Located high above the coastal towns of Positano and Praiano, the Path of the Gods, known in Italian as the Sentiero degli Dei, is one of the most beautiful walks in Italy. This is the most popular hike on the Amalfi Coast, and it’s famous for its jaw-dropping views over Positano and the Sorrento Peninsula.

Tim and I hiked the Path of the Gods during our second visit to the Amalfi Coast. We spent a full week based in Positano on that trip, which gave us an unusually deep look at the coast, beyond what most visitors get on a quicker visit. That time in the region shapes everything we share in this guide.

Here’s what we’ll tell you upfront: the Path of the Gods earns its reputation as one of the most scenic hikes in Italy. But it’s also one of the trickier hikes to plan. The logistics of getting there, choosing your route, and figuring out how to get back are genuinely confusing, and most guides don’t make it easy. This guide does.

We cover hiking statistics, a step-by-step trail walkthrough with photos at each point, transportation from the main starting locations, and practical tips that truly matter on the day.

If you are still in the early stages of planning your trip, our Amalfi Coast itinerary and things to do on the Amalfi Coast are good places to start.

Path of the Gods View

LOCATION | Amalfi Coast, Italy

TRAILHEAD | Piazza Paolo Capasso, Bomerano

END POINT | Nocelle (or Positano on foot)

DISTANCE | 5.6 km / 3.5 miles (Bomerano to Nocelle)

DIFFICULTY | Easy to moderate

TIME | 1.5 to 3 hours (Bomerano to Nocelle)

HIGHLIGHTS | Jaw-dropping views over Positano and the Sorrento Peninsula, dramatic cliff-edge trail, charming hilltop villages

April 2026 Update: Added new photos and a new map, added new sections on mistakes to avoid and whether or not the hike is worth it. Updated/verified all links.

Is the Path of the Gods Worth It?

Yes, the Path of the Gods is absolutely worth it, but only if you plan it the right way.

This is one of the most scenic hikes on the Amalfi Coast, with sweeping views of the coastline, cliffs dropping into the sea, and even glimpses of Capri on a clear day. It’s also relatively short and doable for most people, making it one of the best ways to experience the Amalfi Coast beyond the crowded towns.

That said, it’s not perfect, and it’s not for everyone.

  • Incredible coastal views the entire way
  • A unique perspective of the Amalfi Coast you won’t get from the road
  • Moderate effort, big reward (especially if you hike Bomerano → Nocelle)
  • One of Italy’s most iconic hikes
  • You don’t enjoy hiking or walking on uneven terrain
  • You’re visiting in peak season and don’t want crowds
  • You’re short on time and prefer a more relaxed day
  • You don’t want to deal with bus logistics or early starts

We’ve visited the Amalfi Coast multiple times and hiked the Path of the Gods during a week-long stay in Positano in October. Even with our extensive hiking experience around the world, this trail stands out for its scenery and overall experience.

If you enjoy hiking, this is one of the best things to do on the Amalfi Coast.

Best Way to Hike the Path of the Gods

The best way to hike the Path of the Gods is to start in Bomerano and hike to Nocelle, then either walk or take the bus down to Positano.

This route is the easiest, most scenic, and the one we recommend for almost everyone.

  • Mostly downhill or flat: Starting in Bomerano (at a higher elevation) makes the hike easier and more enjoyable
  • Better views the entire way: You’ll be facing the coastline as you hike, with sweeping views of the Amalfi Coast and Capri
  • Simpler logistics: It’s much easier to get to Bomerano at the start of the day than to return there later
  • Start: Bomerano (Agerola)
  • End: Nocelle (above Positano)
  • Distance: ~7 km (4.5 miles)
  • Time: 2 to 3 hours (not including stops)
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

From Nocelle, you have two options:

  • Walk down to Positano: About 1,500 steps and an additional 45 to 60 minutes
  • Take the bus: A good option if your legs are done or it’s a hot day

We recommend ending in Nocelle unless you specifically want the challenge of hiking all the way down.

  • Starting in Positano: This means hiking uphill for much of the route, which is far more difficult
  • Starting in Praiano: Steep and more strenuous, best for experienced hikers
RouteBest ForDifficultyDistance & TimeProsCons
Bomerano → NocelleFirst-timers, most hikersEasy to moderate~7 km / 2–3 hoursEasiest route, mostly flat/downhill, best views the entire wayRequires getting to Bomerano (bus, taxi or private driver)
Bomerano → PositanoHikers who want more challengeModerate~9 km / 3–4 hoursEnds in Positano, more complete experience1,700+ stairs at the end, can be exhausting
Praiano → Path of the GodsExperienced hikersHardVaries / 3–5+ hoursMore adventurous, fewer crowdsSteep climb, more complex route

Maps of the Path of the Gods Hike

Here are several maps and images of the Path of the Gods hike.

