Torre dello Ziro

Pontone is between Ravello and Amalfi (5 min. by car or 20 min. walk along an easy and well-kept path). On the road to Amalfi keep direction to Pontone. After approx. 900 mtrs (the road through two tunnels) keep on walking down to the left of the steps (a yellow sign indicates the start) which pass partly under the building of the S. Maria del Carmine church. At the end of the descent ignore the first down to the left (the path leads to Atrani). Go up a few steps and after about 20 mtrs take the left fork to the long flight of steps that zig-zags up to the entrance gate of the walled area of the castle ad Torre dello Ziro. As soon as you come inside the walls, just a few steps further up, you'll get to the first lookout: up on the other side of the valley you can see Villa Cimbrone while at your feet the brook Dragone flows towards Atrani. 

There are several paths inside this walled area. We suggest this one. Take the steps down, ignore the first and second on the left ad continue ahead along a level path in the direction of the sea. After 200 mtrs you will reach the higher bellevue on the Bay of Amalfi from a modern terrace with the column. From here, you can see the Ziro Tower but if you wish reach to the tower come back on the same path and take the first on the right down along an easy zig-zag steps through the pine trees. After a few minutes you'll reach a fork, keep walking downhill on the right and follow this one until you will reach the Ziro Tower. 

After a look around the Tower and the crenelated rampart on the left, walk back up to the fork (you have just walked down on the left) and there follow on your right. Follow the main path and the steps until you reach the modern construction; up to the left you can reach the top of the hill where you can still see some ruins ad the old cisterns. Follow the main path between the cisterns (left) ad the ruin (right) ad walking down the mule-track (very high stone steps) around the hill you'll get to the clearing in the saddle. To get out you have to follow the same route and if you are not going back to Pontone at the above mentioned fork turn to the right ad walk down to Atrani. The path is just one and after you have crossed the brook keep going downhill along well-maintained paths on the left side of the valley. In a few minutes you'll get to the fascinating maze of narrow streets that is the centre of Atrani.

Departure: Pontone (266mtrs.)
Excursion walking time: 1.15 h. approx. 
Total distance: 2600mtrs.
Difference of level: 100 mtrs. down; 100mtrs. up 
Maximum height: 270mtrs.
Best period: whole year 
Difficulty: easy
- Drinking fountain in the square San Giovanni in Pontone
- In the square San Giovanni in Pontone it is possible to buy food and beverages (Blue Bar or Antico Borgo Restaurant)