Have you ever dreamed of walking among the clouds with the sparkling Mediterranean Sea stretching endlessly below you? That’s precisely what lies ahead on the iconic Path of the Gods!
As someone who’s traversed this magnificent trail multiple times, I can tell you there’s nothing quite like hiking the Amalfi Coast’s most iconic route.
In 2025, this ancient pathway continues to captivate travelers from around the world, offering an incredible blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and heart-pumping adventure.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking for an unforgettable day trip from Positano, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about conquering the Path of the Gods.
What Is the Path of the Gods? History and Significance
The first time I heard the name “Sentiero degli Dei” (Path of the Gods), I thought it must be an exaggeration.
How could any hiking trail live up to such a divine title? Then I experienced it for myself, and honestly, the name doesn’t do it justice!
This legendary path earned its mythological name because it quite literally feels like you’re walking in the realm of gods.
Local legend has it that Greek gods traveled this very route to rescue Ulysses from the sirens on the island of Li Galli.
But beyond mythology, this trail has deep historical roots.
It was originally an ancient mule path that connected the mountain villages of the Amalfi Coast long before modern roads existed.
For centuries, this was how locals traveled between communities like Bomerano, Nocelle, and other settlements perched high above the sea.
Farmers and shepherds used these paths daily, carrying goods and livestock between villages that were otherwise isolated.
The trail gained international recognition in the 1970s when travel writers and adventurous tourists began discovering its unparalleled beauty.
Today, the Path of the Gods is protected as part of the cultural heritage of the Amalfi Coast.
Local authorities have worked to maintain the trail while preserving its natural character.
They’ve added some safety features in particularly precarious spots without detracting from the authentic experience.
Planning Your Path of the Gods Hike – Essential Information
Time of visit
Timing your hike right is absolutely crucial.
To enjoy the Path of the Gods at its finest, plan your hike in spring or autumn.
During these months, you’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning vegetation.
Summer (June-August) brings intense heat that can make the exposed trail brutally hot, plus it’s the peak tourist season when the path gets crowded.
Winter hiking is possible, but rain can make sections slippery and dangerous.
Beginning your hike between 7:00-8:00 AM accomplishes two important things: you avoid the midday heat and you’ll be ahead of most tour groups that typically arrive around 10:00 AM.
direction
Now let’s talk about directions. You can hike the Path of the Gods in either direction, but there’s definitely an optimal choice.
Most hikers begin in Bomerano, a part of Agerola, and finish in Nocelle, located above Positano.
This direction is mostly downhill or flat, making it more accessible for average hikers.
If you go the opposite way, prepare for a much more strenuous uphill climb!
Length
The trail is approximately 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles) long if you go from Bomerano to Nocelle.
To reach Positano, be prepared for another 1,500 steps from Nocelle!
The elevation change is about 500 meters, mainly concentrated in certain sections.
For most hikers with average fitness, the main trail takes about 3-4 hours at a leisurely pace with photo stops.
My first time took nearly 5 hours because I couldn’t stop taking pictures at every turn! If you’re particularly fit and don’t stop often, you could complete it in as little as 2.5 hours.
Navigation
As for difficulty, I’d rate the main trail as moderate.
It’s not technically difficult, but there are some narrow passages, uneven terrain, and sections with exposure to steep drops.
The trail has seen some improvements in 2024, with better markers and maintenance of some rougher sections, but it’s still not suitable for those with severe vertigo or mobility issues.
One thing I’ve noticed in 2025 is that they’ve added more directional signage, which is helpful for first-time hikers.
However, some sections still require careful attention, especially after rain when the limestone can become slippery!
How to Get to the Path of the Gods – Transportation Guide
The transportation system along the Amalfi Coast can be challenging to navigate, but I’ve figured out the most efficient routes through trial and error (and a few missed buses!).
Public transport
If you’re coming from Naples, the journey is longer but doable as a day trip. Take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (about 1 hour), then catch the SITA bus to Amalfi (another hour), and finally take another SITA bus up to Bomerano/Agerola (30-45 minutes).
