Hiking The Path of the Gods: Praiano to Positano

The Path of the Gods is one of the most popular hiking routes along Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast. The hike, also referred to as Sentiero degil Dei, is a point to point trail that hugs the coastline, providing views of breathtaking vistas, rugged cliffs, and terraced vineyards.

This public transit friendly trail connects many of the smaller towns along the coast and is rich is history. This comprehensive guide from Praiano to Positano will outline transport options, various routes, and helpful tips along the way.

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Path of the Gods Trail Information

• Distance: 11.2km
• Elevation Gain: ~500m
• Trail Type: Point to Point
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Washroom Facilities: In Nocelle near viewpoint Belvedere di Santa Croce 

Note: map shows route from Bomerano. Start this route from Praiano

Alternative Routes: The Classic Route

The classic Path of the Gods trail starts in Bomerano (near Agerola) and ends around Nocelle. Most people get a taxi from Nocelle and make their way down to Positano. This 8km point to point hike is mostly downhill and considered easy/moderate. There are of course multiple extensions to add to this hike, all varying in degrees of difficulty.

At the time of hiking, the road to Bomerano was not accessible. This hiking guide will cover how to connect to the Classic Route from Praiano and continue all the way to Positano by foot.

Path of the Gods Hiking Tours

If the idea of sorting out the logistics still causes you anxiety or if you are only visiting for one day, I’d recommend booking a guided tour from Sorrento or surrounding areas.

The Amalfi Coast and Path of the Gods trail has a rich history, that would otherwise be missed without a knowledgeable guide. Tours can range from a few hours to an entire day.

BOOK YOUR HIKING TOUR HERE

The Best Time to Hike the Path of The Gods

The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast and hike the Path of the Gods is during the early spring (March to May) and autumn (September to early October). Temperatures will hover around 15-20 degrees Celsius, making for an enjoyable hiking experience. Keep in mind, some services (ferries and buses) may not run as frequently in the early spring.

While the summer months of June to August can provide endless sunshine and swimming opportunities, this time of year tends to be crowded, overpriced and hot for hiking.

I visited the Amalfi Coast in late March and had pleasant temperatures and sunshine throughout.

How To Get to PRAIANO FROM AMALFI

The seaside town of Amalfi is the perfect place to base yourself for this hike. Conveniently located along the coast, Amalfi is the transport hub that connects all the smaller and larger towns together.

Buses run frequently from Amalfi to Salerno, Sorrento, and everywhere in between. The main bus stop is in the town square near the ferries (Comune Di Amalfi) on Via Lungomare dei Cavalieri.

Bus tickets can be purchased at Tabacchi shops. There is one located across the roundabout in the Piazza Flavio Gioia square.

I highly recommend buying return tickets at the time of purchase, as the shops hours are sporadic. Many times, in the late afternoon I encountered closed shops. I was able to buy a return ticket on one bus, but I do not think it’s a common practice.

• Bus Route: Amalfi-Positano-Sorrento SITA SUD
• Price: 1.30 EUR
• Duration: 25 minutes
• Bus Stop: #7 Praiano, SS 163 (Junction Vettica)

Bus Schedule

Finding the Path of the Gods Trailhead

Trail markers are far and few on this route. After getting off at the main bus stop #7 in Praiano you will have the option of heading to the trailhead in either direction.

OPTION 1: If you are facing the bus stop,  there is a sign (on the right hand side) indicating “Sentiero degil Dei” that travels up Via Guglielmo Macroni. The trailhead can be found 900 meters from the bus stop across from Locanda degli Dei, on Via Costantinopoli.

It will eventually lead you up the cliffside, before reconnecting with the original classic route from Bomerano. I did not choose this route as it added additional elevation and length.

OPTION 2: Facing the bus stop, head left up Via Gennaro) for 50 meters. There will be a few shops including Ceramiche da Mario. Beside this store is a hidden staircase (Via Francesco Russo) that will lead to the trailhead, eventually re connecting to the Bomerano path.

I chose this route, as it involved hiking on less roads with traffic and had a slightly lower elevation gain.

The CLIMB from Praiano to Nocelle

The gradual climb begins through the backstreets of Praiano for 550 meters. Turn left onto Via Costaninopoli and follow the route to Via Croce. From here, the path will leave the neighborhood and begin the steep ascent through a series of stone staircases.

