sentiero degli dei (path of the gods)

Fairly easy hike with magnificent views of Amalfi. We only made it halfway but sure the rest would be just gorgeous.

Great hike - especially if you start early in the morning from Agerola (Bomerano) and head towards Nocelle (Positano)...that will be a mostly downhill (slight downhill) trek with quite a bit of up and down, twists and turns. I started around 9am mid-March, so not a lot of trekkers. In fact, I saw one woman jogging, another with her dogs, and a man who may have been working on the side of the mountains but decided at that point to take a smoking break. :-) Other than that, no one else... Specifics:There are strategically placed picnic spots along the way...you can either rest, take pictures or eat some snacks and enjoy the view or solitude (depending on which picnic table you choose).Bring water (1.5 liters at least)...never hurts to be hydrated (as opposed to being dehydrated).The path is well demarcated with red and white painted bars on the side of rocks or well placed signs...some times (twice at least) you'll wonder which way to go. Advice: always keep the ocean to your left when going from Bomerano to Nocelle...you can't fail. From Bomerano to Agerola took 2 hrs 15 minutes - and that was with me stopping to take pictures (very often) and a 10 minute break...plus I was walking pretty slow (from my usual pace).Lots of rocks. There's a time hikers use for it - can't remember - but if you aren't sure footed, bring some walking sticks or stay off the trail altogether. If you're afraid of heights or have some dizziness issues, spare yourself. Because it is wide open and steep space.... looking down is prob the last thing you want to do.Once you get to Nocelle, you have two options: stay on the path (by this time you're on paved path in a little part of the town...homes, bar, etc) and go towards the bus stop and take it down to Positano OR you veer a little to your left and head down 1500 steps to Atrienzo (about 2 km from Positano beach). I took the steps. Not easy going down but would hate to be going up the steps. Great workout though!Buona passeggiata!

My wife and I did this in October. The weather was mild. The path varies between paved and mountain goat track. Signage was subtle but very good once you get used to it. We did take the SITA bus to Bergomo from Positano (make sure you ask for directions at your hotel) and walk down however I cant see that it makes a lot of difference as you go up and down a lot on the trail. We walked all the way to Nocelle then up to Montepertusso and back down the 1500 steps to positano and then back up the 500 steps to our hotel (total on fitbit was 26600 paces and 19km).I must say that a lot of reviews we read tell us how fast they did it. I have the view point that it is beautiful scenery so what is the rush? We took water (i recommend 2 liter each), fruit, snacks, wine and had a few picnic stops on the way down. It is an amazing experience - soak it up. Fans of Cinque Terra will love it.

An excellent hike. We did this in Feb expecting likely rain and grey skies. We were pleasantly surprised by sunny open skies the whole hike. We walked up from Possitano after catching a bus there from Sorrento. The first part was difficult as it was not clearly signed. Eventually walking the streets of Positano we found a small sign with a map indicating it would lead us to Monterpertuso. We climbed up stairs mostly vertically for a good half an hour and arrived in Monterpertuso. We are both of high fitness levels and found this first part a good challenge. If you are worried about your knees but still want to climb, start on Nocelle. From Monterpertuso we walked up the road towards to Nocelle and then found the path leading into the area of Nocelle. It is a wilderness area and the path is well maintained. From Nocelle you follow the signs and then end up on the hike known as Sentiero degli Dei or Path of the Gods. We hiked for around two hours return without reaching Agerola and stopping for plenty of photos. We were approximately vertically above Praiano we we decided to turn back and enjoy the rest of the sunshine instead of finishing up in the hills and catching the bus from Praiano or Bomerano.The return leg was slightly downhill and much quicker than the ascent. Reaching Nocelle took us around 40 mins compared to 80 mins out. From Nocelle we decided to climb directly down to Positano following the stairs. Over 1000 stairs later my legs still feel tight the day after. Excellent workout and great hike. Go early and bring a picnic there are a few places along the way to stop and enjoy. Bring water and protection from the weather.