The local SITA buses are both a blessing and a curse! They’re affordable (about €2-3 per ride in 2024) but can be crowded during high season.
One thing I wish someone had told me: buy your bus tickets IN ADVANCE! You can’t purchase tickets onboard.
To buy your tickets before boarding, look for “tabacchi” shops (marked with a “T” sign) or newsstands.
Private transport
For those who prefer convenience over cost, private transfers are available from most towns along the coast.
If you’re driving, there’s limited parking in Bomerano’s main square, but it fills up quickly in peak season.
Arrive early or use the paid parking lots slightly further from the trailhead. Just remember that if you park in Bomerano, you’ll need to figure out how to get back there after your hike!
The trickiest part is often the return journey. If you end in Nocelle, there’s a local bus that runs down to Positano (€2, running roughly hourly).
One hack I discovered: if you’re staying in Positano and don’t want to deal with bus timetables, some local hotels offer shuttle services to Nocelle or even Bomerano for their guests. Ask about this when booking!
Key Sections and Highlights
The official trailhead in Bomerano is easy to find – just look for the wooden sign marking “Sentiero degli Dei” near the main square.
The trail begins gently, winding through scrubby Mediterranean vegetation and occasional farmland. This first section offers nice views, but trust me – they’re just appetizers for what’s coming!
About 30 minutes in, you’ll reach what I call the “first wow moment” – a clearing with your first unobstructed panorama of the coastline. This is where most hikers stop for their first photos, but resist the urge to linger too long. Even better viewpoints await!
The trail then narrows as it hugs the mountainside, with steep drops to your right (if hiking from Bomerano).
This middle section is where you’ll encounter the most dramatic scenery – limestone cliffs plunging into the azure sea, with Positano visible in the distance and Capri floating on the horizon.
Watch for a fork in the trail around the 3 km mark. The upper path (marked with red and white stripes) is the main route and slightly easier. The lower path is more challenging but offers even more dramatic coastal views. Both rejoin further along, so your choice depends on your comfort with exposure and your photography goals.
One of my favorite spots comes at about the two-thirds mark – a natural rock formation that creates a perfect “window” framing Positano below. It’s slightly off the main path (look for a worn side trail), but absolutely worth the short detour. This spot is less crowded since not all hikers know about it!
Throughout the hike, you’ll notice ancient stone shelters used by shepherds for centuries. These rustic structures blend so perfectly into the landscape that you might miss them if you’re not looking carefully. They’re fascinating glimpses into the traditional agricultural life that once dominated these mountains.
As for flora and fauna, spring hikers are rewarded with wildflowers carpeting sections of the trail. Keep an eye out for rosemary, thyme, and other Mediterranean herbs growing wild – their fragrance on a warm day adds another sensory dimension to the hike. Bird enthusiasts should bring binoculars, as peregrine falcons and other raptors often soar on the thermals above the cliffs.
The trail is well-marked with red and white painted stripes on rocks, plus occasional wooden signs at key junctions. In 2024, they added some additional markers in previously confusing sections, making navigation easier than ever. That said, downloading an offline map is still recommended, especially if hiking independently.
As you approach Nocelle, the trail begins its descent with Positano sprawling below. The final stretch into the village offers some of the most iconic views of the entire hike – those postcard-perfect vistas of pastel buildings tumbling down to the sea. Just before reaching Nocelle, you’ll pass through olive groves and small family gardens, a pleasant transition back to civilization.
Where to Eat and Rest Along the Path of the Gods
One of my favorite aspects of hiking the Path of the Gods is planning strategic food and rest stops with spectacular views! While the trail itself has limited facilities, knowing the right spots makes all the difference.
Water source
First, let’s address the most pressing concern – water. The truth is, there are NO reliable water sources along the main trail itself. The only dependable place to refill water bottles is in the villages at either end (Bomerano and Nocelle). In Nocelle, there’s a public fountain in the main square where you can refill for free.
