path of the gods

Path of the Gods

Path of the Gods

The Path of the Gods is one of the most beautiful and renowned hiking trails in the Amalfi Coast in Italy, famous for offering breathtaking views of the entire coastline, with sights extending up to the island of Capri, making it an ideal spot for trekking enthusiasts.

Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast

The Path of the Gods, also known as the Way of the Gods, is a natural and hiking trail that stretches from Bomerano, a small village in the hills of the Amalfi Coast, to Nocelle, a fraction of Positano located at the foothills of Monte Pertuso.
The very name suggests the extraordinary beauty of the route: it is ideal to walk from Bomerano to Nocelle so you can walk downhill and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast, which stretch from Praiano to Punta Campanella, not to mention the island of Li Galli and Capri.

Path of the Gods

Path of the Gods: Starting Point, Duration and Useful Information

The Path of the Gods is an ideal natural trail for trekking or hiking, approximately 7.8 kilometers long, with a duration of about 3 hours, starting from Bomerano, a fraction of Agerola, and ending at Nocelle, a fraction of Positano.

Through suggestive landscapes, immersed in Mediterranean scrub, at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level, with a view that spans from Positano to Capri, the Path of the Gods derives its name from the legend that some Greek deities passed through this magnificent stretch of coastline to save Ulysses from the sirens, who were located on the island of Li Galli.

The Hike along the Path of the Gods

The starting point of the Path of the Gods is Bomerano. Once you arrive here, in the small square, you will find an info point where you can get a brochure and a map of the Path of the Gods, which are very useful for navigating along the trail and understanding the white and red signs that will help you avoid getting lost along the way.
As soon as you embark on the path from Bomerano, you will immediately notice the change in the surrounding landscape; initially, it consists of vegetation made up of a few shrubs and grass, where you will often encounter sheep and goats grazing, before transitioning to Mediterranean scrub.

After a few minutes of walking, when the Path of the Gods becomes more winding, with climbs, descents, and dizzying views, you will encounter a natural cave called "Grotta del Biscotto", where you can admire ancient houses built into the rock. Continuing the hike, after about 3 km of walking, just when fatigue begins to set in, you will find a spring of fresh drinking water. It is here that the path forks; if you continue to the left, you will reach Praiano, while to the right, you will continue along the Path of the Gods to reach the village of Nocelle, a fraction of Positano. Along the trail, you will encounter Colle Serra, where a stone stele has been placed with an epigraph in memory of Ettore Paduano, the hiker who discovered the trail.
After 8 km of walking, or about 3 hours, you will arrive at the village of Nocelle, where you will be welcomed by the "Kiosk of the Path of the Gods", a characteristic refreshment spot that evokes both the flavors and colors of the Amalfi Coast, delighting your journey with a refreshing Costa d'Amalfi lemon juice, to be enjoyed seated on the panoramic terrace. 
At this point, for the more adventurous, the trail doesn't end here; in fact, to continue towards Positano, there are two options:

  1. Descend along 1680 steps to reach Arienzo and walk about 1.5 km to Positano.

  2. Take a SITA bus to reach Positano.

For those who choose to descend to sea level by walking the approximately 1700 steps, once you arrive on the main road in Arienzo, you can continue on foot along the SS163 towards Positano, or in the summer, we recommend tackling another 300 steps to descend to Arienzo beach and indulge in a moment of relaxation.

Path of the Gods: 2 routes

The Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) offers two distinct routes for hikers, each catering to different levels of experience and preferences:

  1. Sentiero degli Dei "Alto":
    • This route begins in Bomerano and ends at Santa Maria del Castello in Vico Equense.
    • It's considered more challenging, featuring several steep sections that require a good level of fitness and stamina.
  2. Sentiero degli Dei "Basso":
    • The classic and more popular route, this path also starts in Bomerano but leads to Nocelle, a fraction of Positano.
    • It is generally regarded as less strenuous, making it accessible to a wider range of hikers, including families and those seeking a leisurely trek.

Both routes provide breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and its stunning landscapes, but the choice between them will depend on your hiking experience and how much of a challenge you're looking for.

Sentiero degli Dei hike

Path of the Gods: how to return to the starting point?

For those who choose to hike the Sentiero degli Dei from Bomerano to Nocelle, you can reach Positano by taking the SITA bus, and then continue by ferry to Amalfi, or alternatively, take the SITA bus that travels from Sorrento to Amalfi.
From Amalfi, you will need to take the bus again to return to where you started, which is Bomerano.
Since the return trip is quite long, it is recommended to travel by ferry from Positano to Amalfi.

Path of the gods

What equipment to bring on the Path of the Gods?

Although the Path of the Gods is not very demanding, it is still a mountain nature trail. Therefore, among the essential equipment, you need hiking shoes or shoes with a non-slip sole, appropriate clothing such as long pants, a t-shirt, and to protect yourself from the sun, it's advisable to wear a hat. In the winter months, a windbreaker jacket is ideal.
Finally, don't forget to pack food and water, which are essential during the entire hike.

What is the best time to visit the Trail of the Gods?

It is recommended to visit the Path of the Gods in the spring season or during the low season in September and October, not in the hottest and most crowded months of July and August.

How to get to the Path of the Gods

Getting to the Path of the Gods from Amalfi

Starting from Amalfi, the Path of the Gods can be reached by SITA buses, which are public transport.
The buses depart from the main square of Amalfi, Piazza Flavio Gioia. Once on the bus, ask the driver to indicate the Bomerano stop, from there follow the road signs until you reach the start of the path.

Path of the Gods: where to park

Where to park in Bomerano to reach the Path of the Gods

In Bomerano, it is possible to park your car for free. Once you reach the main square of the village, continue for another 100 meters, and on your right, you will find a spacious parking area marked with white lines, thus free of charge. Additionally, there is a water refill station in the parking area, where you can fill your water bottles before starting the Path of the Gods.
From here, the start of the Path of the Gods is about 300 meters away.

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