Sentiero Degli Dei Hike (Path Of The Gods): Detailed Guide (2024)

Table of Contents
How to hike Path of The Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) on the Amalfi Coast Sentiero degli Dei Hike: Statistics, Variations and Maps Option 1: from Bomerano to Nocelle Option 2: from Bomerano to Positano Option 3: Bomerano-Nocelle- Bomerano Option 4: Bomerano -Nocelle- Montepertuso il Buco- Positano Important information about the trail Do you need a guide? Path of the Gods difficulty What is the terrain like? Path of the Gods hike distance and time When is the best time to hike Sentiero degli Dei in Amalfi Coast? What to bring on a hike? How to get to the starting point of Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) Getting to Bomerano (Agerola) by bus, car and taxi Getting to Nocelle by bus, car and taxi Finding the trailhead of the Path of the Gods in Bomerano Finding the trailhead of the Path of the Gods in Nocelle Hiking Sentiero degli Dei: STEP-BY-STEP Section 1: start of hike- 2km Section 2: trail split- 1.5 km Section 3: merging the paths (upper or lower) – 0.5 km Section 4: mix of forest and open views- 2 km Ending your hike in Nocelle Extending your hike to Positano From Nocelle to Positano (via Arienzo) From Nocelle to Montepertuso to Positano Getting back to your accommodation after the hike Getting from Nocelle to Positano by bus Getting from Positano to your accommodation by bus or ferry Hiking Path of the Gods from Positano or Praiano Which trail variation should you choose? Where to stay if you want to hike Path of Gods? Points of interest map to plan Path of Gods hike Path of the Gods FAQ Is the Path of the Gods worth it? How hard is Path of the Gods hike? Where does Path of the Gods start and end? How many steps are there in the Path of the Gods? What is the easiest way to do the Path of the Gods? How long is the Path of the Gods hike? Can kids do the Path of the Gods hike? Is the Path of the Gods hike scary? Can you walk the Path of the Gods alone? Can you run the Path of the Gods? Why is it called Path of the Gods? How do I hike Path of the Gods from Positano? How do I hike Path of the Gods from Sorrento? More Italy Travel Guides Campania travel guides General Italy travel guides Italy travel resources

Il Sentiero degli Dei hike (Path of the Gods hike), located on the Amalfi Coast, southern Italy, is an epic historic trail that winds high in the Lattari mountains. In this guide, I share all the practical details you need to prepare for hiking Path of the Gods to Positano (or Nocelle).

A moderately challenging popular walking route, the Path of the Gods is renowned for its sweeping views over the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula stretching as far as the island of Capri. If you enjoy hiking and getting active, Il Sentiero degli Dei hike will be one of the most memorable activities when visiting the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

I enjoyed the trail so much that, so far, I hiked Sentiero degli Dei 3 times. I also took different routes (from Bomerano to Positano, as well as a circular route from Bomerano to Nocelle and back). While the beautiful Path of the Gods trail has not changed, I had very different experiences due to the time of the year and day of the week chosen for the hike. I share those details later in this post so you can plan accordingly and get the best hiking experience.

Moreover, this one-stop Path of the Gods hiking guide includes maps, route variations with stats such as distance, time, and difficulty, photos as well as all the logistics of how to get to the trailhead and how to get back when you finish the hike.

Read on to plan your day hiking Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) on Amalfi Coast!

Disclosure:This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase after clicking a link. This helps to keep my blog growing and filling up with detailed honest travel advice for you.

Sentiero Degli Dei Hike (Path Of The Gods): Detailed Guide (1)

How to hike Path of The Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) on the Amalfi Coast

The official Path of the Gods hiking trail starts near the mountain town of Bomerano (Agerola municipality) and finishes in the small village of Nocelle, Amalfi Coast. You can also do this trail in reverse, starting from Nocelle and finishing in Bomerano.

However, there are several ways you can hike Sentiero degli Dei (including extending your walk to Positano). Below I provide an overview and stats on 2 of the most popular ways to hike Path of Gods and 2 alternative options, giving you 4 variations to choose from.

  • If you prefer to have all the logistics sorted (pick-up and drop-off) and hike with a guide you can always book a private Path of the Gods hiking tour.
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Sentiero degli Dei Hike: Statistics, Variations and Maps

Option 1: from Bomerano to Nocelle

Overview: a one-way hike from Bomerano to Nocelle winds 500 meters above sea level along the cliff line slightly downhill with a few moderately challenging sections of inclines and declines. Along the way, you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the Amalfi Coast.

Path of Gods hike from Bomerano to Nocelle statistics

  • Distance: 5.5 KM (3.5 miles)
  • Difficulty level: easy plus to moderate
  • Trail type: A to B (one-way)
  • Time: 2-3 hours
  • Trail type: A to B (point-to-point)
  • Elevation gain: 165 meters
  • Elevation loss: 357 meters
  • Max elevation: 650 meters above sea level
  • Min elevation: 410 meters above sea level
  • Hike starts at: Bomerano (Piazza Paolo Capasso)
  • Hike ends at: Nocelle.