Picnic spot
For picnic spots, I’ve discovered several perfect locations that combine comfort with jaw-dropping views. About 1.5 km from Bomerano, there’s a small cleared area with some natural rock “seating” and panoramic views. My absolute favorite picnic spot comes around the 3 km mark, where a wide section of the path offers unobstructed views of Positano and Capri. There are even a couple of flat rocks that seem perfectly positioned as natural benches!
Meal
If you prefer a proper meal with service, you have options at both ends of the trail. In Bomerano before starting your hike, I highly recommend stopping at Bar Gentile for a quick espresso and their amazing sfogliatelle pastry – the perfect hiking fuel! If you want something more substantial, Ristorante Gli Dei (appropriately named!) serves excellent local specialties.
Food in budget
For budget-conscious hikers, the small grocery store in Nocelle sells reasonably priced sandwiches, fruit, and drinks. You can create your own post-hike picnic for about €8-10 per person – significantly less than restaurant dining.
One insider tip that’s saved me multiple times: most restaurants along the Amalfi Coast observe traditional Italian dining hours, which means they close in the afternoon (typically 3:00-7:00 PM). If you finish your hike during this time, you might find limited options. Plan accordingly, or bring extra snacks!
Safety Tips and Considerations for Amalfi Hiking
Hiking the Amalfi Coast, especially the Path of the Gods, requires serious preparation.
Weather changes quickly in the mountains, so checking the forecast and being ready for sudden storms is essential. Summer heat can be dangerous due to limited shade; hikers should start early, carry plenty of water, and consider electrolytes.
The trail includes steep drop-offs and narrow sections without guardrails, and while some improvements have been made in 2024, it’s still a natural and potentially hazardous route.
Proper hiking shoes with good grip are critical, especially on slippery limestone surfaces.
For emergencies, hikers should save local emergency numbers (112, 118).
Solo hiking is safer in peak season daylight but still requires sharing plans with someone.
Professional guides can enhance both safety and experience, though they’re more necessary for less experienced hikers. Responsible behavior—like packing out trash and staying on the trail—is crucial to preserving the path.
Where to Stay Near the Path of the Gods
When hiking the Path of the Gods, your choice of accommodation can greatly shape your experience. Positano offers iconic views and luxury stays like Hotel Villa Franca, with mid-range options such as Hotel Savoia, though prices are high.
Praiano is a quieter and more affordable alternative with direct trail access via a steep connector path; top stays include Casa Angelina (luxury) and Casa Tommaso (great value). For budget travelers, farm stays (agriturismi) in Agerola, like Le Rocce, offer cozy rooms and excellent meals at lower prices.
Booking 3–4 months in advance is essential for the high season (June–September), while 6–8 weeks is usually sufficient for May and October. Hidden gems include Il Nido in Nocelle, right on the trail’s endpoint, and Rifugio San Michele, a rustic mountain hut ideal for sunset and stargazing. If you’re without a car, staying in places with good bus connections like Agerola (Bomerano) or Positano is highly recommended. For unbeatable views of the trail itself, splurge on rooms in upper Positano or Nocelle.
FAQs
Is the Path of the Gods dangerous?
The trail isn’t technically difficult, but it does have sections with exposure to steep drops and minimal barriers.
How fit do I need to be?
If you can comfortably walk for 3-4 hours on uneven terrain, you’ll be fine. The biggest challenge for most people is the 1,700 steps down to Positano if you choose to descend rather than take the bus from Nocelle.
What’s the best way to avoid crowds?
Start early! Begin your hike by 7:30 AM to beat both the heat and the tour groups that typically arrive around 10:00 AM. Alternatively, late afternoon (after 3:30 PM) sees fewer hikers, though you’ll need to be mindful of finishing before dark.
What’s the best direction to hike?
Most people hike from Bomerano to Nocelle, which puts the coastal views in front of you and offers a mostly downhill journey. However, experienced hikers might prefer the opposite direction for two reasons: better lighting for photography (especially in the morning) and fewer fellow hikers. Just be prepared for a more strenuous uphill climb if you choose this direction!