This climb continues for 3km and gains over 400 meters in elevation. This is by far the most difficult part of the route, but luckily most of it is shaded.

Around 2.5km, the path will lead past Convent of San Domenico. This church is an excellent spot to enjoy the beautiful views and rest your legs.

From the church, you will be able to see where you need to go to reconnect to the original route at the top of the exposed ridge. The path however is not the clearest and you may have to venture slightly off trail to reconnect. The terrain will become rockier and steeper in sections. Once on the classic trail, the route becomes much easier to navigate.

The rocky ridgeline provides excellent views of the Gulf of Salerno and is fully exposed to the elements. As you proceed further, views of the pastel-coloured town of Positano will become visible in the distance. The beach in the distance is the final stop on this hike and is worth the challenging ascent and descent.

The trail will continue to walk along the ridge and skip back and forth into some small, wooded areas. Before long, the path will lead to the hamlet of Nocelle. There are several fountains to refill your water throughout the hamlet as you proceed through the trail.

If you want something other than water, I suggest heading down towards Chiesa di Santa Croce. Beside this church, there are washrooms, a viewpoint and a delicious lemon stand selling orange/lemon smoothies. Turn left down Frazione Nocella to access this area.

The Descent from Nocelle to Positano

Reconnect with the path and continue your journey out of the hamlet and towards Montepertuso. The trail will follow the road for approximately 2.5km, so be cautious of drivers and buses. Pass by the soccer stadium and continue down the roadway towards Positano.

These roadways will connect to footpaths as you descend another series of stone staircases into the heart of Positano. This area can be a little confusing to navigate, as the trail leads you further down narrow staircases through neighborhoods. Walk through the tourist quarter, before ending at the final location, Positano Spiaggia.

This location is famous for its rocky pebbled beach, pastel tiered homes, and stunning views. Grab some much-needed food and rest your feet on the beach.

Where to Stay in Positano

Positano has no shortage of accommodations to choose from, if you decide to end your journey there. However, unlike Amalfi, it is more difficult to find affordable options. Prices will take a drop in the off season.

Luxury Hotel Options

Hotel Eden Roc Suites: Located 100m from the beach, this luxurious hotel offers a Turkish spa, pool, bathrobes, and picturesque views-CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Hotel Casa Albertina: Located a short 10 minute walk from the beach, this hotel has a terrace overlooking the sea. Features include: WiFi, air-conditioning, and continental breakast- CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Medium Priced Hotel Options

Casa Roberta: This apartment features free onsite parking, is located 600m away from the beach, and has a fully equipped kitchen-CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Casa Fortunata: This quaint bed and breakfast offers WiFi, beautiful sea views, and is close to bus stops-CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

What to do in Positano

Positano sees a surplus of tourists each year, and it’s no surprise. With its pastel-coloured buildings and picturesque coast, there is plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained.

If your destination is Positano, enjoy the many wonders the small town as to offer, including shopping, fine dining, or basking on the famous beaches.

Boat tours to the neighbouring island of Capri is also a popular activity in the area. There are various options including both private and group tours.

BOOK YOUR BOAT TRIPS TO CAPRI ISLAND HERE

Returning to Amalfi from Positano

If you aren’t staying in Positano, there are two main ways of returning to Amalfi: ferry or bus.

By Ferry: The ferry terminal is located beside the beach (Positano Spiaggia), across from Hotel Covo dei Saraceni. Ferries run multiple times a day from April to October. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes.

Check ferry times here

By Bus: Unlike Amalfi, there is no bus terminal, but rather two bus stops : Chiesa Nuova and Sponda. My extensive research informed me that catching a bus at Sponda was significantly harder than Chiesa Nuova, as it’s crowded and at sea level. With this information, I headed up towards Chiesa Nuova. The endless climb rewards you with scenic views and (as promised), less people catching the bus.

Bus Route: Sorrento-Positano-Amalfi SITA SUD

• Price: 2.50 EUR
• Duration: 40-50 minutes
• Bus Stop: Positano (Chiesa Nuova)

Bus Schedule

Alternatively, you could also take a taxi back to Amalfi.

Further Exploring in the Amalfi Coast

If you extend your trip along the Amalfi Coast, make sure to check out the walk from Amalfi to Ravello or explore the Valle delle Ferriere.