street, tak the footpath down onto the beach and walk for about 1.3 kms along the sand.
At the end of the beach there is a car park take the path on the left onto the road.
Continue until you reach a roundabout near the seafront.
Go left along the tarmac road called Via Pozzillo, after a few metres it bends slightly to the right.
After 50 metres there is a fork in the road. Continue right along Via Pozzillo. Here there are views over San Marco di Castellebate harbour and the sea.
Continue straight on with the sea on your right.
Walk along the wooden fence, you can follow the paved pathway down to the harbour.
Arriving at the harbour on Via Porto on the left hand side you will find Approdo Resort Thalasso Spa (where you may have choosen to book a wellness treatment).
With your back to the sea take the tarmac road that goes up on the right side of Approdo Resort Thalasso Spa.
Follow this road uphill, avoiding all minor junctions and keeping the sea on your right.
You will reach a large unpaved section and pass by Casette di Ulisse. Continue to follow the main pathway. Walking past private properties and big fences of old villas.
The path becomes more scenice, and you start to pass some signs pointing to Punta Licosa and then walk by a little tower.
The path opens up giving you a view on the sea.
Continue past a vineyard called 'Il colle del Corsicano'. After few meters you will spot the tiny islet of Punta Licosa.
Arriving at the small harbour of Licosa you can take your time to relax and take a dip in the sea before going back about 100 metres to take the tarmac road on your right. This large tarmac road will be sig posted Tenuta Licosa. It is a veichular road, so please be aware of traffic.
After a straight section you will reach a three roads junction. Turn right. Pass by a gate and take the path near this that goes towards the sea. Even if there are some signs you can still go ahead without problems and follow this path.
You will arrive in front of the inlet of Punta Licosa. you can turn left and continue along the shore. Some sections of the path have eroded, but there is an alternative route beside the pine trees. The route under the trees is easier, and you can swap between the two paths as and when you wish to.
There is a straight road that is almost parallel to the shore and between the sea and the road are the pine trees.
After about 1.3 kms of following the coastal path, you meet a perpendicular trail that cuts through the pine trees to reach the tarmac road. Here turn left and start your journey back following Viale dei Carrubi, until you reach the three road junction (that you were at before). Here continue to follow the same route back (as you walked out on) to San Marco di Castellabate and then on to Santa Maria di Castellebate.
Note
Coordinates
Equipment
A sturdy pair of broken-in walking trainers are adequate for this route if you don't wish to wear hiking boots. Along with your usual kit for a day walking in the elements make sure you pack an extra layer, plus rain jacket and waterproof trousers in wet weather, suncream, sun hat, and midge repellent spray. You may also find walking poles useful on this route - they will help take the pressure off your knees during the ascents and descents.
Ensure your phone is fully charged; if you doubt the battery will last throughout the hike, it might be beneficial to bring a power bank.
Make sure you bring emergency food (energy bars/trail mix) and enough water; it is recommended to drink 0.75 litres per 1 hour of hiking.
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