Certain, I knew that the Path of the Gods — also referred to as Il Sentiero degli Dei — technically led to Positano; nonetheless, I had no concept what journey actually lay forward.
Lots of people tout the pathway as one of many prime lively Italy adventures and a must-do when climbing the Amalfi Coast.
And there’s a good cause for this. If you happen to’re researching issues to do within the Amalfi Coast, I’ll inform you, as somebody who has now skilled the Path of the Gods path for herself, it’s positively NOT overrated.
In truth, I’d go so far as to name it some of the lovely trails on this planet!
Whereas attempting to analysis easy methods to hike the Path of the Gods, my husband Andy and I discovered a plethora of knowledge on out there excursions, however probably not a step-by-step information with a private account of the expertise.
So, I made a decision to create one myself. Belief me; you received’t wish to miss including this to your Amalfi Coast itinerary — or perhaps a longer Italy highway journey route.
What Kind Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz!]
However first, earlier than we get into every little thing it’s good to know earlier than climbing the Path of the Gods, I wish to share a free persona quiz I believe you’ll love:
It’s referred to as “What sort of hiker are you?” and it’ll allow you to uncover your climbing persona.
Bonus:
Your outcomes additionally share path recommendations primarily based in your outcomes!
On that word, let’s dive into our unbelievable Amalfi Coast hike!
Path Of The Gods Map
To assist in giving you a lay of the land and perceive the place you’ll be climbing when doing the Path of the Gods, here’s a map:
It’s also possible to seize a map from AllTrails, an app with a wide range of options that can assist you plan out your hikes and keep protected on the path.
How To Get To The Path Of The Gods
You’ll discover the Path of the Gods trailhead in Bomerano, not removed from the bus cease.
What’s necessary to know if you happen to’re taking the bus is it’ll say “Agerola” or “Agerola (Bomerano).” I like to recommend both staying within the city of Amalfi or taking the scenic ferry there.
As soon as in Amalfi, seize the 25-minute bus to Bomerano.
Notice for clarification: The Amalfi Coast is made up of varied coastal cities, with Amalfi being considered one of these cities. Amalfi Coast is the area; Amalfi is a city throughout the area.
If you happen to’re driving you may merely plug Path of the Gods into Google Maps and it comes up. Click on right here to seize a pin of the free car parking zone proper close to the trailhead.
When you park, stroll and observe Google Maps — and the indicators for “Il Sentiero degli Dei” that start showing.
Signage tells you the place to search out the path
Mountain climbing Path Of The Gods: Path Starting
At first, this 5-mile hike feels very residential, as you go terraced farmland dotted with properties rising wine grapes, tomatoes, wheat and extra.
The panorama takes me again to years earlier than after I’d hiked the Longji Rice Terraces in China, with sloped hillside winding like a vibrant inexperienced snake.
Starting of the Path of the Gods path
Wine grapes alongside the path
On this starting part, it’s simple to neglect we’re on the coast, because it feels extra like Ecuadorian cloud forest than the Italian coast.
As we transfer farther alongside the path although, the view turns into extra layered, a number of hillsides saying hiya together with pockets of the glowing Gulf of Salerno and of Naples.
Path Of The Gods Historical past
We additionally go by way of the “Grotta del Biscotto,” the place deserted centuries-old stone homes sit embedded into the cliff.
Scents of thyme, laurel and rosemary waft by way of the air — typical crops of Agerola you’ll even discover within the native meals.
In line with the New York Instances, the Path of the Gods in Italy was “carved out by Greek settlers within the eighth century B.C. and later utilized by these dwelling in secluded monasteries.”
When it comes to the title, the Star Tribute notes the Path was given its title by Italian historian and politician Giustino Fortunato within the mid-1800s.
It stems from the attractive views of the glowing waters and the island of Capri, to not point out the mythological historical past.
Really, the story goes that gods got here down from heaven to the Path to achieve the ocean and its “sirens” that sang in an try to seduce Ulysses, the king of a small island within the Ionian sea (Ithaca).
Mountain climbing The Amalfi Coast: From Lush Inexperienced To Glowing Blue
Strolling the Path of the Gods, it’s simple to see why the gods might have chosen it to go to.
A steep roadway quickly results in one other ascent, Through Santa Domenica, with a number of spiritual odes like crosses and nativity scenes.
Lush timber alongside the Path of the Gods hike
The panorama is consistently altering
An eerie view alongside the Path of the Gods
I went into the trek understanding I’d see the water, although I had no concept simply how typically the panorama and views would change; generally barely, different instances dramatically.
Whereas one second I’m looking over gnarled brush, the subsequent the ocean is glowing with hillside rippling past it.
