Simply Amalfi Coast 
One of the most captivating experiences on the Amalfi Coast is undoubtedly the Path of the Gods, the famous hiking trail that winds along the high ridges of the Lattari Mountains, connecting Bomerano, a hamlet of Agerola, to the stunning village of Positano.
Stretching approximately 6 km and typically completed in about 3 hours, the trail is part of a wider network of ancient mule tracks that cross the Alta Via dei Monti Lattari, offering breathtaking panoramas and unforgettable glimpses of the sea.
No “right” starting point: the choice is yours
One of the trail’s most fascinating aspects is that it can be walked in either direction: from Bomerano to Positano or vice versa.
Many newspapers, blogs and online guides suggest starting in Bomerano and walking toward Positano, but we disagree.
There is no objectively better starting point. Your choice should depend on your travel itinerary, the stops you want to include, and most importantly, your accommodation.
A popular alternative is to start in Praiano, ascending to the evocative Monastery of San Domenico, dedicated to Santa Maria a Castro, and join the main trail at Cannati, roughly halfway along the route.
How to reach the trail and what to pack
If you are staying in Amalfi or nearby towns and wish to start from Bomerano, it is easy to reach via public transport: take a SITA bus to Amalfi and then transfer to Agerola. Once there, follow the signs from the Church of San Matteo to reach the trailhead.
Alternatively, starting from Positano early in the morning allows for a lunch stop in Bomerano, followed by a bus ride along the coast to Amalfi, optimizing the day with a visit to the capital of the coast.
🎒 Essentials to pack:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- At least 2 liters of water (only one fountain is located about 20 minutes from Agerola)
The trail alternates between flat stretches, gentle ups and downs, and rustic stone staircases amid vegetation. Some sections offer no views, while others provide spectacular vistas that merit a pause to take photos or simply admire the landscape.
Unforgettable stops along the way
A truly authentic experience along the Path of the Gods is a visit to Antonio, the “Shepherd of the Gods” and his loyal donkey Limone.
In an old farmhouse converted into a refuge, Antonio welcomes hikers with fresh cheeses, rustic bread, tomatoes, handmade honey, and warm hospitality, accompanied by the rhythms of tammorra drums and the bells of his goats.
The trail either starts or ends in Nocelle, a panoramic village above Positano. From here, you can:
- Descend on foot into the heart of Positano via the scenic Arienzo Staircase (about 1,500 steps)
- Or take a local bus (Mobility Amalfi Coast) directly to the town center or the SS163 Amalfi Coast road
Myths and legends: the origin of the name
The name “Path of the Gods” is rooted in Greek mythology. Legend has it that the gods of Olympus once traveled this very trail to save Odysseus from the sirens’ song.
The sirens, unable to enchant him, were turned to stone, forming the Li Galli archipelago, visible along the route.
These three rocky islets off Positano are now one of the Amalfi Coast’s most iconic sights.
When to hike the Path of the Gods
The best time to walk the Path of the Gods is April to June or September to October, when temperatures are mild, skies are clear, and the trail is less crowded.
The trail can also be hiked during summer, but it is strongly recommended to start early in the morning to avoid intense heat and to carry enough water. Winter hikes can offer spectacular days, though more caution is needed due to wetter and slippery terrain.
Where to stop along the trail
Between Agerola and Positano, several stops offer refreshments, coffee, or local delicacies. Recommended stops include:
- Il Caffè degli Dei – Bar and cold dishes, ideal for a quick snack
- La Casa di Ulisse (Francesco) – Coffee, granite, and fresh juices
- Antonio il Pastore – Cheese, honey, and cherry tomatoes, an authentic experience
- Il Chiosco del Sentiero degli Dei (Francesco e il papà Giulio) – Bar, cold dishes, sandwiches
- Lemon Point (Antonino, l’acquafrescaio” di Positano) – Drinks, granite, and fresh juices
- Sapori d’Italia – Bar with granite and fresh juices, perfect for a sweet break
For lunch or dinner in Nocelle, recommended restaurants include:
- Rifugio dei Mele – Traditional local cuisine
- Trattoria Santa Croce – Typical Amalfi Coast dishes
- La Tagliata – Panoramic restaurant along the road connecting Nocelle to Montepertuso
These stops make the hike even more enjoyable, allowing you to savor the authentic flavors of the Amalfi Coast without missing the breathtaking scenery.
Practical tips and extra options
The Path of the Gods is not a simple walk, but a well-marked mountain trail, often with handrails for safety. Some exposed sections require caution, especially when hiking with children, who should be held by the hand.
Throughout the trail, watch for white and red tiles with numbers, these are location markers that can help emergency services know your exact position (emergency number: 118).
For added convenience, private transfers can take visitors to the trailhead and pick them up at the end, potentially combining the hike with a sunset tasting at a local winery.
Those wishing for a deeper experience can hire AIGAE-certified hiking guides, who enrich the journey with stories about local flora, fauna, geology, and traditions. Before the coast road opened in the late 19th century, the Path of the Gods was an essential commercial mule track, used for transporting goods between villages.
An experience to treasure
Walking the Path of the Gods immerses you in a world suspended between sky and sea, where nature, history, and legend converge in an unforgettable adventure.
No matter where you start, every step offers authentic emotions and panoramic views that will remain etched in your memory of the Amalfi Coast.
📍 Final Tip: Start early in the day, especially in the warmer months, and let yourself be enveloped by the magic of the Tyrrhenian Sea panorama, an experience you will carry with you forever.
The Path of the Gods in a nutshell
🌄 Essential information
- Length: approx. 6 km (Bomerano to Nocelle/Positano)
- Duration: approx. 3 hours (Bomerano–Nocelle or vice versa); up to 7 hours for extended routes
- Difficulty: Easy/medium (E), with exposed sections and staircases; not recommended for those with vertigo
- Elevation gain: approx. 220 m (Bomerano–Nocelle), 420 m (to Positano)
- Best season: Spring and autumn; summer hikes best started early
- Accessibility: Suitable for hikers in good physical condition; not wheelchair accessible
🗺️ Route and variants
- Start: Nocelle, Bomerano (Agerola), or Praiano
- End: Nocelle (Positano)
- Variants:
- High route: more panoramic, more challenging
- Low route: easier, suitable for less experienced hikers
- Loop option: useful to return to the starting point without complicated logistics
🚍 How to reach
- From Amalfi: SITA bus to Agerola
- From Positano: bus to Nocelle
- From Praiano: ascend to the Monastery of San Domenico and join the trail halfway
🥾 Hiking Tips
- Comfortable trekking shoes and clothing
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Light backpack with 1.5–2 liters of water
- Pause at viewpoints for photos and rest
- Pay attention to exposed and narrow sections
🧀 Culinary experience
- Recommended stop at Antonio the Shepherd: cheese, rustic bread, tomatoes, honey, and traditional music
🚌 Transport from Nocelle
- Arienzo Staircase: about 1,500–1,700 steps to Positano center
- Local bus: connects Nocelle to Positano
- Ferry: on the way back to the starting point, enjoying after the effort, a beautiful trip on the Amalfi Coast sea
🧭 Legends and history
- Name: the path was supposedly taken by the gods to save Ulysses from the Sirens.
- History: an ancient mule track connecting villages and for transporting goods.
Guided experience
- Recommended to hire an AIGAE-certified guide to deepen knowledge of local flora, fauna, and traditions