GOOD TO KNOW: 2 kilometers into the hike, the trail between Bomerano and Nocelle splits into two paths providing a choice to to either hike at a lower level (more popular) or at a higher level (less popular but also an equally scenic route). There is no significant difference in the distance between the two routes. The higher path requires a little bit more climbing up than the lower one, making it just slightly more challenging. The lower trail winds closer to the cliff (but not too close). Nonetheless, someone with a fair for heights may find it challenging. After 1.5 kilometers, the two routes merge back together.

The Path of the Gods hike map: Bomerano to Nocelle

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* Statistics above are based on Wikiloc app recording. You can follow my recorded route here.

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Option 2: from Bomerano to Positano

After finishing walking the official Path of the Gods (Bomerano to Nocelle), you can extend the hike from Nocelle downhill to the center of Positano.

Overview: the first part of the hike is the official path as Option 1: from Bomerano to Nocelle. From Nocelle, almost 1800 cement steps lead downhill to the Amalfi Drive from where you can continue walking until you reach the seaside town of Positano. Hiking down to Positano is a popular add-on to the trail as it offers more of the beautiful views over the Amalfi Coast and the popular seaside town. Also, you can finish your day at the beach (although keep your expectations low, as the water in Positano Beach is not clean).

Path of Gods hike from Bomerano to Positano statistics

  • Distance: 8 KM
  • Difficulty level: moderate
  • Trail type: A to B (point-to-point)
  • Time: 4-4.5 hours
  • Elevation gain: 165 meters
  • Elevation loss: 725 meters
  • Max elevation: 650 meters above sea level
  • Min elevation: 50 meters above sea level
  • Hike starts at: Bomerano (Piazza Paolo Capasso)
  • Hike ends at: Positano (at the beginning of Via Cristoforo Colombo).

GOOD TO KNOW: Climbing down the steps from Nocelle to Positano is more tiring than the actual Path of the Gods hike! That said, unless you have an intention to do a killer leg day, I strongly suggest against doing this hike in reverse (starting in Positano and climbing up to Nocelle). Not only you will have to conquer nearly two thousand steps but the view will always be behind you.

The Path of the Gods hike map: Bomerano to Positano

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* The statistics above are based on Wikiloc app recording. You can follow my recorded route here.

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Option 3: Bomerano-Nocelle- Bomerano

You also have the option to hike a loop route: from Bomerano to Nocelle and then back to Bomerano. This is precisely what we did the very first time, and it was our favorite experience of all the 3 times we hiked Sentiero degli Dei. The circular route is also a perfect option if you are staying in Agerola, Bomerano, or Nocelle.

Overview: to make trekking more interesting, choose different paths at the intersection where the trail splits. During the first part of the hike (from Bomerano to Nocelle) follow the higher path. On the way back, take the lower path. Or vice versa. This way you will get to see all of the beautiful scenery Il Sentiero degli Dei has to offer.

Path of Gods hike Bomerano-Nocelle- Bomerano statistics

  • Distance: 11 KM
  • Difficulty level: easy plus to moderate
  • Trail type: loop
  • Time: 4-5 hours
  • Elevation gain: 500 meters
  • Elevation loss: 500 meters
  • Max elevation: 650 meters above sea level
  • Min elevation: 410 meters above sea level
  • Hike starts and ends at: Bomerano (Piazza Paolo Capasso).

The Path of the Gods hike map: Bomerano- Nocelle- Bomerano

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* The statistics above are based on the Wikiloc app recording. You can follow my recorded route here.

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Option 4: Bomerano -Nocelle- Montepertuso il Buco- Positano

If you are up for going slightly off-the-beaten-path, you can extend the Path of the Gods hike from Nocelle to Monteperertuso il Buco (a massive arch in the rock located above the Montepertuso village).

Overview: the first part of the trail is the Path of the Gods from Bomerano to Nocelle. Then you continue towards the Montepertuso village from where you take steps leading to the impressive natural rock arch with great views over the coast. You can further continue this hike down to Positano through the steps in Monstepertuso or take a bus from the village down to the coast.

Path of God hike Bomerano -Nocelle- Montepertuso- Positano statistics

  • Distance: 10 KM
  • Difficulty level: moderate
  • Trail type: A-to-B (one-way)
  • Time: 3.5-4.5 hours
  • Elevation gain: 500 meters
  • Elevation loss: 850 meters
  • Max elevation: 650 meters above sea level
  • Min elevation: 100 meters above sea level
  • Hike starts at: Bomerano (Piazza Paolo Capasso)
  • Hike ends at: Positano (Via Cristoforo Colombo)

The Path of the Gods hike map: Bomerano- Nocelle- Montepertuso-Positano

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* The statistics above are based on the Wikiloc app recording. You can follow the route here.

Important information about the trail

Below is some important information about the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) trail.

