Mt. Faito (Monte Faito)

Mt. Faito, named for the beech trees that blanket its slopes, offers some of the best hiking trails in the area. From its highest point, you can set off along a number of routes that lead past churches and ancient cisterns, and through spectacular beech and black pine forests, where it’s often possible to spot birds, butterflies, and small mammals in the wild. A road and cable car run up 3,711 feet (1,131 meters) to one of the highest peaks on the Sorrentine Peninsula, where the views of the Amalfi Coast—from the Gulf of Salerno to the Bay of Naples—are stellar; most hiking trails set off from near the cable car station here. Faito’s trails are of varying length and difficulty, so the best way to explore is on a private walking or hiking tour led by a professional nature guide.

• If hiking Faito’s trails, be sure to wear appropriate shoes, a hat, and sunblock, and carry ample water.

• You’ll want to capture the sweeping views, so don’t forget your camera.

• There are a few restaurants and cafés on the peak of Faito Mountain, as well as a playground and swimming pool.

• Outdoor activities are often a welcome break from days of sightseeing for kids, so consider a guided hike with a family-friendly guide.

• The cable car is not accessible to wheelchair users.

The easiest way to reach Mt. Faito (Monte Faito) is by taking the cable car from the Circumvesuviana train station in Castellammare di Stabia. You can also take the bus from the Circumvesuviana train station in Vico Equense, or drive to the top. To reach the Circumvesuviana line from Positano, Ravello, or Amalfi, take the bus to Sorrento and board the train there.

The cable car runs only in summer, when the lion’s share of hikers hit the trails on Mt. Faito. If hiking in summer, plan to set off early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day; or opt to visit in spring or fall when the temperatures are milder.

The archaeological ruins of Pompeii at the base of Mount Vesuvius are also located along the Circumvesuviana rail line between Sorrento and Naples, so easy to reach before or after your cable car excursion to the top of Faito.