The “Il Sentiero degli Dei” hiking trail links the tiny hilltop town of Agerola with Nocelle, a village of Positano nestled on the slopes of Monte Peruso on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
The name of the footpath, The Path of the Gods, gives a hint of this hiking trail’s breathtaking views. Ideally, walkers should make Agerola their starting point and then get to the end of the trail at Nocelle, and not vice-versa. By taking the Path of the Gods trail in this route, hikers can travel gently downhill with amazing views of the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri.
Things you should know before beginning the hike:
Departure point: Agerola or Praiano
Arrival point: Nocelle, a hamlet above Positano
Duration: about 3 hrs
Length: 7.8 km
Difficulty: easy, but the path is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo
Starting point for the "Sentiero degli Dei" hiking trail
The Path of the Gods begins in Bomerano, a village near Agerola. Hikers can reach the Path of the Gods trailhead in Agerola by taking one of the Sita buses that depart from Amalfi. Ask the driver to let you off at the Bomerano stop. From here, follow the road signs that lead to the starting point.
From Positano: Bus to Amalfi + bus Amalfi-Agerola (2 hours)
From Sorrento: Bus to Amalfi via Positano + bus Amalfi-Agerola (3 hours)
The trail ends in Nocelle, the upper part of Positano. You can reach the center of Positano on foot by taking the staircase down; it’s about 1,500 steps going 500 meters down. Alternatively you can take the bus. From Positano, there are buses and ferries to return to Sorrento and Amalfi.
The Travelmar shuttle from Amalfi to Agerola
From April to October, Travelmar ferry passengers can take the convenient shuttle bus from the center of Amalfi to Piazza Capasso in Agerola, just steps from the starting point of the Path of the Gods hike. The shuttle departs in the morning at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and in the afternoon at 4:30 and 6 p.m. to coincide with the arrival of the ferry from Salerno and Positano. You can take the shuttle from Amalfi to Agerola, the starting point, and walk the hiking path. Once you arrive in Nocelle, take the stairs or bus down to Positano where you can pick up the ferry back to Sorrento or Salerno.
Ferry Schedules Salerno - Amalfi - Positano
If you’re coming with your own car, you'll need to park in Agerola. To return to pick up you can either walk back along the same path or take the bus back from Positano.
You can also start the Sentiero degli Dei from Praiano, but this route entails climbing up a long flight of steps to reach the Colle Serra Pass, some 580 meters above sea level.
Walking the "Sentiero degli Dei"
The route is marked by white and red signs with 02 written on them. From Colle Serra, hikers make their way downhill until reaching a fountain; to the left of the fountain there is a former mule path that begins in Praiano.
The Sentiero degli Dei hiking trail continues along the road to the right. Below, along the road used by hikers who start off the trail from Praiano, you’ll be able to see the Convent of San Domenico.
At this point the scenery changes: from hills dotted with just a few shrubs, where walkers frequently come across grazing sheep and goats, to a typically Mediterranean landscape filled with holm-oaks, arbutus, heather, and rosemary.
The path becomes more difficult as it passes through the Vallone Grarelle via a series of ascents and descents and breathtaking panoramas until reaching Nocelle, a village near Positano.
In ancient times staircases were the only way to reach Nocelle, with a steep flight of steps beginning in Positano. Today, hikers can decide whether to make their way downhill by bus or on foot via the 1,500 steps which lead to the district of Arienzo.
In the summer, it is well worth descending a further 300 steps to Arienzo beach, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea. Remember to bring your sunscreen!
From Arienzo, by walking along state road SS163 for about 1 kilometer, walkers soon reach the center of Positano.
Travel tips from Positano.com
Agerola is famous for its fiordilatte, a unique type of fresh mozzarella cheese.
Before you start the walk, stop off in one of the town's salumeria, where you can purchase some focaccia and fior di latte to keep you energized during the journey. These are the perfect ingredients for a picnic worthy of the gods!
If you'd rather have something a little more substantial, once past the village of Nocelle, continue for about 1 kilometer along the recently built lane to La Tagliata restaurant, where you can dine on the terrace, enjoying delicious food and the best views of the sea and the island of Capri.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Is the trail always open?
Yes, the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is a trail through the countryside so it is always open and free. Local authorities close the trail if there are nearby wildfires or landslides that make it dangerous for hikers and walkers.
Is the trail kid-friendly?
No, there are stretches along the trail that skirt the cliffside and there is no protective railing, so we do not recommend attempting the trail with young children. Older children can take on the trail, but keep in mind that it takes about four hours to hike the entire length. It is not paved, so not accessible to strollers or pushchairs. You can carry an infant in a carrier or backpack, but time your hike early or late to avoid the midday sun. In all cases, make sure you apply sunscreen, wear hiking shoes, and bring plenty of water. Access to Google Maps during the walk is also helpful so you can orient yourself along the hiking trail.
How do I get to the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) with public transportation?
To get to the starting point for the Path of the Gods, take the Sita to Agerola from Amalfi. Once take the trail back to Positano, you need to return via Sita bus or walk down to the Positano port to catch the ferry to Amalfi that runs from April to October. In the summer, there is also an Amalfi - Agerola shuttle bus managed by Travelmar, the ferry company, that offers the service to their clients.
Where can I park near the Path of the Gods?
There is free street parking (marked by white painted lines) in Bomerano near the trailhead, but spaces are limited. If you don't find space available, there is paid parking near the stadium that costs EUR 5/day.
When is the best time of year to hike the Path of the Gods?
The best time of year for hikes along the Sentiero degli Dei is in spring (April/May) or in fall (September/October). You can hike the trail all year long, but during the summer months the sun beats down on the trail at midday, and in the winter heavy rains sometimes cause small landslides. We recommend checking the weather forecast before setting off along the hiking trail.
Can I hike the Path of the Gods alone or do I need a guide?
The trail is well-marked and you can follow it on your own, but a guide offers interesting insights about the landscape and surrounding area and additional safety along the trail.
What should I take with me to hike the Path of the Gods?
Keep in mind that the Path of the Gods is a mountain hiking trail, not a tourist attraction. Do not attempt to hike the trail in flipflops! We suggest hiking boots, hiking shoes, or sturdy shoes with non-slip soles. If you’re hiking in summer, bring plenty of water, and wear a hat and sunscreen. In the spring and fall, pack a windbreaker in your backpack in case it rains. It can also be helpful to have access to a navigating system such as Google Maps on your smartphone so you can orient yourself along the hiking trail.
Is there somewhere to eat along the Path of the Gods?
You can stop for a picnic along the trail or for a sit-down lunch at a restaurant in Nocelle. In Agerola, there are a number of excellent delis and food shops to pick up picnic supplies (make sure to buy the local fiordilatte mozzarella). Otherwise, hike the trail to Nocelle and then stop for lunch at one of the charming local restaurants there, including Ristorante Santa Croce, la Tagliata, or il Ritrovo.