The Path of the Gods: the Amalfi Coast seen from the sky

Discover the most stunning views of the Amalfi Coast from the Path of the Gods, the high-altitude trek connecting Bomerano and Positano.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the wonders of the Amalfi Coast, south of Naples (Italy).

• Dozens of charming villages.
• Delicious food.
• Some of Italy's most enticing beaches.
• The stunning nature of the Lattari Mountains.

Today, I'm going to tell you about the area's star hiking route, famous worldwide:

The Path of the Gods.

Technical details

To make things easier to follow, let's split the Path of the Gods (also known as ‘Sentiero degli Dei’ in Italian, or ‘Path of the Gods’ in English) into two sections:

From Bomerano to Nocelle

• Start: Bomerano, a hamlet of Agerola, high up on the Amalfi Coast.
• End: Officially, the Path of the Gods ends in Nocelle, a tiny village with gorgeous coastal views.
• Distance: 5.8 km (one way).
• Duration: It took us 3 hours to complete, but we made plenty of scenic stops along the way.
• Difficulty: Low/Moderate.

From Nocelle to Positano

• 4 alternative routes:
  • Catch a bus in Nocelle straight to Positano.
  • Walk down the stairs connecting Nocelle to the main road (‘Amalfi Drive’) and, from there, walk to Positano (+2.5 km, +1 hr).
  • Follow the (paved) road leading to Montepertuso (+2.5 km, +1 hr), and from there:
    • Hop on the bus heading toward Positano.
    • Head down another flight of stairs leading straight to Positano (+2.5 km, +1 hr).
• Option 2: Stairs from Nocelle + Amalfi Drive.
  • Distance: 5 km to the center of Positano.
  • Duration: 1 hr, again with stops.
  • Difficulty: Low/Moderate (watch out for your knees!).

How to get to Bomerano

Public transport

There is a bus line from Amalfi to Naples that stops in Bomerano and other parts of Agerola. The ticket here costs €1.80 per person and takes around 40 minutes.

These buses are very comfortable, though you should be ready for the winding curves along the road from Amalfi to Bomerano.

By car

To get to Bomerano, just follow the road signs or your GPS directions. Near the main square, you'll find free parking (I've marked it on the map at the bottom of this page).

The Path of the Gods, step by step

Starting in Bomerano

Directions start at the main square in Bomerano, very close to the bus stop.

The easiest way is to take a look at the map at the bottom of this page. You'll see the start of the trail marked with an "A".

If you're still not sure, you have two other options:

Ask the locals and/or follow the other hikers.

You'll spot them by their hiking gear. 🙂

The Path of the Gods to Nocelle

The official start is marked with a ceramic plaque. Don't worry, you can't miss it.

From there, the fun begins.

The route is easy, gently sloping downhill, with just a few uphill sections scattered in between.

The terrain is very varied depending on where you are. You'll walk along dirt tracks, uneven steps, small rocky paths, and even clusters of rocks you'll have to scramble over like a mountain goat (nothing too crazy, don't worry).

The only downside: shade is almost slim to none.

However,

The views of the Amalfi Coast unfolding below you, its towns dotting the mountains, and the Tyrrhenian Sea showing off its most turquoise hues… will more than make up for the heat and the effort.

When you reach Colle Serra, a spot I've also marked on the map, you'll be able to choose between the High or Low Trail.

The views are similar. The terrain might be slightly trickier on the High Trail, though not by much.

Either way, the only difference is that, as the name suggests, the 'high' route runs along an upper ridge of the mountain, above the Low Trail. Both rejoin at the exact same point 1.2 km later.

So,

Whichever one you pick, you'll enjoy pretty much the same panoramic views and end up in the exact same spot.

Stairs from Nocelle to Positano

Once you hit Nocelle, pure momentum will carry your legs down the street to a square with stunning views of the Amalfi Coast, benches to relax on while taking it all in over a sandwich, public restrooms, and a lemonade and granita stand with an undeniably foolproof marketing strategy.

From this square, the stairs that lead down to Amalfi Drive begin.

1,700 steps, according to the most conservative sources.

I tried counting them, but failed miserably.