  • Is the Path of Gods trail well-marked? Yes (has sign boards with directions, distance, and time, as well as red and white line spray on the rocks.
  • Is the hike kids-friendly? Yes (from 6+ years old)
  • Dogs friendly? yes
  • A minimum amount of water you should carry: 2 liters
  • Water refill stations (direction Bomerano-Nocelle): 1 KM, at 2.3 KM on the lower section, at 5.5 KM in Nocelle.
  • Internet & mobile connection: yes.
  • Washrooms: in Bomerano and Nocelle (nothing along the trail).
  • Emergency number: 118 -in case of emergency, to specify your exact location refer to the nearest number which you can see written on the tiles along the way (see picture below).
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Do you need a guide?

You do not need a guide to lead you through the trail as it is clearly marked and it is virtually impossible to get lost. Nonetheless, you may consider a guided tour if you are curious to know more about the history and legends of the Path of the Gods and the area. Also, you may find dealing with the logistics of hiking Path of Gods slightly daunting. In this case, you can opt for a private transfer to the start of the hike or a guided tour with a transfer.

Here are a few top-rated guided tours to the Path of the Gods hike:

However, in this guide, I walk you through all the logistics, so you can easily complete Sentiero degli Dei independently.

Related article: how to plan a perfect 2-day Amalfi Coast itinerary.

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Path of the Gods difficulty

Path of the Gods trail in Amalfi Coast is considered a moderate hike in terms of difficulty. To me, it appeared as an easy plus hike. Even more so considering the reward of stunning vistas you get for a relatively small effort.

Trail is not technical and does not require any special skills.That said, people of various age groups, including young kids 6+ and even older people in good shape can hike this trail. We saw people of all age groups hiking, including a local nonno slowly walking on the trail.

Thus, as long as a person does not have movement impairments, the trail can be done by almost everyone.

The only warning is for those hikers who have vertigo. The path runs close to the edge of the mountain. However, it is not dramatically near the cliff (there is no dead drop directly under your feet).Yet you must take this into consideration before you go.

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What is the terrain like?

The Path of the Gods hiking trail is a mix of fairly leveled walks with some inclines and declines through sandy donkey trails, paths with small rocks, and some stone steps. Midway through the hike, the path becomes more rugged with more pronounced inclines and declines. There are several sections with bigger rocks and small boulders that require a little bit more effort and energy, but those are not technical.

Note that the majority of the trail is not shaded. Only a few stretches of the path on the second half of the trail (when hiking from Bomerano to Nocelle) wind through the forested area.

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Path of the Gods hike distance and time

The Path of the Gods trail distance between Bomerano and Nocelle is around 5.5 kilometers. It takes around 2.5 hours to hike it. However, allow more time as the views are gorgeous and you may find yourself stopping quite often either for pictures or just to relax and enjoy the moment.

Note that the above stats are specifically for the official part of the Path of the Gods hike (from Bomerano to Nocelle). For information about the different variations of the trail refer to the paragraphs above.

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When is the best time to hike Sentiero degli Dei in Amalfi Coast?

When talking about the best time to hike Path of the Gods, there are a few important things to take into consideration: the time of the year (weather conditions), the day of the week, and the time of the day.

For the best weather

Path of the Gods hike is open all year round and can even be done in winter if weather permits.The best time of the year to hike the Path of the Gods is mid-to-late Spring and early-to-late Autumn.

Note that spring and autumn bring not only cooler temperatures but also a little bit of rain. In general, due to higher altitude, it can be a little bit chilly early mornings or late evenings.

I hiked Sentiero degli Dei at the end of April, the beginning of May and mid-October. The weather was pleasantly warm during the day and a little chilly in the morning. However, it rained occasionally during the hike in April and May, while mid-October was dry but cloudy and a little hazy.

Meanwhile, summer months bring more clear skies but also the heat. Bear this in mind, and start hiking early in the morning.

Finally, you can also hike in winter, but the weather is much more unpredictable with wind and rain (or maybe even snow). Yet you might as well get to hike on a perfectly clear day.

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For fewer crowds

The Path of the Gods is one of the best hikes and certainly the most popular trail on the Amalfi Coast. Therefore, to have the best experience and avoid crowds (I am talking traffic jam type of crowds) DO NOT go hiking on a weekend, especially Sundays. Even during the shoulder season, the trail gets packed from early morning to late afternoon if you hike on Saturday, Sunday, or even Friday.

That being said, the day of the week and time you choose to trek Path of the Gods can make or break the experience. I had a completely different experience when I hiked Path of the Gods at the beginning of May on a weekday versus at the end of April on a Sunday.

The latter was a disaster for a lack of better word. It was not a pleasant hike as there were so many large hiking groups, and, unfortunately, lots of noise. While hiking, we continuously found ourselves stuck in between people breathing upon our necks and at the same time stepping on other hikers’, who were in front, heels (almost literally). Since the path is narrow, it is difficult to overtake people. Finally, we barely had any quiet moments to enjoy nature in silence.

I can only imagine how crazy busy the trail gets in summer during the high season on the Amalfi Coast.

