I see my path, however I don’t know the place it leads. Not understanding the place I’m going is what conjures up me to journey it. – Rosalia de Castro
Positive, I knew that the Path of the Gods — often known as Il Sentiero degli Dei — technically led to Positano; nevertheless, I had no thought what journey really lay forward.
Lots of people tout the pathway as one of many high energetic Italy adventures and a must-do when mountaineering the Amalfi Coast.
And there’s a good cause for this. When you’re researching issues to do within the Amalfi Coast, I’ll let you know, as somebody who has now skilled the Path of the Gods path for herself, it’s positively NOT overrated.
In reality, I’d go so far as to name it some of the stunning trails on the planet!
Whereas attempting to analysis tips on how 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 street journey route.
Path Of The Gods Map
To assist in giving you a lay of the land and perceive the place you’ll be mountaineering when doing the Path of the Gods, here’s a map:
You can too click on right here for an interactive map.
You can too seize a map from AllTrails, an app with quite a lot of options that will help you plan out your hikes and keep secure 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 in case you’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.
Be aware for clarification: The Amalfi Coast is made up of assorted coastal cities, with Amalfi being one in every of these cities. Amalfi Coast is the area; Amalfi is a city inside the area.
When you’re driving you possibly can 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 comply with Google Maps — and the indicators for “Il Sentiero degli Dei” that start showing.
Mountaineering Path Of The Gods: Path Starting
At first, this 5-mile hike feels very residential, as you move 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.
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 howdy together with pockets of the glowing Gulf of Salerno and of Naples.
Path Of The Gods Historical past
We additionally move via the “Grotta del Biscotto,” the place deserted centuries-old stone homes sit embedded into the cliff.
Scents of thyme, laurel and rosemary waft via the air — typical crops of Agerola you’ll even discover within the native meals.
In line with the New York Occasions, 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.”
By way of the identify, 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 beautiful views of the glowing waters and the island of Capri, to not point out the mythological historical past.
Truly, the story goes that gods got here down from heaven to the Path to succeed in the ocean and its “sirens” that sang in an try and seduce Ulysses, the king of a small island within the Ionian sea (Ithaca).
Mountaineering The Amalfi Coast: From Lush Inexperienced To Glowing Blue
Strolling the Path of the Gods, it’s simple to see why the gods could have chosen it to go to.
A steep roadway quickly results in one other ascent, By way of Santa Domenica, with a number of non secular odes like crosses and nativity scenes.
I went into the trek understanding I’d see the water, although I had no thought simply how typically the panorama and views would change; generally barely, different occasions dramatically.
Whereas one second I’m searching over gnarled brush, the subsequent the ocean is glowing with hillside rippling past it.
Then there can be lush inexperienced and scrumptious crops, adopted by a lined forest with a ground coated in leaves or a shady cave.
Turning one other nook, I could be standing beside a monolith 5 occasions my dimension, gazing out at a random tree that jogs my memory of the Dragons Bloods of Yemen.
In fact, when close to something with peak my rock climber boyfriend Andy feels the necessity to ascend it. Truly, there are mountaineering routes.
I attempted mountaineering in Croatia and liked 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 once you’re weaving in journey, it’s 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 up to now, as we nonetheless have a couple of hours — and lots of stairs — to go.
Nonetheless, Positano’s beautiful pastel-colored properties embedded into the terraced cliffside are beautiful, 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 rely 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, in case you favor miles, the Path of the Gods distance is about 4.9 miles.
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 few of the viewpoints positioned precariously near sheer drop-offs extending a half-mile down (learn: this isn’t for the vertigo-prone!).
I am 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 shouldn’t maintain them, and that the ledge ought to tumble down, however it stays robust.
A Seaside Showcase Of Resilient People
Consistently, Andy and I’m wondering if we’d be capable to reside the best way these cliffside dwellers lived — and nonetheless do.
Rounding each nook a brand new, extra stunning Amalfi Coast view seems, which I can’t think about ever getting outdated.
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.
Sudden Amalfi Coast Views Alongside The Means
However not all of the properties are occupied.
Whereas we knew we’d see beautiful 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 could have inhabited these constructions and what they did inside.
What was apparent: whoever frolicked on this house had an insane vista. I imply, simply take a look at this:
Up and up we climb, attending to nearer to the sky as we’re generally scrambling over boulders, different occasions 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 under.
Wild shapes take type with outstretched branches and bushes assembly the anchored yachts and day boats leisurely floating.
Whereas for some time we stroll underneath the solar, there are occasions after we’re utterly shaded underneath bushes, 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 try this even remotely examine to this trek.
A Spritz Cease Alongside The Path
Again via 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 should be 100+ cairns.
Whereas I do know you shouldn’t make cairns — bear in mind when mountaineering to all the time 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 as we speak, 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 grime 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 power.
