Numerous hiking trails are laid out on the mountain slopes of the Monti Lattari National Park on the Amalfi Coast. These paths have an ancient history. They once connected the villages scattered across the mountain slopes of the entire coastline.
Today, thousands of hiking enthusiasts definitely include these amazing places in their travel plans. After all, one of the most picturesque trails in Italy is located here – the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei).
Recommended reading: Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast – beaches, hiking, relaxing by the sea
What You Will See on the Path of the Gods
This breathtakingly beautiful scenic mountain road leaves no one indifferent. Along the way, you will see spectacular views of Positano, the island of Capri, the Li Galli islands, and the Tyrrhenian Sea. In some places, the cliffs reach a height of over 300 meters. You just need to see it! According to legend, the Path of the Gods was the route taken by the ancient Greek Gods while protecting Odysseus from the alluring voices of mythical creatures that lured sailors into traps.
Path of the Gods – Route
Starting point: GPS coordinates: 40.625117, 14.534947
Length – 6 km
Trail duration – 2.5-3 hours
Bomerano – Nocelle
The most popular route, as the trail offers fantastic views ahead and is mostly downhill, making it easier to hike.
This is also the simplest way to complete the trail: from Bomerano to Nocelle. You can reach the starting point of the Path of the Gods in Bomerano by taking the Amalfi-Agerola bus. This direction is easier and goes downhill.
From the end point in Nocelle, you can take a bus to Positano. In principle, if you are not very tired, you can walk all the way to Positano. In this case, the Path of the Gods will be a bit longer for you.
The distance between Bomerano and Nocelle is about 4.5 km. Allow approximately three hours to complete the hike, taking into account possible stops for photos, rest, and meals.
Nocelle – Bomerano
The second option is to hike in the opposite direction from Positano or Nocelle to Bomerano with an ascent. This is more suitable for those who want a physical challenge.
Starting from Praiano
To reach the trail from Praiano, you need to climb steep stairs. If you are staying in Praiano, you can take a bus to Positano, transfer to a small bus to Nocelle and start the hike in the opposite direction. Then you can finish the trail by descending the stairs to Praiano.
How to Get to the Starting Point and Return After Hiking?
- By public transport: buses run between Amalfi and San Lazzaro, and the nearest stop to the starting point is in Bomerano.
- By ferry: You can take a ferry to Amalfi. The ferry company Travelmar offers transfers to the trailhead.
Departing from Amalfi:
Take a bus to the trailhead. Sita bus from Amalfi to San Lazzaro.
How to return to Amalfi after finishing the trail?
Walk down from Nocelle to Positano and return to Amalfi by bus from Positano.
From Positano:
Take the bus to Amalfi, then transfer to the bus to Bomerano. Or you can take the ferry and use the shuttle bus service.
If you don’t mind starting from Positano and walking most of the route uphill, you can go from Positano or Nocelle towards Bomerano.
How to Return to Positano
After completing the hike in Agerola (Bomerano), take a bus to Amalfi and then transfer to a Sita bus to Positano.
Or you can descend to Praiano at the last section of the route (Colle la Serra) to avoid several bus transfers. In Praiano, you can catch any bus going to Positano.
When to Plan a Walk on the Path of the Gods
In summer, it is too hot on the Path of the Gods. There aren’t many shady spots, as most of the trail runs above the tree line. I would recommend coming here in spring or autumn – it’s warm, but not too hot.
In winter: this is a good time to avoid the crowds and enjoy solitude on the trail. But be careful of changing weather conditions. Most cafes along the trail are likely to be closed in the off-season, so bring snacks and lunch for the hike.
In summer: Note that it can be hot and crowded in summer. Bring plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun. It’s best to start early in the morning.
What to Take Hiking on the Path of the Gods?
Always walk in comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water!
Although this route is quite easy and suitable for romantic walks even for less experienced tourists, it’s better to go in closed sneakers or special trekking shoes. It is impossible to get lost here. The trail is fully marked. In addition, the endless flow of tourists will be a good guide in the right direction.
- Since the hike can last several hours, bring a light lunch and enough water.
- In spring and summer bring a hat and sunscreen. The sun is bright, and many sections of the trail are open to the sun with almost no shade. At higher altitudes, sunburn is especially sensitive, so taking precautions is extremely important.
- It is best to wear light clothing with long sleeves for sun protection.
- Good hiking shoes and water are always necessary. Do not attempt to walk this trail in flip-flops.
- In autumn and winter bring a raincoat, windbreaker, and warm clothing. Weather conditions can change quickly, so on sunny winter days, you will still need sun protection.
Safety on the Path of the Gods
Hiking independently or with a guide?
The Path of the Gods is well maintained and can be crowded. If you plan to go independently, consider hiking on weekends when there are more people on the trail. The trail is well marked. You can also try to plan a shared walk with other hotels.
Mobile connection on the trail is very important if you go independently. In some places, there is phone signal, but it can be unstable on the trail.
If you are not a confident tourist – it’s better to choose the option to hike with a group, or with an individual guide.
Conclusions
If you dream of hiking in fabulous places, you definitely need to visit here. For beginners, the Path of the Gods can become a new passion and a love for this wonderful and trendy type of tourism.
Useful articles and links:
- 10 ideas for a day trip from Naples
- Naples – what to do if you are here for the first time, review from personal experience
- Tropea – a beach holiday in Calabria, Italy
- November – where to catch the last bit of summer
Route schedules and tickets for buses – on InfoBus.ua
Tourist health insurance and Green Card for traveling abroad by car – on the portal HotlineFinance
Hotel and apartment bookings – Booking.com