Finally, when we hiked mid-October on a Friday, the Path of the Gods trail was slightly busy but acceptable. Yet we would have preferred it as the very first time when we barely saw anybody on the trail (beginning of May, weekday).

My top tip: hike on a weekday (Monday-Thursday) during the shoulder season or even off-season. If you can only do a hike on a weekend, start hiking as early as possible (ideally at sunrise).

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For photography

If photography is your thing, then my recommendation is to hike in the direction from Bomerano to Nocelle in the morning as the sun will be behind you and you will get those beautiful vivid blues and greens (unless it is overcast). If you plrefer doing the hike late in the afternoon, then consider hiking from Nocelle to Bomerano, the sun is will be behind you.

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What to bring on a hike?

The items you need to be well-prepared for the Path of the Gods hike:

  • Hiking shoes
  • Fleece and maybe a rain jacket if there are rain predictions.
  • Small backpack
  • Water bottle (2 liters is a minimum) and light snacks (energy bars, banana, dates or similar).
  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
  • Hiking poles (optional).

To be best prepared for the Path of the Gods hike consider wearing proper hiking shoes. The trail is rugged at parts and having sturdy shoes will save you from twisting your ankle. Although you could potentially get away with sneakers, do yourself a favour and don’t hike in flip flops.

If you are hiking early morning, take a light fleece that will keep you warm at the beginning of the hike. Later during the day, if the sun is out, it gets hot enough to hike in a t-shirt. Moreover, check the weather forecast. If there are any predictions of rain, then it would be smart to take a rain jacket. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. We saw it changing from sunny to cliudy, rainy and back to sunny in the span of 3 hours.

You may also benefit of hiking poles, especially if you choose to hike down to Positano. Climbing down 1800 steps is not going to be easy on your knees. I did not use hiking poles and at that particular section, I wish I had taken them.

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How to get to the starting point of Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)

The Path of the Gods official trail head is located in Bomerano village, Agerola municipality. That is where people usually start their hike from. You can also hike in reverse and start in Nocelle village. Below I share information how to get to Bomerano and Nocelle, and how to get to the trailhead in both villages.

Getting to Bomerano (Agerola) by bus, car and taxi

By bus

Bomerano village can be reached by public transportation. SITA bus #5080 departs from Amalfi town and takes 40 minutes to reach in Bomerano. You have to disembark the bus at Agerola (Bomerano) in Piazza Paolo Capasso.

The earliest bus from the town of Amalfi is at 6 AM or 7 AM (schedule changes depending on the season)*. However, it is not very frequent service. Also, departure times vary depending if it is weekday or weekend. Thus, make sure to check the timetable in advance and be at the station at least 20 minutes before. SITA buses do not follow the schedule presicely and may leave earlier or be late.

*You can download the latest SITA bus timetable here.

SITA buses ticket price is 2.40 EUR. Tickethas to be purchased in “tabbachi” shops. You cannot get the bus tickets from the driver. However, tabbachi shops are always nearby. In Amalfi town, there is one on the opposite side of the street to the bus station. Refer to my map below for the pins.

Related article: my super detailed guide on How to get to Amalfi Coast from Naples: bus, train, ferry, car, private transfers.

If you are not staying in Amalfi or Atrani (which is 10-minute walk to Amalfi), then you will first have to take a bus or a ferry to Amalfi:

  • From Sorrento (via Positano, Praiano), take the bus #5070. Note that you can also get to the town of Amalfi by a ferry, which is much faster than a bus.
  • From Salerno (via Vietri Sul Mare, Cetara, Maiori, Minori), take a bus #5120. You can also use a ferry from Salerno to Amalfi to get there faster.

By a car or scooter

If you are driving, then you can easily reach Bomerano by your own car. Limited free parking is available at the trailhead of the hike. However, if you are returning back to Bomerano a bus, you can park the car in the village. A free parking lot is located close to the bus station (refer to my map at the end of the post for the pinpoints). To get a parking spot near the trailhead, I recommend coming as early as possible if you are planning your hike on a weekend during spring, summer, or early autumn.

By taxi

The costliest way to reach Bomerano is by hiring a taxi. If you come from Amalfi town, the taxi may cost you around 80-100 euros. And this is almost the same price as joining a guided tour or getting a private transfer. Thus, taxi option is not a cost-efficient choice.

Getting to Nocelle by bus, car and taxi

By public bus

A local bus company “Mobility Amalfi Coast” (formerly known as Flavio) operates the bus service between Positano and Nocelle. The buses on this line run fairly frequently (once an hour) and follow a quite accurate schedule. Also, they are rarely full. The journey takes 30 minutes.

The first bus from Positano departs as early as 6:20 AM, while the last one is as late as 23:30. Tickets can be purchased from Tabacchi shops (1.30 EUR) or from the driver (1.80 EUR).

In Positano, the bus stop to Nocelle is located in Piazza dei Mulini. You can also embark on the bus in Via Cristoforo Colombo next to the SS163 roadway at the “Sponda” stop.

