How To Hike The Amalfi Coast's Path Of The Gods

Running for 8km (5mi) along ancient mule routes, through hillside villages, and serving up heart-stopping views of the Amalfi Coast, the Path of the Gods is Italy’s ultimate hiking route.

The Path of the Gods has been a popular walking route for centuries, and it’s not hard to see why. Winding along crumbling cliff sides, not only do you get some of the best views of the Amalfi Coast, you get them free from the usual tourist crowds. Follow our guide and you’ll be set for this once-in-a-lifetime hiking excursion.

Embark on an epic adventure in southern Italy by joining Culture Trip’s expertly curated 10-day trip. You’ll cruise the Amalfi Coast, sample street food in Naples and explore the Itria Valley by e-bike.

Know where to start

Follow the red-and-white signs to successfully navigate the Path of the Gods

You can also start your journey at Praiano, although this requires you to ascend a large staircase to access the trailhead. Follow the red-and-white direction signs; you’ll take an entry path with views of the Convent of San Domenico.

First research which is the best access point for you, and get yourself there, either in a car (if you have one) or by public transport. Also remember to bring the right equipment such as comfortable, non-slip hiking boots, and a bottle of water to keep you hydrated in the persistent sun.

If you’re looking for a shorter getaway on the southern shores of Italy then how about our four-day Italian Coastal Adventure, taking in the street food of Naples and two jewel-like islands nearby.

Absorb the scenery

Pack carefully before your Amalfi Coast hike; a bottle of water is essential

Along your trek you will encounter different terrains, and you’ll see the scenery evolve from tiered hills rich with shrubbery and crops, lending a local and domesticated feel, into grand displays of the Mediterranean Sea surrounded by tall trees and bushes.

You may think you’ve got lost in a maze of agriculture and forestry, and forget you are walking among the misty clouds that hang above the shimmering Mediterranean. Suddenly, your surroundings will open up like grand curtains to reveal numerous cliff faces and hillsides with dazzling views of the ocean and beaches below.

Along your trek you will encounter different terrains and meet some of the residents

You will be taken on a course that goes up and down, edges on great cliff sides and varies in difficulty. The path gets slightly more challenging as it passes through Vallone Grarelle, before you reach the northern town of Nocelle, near Positano, where the trail ends.

Discover the lore of the gods

This area is shrouded in storied legends of gods

As you hike through this diverse topography, you will eventually come across different locales and artefacts that are reminiscent of the ancient peoples who used to traverse this area. You will enter a mythical arena littered with clandestine caves and carved stone abodes said to have been used by early travellers and settlers. It’s shrouded in legends of gods descending to the shores to meet the singing sirens who resided there.

Along the path you will experience what life may have been like travelling from small village to small village in the mid-1800s. Smell the fresh air perfumed with local plants and get lost in the immaculate view of islands and sea that unfurl before you.

Replenish with lunch

The Path of the Gods can take anything from three to five hours to complete, so it’s a good idea to pack nourishment for the road. Bring a light lunch from one of the local cafes, or make a pit stop for food on the way. A few restaurants are tucked into the scenery as you get nearer to Nocello.

Revel in your destination

This route offers magnificent views of the Amalfi Coast

The resplendent hike ends in Nocello, where you can either take a bus down the winding road along the coast or descend a 1,500-step staircase that leads to the village of Arienzo. Although it is a steep plunge, this route offers some magnificent views.

Now you can explore the northern sector of Positano. Stop in for one of the classic Italian aperitifs and discover the colours of the streets that stretch up the mountainside. Go shopping in this stylish part of town, or cool down with a scoop of gelato.

After relaxing post-hike and soaking up the vibrant life of this area, you can easily catch a bus or ferry back to wherever you are staying along the Amalfi Coast. Both of these options will provide breath-taking views on your way home. The Path of the Gods lives up to the name and is worthy of one of your days while visiting this exquisite part of Italy.

Looking for more recommendations? Here are some of the best things to do, or if you’d rather relax, enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at one of the best bars in town before digging into a sumptuous meal at one of the best restaurants on the Amalfi Coast.

Browse our full collection of trips in Italy, including Epic Trips in Northern Italy and Sicily, or Mini Trips in Venice and Puglia.

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