Positano is not just sea, but also green: Vallone Porto

When you think of Positano, you probably don’t imagine untouched greenery. Your mind goes straight to the colorful houses, yachts moored below the cliffs, and the crystal-clear sea. Yet Positano hides a wild side, with the scent of moisture, the sound of flowing water, and the charm of discovery. This is Vallone Porto, one of the lesser-known wonders of the Campanian coast.

We are on the Amalfi Coast, one of the most beloved places for its sea. But just a little outside the town center, in the Montepertuso area, you find yourself in a green canyon, a gorge carved into the rock where, between tall narrow walls, tropical plants grow spontaneously thanks to the humid microclimate, and small streams wind their way through them.

In this pristine landscape, there is no real trail, no boardwalks, and no tourist signage: the Vallone Porto path is surrounded only by the sounds of nature and the ruins of old abandoned mills. Some sections require real effort, climbing over rocks or navigating narrow, slippery paths. It feels like being in a jungle, on an Uncharted-style mission, yet you are in the Amalfi Coast. Who would have thought?

Along the way, you encounter waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and vegetation growing on ancient human constructions. It is a true biodiversity treasure, an almost intact natural chest, and as a final reward, you reach the sea: the descent ends at a viewpoint where you can see the turquoise water below, like a postcard—a striking contrast between green and the blue of the sea.

To reach Vallone Porto, it’s best to start from Montepertuso, above Positano. From Naples, take a train to Sorrento and then a SITA bus to Positano. It is highly recommended to be accompanied by an experienced environmental tour guide.