the best hike i have ever did, with many different terrains along the way. We started off at noecelle and hiked our way to bomerano (agerola). Took a sita bus from sorrento (buy the tickets from the newspaper stand below the train station). The guy who attended to us wasn't very patient and insisted he had run out of tickets to positano and was only selling those to amalfi. However the bus stopped at positano and most people got off there. You then have to take an internal bus to noecelle for about $1.70euros. From there the path is clearly marked out. Its About a 2 and a half hour hike with such amazing views. It gets better and better and the terrain constantly changes making it anything but boring. For those with bad knees, it might be a little bit more difficult but definitely shouldnt stop you from doing the hike, the aches are worth it!We went in jan and so the weather was really cool, and comfortable.

Many of the reviews describe complicated steps for transportation to get to the start, and how to get back to Poisitano at the end of this hike. We recommend doing a loop, which allows you to get to/from the same location at the start. We started the hike at Agerola, followed the upper trail until we got to marker 7, and then headed back on the lower trail. After a handful of km, you will come to an option in the trail with a large stone marker on the left. Head to the left, and you will end back at the upper trail near where you started. Total hike, including many photo stops and lunch, was 4 hours. We went in December, no one was there, and the weather was still good. Highly recommended, great views!

beautiful scenery on this path(3-4 hrs.) to positano.... so breathtaking,in fact ,you'll wonder where the time went ! An absolute must if you are in this area. Do yourself a favor ,take a dip in the sea and then take enjoy the very relaxing boatride back to Amalfi !

The view is worth the sore legs! The trek was an amazing experience to tread where others have gone for centuries.

This was one of the highlights of our stay in Positano. We didn't have a formal map of the Path, but had our TED phone with GPS, a map from the guest tables in Positano, and our host at the B&B had drawn us a map (note to self--do not operate off of a hand-drawn map)! We decided to take the bus from Positano to Agerola and catch another bus up to the beginning of the path (instead of taking the bus to Ravello). We waited about an hour for the bus. Quick note: the busses didn't have a sign to say where they were going. You wait on the side of the road, the bus stops, you ask is this bus going here. The first bus said no and the bus to Agerola was about 20 minutes behind, so we stepped over to the little sundries shop to sit out of the sun, sure enough the bus up to Agerola went whizzing by us. Oh well, so we waited for the next one. The ride up is amazing and frightful--literally the bus drivers must have stomachs of steel, a few near death experiences, but made it to the top. There a few signs that have the Path marked, I think they were in Italian, as I can't remember them being in English. So, we went into a few little shops in the town center looking for a map, but nobody had one. We just started following what we had on our GPS, the picture map we got in town, and the hand drawn map. As you get on the path you will notice markers, you will see red and white paint on rocks, fence posts, trees, etc... that will let you know you are on the right track, and they also give you a number. We had been given two points of departure off the Path, one at Nocelle and one into Positano. The steps down from Nocelle were supposedly around 700 steps, so we opted to keep walking. It was really neat and cool all the different houses, gardens, a cool church with a breathtaking little courtyard (and free washrooms), but eventually the Path just stopped. No signage, markings, nothing. We figured we missed something and walked back a bit to see if we overlooked a turn off. We didn't see anything to suggest that was the case, so we kept on and eventually the path put you on sort of a main road. It was really disconcerting since there is no such thing as a sidewalk and cars come within inches of each other. We finally made it down and asked a at few shops how to get down to Positano. Our map said there was set of stairs down, but we couldn't seem to find them. Finally, we did but it was a which side do you choose set of stairs. We just picked one and went for it. The hike was amazing until we reached the road part, it took the serene and peaceful nature of the hike away and was a tad stressful due to walking on the main road. So, I would suggest taking Nocelle down. The hike was really interesting though it goes from farm land, mountains, to desert like terrain, back to mountains and then into people's backyards. It was definitely the highlight of the trip. We packed a day bag with sunscreen, rain jacket, a sandwich and water and it was the perfect amount of "gear". You really don't need professional hiking gear, just a really good map:)!