Once you reach the main road, you'll need to keep walking along the seaside shoulder (if you can even call it a shoulder…), dodging parked cars and being extra careful with traffic, as there are narrow spots where two vehicles heading in opposite directions can barely squeeze past.

And shortly after,Positano is waiting for you.

Our experience

The day started out wrapped in fog and drizzle. So much so, that we had to wait around for about 30 minutes at the trailhead hoping for the rain to stop.

We weren't sure how to choose between the two paths, the high or the low trail. But fate made the call for us. A large group of students and their loud guide took the Low Trail, so… up like mountain goats it was!

We're not big fans of crowds, as you can tell!

When we reached the first major viewpoint, the clouds completely blocked the view. We tapped into our second dose of patience for the day and after 10 minutes… the sky rewarded us!

From that point on, it was smooth sailing and admiring the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast.

Along the way, we stopped plenty of times to catch our breath, drink water, grab a snack, and above all, snap hundreds of photos. When we finally made it to the square in Nocelle, we sat down for lunch.

Once re-energized, we set off toward Positano via the stairs.

Tip:

Take it easy, take breaks, and get ready for some serious sore muscles the next day.

And when we reached Amalfi Drive, we had to walk right along the edge of the seaside cliff road, dodging poorly parked cars, stopping every time a bus approached, and being super careful not to get run over in that traffic madness.

Before long, we spotted Positano… and what a sight it was!

Video

Want to see our experience on the Path of the Gods firsthand?

Hit play.

Frequently Asked Questions

High or Low Trail?

• Difficulty: They are very similar, though my impression is that the Low Trail is a bit easier.
• Length: 1.2 km, exactly the same.
• Viewpoints: Pretty much equivalent, though you'd have to hike both to do a real comparison, which I didn't.
• Crowds: The High Trail was less busy. I know because you could see the lower path right below it.

Do I need a guide?

Nope, not at all.

If you want someone to share the history of the area along the way, then sure, go for it.

However, if you're a trekking enthusiast who prefers hiking at your own pace and skipping the tour groups like us, you can easily do it on your own without any problems.

What to bring

• Hiking boots, preferably waterproof.
• If you often use them, trekking poles.
• Lightweight clothing that dries easily.
• Rain jacket for wet weather.
• Sunscreen (UV protection).
• Sunglasses.
• A hat (they never fit me because I have a big head, and my curls don't help either). 🙂
• Water (1.5 liters per person).
• Food (nuts, sandwiches, fruit, etc…).

How to organize the hike

There are several options, depending on your travel style.

If you're backpacking:

• Spend the night before in Bomerano. Both food and accommodation are cheaper than on the coast (Amalfi, Praiano, Positano, etc.). And, after hiking the Path of the Gods, spend the night in Positano. It's totally worth staying at least one night in this gorgeous town.

• If you need to save money, another option is to spend the second night in Montepertuso or Nocelle, which are slightly more affordable than Positano. You could also head back to Bomerano. Just keep in mind:

It's a crime to leave the Amalfi Coast without seeing Positano up close.

If you're using public transport, but without hauling your luggage around:

• Book your stay in Amalfi and catch the first or second bus in the morning to Bomerano (€1.80). Once you reach Positano, take a boat to Amalfi (€8) or a bus (trust me, go with the boat) and you'll have definitely earned yourself a great dinner!

• Similarly, you can spend both nights in either Positano or Bomerano. The only difference will be the time you start your trek. Depending on the season, this can be crucial, both for prices and trail temperatures.

• During high season, prices in Positano skyrocket and the midday heat on the trail can be brutal. In this case, spending the night in Bomerano is much more practical.

• On the other hand, during low season, when temperatures drop, daylight hours are shorter, and hotel rates go down, staying in gorgeous Positano might actually be a great deal. Check out current prices:

If you have your own or a rental car:

• Leave it at your accommodation wherever you're staying (Amalfi, Positano, Bomerano…) and stick to public transport.
• Arrive early in Bomerano to snag a spot in the free parking lot, and once you finish the trek:
  • Take a boat to Amalfi and then the bus to Bomerano to get your car back.
  • Hike back along the trail in the opposite direction.
• Top pick: Our personal choice. Book two non-consecutive nights in Bomerano and ask your accommodation if you can leave your car in their parking lot on the day you won't be staying there.
  • This way, you sleep the first night in Bomerano.
  • The next morning, after leaving your bags in the car and packing just a change of clothes for the night, you hike the Path of the Gods and end up in Positano.
  • You take a dip at the beach, shower at your stay, and head out for an evening stroll under the stars in Positano. An absolute must-do, without a doubt.
  • The next day, carrying just your daypack, you keep exploring Positano, catch the boat to Amalfi (you truly have to see this coastline from the water…), and wait for the bus back to Bomerano.
  • Have dinner and spend the night in Bomerano, where everything is more affordable and your car will be waiting for you safe and sound.

