The Path of the Gods: everything you need to know
The Amalfi Coast is a must for all hiking and trekking enthusiasts. There are a large number of mule tracks and splendid paths that reveal landscapes of extraordinary beauty. Among these, the most famous is undoubtedly the Sentiero degli Dei (Gods’ Path), considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. It hugs the cliffs overlooking the sea, amidst the scents of the Mediterranean maquis and with breathtaking views of the coastline. To walk in such a place, a stone’s throw from the sea and yet in the middle of the mountains, is a privilege that no hiker should miss.
The incredible itinerary, about 8 km long, can be covered in more or less four hours. It starts from Agerola, precisely from the hamlet of Bomerano, or Praiano, and ends in Nocelle, a small hamlet of Positano. It runs along a route that was for centuries the only link between the various urban agglomerations in the area, until the construction of the current coastal state road by the Bourbons. For years it was used exclusively as a mule track, and still today, fruit, vegetables and building materials are transported by mule along the route.
Why is it called this? According to legend, Greek gods passed through here to save Ulysses from the Sirens on the islands of Li Galli. In the Odyssey, it is said that the Greek hero had himself tied to the ship’s mast to resist the seductive song of the Sirens while his crew, their ears plugged with wax, steered the vessel out to sea. Concerned gods descended to Earth to prevent the ship from sinking, but made the mistake of landing and with their footsteps created what we now call the Path of the Gods. What is certain is that along the way you can enjoy a truly divine landscape. The writer Italo Calvino described it as ‘that road suspended over the magical gulf of the Sirens, still ploughed by memory and myth‘.
It is one of the most spectacular hikes you will ever make in your life, the beauty of which also lies in the absolute absence of the hand of man (the only human interventions are the protective barriers). From up here you can hear the sound of the sea in the distance, but the coast, with its fashionable and somewhat rowdy tourism, is a far cry. In addition to the various panoramic terraces from which one can admire (and photograph) enchanting views and panoramas, there are numerous historical-architectural and natural values. Along the route are scattered ancient rural buildings, which testify to the importance of this route in the past, and it is possible to contemplate all the typical features of the Mediterranean maquis. You can even meet shepherds and farmers where you can taste their delicious products, such as pecorino, caciotta and salami.
Not everyone knows that there are two equally scenic variants of the route to choose from. That is, it forks, at Colle la Serra, into two paths at different altitudes that, after a few kilometres, rejoin at Cannati: the ‘high‘ path, slightly more demanding due to the presence of many uphill stretches; and the ‘low‘ path, the most famous and famous, as well as the most suitable from the point of view of tradition to bear the name.
Although the Path of the Gods is accessible to anyone with decent physical fitness and some stamina, it should by no means be taken lightly. People who do not usually go to the mountains often walk it, without knowing that there are some challenging and exposed passages where you have to walk in single file (even if they are only a few hundred metres long). The important thing is to proceed with caution and follow the marked path, without venturing into unsafe areas.
The best times to walk the Path of the Gods? Definitely the spring and autumn months, when the days are long and you have many hours of daylight to finish the trail. Obviously, the trail can be walked all year round, but during the summer temperatures can be quite high, while in winter it is possible to find mudslides and small landslides. In any case, always consult the weather forecast before setting out. We also suggest that you leave in the morning, not too late, to enjoy the hike in peace.
As far as equipment is concerned, we recommend: hiking shoes or at least shoes with non-slip soles (slippers or sandals should be avoided at all costs), a rucksack for day hikes, comfortable hiking clothing, rain jacket, a hat with a visor or straw hat, sun cream, trekking poles, at least a one-litre water bottle (there are also a few fountains along the route where you can refill it) and a light packed lunch.
The starting point of the Sentiero degli Dei (Gods’ Path) can be reached by car or by Sita Sud Trasporti company bus, leaving from Amalfi (near Piazza Flavio Gioia). For the return journey, you can use the Sita bus service or the ferry (in both cases, once in Amalfi, take the shuttle bus to Bomerano).