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 identify on the door (I discover out via Fb check-in it’s known as Il Chiosco), however a chalkboard signal boasts mojitos, selfmade limoncello and, most significantly, Aperol Spritz.
Our sweaty our bodies and drained limbs don’t want coaxing. We stroll proper in, via 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.
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 Means 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).
When you’re considering “at the 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.
Quickly, we discover ourselves jogging down, simply eager to get this final stretch completed with.
Out of the blue, 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.
!!!
Image a coastal area filled 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 aid as we stroll onto a winding street lined with upscale retailers and gluten-free cafes.
Posh Positano is beautiful, and I really like window procuring the distinctive clothes right here. Realistically, nevertheless, it’s virtually all out of my finances.
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 remodeling to inexperienced as I tilt my head to the correct in entrance of them.
Three ballerinas start dancing as I stroll by, and a person crafted from marble seems to be breaking via a gallery wall, solely choose limbs in movement seen.
Subsequent door, their sculpture backyard gives an al fresco expertise, and we proceed having fun with the solar by strolling to the seashore.
Now, a day at Arienzo Seashore Membership is all the time 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 seashore; we earned this seashore, 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 an alternative 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 through the 25-minute trip to the city of Amalfi.
Whereas the Path of the Gods supplied a stunning view searching onto the ocean and down the cliffside, the ferry permits us to essentially take within the problem we’ve simply achieved.
My drained muscle mass 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.
When you love energetic journey on a finances — 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 unimaginable hike.
Reserving A Public Or Personal Tour For The Path Of The Gods
Whether or not you’re touring solo in Italy and would like to hike in a bunch otherwise you merely get pleasure from exploring with a neighborhood information, there are a selection of personal and public tour choices, like:
- Path of the Gods Mountaineering Tour from Sorrento
- Pompeii Amalfi and Positano Personal Tour
- Climbing Expertise – The Path Of The Gods
- Half-Day Personal Amalfi Coast Path of the Gods Hike with Lunch from Pianillo
Click on right here for a full listing of Path of the Gods excursions.
How To Hike The Path Of The Gods: Incessantly Requested Questions
Q) How lengthy does it take to stroll the Path of the Gods?
The Path of the Gods hike is about 5 miles lengthy. It is going to take you about one-and-a-half to 2 hours, and probably a bit longer in case you cease for lunch or a drink. It might probably simply be hiked in half a day. Simply be certain to put on correct mountaineering attire!
Q) Why is it known as the Path of the Gods?
The Path of the Gods was named by Italian historian and politician Giustino Fortunato within the mid-Nineteenth century, who was impressed by the hike’s stunning views and mythological historical past.
It’s stated that gods got here down from heaven to the Path to succeed in the ocean and its “sirens” that sang in an try and seduce Ulysses, the king of a small island within the Ionian sea (Ithaca).
Q) Is the Path of the Gods value it?
The Path of the Gods is unquestionably value it in case you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast. In reality, in case you like mountaineering and energetic adventures it’s really useful to place this on the very high of your itinerary.
Q) How do I get to the Path of the Gods from Praiano?
From Praiano, it’s about an hour drive to Bomerano, the place you can begin the hike.
You can too take the bus to Agerola-Bomerano, which has a switch in Roma and takes about one hour and 47 minutes whole.
Q) How do I get from Naples to the Path of the Gods?
From Naples, the drive to Bomerano takes about one hour. You can too take a bus from Porta Nolana station in Naples. You’ll then get off at Napoli Garibaldi and stroll lower than 5 minutes to Ferraris Galileo for the bus to Agerola-Bomerano.
The journey takes about two hours in whole.
Q) What are the highest issues to do within the Amalfi Coast?
Mountaineering the Amalfi Coast, particularly doing the Path of the Gods, will introduce you to a few of the vacation spot’s most spectacular views.
Moreover, don’t miss having fun with the seashores, wandering the charming cities, and visiting close by islands — like Ischia, the place there are lots of issues to do.
Q) Is the Path of the Gods harmful?
No, the Path of the Gods isn’t harmful. It’s a average hike that most individuals can full. Nevertheless, keep away from this hike throughout moist and wet days.
Italy Journey Insurance coverage
Whilst you hope every little thing runs easily, generally journey simply doesn’t go in response to plan.
That is why I like to recommend all the time buying journey insurance coverage. The scary reality is it solely takes one dangerous accident to lose every little thing — or be grateful you had been lined.
Personally, I exploit SafetyWing, as they’ve received a big community, supply each short-term and long-term protection (together with restricted protection in your house nation), are budget-friendly, and supply $250,000 value of protection with only one low general deductible of $250.
Click on right here to cost out journey insurance coverage in your journey in just some clicks.
Locations To Keep In The Amalfi Coast
On the lookout for lodging close to the Hike of the Gods?
Click on right here for a listing of Amalfi Coast lodges!
Favor self-contained stays?
Click on right here to take a look at distinctive native leases!
You can too use this map to seek for native stays:
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