Running for 8km (5mi) along ancient mule routes, through hillside villages, and serving up heart-stopping views of the Amalfi Coast, the Path of the Gods is Italy’s ultimate hiking route.
The Path of the Gods has been a popular walking route for centuries, and it’s not hard to see why. Winding along crumbling cliff sides, not only do you get some of the best views of the Amalfi Coast, you get them free from the usual tourist crowds. Follow our guide and you’ll be set for this once-in-a-lifetime hiking excursion.
1. Know where to start
Natural Feature
You have a few options on where to kick off your hike. The more popular spot to begin the walk, known as Il Sentiero degli Dei, is in Bomerano, a small section of the Agerola municipality. It’s easy to reach by bus – get off at the Bomerano stop and follow the signs guiding you to the trailhead.
You can also start your journey at Praiano, although this requires you to ascend a large staircase to access the trailhead. Follow the red-and-white direction signs; you’ll take an entry path with views of the Convent of San Domenico.
First research which is the best access point for you, and get yourself there, either in a car (if you have one) or by public transport. Also remember to bring the right equipment such as comfortable, non-slip hiking boots, and a bottle of water to keep you hydrated in the persistent sun. Consider booking a guided hike if you’d feel more comfortable embarking on this glorious adventure with a local expert.
Absorb the scenery
Along your trek you will encounter different terrains, and you’ll see the scenery evolve from tiered hills rich with shrubbery and crops, lending a local and domesticated feel, into grand displays of the Mediterranean Sea surrounded by tall trees and bushes.
You may think you’ve got lost in a maze of agriculture and forestry, and forget you are walking among the misty clouds that hang above the shimmering Mediterranean. Suddenly, your surroundings will open up like grand curtains to reveal numerous cliff faces and hillsides with dazzling views of the ocean and beaches below.
You will be taken on a course that goes up and down, edges on great cliff sides and varies in difficulty. The path gets slightly more challenging as it passes through Vallone Grarelle, before you reach the northern town of Nocelle, near Positano, where the trail ends.
Become a Culture Tripper!
Sign up to our newsletter to
save up to $1,656 on our unique trips.
Discover the lore of the gods
As you hike through this diverse topography, you will eventually come across different locales and artefacts that are reminiscent of the ancient peoples who used to traverse this area. You will enter a mythical arena littered with clandestine caves and carved stone abodes said to have been used by early travellers and settlers. It’s shrouded in legends of gods descending to the shores to meet the singing sirens who resided there.
Along the path you will experience what life may have been like travelling from small village to small village in the mid-1800s. Smell the fresh air perfumed with local plants and get lost in the immaculate view of islands and sea that unfurl before you.
Replenish with lunch
The Path of the Gods can take anything from three to five hours to complete, so it’s a good idea to pack nourishment for the road. Bring a light lunch from one of the local cafes, or make a pit stop for food on the way. A few restaurants are tucked into the scenery as you get nearer to Nocelle.
Revel in your destination
The resplendent hike ends in Nocelle, where you can either take a bus down the winding road along the coast or descend a 1,500-step staircase that leads to the village of Arienzo. Although it is a steep plunge, this route offers some magnificent views.
Now you can explore the northern sector of Positano. Stop in for one of the classic Italian aperitifs and discover the colours of the streets that stretch up the mountainside. Go shopping in this stylish part of town, or cool down with a scoop of gelato.
After relaxing post-hike and soaking up the vibrant life of this area, you can easily catch a bus or ferry back to wherever you are staying along the Amalfi Coast. Both of these options will provide breath-taking views on your way home. The Path of the Gods lives up to the name and is worthy of one of your days while visiting this exquisite part of Italy.
Looking for more recommendations? Here are some of the best things to do, or if you’d rather relax, enjoy a pre-dinner co*cktail at one of the best bars in town before digging into a sumptuous meal at one of the best restaurants on the Amalfi Coast.
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.