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By car or taxi

You can also drive to Nocelle, however parking situation is a bit tricky. There is a very small paid parking lot (blue lines) and a few free spots alongside the road (white lines). If you come late, you may have difficulty to find where to park.We once parked in nearby town of Montepertuso (40 minutes walk to Nocelle) alongside the road, risking the car to be scratched. Therefore, if you are driving, consider starting your hike from Bomerano for easier parking.

Taxi is, again, the costliest option, and you can expect to pay around 80 EUR to get to Nocelle from Positano.

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Finding the trailhead of the Path of the Gods in Bomerano

The exact start of the Path of the Gods in Bomerano is located around 800 meters from the main square Piazza Paolo Capasso. You will first have to locate a small street (Via Pennino) (marked on the map at the end of this post) which has a sign directing towards the Path of the Gods. The alleyway is easy to spot as next to it, there are large information boards about the hikes in the area.

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The alleyway leads downhill to a wooden bridge. There you will see signs towards Sentiero degli Dei, Positano to the right and Fioro di Furore to the left. You should follow the arrow pointing to Positano by crossing the wooden bridge and going up to the paved road. You will see a roadside restaurant called Sentiero degli Dei and also a sign pointing to the left towards the start of the hiking trail. Follow the paved road to the left for a couple of hundred meters and you will soon reach the official starting point of Sentiero degli Dei marked with a huge sign.

Finding the trailhead of the Path of the Gods in Nocelle

If you are doing this trail in reverse, then the trailhead in Nocelle is located at the eastern end of Via Pizzillo immediately after the rustic coffee shop called Il Chiosco del Sentiero degli Dei.

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Hiking Sentiero degli Dei: STEP-BY-STEP

For those of you who would prefer more info about what to expect on the trail I broke down the Path of the Gods hike into 4 sections.

Section 1: start of hike- 2km

The hike starts slightly downhill passing the barn literally hanging over the cliff. Immediately you are treated to the vast views of lush green mountains dotted with houses (some of them abandoned), and the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. The first two kilometers of the hike are fairly leveled walk along the dusty path. In one kilometre you will pass a water fountain where you can top up your water bottle.

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Section 2: trail split- 1.5 km

2 kilometers into the hike you will come across the intersection. The trail splits into two parts-left and right. Both paths are similar in length. In around 1.5 kilometers they merge back into one trail.

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The path #327 on the left runs at a lower elevation and closer to the cliff. It passes lemon grooves, farmhouses, and a huge monolith rock. The views in this section are truly spectacular as you are always looking over the Amalfi Coast, the seaside towns of Praiano and Positano, and layers of mountains ahead. While the majority of this section is an easy stroll, in the end, before merging with the other split part, you will climb moderately steep set of rocks.

What you should know is that the lower trail is a more popular choice for hikers. Therefore, if it is a busy day, the path can get overwhelmingly crowded.

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Meanwhile, the path #327a that goes to the right runs at higher elevation and requires a little bit of climbing uphill. That perhaps discourages many hikers and therefore the higher trail is more quiet. The views, however, are still gorgeous. The only difference is that the higher path does not wind close to the cliff as the lower path and you do not get so much of an open view over the coast.

However, there is a very rewarding section where you reach the highest panoramic point of the Path of Gods with spending views over the Amalfi Coast and Positano. That you do not get on the lower part.

In terms of difficulty, both sections are somewhat similar, the higher part is just tiny-tiny more challenging but nothing complicated overall.

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Section 3: merging the paths (upper or lower) – 0.5 km

In this section the lower and upper trails merge and continue as one until the end of the hike The path also becomes more rugged and uneven. You will have some rocks and boulders waiting for you along the way. You will hike around 0.5 kilometers and get a few more glimpses of Positano until you enter a forested area.

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Section 4: mix of forest and open views- 2 km

The last 2 kilometers of the hike alternate between hiking through sandy and rocky paths in the forest and gorgeous openings towards the cliffs that resemble Jurassic Park.

I found this section the most physically challenging as the path was uneven and required either climbing up or down. Yet, it is not a difficult route, but neither it is a stroll. Be attentive if it rained recently as the path gets muddy while rocks become slippery.

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Ending your hike in Nocelle

If you end your hike in Nocelle, before taking the bus (car or taxi)* stop at the main piazza next to the Church of Santa Croce. Treat yourself to a frozen homemade lemon granita from the kiosk called “Lemon Point” and enjoy more of the views over the coast. You may meet two friendly dogs chilling on the rooftops admiring some of the best views of the Amalfi Coast.

*Refer to the section below that explains how to get back to your accommodation.

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Bonus tip: do not skip a rustic café at the end of the trail in Nocelle!

This is your little teaser before the hike. At the end of Sentiero degli Dei trail you will first come across a rustic café called Il Chiosco del Sentiero degli Dei. It is a family-run bar that sells amazing toasted sandwiches, coffee, lemon-orange granitas and homemade cakes. The best part, aside from the well-deserved food, is a cozy terrace with panoramic views over the Amalfi Coast and Praiano.

This little café was definitely a surprise highlight for us and it is a rewarding experience to end a hike there (or take a deserved break before continuing down to Positano).

