Path of the Gods: How to Hike the Sentiero degli Dei from Bomerano to Positano

Can a walk really be named after the gods? Once you see the photos of the Path of the Gods, I think you will understand why. The Sentiero degli Dei is an old mule track that runs along the mountainside high above the Amalfi Coast. On one side you have limestone cliffs, terraced vineyards and lemon groves. On the other side the sea drops away hundreds of metres below you, all the way to Positano and the island of Capri.

We haven't hiked this one yet, but it's high on our bucket list, so I've researched every detail for you. The classic route runs one way, from the mountain village of Bomerano in Agerola to Nocelle, a tiny hamlet above Positano. It is mostly downhill, which is great news for your legs. However, the hardest part comes at the very end, when you walk down around 1,700 steps to Positano!

There is a bit of planning involved with the buses, so I explain everything below. Are you ready for one of the most beautiful walks in Italy?

At a glance

• Distance: about 5.3–5.6 km from Bomerano to Nocelle. Add about 2 km of steps and road if you walk down to Positano, so around 7.5 km in total
• Elevation: only about 200–250 m of climbing, but around 750–800 m of descent if you finish in Positano
• Allow 2–3 hours from Bomerano to Nocelle, and 3–4 hours all the way to Positano, plus photo stops
• Difficulty: Moderate. The official grade is E (a normal hiking path), with rocky, uneven ground and some exposed sections
• Route type: Point to point (Bomerano → Nocelle → Positano), on trail CAI 327
• Start/finish: Piazza Paolo Capasso in Bomerano (Agerola) to Nocelle, then down to Positano
• Best season: April–June and September–October
• Prices: the trail is free. You only pay for the buses
• Toilets: only in the cafés and restaurants in Bomerano and Nocelle. There is nothing in between
• Dogs: allowed, but keep them on a lead. You may meet mules on the way

Route description

Bomerano to Colle La Serra

The walk starts in Piazza Paolo Capasso, the main square of Bomerano. Look for the signs for the Sentiero degli Dei and trail number 327. The path is waymarked with red and white CAI signs. From the square you walk through the village and past small fields before the path heads out along the hillside. It takes around 15 minutes to reach the start of the real trail.

Soon the views open up. You walk on a rocky track past terraces and little farm buildings, with the coast spreading out below. This first part is fairly gentle. After about 2 km you reach Colle La Serra (578 m), a saddle with a junction.

The upper and lower routes

At Colle La Serra the path splits for about 1.3 km. The left branch is the main trail 327. It is more exposed, but it is also the more scenic option. The right branch is 327a, a slightly higher variant. It is less panoramic, but the CAI recommends it for people who get dizzy near drops. Both routes join up again, so you can't really go wrong. If you are hiking with kids or you are not sure about heights, I suggest taking 327a.

Grotta del Biscotto and the balcony path

After the two routes meet again, the path continues along the cliffs past the Grotta del Biscotto. These are old cave dwellings built into the rock, and some are still used by shepherds. You may see mules tied up outside. This is one of the most photographed parts of the walk. Below you, the coast road winds around the cliffs and the boats look like tiny white dots on the blue sea.

From here the trail runs gently downhill. Positano slowly comes into view ahead, with the Sorrento Peninsula and Capri behind it. In my opinion, this is the best part of the whole walk. Watch your step on the stony stretches, and stop if you want to look at the view!

Arriving in Nocelle

The official trail ends in Nocelle, at around 440 m. It is a cute little village with no cars, a church and a few places to eat. The first one you reach is a kiosk serving lemon granita, cold drinks, coffee and sandwiches. After a hot walk, a lemon granita with a view sounds like the perfect reward to me.

Nocelle down to Positano

From Nocelle you have three options to reach Positano:

• Walk down the steps. A long stone staircase of around 1,700–1,800 steps goes down through the trees to the main Amalfi Coast road. Then it is about 1 km along the road to the centre of Positano. Allow 30–45 minutes. Your knees will definitely feel this part!
• Walk via Montepertuso. A longer and gentler paved route goes through the village of Montepertuso. It is about 3.5 km and takes 1–1.5 hours.
• Take the local bus. A small local bus run by Mobility Amalfi Coast goes from Nocelle down to Positano via Montepertuso. Times change with the seasons.

How to get there

By bus

As the walk is one way, public transport is by far the easiest option. The SITA Sud bus from Amalfi to Agerola stops at Bomerano. The ride takes about 40 minutes up a winding mountain road. Get off at Bomerano, not at the other Agerola stops. In the November 2026 winter timetable, there were buses from Amalfi at 7:10 am and 8:05 am, then every hour or two through the day. Timetables change with the season, so check the latest one on the SITA website before you go.

From Positano or Sorrento there is no direct bus. Take the SITA bus along the coast to Amalfi first, then change for Agerola. This can take 1.5–2 hours from Positano, so start early. SITA also runs buses to Agerola from Naples and Castellammare di Stabia via Gragnano.

Prices: SITA sells a COSTIERASITA ticket for €10 (as of 2026). It gives you unlimited travel on SITA buses on the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula, including Agerola, for 24 hours from when you first validate it. You must validate it on your first ride and write your name and date of birth on it. Buy tickets before you travel at ticket offices, tabacchi or newsagents. You can also use the UnicoCampania app.

Getting back

From Nocelle, take the local bus or walk down to Positano. From Positano, SITA buses run back along the coast to Amalfi and Sorrento. Ferries also link Positano and Amalfi. Check the Travelmar website for current sailings.

