The best-known walk of the Amalfi Coast follows a ledge path from Bomerano high above the sea, passing terraces and caves with views of Capri, the Li Galli islets and Positano. The path continues from Nocelle down stone steps to Positano. The Sorrento side of the hike is the transfer: a coast road and ferry leg of 1-2 hours each way.
The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is the best-known walk on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, following a ledge path high above the sea along the southern flank of the Monti Lattari. The usual route starts at Bomerano, a hamlet of Agerola, near Piazza Paolo Capasso, and ends in Positano. From Sorrento, the trailhead is reached by ferry or SITA coast bus to Amalfi, then the SITA bus from Piazza Flavio Gioia to Bomerano, which takes about 40 minutes. From April to October a Travelmar shuttle also runs from Amalfi to Piazza Capasso, timed to ferry arrivals. No permit is required and no parking is needed for the one-way route, since the return is made by ferry or bus from Positano.
The route covers about 7.8 km from Bomerano to Positano, or roughly 6.5 km to Nocelle alone, and takes around 3 to 5 hours depending on pace and stops. CAI route data lists about 450 m of ascent and 1,000 m of descent, so the walk is net downhill and finishes at sea level. The surface is a mix of old mule track, dirt, loose stone, and in the final section steep stone steps. Exposure is moderate: the path runs along open terraces and cliff edges with drops on the seaward side, though it is generally wide and well worn. Shade is limited, with long open stretches, so the walk is hot in summer.
Key landmarks include the terraced slopes above Bomerano, caves and rock overhangs along the ledge, and long views toward Capri, the Li Galli islets, and Positano. The path reaches the hill hamlet of Nocelle, which has small cafes and is the only dependable place to refill water or buy a drink. Nocelle is also the natural turn-around or bail-out point, since a local bus connects it with Positano. Walkers who continue descend the stone staircase of roughly 1,500 steps to Positano.
There are no refuge huts on the route. Equipment guidance includes shoes with good grip, 1.5 to 2 litres of water, a sun hat, sunscreen, cash in euros for cafes and bus tickets, and an offline map or the CAI GPX track, since mobile signal can drop. The Sorrento side of the day is mainly transfer time, with the coast road and ferry legs each taking one to two hours. Spring and autumn offer the clearest air and the most comfortable temperatures.
| Distance | About 7.8 km (4.8 miles) from Bomerano to Positano; some guides give about 6.5 km (4 miles) for Bomerano to Nocelle alone |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 3 hours (one guide) to 3.5-5 hours (another) including the descent to Positano; Bomerano to Nocelle alone is roughly 2 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Best season | April-June and September-October; July-August are very hot and crowded, winter is possible on clear days but paths can be wet |
| Address | Trailhead: Via Sentiero degli Dei, Bomerano, 80051 Agerola NA (near Piazza Paolo Capasso) |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Agerola (Bomerano) to Nocelle and Positano, Amalfi Coast
What to bring
- Hiking shoes or trainers with grip (uneven stone and loose steps)
- 1.5-2 L water per person (refills only at small cafes in Nocelle)
- Sun hat and sunscreen (long open sections)
- Light rain jacket in spring and autumn
- Cash in EUR for the cafe in Nocelle and bus tickets
- Offline map or the CAI trail GPX (mobile signal can drop)
Location
Trailhead: Via Sentiero degli Dei, Bomerano, 80051 Agerola NA (near Piazza Paolo Capasso)
40.6285, 14.5393 View on map
Highlights
- Ledge path above the Amalfi Coast with views of Capri and the Li Galli islets
- Terraced slopes, caves and rock overhangs between Bomerano and Nocelle
- Refreshment stop in the hill hamlet of Nocelle
- Stone-step descent finishing at the beach front of Positano
Tips for visiting
- Start early, ideally before 09:00, to avoid heat and crowds on the open sections
- Buy SITA bus tickets before boarding; fares are reported at EUR 1.30-2.20
- Carry 1.5-2 L of water, as refills are only available in Nocelle
- Check ferry and bus return times from Positano before starting the descent
- Nocelle is the bail-out point: a local bus runs from there to Positano
- Wear shoes with grip, as loose stone and steps are slippery when wet
When to visit
April-June and September-October offer the best conditions, with morning starts avoiding heat and crowds. July-August are very hot and busy.
Accessibility
The path is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, as it has uneven stone, narrow sections and a long staircase near Positano. Walkers with limited mobility may find the Bomerano to Nocelle section manageable only with steady footing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Path of the Gods take?
Bomerano to Nocelle takes roughly 2 hours, and the full route to Positano takes about 3 to 5 hours including the descent. The distance is about 7.8 km.
Is the Path of the Gods difficult?
It is rated moderate. The walk is mostly downhill with about 450 m of ascent and 1,000 m of descent, but it has uneven stone, some exposure and about 1,500 steps at the end.
How do hikers reach Bomerano from Sorrento?
Take a ferry or SITA coast bus to Amalfi, then the SITA bus from Piazza Flavio Gioia to Bomerano, about 40 minutes. In season a Travelmar shuttle also serves Piazza Capasso in Agerola.
Is there water on the trail?
Water is only reliably available at the small cafes in Nocelle. Hikers should carry 1.5-2 litres per person from the start.