Located on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, high above the towns of Positano and Praiano is the Path of the Gods or “Il Sentiero degli Dei” in Italian. Legend has it that this is the path walked by the Greek gods in order to save Ulysses from the sirens who lived in nearby Li Galli.
The Path of the Gods is now a famous hiking route popular amongst both locals and tourists and one that you won’t want to miss if you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast or plan on walking Italy.
The Route
The main section of this famous hiking route is a 6.5 km (4 mile) stretch between the Italian villages of Bomerano and Nocelle. The route offers stunning views of the sea and coastal towns below and as it’s a relatively flat route, it’s suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit.
You can also start or finish the route in Praiano (which is below Bomerano) or Positano (located below Nocelle), however, it should be noted that this will increase the time and difficulty of the route, as the towns are connected to the route by a steep staircase of over 1,500 steps!
Places to Stay and Things to Do
As a popular tourist destination, there’s no shortage of places to stay on the Amalfi Coast, with accommodations ranging from luxury hotels through to vacation rentals. During your stay, you can experience the mouthwatering local cuisine, including fresh seafood and pizza as well as delicious wine and cocktails.
In addition to hiking the Path of the Gods, there are plenty of other things to see and do during your trip. You can visit the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta in Positano, a beautiful domed church dating back to the 10th century! There are also many museums, art galleries and gardens to explore.
You could take a boat out and view the breathtaking coastline from the water and you can even sail to Li Galli, made famous by Homer’s Odyssey or visit Fiordo di Furore, Italy’s only fjord, which is located between Praiano and Ravello.
Making the Most of Your Visit
The best time to hike the Path of the Gods is from late spring to early autumn, though you need to be aware that it gets very crowded during peak tourist season, which runs from May through September. Avoiding weekends and public holidays can also ensure you have a more peaceful hike.
It’s recommended that you hike the trail during the morning, to avoid the hottest hours of the day and be sure to pack sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses. You should also take a water bottle, which you can refill from taps along the route, near Praiano, Nocelle and Bomerano. The Path of the Gods is quite uneven and rocky, so wear comfortable shoes. There are markers to help you follow the trail, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost and can focus your attention on the spectacular views!