This first map is an overview of the route, starting in Bomerano, going to Nocelle, and continuing to Positano.

Path of the Gods Map showing Bomerano, Nocelle, Path of the Gods trail, steps to Amalfi Drive

This Path of the Gods map was generated from my Garmin Fenix watch. The red color indicates the highest elevation along the trail and the blue color indicates the lowest elevation along the trail. The purple line is the optional trail to avoid the main trail (which has a lot of exposure to cliffs and drop offs) and the gray line is the optional route from Nocelle to Positano.

Here is a view of the trail on Google Earth, from Bomerano to Positano.

Path of the Gods Map on Google Earth view

Path of the Gods map

And finally, here is a Google Map that shows the trail route, optional steps to Positano, and the trail from Praiano to the Path of the Gods. This map can be saved to your Google account, and you can follow the route as you hike.

To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.

Where is the Path of the Gods Trail?

The Path of the Gods is located on the Amalfi Coast. It starts near the village of Bomerano and ends in Nocelle.

Where is Path of the Gods

Path of the Gods Hiking Stats

There are several different ways to hike the Path of the Gods. The most common way to do this hike is to start in Bomerano, hike to Nocelle, and then either take public transportation back to your starting point or continue the walk to Positano. By doing it this way, it is a one-way hike and mostly downhill.

Below are the stats for the Path of the Gods hike, starting in Bomerano and ending in Nocelle.

Distance: 5.6 km (3.5 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Total Ascent: 215 meters (710 feet)
Total Descent: 410 meters (1,345 feet)
Highest Elevation: 650 meters (2,130 feet)
Lowest Elevation: 450 meters (1,475 feet)
Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
Starting Point: Bomerano: Piazza Paolo Capasso
Ending Point: Nocelle

Below are the hiking stats for the Path of the Gods hike, starting in Bomerano, going to Nocelle, taking the steps from Nocelle to Amalfi Drive, and walking to the east end of Positano.

Distance: 7.6 km (4.7 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Total Ascent: 235 meters (775 feet)
Total Descent: 780 meters (2,560 feet)
Highest Elevation: 650 meters (2,130 feet)
Lowest Elevation: 80 meters (265 feet)
Time: 2.5 to 4 hours
Starting Point: Bomerano: Piazza Paolo Capasso
Ending Point: Positano, the intersection of Amalfi Drive and Via Cristoforo Colombo

Path of the Gods Elevation Profile Imperial
Path of the Gods Elevation Profile

Path of the Gods elevation profile

How to Get to the Trailhead in Bomerano

Getting to the trailhead is one of the trickiest parts of planning this hike, and it’s where a lot of people get stuck. The official starting point is Piazza Paolo Capasso in Bomerano, a small village in the hills above the coast. Here’s how to get there from the most common bases on the Amalfi Coast.

For a broader look at transportation options in the region, our guide to getting around the Amalfi Coast covers everything in detail.

Our hiking stats for the Path of Gods hike starts at Piazza Paolo Capasso.

This is what we did. We hired a private driver to take us from Positano to Bomerano, which cost €130 one-way and took just under an hour. It’s not cheap, but on a winding mountain road with an early morning start, having a driver handle the logistics made the day significantly easier. If you’re splitting the cost between two or more people, it becomes much more reasonable. You can book a private transfer here.

If you want to keep costs down, the bus is an option, but it requires a connection. You’ll need to take the SITA bus from Positano to Amalfi first, and then change to the Agerola-bound bus to reach Bomerano. Budget at least 90 minutes to two hours for the journey, and check the SITA bus timetable in advance. Buses to Bomerano are not frequent.

Amalfi is the most straightforward starting point if you’re using public transportation. The SITA bus to Agerola/Bomerano departs from Amalfi and takes approximately 40 minutes. Buy your ticket before boarding at a local bar or tobacco shop. Check the SITA bus timetable for current departure times, as the schedule varies by season.

Sorrento is a popular base for this hike, but it’s the most logistically involved starting point. You’ll need to get to Amalfi first, either by SITA bus (around 90 minutes) or by ferry when services are running, and then connect to the Bomerano bus from there.

Budget a minimum of two to two and a half hours of travel each way, and plan your departure accordingly if you want to start hiking by 9 am. A guided tour that handles transportation is worth serious consideration if you’re based in Sorrento.