Extending your hike to Positano

A popular way to continue the hike is to walk down to the seaside town of Positano. There are two options you can do that.

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From Nocelle to Positano (via Arienzo)

Usually, hikers opt to descend from Nocelle by taking some 1800 cement steps down to the town of Arienzo, and then continue for another kilometer along the SS163 road to the center of Positano. Note that the cement steps are not easy on your knees. As the elevation in this section drops significantly, climbing down actually feels more difficult than hiking the whole Path of Gods. Therefore, if you planning on continuing to Positano through the steps, hiking poles might be very useful to ease the load on the knees.

While climbing down, you will get to enjoy more of the panoramic views over Positano. However, if you are tired or have knee problems, I would recommend skipping this section and taking a bus.* We had our legs shaking after finishing the climb.

You will find the steps leading down to Positano at the main square of Nocelle where the Lemon Point and the pink church Chiesa di Santa Crose are located.

*Refer to the section below that explains how to get back to your accommodation.

Sentiero Degli Dei Hike (Path Of The Gods): Detailed Guide (44)

It takes around 30 to 40 minutes to climb down the steps to Arienzo to Amalfi Drive road SS163 and then another 20 minutes to walk along the road to Via Cristoforo Columbo leading down towards the Port of Positano with some instagrammable spots along the way.

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From Nocelle to Montepertuso to Positano

The other option is to extend your hike to Montepertuso village and then take a bus or the steps from Montepertuso to Postino. We walked the steps once (when we drove to Positano and parked in Montepertuso). There are perhaps over 1,000 steps but I do not remember the walk being as hard on our knees as the steps from Nocelle to Positano.

Sentiero Degli Dei Hike (Path Of The Gods): Detailed Guide (46)

If you are extending the hike to Montepertuso village, then I recommend to also add il Buco rock arch to your route as you are already there anyway. I have not hiked to the arch (not yet), and I wish I did on my third time to the Path of the Gods. It looks like a unique natural place and not many hikers make it there.

Sentiero Degli Dei Hike (Path Of The Gods): Detailed Guide (47)
Sentiero Degli Dei Hike (Path Of The Gods): Detailed Guide (48)

If you continue from Nocelle to Montepertuso il Buco, it will take you roughly 40 minutes of walking. The steps from Montepertuso to the lower part of Positano take another 45 minutes.

If you do not want to take the steps, then you can catch Mobility Amalfi Coast bus in Montepertuso.

Getting back to your accommodation after the hike

Getting from Nocelle to Positano by bus

After finishing hiking Path of the Gods in Nocelle, you can take the bus down to Positano. As mentioned above, the “Mobility Amalfi Coast” runs hourly bus service between the two towns. The daily Nocelle to Positano departures begin at 6:50 AM and finish at 11:50 PM.

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Sentiero Degli Dei Hike (Path Of The Gods): Detailed Guide (50)

Finding the bus stop in Nocelle

The Path of the Gods ends at the beginning of the small street of Via Pizzillo. Continue straight for around 200 meters, and then turn left down the stairs. On your right-hand side, you will easily notice a beautiful tile painting with a Venus-like lady and a Grotta with a water fountain and a small shrine for Madonna. There is a sign on the wall pointing towards the bus connection to Montepertuso and Positano. Continue right on Via Capella until you reach sort of a dead end with a tree in the middle, turn right up through the stairway to acar park, and then a little further up to the roadside where you will find the bus stop.

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Getting from Positano to your accommodation by bus or ferry

From Positano you have the following options to get back to your accommodation:

  • A bus: #5120 Salerno direction, #5070 Sorrento direction.
  • A ferry: I recommend taking a ferry if budget permits. It costs 10 EUR from Positano to Amalfi with TravelMar ferry operator and only takes 30 minutes. The journey offers fantastic views of the Amalfi Coast. Tickets can be purchased online (advisable during the summer) or from the kiosk at the port.
  • Ferry + bus (or bus+bus): If you are based in one of the mountain towns, like Agerola, then you will have to use a ferry and then take a bus (ot take two buses). For example, we stayed in Agerola. Therefore, we took a ferry from Positano to Amalfi, and then a bus #5080 from Amalfi to Agerola.

TIP: you can get ferry tickets from Positano to Amalfi from the company called Timone that sells them right at the beginning of Path of the Gods trail on Bomerano side. The ticket costs 9 euros per person and the great thing about it is that you also get a mini tour along the Amalfi Coast with a guide sharing some information along the way. The boat also briefly stops at Fiordo di Furore (outside the bridge, it doesn’t go inside to the cove). The journey takes a little longer than with regular ferry-around 45 minutes but it is a perfect way to relax andenjoy the coastline views after the hike.

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Hiking Path of the Gods from Positano or Praiano

From Positano

You can hike Path of Gods from Positano if you are up for a challenging route. You will have to hike up 1800 steps to the trailhead in Nocelle. I won’t recommend this unless your goal is to have a serious workout.

