Hiking the Path of the Gods, also known as "Sentiero degli Dei," is an extraordinary adventure that takes you on a journey through some of the most stunning natural landscapes along the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This trail is aptly named because it truly feels like you're walking in the footsteps of the gods, with awe-inspiring vistas at every turn.
The Path of the Gods is a moderately challenging hike that offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and breathtaking views. As you ascend along the rugged coastal cliffs, you'll be treated to panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea, charming villages perched on the cliffs, and the lush greenery of the region. It's a trail that allows you to feel connected to the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast in a profound way.
One of the most enchanting aspects of this hike is the tranquility it offers. You'll often find yourself surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and the scent of wildflowers as you meander along the narrow paths. It's a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
As you hike, you'll encounter friendly locals and have the opportunity to explore charming villages like Nocelle and Praiano, where you can savor authentic Italian cuisine or simply soak in the atmosphereof these picturesque communities.
Hiking the Path of the Gods is an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the Amalfi Coast. It's a journey that combines physical activity, cultural exploration, and moments of sheer awe as you traverse this mythical landscape. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply looking to connect with nature in a profound way, this trail is a must-do when visiting the Amalfi Coast.
The Path of the Gods is open year-round. We have hiked it twice. Once on a beautiful September day. We started around 9 am. The weather was perfect and we had the most amazing views. Most recently, we hiked the Path of the Gods on a rainy day in mid-May. We checked the weather before we began at 9 am. We saw there were clouds, but the forecast said there was only a ten percent chance of rain. So we began our trek. Unfortunately, about a third of the way into the hike it began to pour. It hailed and steams were running down the path. This took the difficulty level of this hike from moderate to difficult. I highly recommend not doing this hike if there is any chance of rain. There are a lot of rocks and uneven terrain on this path. It was quite disappointing as our friends who hiked with us had never been on this hike. It was hard to enjoy the view with all the rain.
Where to Start
The most popular choice is Bomerano.
You can also start in Positano, If you choose this route you will have to climb 1700 stairs to the start of the trail.
The third way to do this hike is to start in Praiano. Where you will hike up 3 km to meet the main Path of the gods. This is probably the most challenging way to do the hike. I have only done the Path of the Gods from Praiano. Yes, it is definitely challenging but, if not raining, it is a beautiful hike.
HOW TO GET TO BOMERANO
Depending on your starting point, it could take as much as 2 hours to get to the trailhead in Bomerano.
Taking the bus is the cheapest way to get to Bomerno. Buses to Bomerano start in Amalfi. If you are staying in Positano or somewhere else along the Amalfi coast besides Amalfi, you will first have to take the bus to Amalfi and then take the bus to Bomerano. It takes 50 minutes to get to Amalfi from Positano. From Amalfi to Bomerno it takes 40 minutes by bus.
Another option is to call a taxi or private driver to take you to Bomerao. While this can be quicker, it can be quite expensive. A private driver can be as much as 140 euro one way.
Finally, you can always join a tour group or hire a tour guide to take you.
If you have a car and are driving, there is a small parking lot in town called Parcheggio Gratuito that has a limited amount of parking.
The hike starts at Piazza Paolo Capasso, which is the main square in Bomerano. You will see trail signs located in the southwest corner of the square that will tell you were the hike begins. Follow the red and white signs to the trail head. This will take approximately 15 minutes.
Once you have walked about 2 km the trail splits. The trail to the left, or lower trail is the more scenic. The trail to the right is probably a bit easier but less scenic. Whichever way you decide to go there are signs along the path guiding you along the way. The two paths do meet up at a later point.
Towards the end of the Path of the Gods trail, you start to head in and out of the forest. Once you reach Nocelle there are a few small restaurants you can stop and get something to drink or have lunch.
You have several options to get back to your lodging on the Amalfi Coast. From Nocelle, you can take the SITA bus to Positano. From Positano you can get another bus or call a taxi. From Nocelle, you can call a taxi, the number is posted at the end of the trail. Finally, you can also walk into Positano. The quickest way is to walk down the steps to the main road that runs along the Amalfi coast. Then you walk about 1 km into Positano. This walk will take you about 30 minutes. Doing this you will probably beat the bus.
While hiking the Path of the Gods from Praiano is the least popular choice, this is where we usually start. We stay in Praiano and this works the best for us. From Praiano, you are looking at roughly a one-hour uphill walk to connect with the main path. Unfortunately, this is also the most difficult path. To reach the main path, you will have to hike 3 km up 2000 steps and walk/climb a more rugged path to merge with the Low route of the main path. Once you reach the main path you can continue to either Bomerano or Nocelle. I recommend continuing to Nocelle, as this is where you will see the most amazing views.
From Praiano
The best way to meet up with the path from Praiano is to start at Via deli Ulivi the staircase beside La Strada Restaurant. You will follow that to Via Crocce and make a sharp left. Continue on Via Crocce until you see the sign for the path of the gods. You will then continue to follow this path up through the lemon groves, and vineyards.
After following the path through a few neighborhoods, you will begin the ascent through a series of stone staircases. At about 2.5 km you will reach The Convent of San Domenico. This is a great place to take a break. Drink some water and take a peek inside the church. On our last hike the priest was there and very friendly. We ducked in here to escape the rain for a few moments.
After the church, the terrain becomes much rockier and steeper. The path is difficult to follow and you may wander off the path. Do not worry. As you will see the hikers on the main path of the gods helping you stay on track. Once on the main trail the hike becomes much easier. You will follow the red and white signs to Nocelle.
Hiking the Path of the Gods along the Amalfi Coast is an incredible adventure. To embark on this journey, follow these steps:
1. Plan Your Trip:
Decide when you want to go, keeping in mind that spring and fall are ideal times due to milder weather. The best time to start is in the morning.
Book accommodations in one of the nearby towns like Positano, Praiano, or Amalfi.
2. Get to the Starting Point:
The typical starting point for the hike is Bomerano, a small village near Agerola. You can reach Bomerano by bus from Amalfi or Sorrento.
Alternatively, you can start in Nocelle, which is closer to Positano. You can take a bus or boat to Positano from nearby towns like Amalfi or Sorrento and then hike up to Nocelle.
3. Equip Yourself:
Wear comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Carry a backpack with snacks,
The Path of the Gods is well-marked with red and white signs. You can't miss it.
The trail is about 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles) long and takes around 3-4 hours to complete at a leisurely pace.
4. Enjoy the Scenery:
Take your time to absorb the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast, the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the charming villages below.
Stop for photos and rest breaks along the way.
5. Return to Your Accommodation:
Depending on where you finish, take a bus, boat, or taxi back to your accommodation.
6. Safety Tips:
Ensure you're in good physical condition for the hike.
Respect the environment by not littering and staying on the marked trail.
If you're not experienced with hiking, consider hiring a local guide for a more informative and safe experience.
Remember that the Path of the Gods offers some of the most stunning coastal views in the world, so take your time and savor every moment of this remarkable journey.
The Path of the Gods consists of rocky and dirt trails and steep stairs. You do not want to hike it during or after rain. It can be very slippery. There are a few sections of the trail that hug the side of the cliff. While there is a little fencing, it is not going to prevent you from falling, and there are drop-offs.
Hiking the Path of the Gods is an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the Amalfi Coast. It's a journey that combines physical activity, cultural exploration, and moments of sheer awe as you traverse this mythical landscape. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply looking to connect with nature in a profound way, this trail is a must-do when visiting the Amalfi Coast.
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