If you’re staying in Praiano, you can access the Path of the Gods trail directly on foot via a steep staircase that climbs from the town up to the main trail. It’s a serious uphill climb before the hike even begins, so factor that into your energy levels for the day. The reward is that you avoid all transportation logistics entirely.

This is a good option for those staying in Praiano who want a more physically challenging and complete experience of the trail.

For anyone who finds the transportation logistics overwhelming, or who is visiting from Sorrento or Naples, a guided tour is the most hassle-free option. Transportation is included, which eliminates the bus connections and timing stress entirely. Tours range from large group options to small group and private experiences. For the best experience, we recommend a private tour or a small group tour, and pay attention to group size when booking.

Tim on the Path of the Gods trail in the Amalfi Coast

View from the Path of the Gods

Path of the Gods Hike in Photos

Now that we got the logistics out of the way, we can finally talk about the good part…what it is like to hike the Path of the Gods. We took lots of photos along the trail, so you know exactly what to expect.

Lining Piazza Paola Capasso are several small restaurants, convenience stores, and even a hiking store. If you forgot your hiking poles or other important gear, you can buy those here. You can even get Path of the Gods socks!

Bomerano Shop

Shops in Bomerano

Path of the Gods Socks

On the southwest corner of the square, look for a cluster of trail signs. This is where the hike begins.

Path of the Gods Trail Sign at the trailhead

Trail signs in Bomerano

Path of the Gods Hike Start

This narrow street is the start of the Path of the Gods hike.

The trail heads downhill out of town, along a narrow, concrete path. It’s a mostly downhill walk until you reach the junction in the photo below. Follow signs for Sentiero degli Dei, trail #327.

Path of the Gods Hiking Sign

After an uphill walk along Via Sentiero Degli Dei, a paved road, you will arrive at the official trailhead for the Path of the Gods.

The walk from Bomerano to the official trail is 800 meters (0.5 miles) and takes about 15 minutes.

Path of the Gods Hike  Official Trailhead

This is the end of the road, Via Sentiero Degli Dei. Just beyond the car the official trail begins.

Once on the official trail, you will walk a mix of graded dirt and gravel trails, up and down large stone steps, and over rockier, uneven trails, over the course of the next few kilometers.

Here are the views from the first section of trail.

First View Path of the Gods

The first views from the Path of the Gods hike.

The View Back

Looking back towards Bomerano.

The View Back 2

Another view looking back towards Bomerano.

About 2 km into the hike, at Colle La Serra, you have a choice to make. At this junction, the main trail, trail #327, heads to the left. This is the more exposed trail, with dramatic views and a few cliff edges. This is the scenic route and the route we recommend, if you want to enjoy the spectacular views that the makes the Path of the Gods hike so famous.

However, if you have a fear of heights, it is best to take the trail to the right, trail #327a, towards Nocelle.

Our photos are from trail #327, the main trail.

Colle La Serra Path of the Gods

Trail junction at Colle La Serra.

Once you round the bend beyond the trail junction, the views really open up. For the next 2 km you are treated to breathtaking views along the Amalfi Coast.

On this section of trail, there are a few ups and downs, but nothing too strenuous. Take your time, enjoy the views, and take lots of photos. We loved this section of the Path of the Gods hike. Here are a few photos.

First Good View along the Path of the Gods
The Trail Path of the Gods
Path of the Gods Incline

Along this section of trail, there are a few short climbs. Some are up steps made of stone and others are rockier, like in the photo above.

Tim Rivenbark on the Path of the Gods trail, showing the cliff edge

This photo gives you an idea of how close the trail runs along the edge of the cliff.

Praiano View

Looking down onto Praiano and Amalfi Drive.

Path of the Gods Photos

Looking back along the trail.

Tim on Sentiero degli Dei with the Sorrentine Peninsula in the distance
Positano and the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast
Path of the Gods Scenery
Incline on the Path of the Gods Trail

Once the two trails rejoin (#327 and #327a), there are still a few brief sections of trail with some exposure.

Amalfi Coast Hike
How to Hike Path of the Gods
Amalfi Coast view from the Path of the Gods

Towards the final third of the Path of the Gods trail, you start to head in and out of the forest. You lose some of the wonderful views, but if it is a hot day, the shade provides a nice break from the heat.

Woods Trail on the Path of the Gods

The Path of the Gods trail ends in Nocelle. There are a few small restaurants in this hillside hamlet. We stopped at the very first one, Il Chiosco del Sentiero degli Dei, and had a lemon granita, which is a lemon slush. They also serve cold drinks, coffee, sandwiches, and salads. From their seating area, you have more great views along the coast.

