The Amalfi Coast is famous for its colourful cliffside villages, turquoise sea, and dramatic scenery. But one of the best ways to experience this stretch of southern Italy isn’t from a boat or a bus — it’s on foot. The Sentiero degli Dei, or Path of the Gods, is a stunning hiking trail that runs along the ridgeline above the coast, offering views that genuinely live up to the name.
If you’re planning a trip to this part of Italy and enjoy walking even a little, this trail deserves a spot on your itinerary. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
What is the Path of the Gods?
The Path of the Gods is a nature trail roughly 9 kilometres long that connects Bomerano (a village in Agerola, up in the hills) to Nocelle, a tiny hamlet perched above Positano. The route follows the spine of the Lattari Mountains, with the Mediterranean stretching out below and, on clear days, the island of Capri floating on the horizon.
According to local legend, this is the path the Greek gods walked to save Ulysses from the sirens on the nearby Li Galli islands. The Italian writer Italo Calvino once described it as a road suspended above a magical gulf of memory and myth. Dramatic? Yes. But once you’re up there, you’ll understand why.
The trail is almost entirely untouched by development. No buildings, no roads — just Mediterranean scrub, wild herbs, rocky outcrops, and panoramic terraces with wooden benches where you can stop and take it all in.
How long does it take?
Most walkers complete the one-way route in about 3 to 4 hours at a comfortable pace with photo stops. The official site ilsentierodeglidei.net estimates up to 7 hours for the full return journey, but the vast majority of hikers walk it one way (Bomerano to Nocelle) and return to their starting point by bus or ferry from Positano.
The return trip via public transport can take around 3 hours due to the winding coastal roads and summer traffic, so factor that into your planning.
How difficult is the trail?
The Path of the Gods is moderate in difficulty. There are no extreme climbs, but parts of the trail are narrow, uneven, and exposed to drops. Proper footwear is essential — trainers with good grip at a minimum, hiking shoes ideally. Flip-flops and sandals are genuinely dangerous here.
A reasonable level of fitness is needed. If you can handle a 10-kilometre walk on uneven terrain without too much trouble, you’ll be fine.
Best time to visit
The trail is accessible for most of the year, but the best months are April to June and September to October. During these periods the temperatures are pleasant for walking, the light is beautiful for photography, and the summer crowds have thinned out.
If you go in July or August, start early — ideally reaching the trailhead by 8 or 9 in the morning. The sun on exposed sections can be intense, and there is very little shade along the route.
What to bring
Keep your pack light but don’t skip the essentials:
- Water— at least 1.5 litres per person. There are a few fresh water springs along the trail, but don’t rely on them.
- Sun protection— hat, sunscreen, sunglasses. Non-negotiable in warmer months.
- Comfortable walking shoes— with proper grip and ankle support.
- Snacks— there are no shops or cafés on the trail itself.
- Camera or phone— the views are extraordinary and you’ll want to capture them.
Getting from Rome to the Amalfi Coast
This is the part that trips up a lot of visitors. The Amalfi Coast is roughly three hours south of Rome, and while trains and buses can get you there, the journey involves multiple connections and a lot of luggage shuffling — especially if you’re heading somewhere like Positano or Praiano rather than a major rail hub.
When we planned our trip, we came across an article by Edward from Rome City Transfers about the best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast and it helped shape our itinerary considerably. We ended up booking a private transfer from Rome directly to our accommodation on the coast, which turned out to be one of the smartest decisions of the trip.
The driver picked us up at Fiumicino airport in a Mercedes, handled all our luggage, and drove us straight to our hotel — no stress, no dragging suitcases through Naples train station. Having done both the train route and the private transfer on separate trips, the difference in how you feel when you arrive is night and day.
If you’re travelling as a couple, family, or small group, a private transfer from Rome or Fiumicino is well worth considering. Rome City Transfers offer both sedans and larger vans depending on group size, and you can reach them on WhatsApp for a quick quote.
Tips for making the most of it
Walk from Bomerano to Nocelle, not the other way round. The route is mostly downhill in this direction, and you finish above Positano with incredible views as your reward.
Start early. Not just for the heat — the trail gets busy from late morning onwards, and the narrow sections are far more enjoyable without queues.
Don’t rush it. This isn’t a trail you want to power through. Stop at the panoramic terraces, have a snack on one of the wooden benches, and soak it in. The whole point is the scenery.
Plan your return in advance. From Nocelle, you can take the local bus or walk down the long staircase (around 1,700 steps) into Positano. From there, SITA buses or ferries connect back to Amalfi, where you can catch a bus up to Bomerano. In peak season, check timetables ahead of time — services fill up quickly.
Final thoughts
The Path of the Gods is one of those rare experiences that actually exceeds the hype. The combination of coastal views, mountain air, wild Mediterranean landscape, and that sense of walking through ancient mythology makes it genuinely special.
If the Amalfi Coast is on your travel list — and it should be — make sure you lace up your walking shoes and spend a morning on this trail. You won’t regret it.