From Praiano

If you are staying in Praiano, you can take the path that goes up to the trailhead of the Path of the Gods in Bomerano. It takes at least 1.5 hours according to signboards that I saw. Keep in mind, that path is also steep and physically challenging. We met a few hikers taking that trail when we hiked to Fiurordo di Furore from Bomerano. Folks were really out of breath.

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Which trail variation should you choose?

Here are the possible scenarios for where to start and end Sentiero degli Dei hike depending on your base location on the Amalfi Coast.

If you are staying in Agerola (or in Nocelle), you can do a round-trip hike Bomerano-Nocelle-Bomerano (or Nocelle-Bomerano-Nocelle). Choosing those routes will not require using any public transport and you will get to enjoy different points of view of this beautiful trail. That is what we did the first time when we stayed in Agerola (Bomerano) and it was our favorite experience.

If you are staying in Praiano, there is a path that leads to Sentiero degli Day, but it is a quite steep walk up. If you are not keen on it, then you will have to take two buses to reach Bomerano (change in Amalfi town).

If you are based in Positano you have a few options:

  • Option 1: get to Bomerano and hike all the way back down to Positano – this is the most reasonable and best option in my opinion.
  • Option 2: get to Nocelle and hike to Bomerano but this option will require using public transportation more times than the first option.
  • Option 3: take a bus to Nocelle and hike to Bomerano and then back to Nocelle. You can return to Positano by taking the steps down or by bus from Nocelle.
  • Option 4: take a bus to Nocelle and do a loop route Nocelle-Bomerano-Nocelle. I recommend taking a bus to Nocelle. But you can also challenge yourself by walking up the steps from Positano to Nocelle. On the way back you can also opt for the steps.

If you are staying in Amalfi town, then start your hike from Bomerano. Then you have two options:

  • Option 1: hike the loop route Bomerano-Nocelle-Bomerano, from where you return to Amalfi by bus.
  • Option 2: Hike all the way down to Positano and then return to Amalfi by either bus or ferry.

If you are staying in other towns on Amalfi Coast, perhaps the best option is to start your hike in Bomerano.

Where to stay if you want to hike Path of Gods?

The best place to stay if your main goal of the trip is to hike the Path of the Gods is Agerola (Bomerano) and Nocelle.

Agerola is where we stayed. It is a down-to-earth mountain town which is a perfect option not only for being close to the trailhead in Bomerano, but also for some great accommodation options that are budget-friendly. Finally, if you drive, most of the places to stay offer free parking.

We stayed in A Due Passi della Costiera $$ apartments in Agerola. Apartments are located in a two-storey villa featuring great outdoor space, and individual terraces. We loved it that much, we stayed there 3 times during our 3 different trips.

Tip: just 5 minutes from A Due Passi della Costiera, local pizzeria/trattoria La Selva was a special treat each day after tiring Amalfi Coast sightseeing.

If you choose to stay in Nocelle, you have the benefit of being able to easily visit Positano another day. Since Positano was not one of my favorite places on the Amalfi Coast list, I would always pick Agerola. Moreover, a much nicer Amalfi and Atrani are fairly easy to get to by bus from Agerola.

Finally, if you want to stay in one of the top places on the coast, then Amalfi town, Atrani and Positano are the closest and easiest to commute from and to the Path of Gods trail.

Points of interest map to plan Path of Gods hike

How to use this map: you can zoom in and out of the main screen. You can also click on the arrow in the top left corner to see the legend with the pinpoints. From desktop: click the star next to the title to save this map to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map later on your phone, open the Google Maps app and go to “Saved”, scroll down and click “Maps”. From a smartphone: click on “View larger map” in the top right corner and it will open on your phone.

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Path of the Gods FAQ

Is the Path of the Gods worth it?

The Path of Gods is one of the most beautiful hikes in Italy offering the best views of the Amalfi Coast. Moreover, you can enjoy the beauty of the Lattari mountains and the coast with relatively little effort as the hike is only moderately challenging. For outdoor lovers, il Sentiero degli Dei hike is a must when visiting the Amalfi Coast.

How hard is Path of the Gods hike?

The Path of the Gods is considered moderately challenging. For a fit person or an avid hiker, it will most likely appear as an easy, or easy plus hike. For someone who is not used to hiking often, it will definitely be a good moderate-level workout.

Where does Path of the Gods start and end?

The official trail of the Path of the Gods starts in the mountain village of Bomerano, Agerola municipality, and ends in the village of Nocelle. Many hikers extend the hike down from Nocelle to Positano. A few continue up to Montepertuso for an alternative route.

How many steps are there in the Path of the Gods?

The Path of the Gods hiking can be extended by taking roughly 1800 steps down to Arienzo (a town just before Positano).

What is the easiest way to do the Path of the Gods?

The easiest way to do Path of the Gods is to take public or private transport to Bomerano, hike the trail from Bomerano to Nocelle, and then take the bus down to Positano. This only includes hiking the official Path of the Gods trail in one direction.

How long is the Path of the Gods hike?

The official length of the Path of the Gods is 5.5 kilometers.

