Path of the Gods - Amalfi Coast Italy
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Escape the crowds of the Amalfi Coast Italy by taking a hike high above the jagged coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli dei) is a stunning series of ancient mule paths that link the mountaintop villages of Bomerano and Nocelle. Our Path of the Gods guide will give you all the information you need to complete this once in a lifetime trek.
The hugely popular cliffside hike is set amongst the lemon groves and olive trees of the Lattari Mountains. From the trail, there are breathtaking views of Amalfi Town, Praiano, and Positano. And, out at sea, an intense range of blues where the ocean meets the sky is said to be the connection between the earth and the gods (hence, the trail’s name).
The Path of the Gods hike is one of the best Amalfi Coast things to do. There is a lot you should know before you go. Let’s dive in.
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STATS FOR THE PATH OF THE GODS HIKE
There are several possible start and end points for the Path of the Gods hike. In May of 2023, Randy and I hiked (one-way) from Bomerano to Nocelle. This article reflects that trek. Here are the stats:
Starting Point: Piazza Paolo Capasso, Bomerano
Ending Point: Nocelle Mobility Amalfi Bus stop
Distance: 3.8 miles (6.1 km) point to point (one way)
Elevation Gain: 721 feet (218 meters)
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging (AllTrail.com)
Time to Complete: 2 – 4 hours
ESSENTIAL NEED TO KNOW INFO
Path of the Gods Terrain
The Path of the Gods hike follows an up and down gravel trail that has many unevenly spaced stone staircases (for shorter legs, some scampering is required). The narrow trail hugs the edge of a mountain. In places, it drops off sharply (people with vertigo should beware). Hiking from Bomerano to Nocelle is said to be slightly more downhill than trekking in the opposite direction.
How Difficult is the Path of the Gods Hike
All Trails rated the route as moderately challenging, and we found this to be accurate. Endurance-wise the hike was not difficult, but the heat and rocky terrain was challenging. It took us about 3 hours start to finish (with many photo breaks).
How to Get to Bomerano
Sita Bus: Take the Sita Bus to the Agerola region, and disembark at the “Bomeraro” stop. Be aware, bus schedules change seasonably and tickets must be purchased in advance (not on the bus). Depending on your start location, you will likely need to change buses. We recommend buying tickets a day in advance as the hours of the small shops that sell the tickets vary. In high season, you may have difficulty obtaining a seat.
Car Service: There are many private car services/taxis that will drive you to Bomerano. To get an early start, we used a car service from Positano to Bomerano ($120 Euros).
Tour Excursion: Established tour operators will transport you to Bomerano and pick you up in Nocelle. This is a popular way to complete the hike.
Best Time to Complete the Path of the Gods Hike
Spring, early summer, and autumn are the best time to complete the Path of the Gods hike. During these months the weather is usually warm and sunny, the views are spectacular. and the trail is not as crowded as in July and August. Our hike was in early May. The weather was gorgeous, and the trail was in full bloom.
Time of Day: Try to get on the trail before 10am to beat the heat and the crowds.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Footwear with good tread and ankle support are a must. There is little shade. Pack water, sunscreen, snacks, sunglasses, hat, map, and cell phone (although coverage is spotty).
Best Time of Day for Photography
When traveling from Bomerano toward Nocelle, the best time of day for photos is in the morning when the light is behind you.
Trail Resources
In Bomeraro there are stores where you can buy drinks and snacks, and use the bathrooms. Just before the official trailhead there is a restaurant where you can buy supplies and access bathrooms. The next public facilities are in Nocelle at the conclusion of the hike.
Emergency Resources
Along the trail, look for numbered tiles that correspond with your location. In an emergency situation, communicate your position to emergency personnel based upon the number on the nearest tile. If you have cell service, call 118 with the information.
Should I take a Tour
Following the trail is not difficult. However, a tour operator can take the ‘angst’ out of arranging transportation to and from the trailheads. In addition, most tour operators provide walking sticks and guided commentary.
PATH OF GODS MAP
PATH OF THE GODS TRAIL GUIDE
From the main piazza in Bomerano (Paolo Capasso Square) make your way to Via Pennino (Pennino Road). Then, follow the signs to the Path of the Gods trailhead for about .5 miles (800 meters).
The route follows a concrete walkway out of town. After a few flights of stairs, the route passes the Punto Ristoro “Il Caffe Degli Dei.” This is the last shop to buy food, drinks, and use the restroom. From here, it is a short walk to the official start of the trail where a large sign reads, “Benvenuti Sul Sentiero Degli Dei.”
On the trail, you will be walking toward “Nocelle.” As you hike, the mountainside with be on your right, and the sea will be on your left. Follow the Alpine Italian Club’s (CIA’s) red and white trail makers painted on signs and rocks.
The first section of the trail runs through some small family homesteads and pasture-land.
After about 800 meters on the trail there is a crossroad to choose your path. Stay to the left and follow the signs to Nocelle to walk closest to the sea. If you have vertigo, the path to the right cuts off some of the sections of the trail with sheer drops (eventually the two trails meet up). We took the route that stays closest to the sea.
For the next hour or so, the trail opens up to spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast. The path ambles by terraced farms, ruins, shrines, and crumbling cliffs. There are mountain flowers, spindly trees, and towering rock formations all set against the sparkling blue sea. From this vantage, the trail offers excellent views of the snaking Amalfi Coast Drive and the coastal villages of Amalfi and Praiano.
As the hike draws closer to Nocelle, there are terrific vistas of Positano Harbor. The trail becomes more challenging with a series of downward descents over uneven stone staircases. Finally, as the path approaches the village of Nocelle, it begins passing in and out of the forest.
Nocelle is a sleepy little hamlet. The edge of the village mark the end of the trail. The walkway that leads into town is lined with small businesses selling lemonade and food (open hours vary). Purchasing food or drink at one of these shops is your best bet for finding a bathroom.
From Nocelle, hikers can use a variety of transportation methods to return to their lodgings. Sita buses, Mobility Amalfi Coast buses, taxis, and private shuttles all service the area. In addition, there is a 1,792 step staircase that runs from Nocelle to Positano. Buses run irregularly and cell service is spotty, so check schedules before embarking on your hike.
Since we were staying in Positano, we took the Mobility Amalfi Coast bus down the very steep road to Positano. The bus was modern, comfortable, and air conditioned. We were able to buy tickets from the driver (unlike the Sita buses).
Arriving back at our hotel we were exhausted, but would not have missed this amazing outing. Hope you get the chance to go, Laura and Randy
For more information on Amalfi Coast travel, read our travel blog posts on:
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