Advice: pick a sunny day, start early and avoid the heat and crowds (8:00 am), wear bathing suits under your clothes, H20, hats and sunscreen a good idea. We started this hike from Praiano (we were staying there). The hike up to the main trail (approx 500 m) took about 40 minutes and was pleasant, offering a look at the outskirts of Praiano village living, gorgeous hillside vegetation, and the Convent of St. Domenico. The Convent offers a patio with seating and outstanding views of the sea, limestone cliffs and Positano. I hear they offer lemonade to thirsty hikers. Once connected with the "Sentiero degli dei" having a full day planned, we went on, left, toward Positano and omitted going right toward Bomerano. We found the path to be easy, offering magnificent panoramic views of the glittering sea and the towering limestone cliffs overhead, and eventually stunning views of the greatly romanticized Positano nestled in its bay. Our plan was to go all the way to Positano. So we passed through Nocelle (omitting the stairs that take you down to their local church and a bus stop at Arienzo, that could take you to Positano or your destination) There is some confusion in Nocelle, as to the direction to Positano. I smile at the memory of being at a standstill in a narrow walkway, we were unsure, looking at our guide book, an italian man stuck his head out his bathroom window, with toothbrush in mouth, said, "Positiano?" "and pointed us in the right direction. I thought to myself, how quaint it was making our way through Nocelle. (Surely something the 'tourists' miss that visit the Amalfi coast looking out a window of a SITA bus)About 20 minutes later we strolled into Montepertuso, another village, uniquely dominated by Monte Gambera featuring the 'rock hole'. Once again a village with no tourists except the random hiker who happens by. I found it satisfying to take in and sense the lifestyle there. We went almost all the way through Montepertuso and located the garden-lined steep stairs (about 2,000) that end up in Positano. Do not miss these stairs, because the other way is on the main road, less scenic and which would not offer the beauty and postcard glimpses of Positano and the bright blue sea! Once we hit Positano, what can I say, I am traveling with two teenagers, on a hot day in July, we headed straight to the beach and took a refreshing dip in the ocean. Wow, Positano looks gorgeous from the water! After lounging a bit, we ate lunch at an ocean front cafe, had a look around the exquisite Positano and, by the way, took the bus back to Praiano! A memorable day and hike. From the start at Praiano village to the beach at Positano, I believe it took us 3.5 hours including many photo stops and lingering a bit in the villages along the way.

Stunning views abound on this wonderful hike that extends from above Positano (from the small town of Nocelle) towards Ravello. Mostly easy/moderate terrain with abundant sunshine. Take lots of water, although you will find a lovely granita shop close to Nocelle.

Started the Hike in positano - ascended via steps (1780) to the lovely villages of Montepertuso and Nocelle, where the Trail officially started. What an amazing experience hiking high above the Ligurian See amidst views, where pictures can do no justice. The Path was fairly easy, well maintained and meansers all the way to Amalfi. My wife and I descended towards Praino (another lovely village along the Coastal drive) - the descent was quite steep, we bypassed an idillyc Convent, where wine is grown and sheep wander. The whole Trip took us about 2 hours - We had a great Lunch in Praino, before taking a Car back to positano.

