The Path of The Gods, or Sentiero degli Dei, is one of the most breathtaking hikes along Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
Stretching from the village of Bomerano to Nocelle, it’s a beautiful hike through terraced vineyards, lemon groves, and remnants of ancient ruins.
Along the way, you will be treated to panoramic views that include the charming towns of Positano and Praiano, making it a top recommendation for anyone exploring the region.
The path is rich in history, with legends of gods and ancient civilizations adding a layer of mystique to the trek.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your hike on the Path of The Gods.
Path of Gods Trail Overview
Since this is a one-way hike, there are several ways to approach it. The path we’re exploring in this article starts from Bomerano, winds through Monteperuso, and finishes in Positano.
Here are the trail stats for this route:
- Distance: 9.3 km
- Time: Few hours / half day
- Elevation Gain: 367m
- Difficulty: Moderate / Hard (lots of steps)
How To Get To Path of The Gods Trailhead
There are several ways to reach the starting point of this hike, but taking the bus is likely the best and most affordable option.
As we were staying in Maori during our Amalfi Coast visit, we woke up very early to catch the SITA 5120 bus to Amalfi.
From Amalfi, we took the SITA 5080 bus to Agerola (Bomerano) to start the hike.
The trailhead for the Path of The Gods is located around 800 meters from the bus stop in Bomerano.
To reach the starting point of this hike, you’ll need to walk all the way to the end of Via Sentiero degli Dei.
💡 TIP: If you decide to get up early, skip breakfast, and catch one of the first buses from Amalfi to Bomerano, note that there are a few small cafes and shops in Bomerano that should be opening around the time you get off the bus.
What is The Best Route For Path of The Gods?
For those who want to enjoy the full trail and avoid the effort of climbing many steps, it’s best to start in Bomerano and end in either Positano or Arienzo.
However, the best route for you might change depending on where you are staying on the Amalfi Coast, since traveling around the region can be tricky.
Here are 3 alternative options you can explore:
1. Bomerano – Nocelle – Arienzo
This route is similar to the one I’m recommending, but it’s slightly shorter.
From Nocelle, you’ll descend toward Arienzo, leading you to the main road (Amalfi Dr) with a bus stop at the base of the stairs.
2. Praiano – Colle Serra – Nocelle – Positano (or Arienzo)
If you’re staying in Praiano, you can reach the Path of Gods trailhead by undertaking a demanding hike up to Colle Serra.
Just keep in mind that this route involves a steep climb with an elevation gain of around 500 meters.
3. Positano – Nocelle – Bomerano
If you’re based in Positano, you might consider starting your hike early and doing it in reverse. Keep in mind that this option involves a substantial elevation gain of 1,014 meters.
Thus, for anyone staying in Positano, traveling to Bomerano and hiking the trail in the suggested direction is still the best option.
Another option is to do a return hike from Positano, visiting the main lookout with views of Positano and then retracing your steps.
Lastly, you can take a bus (or taxi) from Positano to Nocelle to skip the climb, and then proceed to Bomerano from there.
Path of The Gods Hike Highlights
1. Starting Point – Bomerano
The hike begins in Bomerano, a charming village in the Agerola municipality. Here, you’ll find signs directing you to the trailhead (800m walk from the bus stop).
It’s worth grabbing a coffee and picking up some local treats like focaccia and fiordilatte (fresh mozzarella cheese) from the town’s shops to enjoy during the hike.
2. Main Trail Options
The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) offers two main routes:
- Bomerano to Nocelle to Arienzo (7.8 km): From Nocelle, descend around 1,750 steps towards Arienzo. This steep stairway takes you down to the Arienzo district, where you can visit Arienzo Beach for a refreshing swim. Afterward, you’ll follow a short road that leads into the heart of Positano. The route is challenging but rewards you with stunning views of the coastline.
- Bomerano to Nocelle to Positano (9.3 km): Alternatively, you can skip the stairs and walk along charming roads through the village of Montepertuso. This route winds through scenic hillside paths and roads, offering multiple lookouts with breathtaking views over Positano. Montepertuso itself is a quaint hamlet with traditional Italian charm, and this route into Positano provides a more gradual descent with plenty of photo opportunities.
Both options offer a beautiful conclusion to the hike, leading you into the vibrant and picturesque town of Positano.
3. Key Stops and Lookouts
As you make your way along the Path of the Gods, expect to encounter a range of stunning viewpoints that highlight the striking beauty of the Amalfi coastline.
- Colle Serra Pass: As you approach this pass, the trail splits. Take the lower path (left route) for the best views. This path also leads to a drinking fountain, which is a great spot to refill your water bottle.
- Nocelle: The official end of the hike is in Nocelle, a small village perched high above Positano. In Nocelle, you can find a kiosk selling refreshing lemon slushes and explore the narrow streets of this charming town.
4. Final Descent from Nocelle to Positano
After reaching the village of Nocelle, the Path of the Gods trail officially ends, but you have two scenic options to continue your journey into Positano:
- Nocelle to Arienzo, then Road to Positano: From Nocelle, descend around 1,700 steps towards Arienzo. This steep stairway takes you down to the Arienzo district, where you can visit Arienzo Beach for a refreshing swim. Afterward, you’ll follow a short road that leads into the heart of Positano. The route is challenging but rewards you with stunning views of the coastline.
- Nocelle to Positano via Montepertuso: Alternatively, you can skip the stairs and walk along charming roads through the village of Montepertuso. This route winds through scenic hillside paths and roads, offering multiple lookouts with breathtaking views over Positano. Montepertuso itself is a quaint hamlet with traditional Italian charm, and the route into Positano provides a more gradual descent with plenty of photo opportunities.
Both options provide a beautiful conclusion to the hike, leading you into the vibrant and picturesque town of Positano. The total distance from Bomerano to Positano via either route is 9.3 kilometers
Walk Around Positano
After finishing the Path of the Gods, take some time to relax in Positano by strolling through its charming streets and visiting its lively shops
Begin by meandering through the narrow alleys adorned with colorful boutiques, where you’ll find everything from handcrafted sandals and ceramics to high-end linen clothing.
As you walk through the town, make sure to visit the historic Church of Santa Maria Assunta, known for its iconic dome covered in majolica tiles and its beautiful Byzantine icon of the Madonna.
After covering almost 10 kilometers in the sunny Italian weather, you’re sure to be craving a good meal.
Positano is a paradise for food enthusiasts, with a diverse selection of restaurants offering irresistible, authentic Italian dishes.
After the meal, you can venture down to explore the beach area. Spiaggia Grande is the main beach, where you can rent a sunbed and umbrella, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, or enjoy the view of Positano’s colorful houses cascading down the cliffs.
We actually chose to visit Fornillo Spiaggia, a stunning beach located west of the Positano wharf.
We had a great time hiking the Path of the Gods. The trail provided fantastic views of the Amalfi Coast and was a satisfying challenge.
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