Then there could be lush inexperienced and scrumptious crops, adopted by a coated forest with a flooring coated in leaves or a shady cave.
All of a sudden, the Path turns cavernous
Turning one other nook, I is perhaps standing beside a monolith 5 instances my measurement, gazing out at a random tree that jogs my memory of the Dragons Bloods of Yemen.
I’m no botanist, however this jogged my memory of Yemen’s Dragon Blood Timber
Wildlife on the Path of the Gods path
In fact, when close to something with top my rock climber boyfriend Andy feels the necessity to ascend it. Really, there are mountaineering routes.
I attempted mountaineering in Croatia and cherished it, although trying on the rocky floor and steep drop-offs right here makes my palms sweat. Which jogs my memory:
Everytime you’re occurring a visit, and particularly if you’re weaving in journey, it’s very important to buy journey insurance coverage. Quickly the spotlight of the vista turns into the ocean, our endpoint of Positano in view.
So shut however to date, as we nonetheless have a couple of hours — and plenty of stairs — to go.
There are many stairs alongside the trek
Positano within the distance
Nonetheless, Positano’s attractive pastel-colored properties embedded into the terraced cliffside are attractive, and are sufficient motivation to propel us previous the uphill climbs.
There are additionally tiles with uplifting panels mounted onto the rock face.
Moreover, numbers depend down letting us know after we’ve accomplished one other kilometer; which is nice, as a result of there are 7.8 in whole! Or, if you happen to choose miles, the Path of the Gods distance is about 4.9 miles.
Indicators counting down the kilometers
Again into the woods
Path Of The Gods Amalfi Coast Is Not Straightforward
To be trustworthy, many of the path is flat, with sections of uneven stone steps. At no level am I gasping for breath, although I wouldn’t name it simple both.
What would possibly make you gasp are a number of the viewpoints positioned precariously near sheer drop-offs extending a half-mile down (learn: this isn’t for the vertigo-prone!).
I’m going out onto a couple of however keep far again sufficient to maintain vertigo at bay.
We see precariously positioned properties that appear just like the small fringe of earth mustn’t maintain them, and that the ledge ought to tumble down, nevertheless it stays robust.
I consider I can fly (don’t fear; probably not!)
A Seaside Showcase Of Resilient People
Always, Andy and I’m wondering if we’d be capable to dwell the best way these cliffside dwellers lived — and nonetheless do.
Rounding each nook a brand new, extra lovely Amalfi Coast view seems, which I can’t think about ever getting previous.
Homes on the hillside
Nevertheless, there’s no denying this was — and is — a resilient tradition.
Regardless of tough, uneven terrain, centuries of individuals have pushed ahead to make the land liveable.
Not solely that; however affluent too with vineyards, lemon groves and vegetable gardens seeming to dangle over the gulf. When they should journey, mules are used for transport.
Surprising Amalfi Coast Views Alongside The Method
However not all of the properties are occupied.
Whereas we knew we’d see attractive sea views on this Italy journey, we didn’t look forward to finding ruins with doorways that ominously invite us in.
Inside, piles of damaged wooden, I attempt to think about who might have inhabited these constructions and what they did inside.
What was apparent: whoever hung out on this house had an insane vista. I imply, simply take a look at this:
Would you reside on a precarious-looking cliff edge if you happen to had a shocking view?
Mountain climbing The Path Of The Gods In Italy
Up and up we climb, attending to nearer to the sky as we’re generally scrambling over boulders, different instances taking small steps up tree trunks-turned-stairs.
The upper we go towards the mushroom clouds, the extra patterns I see; not simply within the heavens, however within the winding paths beneath.
Wild shapes take type with outstretched branches and timber assembly the anchored yachts and day boats leisurely floating.
Vertigo-inducing viewpoint (there are various of those!)
Stopping for a bit of path yoga on the Path of the Gods, Italy
Whereas for some time we stroll below the solar, there are occasions after we’re fully shaded below timber, leaves protecting floor as soon as gowned in mud and rock.
Then, a chicken’s-eye view of Capri would seem.
As I take all of it in, I’m wondering if there are different Amalfi Coast issues to do this even remotely evaluate to this trek.
A Spritz Cease Alongside The Path
Again by way of the forest we climb, and again down the stone steps we descend.
Lastly, we come to a shaded space the place an lovable orange cat walks in entrance of what have to be 100+ cairns.
Cairns alongside the Path of the Gods path
Cute kitty alongside the path
Whereas I do know you shouldn’t make cairns — keep in mind when climbing to at all times depart no hint — I do snap a photograph to seize the awe-inspiring feeling.
Within the nonetheless quiet, it’s abundantly clear others have come earlier than me, some at the moment, some centuries in the past.