Entering Nocelle

Entering Nocelle

Nocelle Cafe
Lemon Granita
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Now that you are in Nocelle, you have several options to get back to your home base on the Amalfi Coast. For some people, that means retracing your steps back to Bomerano, if you parked here.

From Nocelle, you can take the SITA bus to Positano. Here is the bus schedule.

It is also possible to call a taxi. This number was posted at the end of the hiking trail: 3392013482.

From Nocelle, you can also continue the walk into Positano. There are two ways to do this.

The quickest way on foot back to Positano (and there’s a good chance you’ll beat the bus, too) is to walk the 1,792 steps from Nocelle to Amalfi Drive (the main road that runs along the Amalfi Coast) and then walk about 1 km to Positano. It took us about 20 minutes to descend the stairs and another 15 minutes to walk into Positano.

To get to the stairs, walk Frazione Nocella down to the square in front of the Santa Croce Church (Chiesa di Santa Croce). The massive stair descent starts at this square. There are very few flat sections along the long lines of steps and occasionally you get views along the coastline. Most of this part of the walk is in a forest so again, you get a break from the hot sun.

Nocelle

Nocelle

It is roughly a 1 km walk through Nocelle and down the stairs to Amalfi Drive and another 1 km, mostly flat walk to the eastern end of Positano. Depending on where you are staying or going next in Positano, it could be another 1 km of walking.

Nocelle Steps View

Occasionally there will be breaks in the trees and you can look out at the Amalfi coastline.

Nocelle Stairs

The steps

End of Nocelle Stairs on Amalfi Drive

The bottom of the steps and Amalfi Drive

The view of Positano from Amalfi Drive

The view of Positano from Amalfi Drive.

For a longer, more gradual walk (and to skip the knee crushing descent), walk from Nocelle to Montepertuso to Positano.

We walked about a kilometer of this, so we could provide some info on both routes. This first part of the walk is a paved trail, mostly in the woods, that goes up and down flights of stairs. There isn’t much of a view, since you are in the trees, but there is some shelter from the sun.

In Nocelle, follow signs to Montepertuso and Positano. You will pass the turn off for the bus stop and continue the walk along the paved trail to Montepertuso.

Montepertuso Sign

For the longer route to Positano, follow signs for Montepertuso/Positano.

Nocelle Bus Stop Stairs

The bus stop is located up the stairs. The trail to Positano continues to the left of the stairs.

Nocelle to Montepertuso Trail

Trail to Montepertuso

Once you get to Montepertuso, you will start the descent into Positano.

This walk is 3.5 km one-way, starts off flat and then gradually descends into Positano. This takes 1 to 1.5 hours.

Additional Information & Helpful Tips

Best Time of Day to Hike Path of the Gods: The morning, ideally starting by 10 am or earlier. By starting early in the day, you get through most of the hike before the hotter afternoon temperatures. If you are here in the summer, I recommend starting by 8 am, because this trail will be HOT midday.

Best Time for Photography: Morning. In the morning, the sun behind you, which lights up the trail and makes the lighting perfect for photos. In the afternoon, you will be hiking towards the sun, which will make photography challenging.

Toilet: There are restaurants in Bomerano and Nocelle where you can use the bathroom.

Fear of Heights: If you have a fear of heights, there are a few sections where the trail runs along the edge of a cliff. However, this can be avoided by taking a different trail (#327a), which we discuss later in our Path of the Gods trail guide.

Emergency Number: If you have any emergencies along the hike, dial 118 and let the operator know your location, based on the number on the closest tile. These tiles have different numbers and they are located along the Path of the Gods trail.

Path of the Gods Emergency Number

Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.

What to Bring on the Hike

Hiking shoes or good walking/running shoes. Hiking shoes are ideal for this hike, since you will hike on a lot of uneven surfaces and up and down rocks that have been worn smooth and slippery from previous hikers. However, Tim and I did this in walking shoes. This was the only hike we had planned on this trip to Italy and we did not want to pack hiking shoes for just one short hike. We got by in our walking shoes and did fine, but hiking shoes would have made the hike easier and less slippery.

Water. Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person.

Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Parts of the trail is shaded, but there are long sections of the hike where the trail is fully exposed to the sun.

Hiking Gear Guide

Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike?

If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails.

5 Mistakes to Avoid on the Path of the Gods

The Path of the Gods is not a technically difficult hike, but poor planning can quickly turn it into a frustrating experience. Here are the most common mistakes we see (and how to avoid them).