Can kids do the Path of the Gods hike?

Active kids from the age of 6+ can hike the Path of the Gods.

Is the Path of the Gods hike scary?

The Path of the Gods hike is not scary or dangerous when you stick to the official path. It is a well-marked and easy-to-follow trail. The only warning is that some sections follow the cliff (but not extremely close). However, people with vertigo should be aware of it.

Can you walk the Path of the Gods alone?

You can walk Path of the Gods alone. The trail is very popular and chances are that you will never be alone on Sentieri degli Dei (unless you hike at night). Moreover, there are emergency markings along the way, and the signal is strong in case help is needed.

Can you run the Path of the Gods?

Yes, a trail runner would enjoy running Path of the Gods (on a quiet day).

Why is it called Path of the Gods?

The “Path of the Gods” on the Amalfi Coast is named for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, offering panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and dramatic cliffs that are often likened to landscapes fit for the gods. The name also alludes to the region’s connection to Greek and Roman mythology, with its stunning scenery evoking the sense of a place where the divine might have once roamed.

How do I hike Path of the Gods from Positano?

You can either take steps from the nearby town of Arienzo up to Nocelle (note that it is 1800 steps or so) or take a Mobility Amalfi Coast bus to Nocelle. You will have to either hike back from Bomerano to Nocelle or take bus #5080 to Amalfi and then bus #5070 or a ferry to Positano from Amalfi.

How do I hike Path of the Gods from Sorrento?

You would have to take a bus #5070 or a ferry to Amalfi town first, and then a bus #5080 to Bomerano, where the Path of the Gods trailhead is located. Also, there are quite a few guided tours from Sorrento that also include transfers.

If you are planning on hiking Path of Gods in Amalfi Coast, Italy, I really hope you found all the necessary information in this Sentiero degli Dei guide. If you still have questions about the hike, feel free to comment below and I will get back to you. Make sure to also check my other Italy travel guides (road trip itineraries, city guides, driving guides, and more).

More Italy Travel Guides

Campania travel guides

  • Thinking of renting a car in Naples? Use myMust-Know Tips for Renting a Car in Naples and Driving in Southern Italy.
  • Where to stay in Naples: the best neighborhoods and accommodation options in Naples, Italy.
  • Plan your day in Naples with my1-Day in Naples Itinerary.
  • Plan your two days in Naples with a 2 day Napoli, Italy itinerary.
  • Is Naples worth visiting?
  • Perfect 2-day Amalfi Coast itinerary
  • The best towns on the Amalfi Coast + map
  • Guide to Vietri sul Mare, the capital of ceramics, Amalfi Coast
  • 10 Things to do in Atrani, Italy: Amalfi Coast’s hidden gem
  • How to get from Naples to Amalfi Coast: complete guide
  • Path of the Gods hiking guide (Sentiero degli Dei)
  • Is Positano worth visiting?
  • How to visit Procida Island from Naples + things to do in Procida
  • Naples to Calabria 10-day road trip itinerary

General Italy travel guides

  • Browse all myblog posts about ItalyHERE.
  • Looking for romantic road trip ideas in Italy? Check my list of15 Best Road Trips in Italy.
  • The ultimate guide to renting a car in Italy
  • Tips for driving in Italy for the first time
  • Thinking of renting a car in Rome? Read my guide toHow to rent a car in Rome.
  • Best coastal towns in southern Italy.
  • Explore Calabria- the least visited region in Italy.
  • Visit Sicily- the biggest island in Italy.

Italy travel resources

Here are links to essential travel resources and services I always use when organizing my trips.

  • HIRE A CAR: Rent a car at the best rates at Discover Cars.
  • CHEAP FLIGHTS: find the cheapest and the best flight combinations with Skyscanner.
  • ACCOMMODATION: find your perfect stay on Booking.com.
  • VISA: apply for a Schengen visa easily at iVisa. Use OneWayFly to reserve dummy flight tickets/hotels if required for your visa application.
  • TRAVEL INSURANCE: get 5% off your insurance by using my link on Heymondo, a travel insurance provider. For the cheapest travel insurance on the market check SafetyWing.
  • eSIM CARD: Stay connected before you land. Airlo offers an eSIM card with up to 20 GB (7 to 30 days) data packages for Italy and Europe for reasonable rates.
  • GUIDED TOURS:Find the best day tours in Italy onGetYourGuide, outdoor tours and activities with Manawa.
  • PRIVATE TRANSFER: Book a private transfer to any location in Italy with GetTransfer.
  • FLIGHT GOT CANCELLED OR DELAYED? You may receive compensation of up to 600 EUR. Consult and get support from AirHelp or Skycop.

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Ausra

Hi! I am a freelance photographer & videographer as well the creator of www.theroadreel.com. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently for over a decade. I created The Road Reel to share my passion for travel and photography through detailed road trips and city itineraries, and hiking guides, along with regular and drone photogragraphy tips.

Sentiero Degli Dei Hike (Path Of The Gods): Detailed Guide (2024)
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