Promontory of Capo d'Orso

A nature park where mountain meets sea on a beautiful promontory is a nice outing on the Amalfi Coast. The Capo d'Orso Promontory protrudes from the coastline near Maiori and rises from the Mediterranean Sea up to Mt. Falerzio, more than 1000 meters above. In between is a nature preserve that is rich in Mediterranean plant life and animals. You'll find fox, badgers, hedgehogs, martens, kestrels, jays and prized peregrine falcons.

The promontory takes its name from an outcropping that resembles a bear's head. At the beach level there are a few restaurants scattered about that offer lovely views. Take one of the trails that lead up into the hills (from Maiori, Cetara or Cava dei Tirreni) that lead to the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Avvocata, a chapel originally built in 1485 in a grotto in the woods. It started as an altar and then a hermitage and chapel were built into the rock. It expanded to a proper church, but the only way to access it is still by walking. It is set in a panoramic position on a high point, making it worth the effort to reach it, as you'll take in sweeping views of the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy the wildflowers and scrub that alternate with forest of oaks and chestnuts as you climb.

The promontory that holds the parco naturale of Capo d'Orso is located on the point between Maiori and Cetara.