It might seem logical to start in Positano, but this is one of the biggest mistakes.

This route is mostly uphill, often in full sun, and much more strenuous than expected. Most people enjoy this hike far more starting in Bomerano and walking downhill or flat.

Do this instead: Start in Bomerano and hike to Nocelle.

If you plan to hike all the way down to Positano, be prepared for 1,700+ steps at the end of the hike. After a few hours on the trail, this can feel surprisingly tough, especially in warm weather.

Good alternative: End in Nocelle and take the bus down.

There is very little shade along much of the trail. Even in October (when we hiked it), the sun can feel strong.

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.

This is one of the most famous hikes in Italy, and it shows. Expect midday crowds and large tour groups on the trail.

Tip: Start early for a quieter experience.

Cloudy or hazy days can limit the views that make this hike so special.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the Path of the Gods hike?

The Path of the Gods is rated easy to moderate, and for anyone with a reasonable fitness level it will feel closer to easy. The route from Bomerano to Nocelle is mostly downhill with no significant climbs, and the trail is well-marked throughout. That said, a few things catch people off guard: the terrain is uneven and rocky in sections, the sun exposure can be intense (particularly in summer), and if you continue on foot to Positano you’re looking at nearly 1,800 steps of descent, which will make your legs feel it the next day. Wear proper footwear, start early, and bring more water than you think you need, and you’ll be fine.

How long does it take to walk the Path of the Gods?

To walk the Path of the Gods trail, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours, so it is a relatively quick hike. However, getting to Bomerano (the starting point) and getting back to your starting point from Nocelle (the ending point of the trail) adds on more time. All of this can add up, making the entire experience about 5 hours, or half of a day.

When is the best time of year to do the Path of the Gods hike?

The Path of the Gods trail can be hiked all year. However, the best times to do this hike are in the spring (April through early June) and the fall (end of September through November). In the summer, expect blazing hot temperatures and high crowds midday. In the winter, you could experience cold weather, cloudy skies, and some rain, but crowds will be lowest at this time. We did this hike in mid-October, and the high temperature was 27°C (81°F), a little warmer than average for this time of year.

Do I need hiking shoes for the Path of the Gods hike?

Hiking shoes are not absolutely necessary for the Path of the Gods hike. We did this hike in a pair of good walking shoes, but the weather was dry. If it has been wet or raining, the rocks along the trail can get very slippery, which makes a lot easier to slip and fall or twist an ankle. Ideally, pack a pair of hiking shoes. If you don’t have any, keep an eye on the weather forecast and hike the Path of the Gods when the weather is dry.

Yes, but it requires an early start and careful planning. From Sorrento, you’ll need to get to Amalfi first, by SITA bus or ferry when services are running, and then connect to the Bomerano bus, adding up to two or more hours of travel each way. From Naples the journey is even longer, requiring a connection through either Sorrento or Amalfi before heading up to Bomerano. Factor in the hike itself plus the return journey and you’re looking at a very full day. For anyone making this trip from Sorrento or Naples, a guided tour that handles all transportation is worth serious consideration. It removes the logistics stress and ensures you actually make it to the trailhead on time.

Plan Your Amalfi Coast Trip

Still in the planning stages? Our Amalfi Coast itinerary walks you through how to structure your time on the coast, and our things to do on the Amalfi Coast covers the best experiences from end to end. If you haven’t decided where to base yourself yet, our where to stay on the Amalfi Coast guide breaks down the options town by town.

Getting to the trailhead is just one piece of the transportation puzzle on the Amalfi Coast. Our guide to the best way to get around the Amalfi Coast covers every option — bus, ferry, private driver, and car — so you can figure out what works best for your itinerary. If you’re thinking about renting a car, read our honest take on driving the Amalfi Coast first.

For everything else — from Rome to the Dolomites to Sicily — our Italy Travel Guide has you covered.


If you have any questions about how to hike the Path of the Gods, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below.

Continue exploring Italy, from the Amalfi Coast to Sicily and beyond.

Path of the Gods Hike on the Amalfi Coast, Italy. Step-by-step trail guide with photos and the best route.
Path of the Gods Hike Amalfi Coast Italy

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Julie

About Julie

Julie is the main author for Earth Trekkers. Hiker, foodie, wine aficionado, photographer, and triathlete, she loves discovering new places and turning those experiences into practical travel advice. Her work has been featured by National Geographic, Outside, and Matador Network. Julie’s mission is simple: to make travel planning easier and inspire you to visit new destinations with confidence.

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