The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei in Italian) is a approximately 9 kilometer long nature trail situated along the Amalfi Coast, perfect for hiking and trekking.
The trail begins in Agerola and concludes in Positano, offering a roughly 7 hour journey immersed in the pristine natural beauty of the region. This site is entirely dedicated to the Path of the Gods, providing all the essential tourist information, historical insights, and practical advice for an optimal excursion.
In recent years, the Path of the Gods has gained international fame, thanks to its skyline, one of the most breathtaking and renowned in the world, traversing the Amalfi Coast, known for its lush Mediterranean vegetation. It follows the ridge of the Lattari Mountains, which plunge into the azure sea of the coast, offering panoramic views that include the island of Capri.
The name of this nature trail is derived from historical events and legends, according to which Greek deities passed through this area to rescue Ulysses from the sirens on the island of Li Galli. Even the writer Italo Calvino described this path as “that road suspended above the magical Gulf of the ‘Sirens’, still furrowed today by memory and myth.” You can find the same phrase on ceramic tiles at the beginning of the Path of the Gods.
What adds to the allure of this trail is the absence of human intervention. The entire path remains as nature conceived and shaped it over the centuries, with human involvement limited to the presence of protective barriers in some areas and excellent signage along the route.
How to reach the Path of the GodsTechnical details
Now, for those who want to embark on this magnificent hike in the Amalfi Coast, here are some technical details.
It’s worth noting that there are two routes to choose from: the “high” and “low” Path of the Gods, named for their respective altitudes. The high path begins in Bomerano (Agerola) and ends at Santa Maria Del Castello. It is slightly more challenging due to numerous uphill stretches. In contrast, the low path passes through Nocelle and is less demanding, making it suitable for older individuals or those who prefer a less strenuous hike.
The trail starts from a hamlet of Agerola (Bomerano) and finishes in the upper part of Positano (Nocelle). The natural route covers a distance of approximately 10 kilometers (round trip), and the entire excursion takes about 7 hours to complete. This timeframe may vary depending on walking speed and the number of breaks taken along the way. However, all factors considered, the entire hike should not exceed 7 hours (round trip).
Throughout the path, you will find protective structures at the most challenging and rugged points, panoramic terraces offering views of the Capri Faraglioni, Punta Penna, the Li Galli islands, and the Lattari Mountains. There are comfortable wooden benches for resting and rejuvenating with water and snacks. Furthermore, numerous fresh and drinkable water sources are available along the trail, which is particularly appreciated during the scorching summer months.
How to return
The entire trail covers a round-trip distance of 10 kilometers, however most tourists opt to hike only one way, starting from Bomerano (Agerola) and ending in Nocelle (Positano).
Retracing your steps on the same path for the return journey may not be as rewarding since you’ve already marveled at its beauty during the initial hike. So, once you reach your destination, how can you return to the starting point?
Upon reaching the end of the trail, you have a few options to make your way back to the starting point. You can take public or private buses from Positano, or alternatively, you can choose to take a ferry. Regardless of the mode of transport you select, you’ll arrive in Amalfi. From there, you’ll need to catch a shuttle bus that will take you back to your initial departure point, which is Bomerano (Agerola). Please be aware that this return journey can be relatively lengthy, especially considering the typical traffic congestion on the Amalfi Coast, particularly on holidays. It’s advisable to allocate at least 3 hours to complete the return trip.
Useful tips
If you’ve decided to embark on this beautiful excursion, it’s essential to equip yourself and plan accordingly.
It’s not a walk in the park, and if not approached correctly, it can be more challenging than anticipated. As previously mentioned, covering the entire round-trip route takes about 7 hours. Therefore, it’s advisable to start in the morning, not too late. Arriving at the trailhead around 9 in the morning would allow you to return by around 4 in the afternoon. If you’re arriving by car, follow the SS 163 Amalfitana road to Vettica Minore and then take a winding secondary road to Bomerano (11 km).
One crucial aspect to consider is the time of year you plan to visit the trail. During the summer months, the days have more daylight hours. If you choose to go during the cooler months, such as October, March, or April, daylight hours are more limited. So, keep this in mind to avoid returning from the trail with limited sunlight.
The trail is not extremely demanding, but it does require a minimum level of physical fitness suitable for walking approximately 10 kilometers. Recommended attire, especially during the warmer months, includes lightweight clothing, such as a short-sleeved cotton shirt or tank top and shorts. If you have allergies to plants or vegetation, it’s advisable to wear knee-length pants or long trousers.
Finally, a backpack is essential, in which you should carry everything you’ll need for the hike, including food and water as a priority. You may also want to bring equipment such as a camera, GoPro, or drone to capture the stunning vistas and natural landscapes you’ll encounter along the way.