By car and parking

Parking: there is some parking in Bomerano, but spaces are limited and fill early in summer. Also, as the hike is one way, you would need to come back from Positano to your car by bus via Amalfi, which takes a long time. The coast road is narrow and very busy in summer. So I definitely recommend leaving the car at your hotel and using the bus. A taxi is an option for the trip back, and you will find a taxi number at the end of the trail.

Permits, fees & opening times

• You don't need a permit or ticket to walk the Path of the Gods. It is free and open all year.
• The trail is part of the CAI network of the Monti Lattari. In November 2026, the official CAI Monti Lattari page listed trail 327 as open.
• Sections can close after wildfires, landslides or heavy rain. Check the trail status before you go.
• Camping and lighting fires on the trail are not allowed.

When to go

In my opinion, spring and autumn are the best times. From April to June the hillsides are green and full of flowers, and from September to October the sea is still warm for a swim in Positano afterwards. The trail is open all year, and winter can be lovely and quiet on a clear day, but the buses run less often.

July and August are very hot, and most of the trail has no shade. It is also the busiest time, with hundreds of people on the path every day. If you go in summer, start by 8 am. Also, morning light is better for photos, as the sun is behind you when you walk towards Positano.

Try to avoid walking after heavy rain. The limestone gets really slippery when wet, and the steps down to Positano can be tricky.

Hiking with kids

Suitable for children: yes, for kids who are used to walking, from around 7 or 8 years old. The distance to Nocelle is not too long and it is mostly downhill. However, there are exposed sections with steep drops and no railings, so keep younger children close and hold their hand on the narrow parts.

• Pushchairs: not suitable. The path is rocky and narrow, and the end is a long staircase.
• Carriers: a back carrier works for toddlers, but take extra care on loose stones and on the steps to Positano.
• Make it shorter: finish in Nocelle and take the local bus down to Positano. This saves little legs from the 1,700 steps.
• Keep it fun: spot the mules, find the cave houses at the Grotta del Biscotto and count the boats far below.

What to pack

• Hiking shoes or trail shoes with good grip. Sandals are not a good idea on the rocky path
• At least 1.5 litres of water per person, more in summer
• Sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream, as most of the trail is exposed
• A light layer or windproof jacket for spring and autumn
• Cash for the kiosk in Nocelle and for bus tickets
• An offline map on your phone, as the signal can be patchy in the middle section
• Swimsuit if you want to cool off on the beach in Positano afterwards

There are no shops on the trail itself, so bring a picnic or buy one in Bomerano before you start. I always pack plenty of snacks for long walks. Nuts, energy bars and dried fruit are great for a quick boost, and I share my favourites in my guide to the best food for expeditions.

Safety tips

• Watch your step. Twisted ankles are the most common injury here. The path is rocky and some stretches have loose stones.
• Take the 327a variant at Colle La Serra if you don't like heights.
• Stay away from the edge when you take photos. There are no barriers.
• Beat the heat. Start early in summer, drink regularly and rest in the shade when you can.
• Be careful around animals. Give mules space on the narrow path.
• In an emergency, call 112 (or 118 for medical help). Look for the numbered trail markers to give your location.

Leave no trace & sustainable tips

• Use public transport. The Amalfi Coast road is narrow and gets jammed in summer. The bus is cheaper and much less stressful.
• Take all your rubbish home. There are no bins on the trail.
• Stay on the marked path and don't cut corners. The terraces and dry stone walls are private farmland.
• Don't pick lemons or grapes from the terraces. They belong to local farmers.
• Never light a fire or smoke on the trail. Wildfires are a real risk in the hot, dry months.
• Support local: buy your picnic in Bomerano and stop for a drink in Nocelle.

Where to stay & eat nearby

• Positano is the most beautiful base, with hotels, guesthouses and lots of restaurants. However, it is also the most expensive town on the coast, so book early.
• Amalfi is the bus hub for the coast, which makes it really handy for the bus to Bomerano.
• Agerola is a quieter and cheaper option up in the mountains. You can start the hike straight from your door. Agerola is also famous for its cheese, so try the local fior di latte or provolone.
• Nocelle and Montepertuso have a few small guesthouses and restaurants with amazing views, if you want somewhere peaceful.
• Restaurants: Bomerano has small restaurants and shops on and around the main square. In Nocelle there is a kiosk at the end of the trail and a few small restaurants.

More to explore nearby

• Positano: wander the colourful lanes and finish your day with a swim at Spiaggia Grande.
• Amalfi and Atrani: visit Amalfi Cathedral and walk to the tiny village of Atrani next door.
• Capri: take a ferry from Positano or Amalfi for a day on the island.

FAQ

How long is the Path of the Gods?

The official trail from Bomerano to Nocelle is about 5.3 km. If you walk down to Positano, the whole walk is around 7.5 km and takes 3–4 hours.

Is the Path of the Gods difficult?

Not really. It is mostly downhill with only about 200–250 m of climbing. However, the path is rocky and exposed in places, and the steps down to Positano are hard on the knees.

Do I need a ticket for the Path of the Gods?

No. The trail is free and you don't need a permit. You only pay for the buses.

Should I start in Bomerano or Positano?

Start in Bomerano. The walk is mostly downhill this way, and you face Positano and Capri for the best views. Starting from Positano means climbing over 1,700 steps first.

Can I walk the Path of the Gods in summer?

Yes, but start early, as it gets very hot and there is little shade. Carry plenty of water and avoid the middle of the day.

Have you walked the Path of the Gods? Did you take the steps or the bus down to Positano? Let me know in the comments!