Why choose this option?

1. Two nights of accommodation at half the price in Bomerano.
2. We stayed in Positano without dealing with the nightmare traffic around it and without paying for the town's pricey parking lots.
3. After finishing the Path of the Gods, we didn't have to rush off to catch public transport; instead, we enjoyed our well-earned swim in Positano.

Where to sleep

Want to know which place let us leave our car parked in their garage for 3 days while only booking 2 nights?

Here it is:

B&B A 2 passi dagli Dei.

It's a two-story house with a private garage, where the ground floor has been converted into a lovely 6-room B&B.

The rooms are modern, comfortable, and cozy, each with its own private bathroom.

Breakfast is amazing, with both sweet and savory treats, including baked veggies.

Usually, you need to leave a spare set of car keys at reception, since the garage is tiny and they might need to move your car so another guest can get out.

It's literally located just steps away from the Path of the Gods and other gorgeous trails, like the Tre Calli Circuit.

Maddalena, the owner, was always happy to give us insider tips on the various hiking trails starting from Bomerano, where to eat well on a budget, and more.

And as if that weren't enough, she let us leave our car parked in her garage the night we stayed in Positano at no extra charge. We did ask for permission by email beforehand, of course.

And all of this for the sweet price of €60 a night—just €30 per person.

In a nutshell, B&B A 2 passi dagli Dei is:

A comfy, modern, budget-friendly spot with a great location and a top-notch breakfast.

Can you hike it in reverse?

It's not really recommended to hike the Path of the Gods in the opposite direction, because:

• You'll be going uphill the entire time.
• The gorgeous views will always be behind your back.
• If you walk from Positano to Nocelle via the stairs… I feel for you!

But hey, anything is possible. It's totally up to you.

When to go

No matter when you visit the Amalfi Coast, hiking the Path of the Gods is always worth it.

If you go during peak season (July and August), expect higher prices and hotter weather. To avoid heatstroke, hit the trail in the early morning hours and cool off with a refreshing dip in Positano when you finish.

In the low season, you'll have more freedom to explore, though the days are shorter and the weather can be a bit unpredictable. Above all, try to pick a clear day to fully enjoy those epic views.

The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

Spring, hands down.

We were there during the first week of June 2017. Even though there were already quite a few tourists, it was nowhere near the summer crowds. Plus, it was warm enough for swimming in the sea to be an absolute dream.

What about you, have you hiked the Path of the Gods? Tell me all about your experience in the comments! And if you're right in the middle of planning your next adventure, don't be shy—ask away with any questions you have.

The Amalfi Coast PDF Guide

Want a PDF with all the travel tips from this blog on how to plan your own DIY trip to the Amalfi Coast?

Save it to your tablet or phone and check it whenever you need it.

• Choose when, where, and how.
• Tailor your budget to suit your wallet.
• Live your own adventure.

Sounds good? Then click here to grab it for just €1.95.

Useful links

• Amalfi-Positano bus timetable.
• Amalfi to Positano ferry schedule.
• Hotels in Bomerano.
• Our accommodation in Bomerano.
• Where to stay in Positano, Casa Maresca.
• Flight deal search engines: Trabber, eDreams, Momondo, and Vueling.
• 5% discount on your IATI travel insurance.

Traveling along the Amalfi Coast? Don't miss these other blog posts:

• Positano, one of the most gorgeous towns in all of Italy.
• The Tre Calli circuit, an alternative route.
• Ravello and the villas with the best views on the Amalfi Coast.
• Amalfi (and Atrani) in 24 hours.
• A 7-day road trip along the Amalfi Coast.

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