This was easily one of the highlights of our recent trip to Italy! We were staying near Sorrento (Sant Agnello). We decided to take the hike from Bomerano to Positano. It took much research to plan the day and figure out how to get there, as the information I found online was somewhat spotty. I'll try to describe as best as I can from memory here. Before I start, I would note that the hike was somewhat difficult and narrow at certain points (climbing up and down large rocks, for example). At other points, it was quite easy. If you have a fear of heights, you may struggle with this.We took the SITA bus from Sant Agnello to Amalfi then transferred buses to one that was headed to Bomerano (Agerola). It is extremely important to tell the bus driver on the first bus that you need to transfer to the bus to Bomerano because you are doing the Sentiero degli dei. If we had not had instruction from the driver, we would have missed where to get off to transfer buses, which was at a shop at an intersection along the road (very little signage). Luckily, too, there was another couple on our bus that was also clearly doing the hike. Also, make sure to buy your SITA bus passes at least the day before, which you can buy at the local tobacco shops. We wanted to catch a very early bus, and had we not bought them the day before, we would have had to wait until the shop opened. You cannot buy the tickets on-board. Once the second bus driver dropped us off in Bomerano, we had to walk around the town for a little bit to find where the hike started. We ended up asking some people standing nearby and they pointed us in the right direction. The following website is one that I had found before we went that was extremely helpful navigating the beginning of the hike: http://www.giovis.com/hpage/pathgodstrailbook.pdfWe took the path towards Nocelle which then continued on to Positano. The hike offered some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. Absolutely spectacular; words cannot describe it. We took so many pictures! We stopped along the way for some snacks as well (bring a backpack with water and snacks) - there were a few points with areas to sit and rest, but not many. Once we got to Nocelle, there was a cute little spot to have a cup of coffee before continuing on. This was well over half way. The terrain itself was often quite difficult. We had to climb up over larger rocks/boulders and at time we were unsure if we were on the path or not. Luckily, it was pretty well marked and soon enough we would come up on trail markers (red/white). As scary as it was at times (some points had a very steep drop off nearby), it was so well worth it. What a beautiful, great experience. After continuing on from Nocelle, we soon reached Positano. Here was a little more difficult to navigate, but we ended up finding our way and walked down a lot of large, stone steps. If you ask around for the large stone steps, you should be pointed in the right direction. Signage was not very clear once we reached Positano. We also had to ask at a nearby shop for directions to the bus stop that would take us back to Sorrento. Without the help of others, it would have been very difficult given the lack of signage. We did not have a guide, but I could see how one might be useful (especially if you are splitting the cost with a group). Directions and signage getting there and finishing/getting home was the most difficult part. And, from what I've heard, guides could provide interesting commentary and historical information while walking. I would definitely recommend this for those who are active. What a great experience! In total, it took us about 3.5 hours, but we are pretty quick walkers.

We started in Nocelle and ended in Bomerano. It was about 5 miles each way. The path is quite rocky and hiking shoes would be a good idea, but I managed to do it in minimalist running shoes in the rain and made it back in one piece with just the soles of my feet a bit sore. The views back toward Positano and the amazing terraced vineyards outside Praiano were spectacular. We took so many photos, but I'm not sure we were able to capture the sheer cliffs and lush vegetation; a glorious place. The only downside was that there was quite a bit of trash littered about, particularly at the beginning and end of the trail. So sad to see in such a beautiful and historical setting.

We were staying in Positano and took the bus to Amalfi, then Bomerano to the head of the trail. Each leg of the bus ride was about 45 mins with a 30 min stop and transfer in Amalfi. We then walked from Bomerano to Nochelle, and down the 1500 steps to Positano.We we weren't disappointed - the views were simply stunning. This was one of the best experiences on our Italian vacation.The hike took about 4 hours at a very leisurely pace. The trail is well marked and maintained and not too physically challenging. We saw folks that appeared to be into their 60s doing just fine on the trail. however, definitely a word of warning - one person in our party had a fear of heights and struggled. There are portions of the path that have sheer dropoffs right next to the trail. It's definitely not for the feint of heart.There is a fork of the trail that comes up from Priano and if we did it again we would probably start on that path. It would have added a significant uphill section to the hike, and if you take that path you do miss some of the highest section of the hike near Bomerano, but there are still plenty of gorgeous views. From Positano it would have shaved off almost the entire 2 hour bus journey to Bomerano, however depending on what your looking for that ride up the mountain was an experience in itself!With whatever path you decide to take, this hike is a must-do while in the Amalfi coast.