Curiously, in late August we’re virtually the one ones on the path.
At 463 meters excessive we attain the “Grotte,” the place we swap dust path for the rocky climb. Even higher, it’s solely 0.15 kilometers to Nocelle, which many hikers deal with as the tip of the trek.
At two hours in I’m ravenous and needing vitality.
Indicators directing us to Nocelle
Tough terrain alongside the Path of Gods hike
Fortunately, as we attain Nocelle a small restaurant constructed into the hillside — a stunning terrace jutting out over the vacancy — comes into view.
There’s no title on the door (I discover out by way of Fb check-in it’s referred to as Il Chiosco), however a chalkboard signal boasts mojitos, home made limoncello and, most significantly, Aperol Spritz.
Our sweaty our bodies and drained limbs don’t want coaxing. We stroll proper in, by way of a darkish room with three locals hanging out as if of their lounge.
They level to the terrace, and as we step out onto it our jaws actually drop.
A Spritz + a view alongside the Path of the Gods!
It helps that the Spritz’ and paninis we order are scrumptious; although, even when they hadn’t been this restaurant would have been a worthy cease.
Sitting on the sting, virtually dangling off the mountain, we sip and snack in silence, in awe of how small we really feel because the valley appears to swallow us up.
A Lengthy Method Down The Path Of The Gods
I’m so grateful to have stopped for the Spritz, as Andy and I quickly discover ourselves strolling down round 1500 steps (it’s someplace between 1000 and 1700, relying on who you ask).
If you happen to’re pondering “at the very least it wasn’t up 1,000 steps,” I want I had a video of how shaky my legs had been with every ahead descent.
Only a leisurely stroll down about 1500 steps. No biggie!
Mountain climbing alongside the Path of the Gods in Italy
Quickly, we discover ourselves jogging down, simply eager to get this final stretch completed with.
All of a sudden, although, we discover the indicators to Positano have disappeared, and we spill out into the city of Arienzo.
Huh?
After asking a couple of locals, we notice the trail doesn’t proceed as a trek, per say, however by strolling down the winding coastal Amalfi Drive.
!!!
You simply need to stroll down this lovely however precarious freeway to achieve Positano
The stunning however slender Amalfi Drive
Image a coastal area stuffed with NASCAR drivers with a demise want, bounding round hairpin turns. The sidewalks throughout this leg are tremendous skinny, so we should keep alert.
Whereas barely harrowing, it’s the best way of the coast, and the drivers, whereas seemingly loopy, are additionally seemingly conscious of pedestrians.
We breathe a sigh of reduction as we stroll onto a winding highway lined with upscale retailers and gluten-free cafes.
Posh Positano is attractive, and I really like window buying the distinctive clothes right here. Realistically, nonetheless, it’s virtually all out of my funds.
Isn’t Positano lovely?
One spot we fall in love with is Liquid Artwork, a gallery with uber-inspiring items that trick your imaginative and prescient.
Paper flowers poke out from the wall, airbrushed hues of purple reworking to inexperienced as I tilt my head to the fitting in entrance of them.
Three ballerinas start dancing as I stroll by, and a person crafted from marble seems to be breaking by way of a gallery wall, solely choose limbs in movement seen.
Subsequent door, their sculpture backyard presents an al fresco expertise, and we proceed having fun with the solar by strolling to the seaside.
Now, a day at Arienzo Seashore Membership is at all times welcome; however think about how good the Tyrrhenian Sea waters really feel on pores and skin that’s simply trekked up and down a mountain for 3 hours.
We aren’t merely having fun with a seaside; we earned this seaside, and we savor each minute of the swim. It’s positively a spotlight of our time touring in Italy.
Leaving Positano: A New View
We skip the bus and as a substitute select to take the scenic ferry for 8 Euros again to Amalfi.
Conveniently, a takeaway cocktail stand sits simply in entrance of the ferry dock.
Aperol Spritz’ in hand, we board the ferry and sit on its higher deck throughout the 25-minute experience to the city of Amalfi.
Spritz iPhone selfie on the ferry after climbing the Path of the Gods
Whereas the Path of the Gods supplied a stunning view looking onto the ocean and down the cliffside, the ferry permits us to essentially take within the problem we’ve simply completed.
My drained muscle tissue inform what I’d achieved strolling the Path of the Gods, however gazing out over the mountain, the elevated terraced slopes in view, I really feel each pleased with myself for my accomplishment and grateful for the chance to perform it.
If you happen to love lively journey on a funds — we spent about $20 USD for a big salami and cheese panini and two cocktails + about $18 USD for 2 ferry tickets — then you definitely received’t wish to miss this unbelievable hike.