For locals who live on the Sorrentine Peninsula, there is only one mountain: Faito. Towering over the surrounding countryside at 1400 meters above sea level, Faito is one of the peaks along the Lattari mountain chain and lies at the base of the Sorrento Peninsula. It is a popular destination in summer, when locals and vacationers climb the slopes to escape the heat and humidity along the coastline.
Getting to Mount Faito
The easiest way to reach Mount Faito is by taking the funivia which departs from the Circumvesuviana train station in Castellammare di Stabia. The funivia is closed in winter. You can also take the bus to the top, which departs from the Circumvesuviana train station in Vico Equense or drive to the top (the road is quite well-maintained).
Time schedule: Funivia di Monte Faito
The Peak of Mount Faito
As soon as you begin to climb the slopes of Mount Faito the views open up, stretching into the distance across the woods and mountain landscape in the foreground to the deep blue Bay of Naples on the horizon. On one side, you can see the Sorrentine Peninsula and the island of Capri with its iconic Faraglioni sea stacks just off the coast; on the opposite side, the outline of Mount Vesuvius and the city of Naples hugging the gulf. Enjoy the panorama from both the road and the many walking and hiking paths which wind their way uphill through the woods.
There are also a number of restaurants and cafès on the peak of Mount Faito, in addition to sports facilities with a playground for children and a swimming pool.
Walking and Hiking Trails on Mount Faito
From the funivia to the Monastery of San Michele: this trail passes through shaded woods and is quite easy. Known as "Il Sentiero dell'Angelo", the route begins near the funivia and ends at the chapel of San Michele. It is called the "trail of the angel" because it traces the route taken by the saints Catello and Antonino.
Duration: about 2 hours
Mount San Michele or Il Molare: this is the highest peak on the mountaintop, and is shaped like a molar (hence the name). The route begins at the Sanctuary of San Michele at the end of the paved road, and is marked by CAI hiking club number 330. The trail passes by the Conocchia Cross and the Acqua Santa Spring, and ends overlooking the Gulf of Salerno and the Amalfi Coast.
Duration: about 1.5 hours
These are just two of the numerous hiking and walking trails which crisscross the woods covering the slopes of Mount Faito. There are also a number of picnic areas with tables and benches in shaded areas along the road.