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The Path of the Gods is a kind of postcard of the Amalfi Coast. Indeed, this path, which connects Bomerano, a hamlet of Agerola, and Nocelle, a hamlet of Positano, is a real marvel! In this post I describe all the information about the Path of the Gods, describing the various possible options.
The Path of the Gods can be walked in both directions: it is easier to walk it from Bomerano to Nocelle. So, in this post I describe this route. All the trails of the Trail of the Gods are in the information section at the bottom of the post.
Path of the Gods: from Bomerano to the junction
From the small square in Bomerano, where the Sita Sud buses from Amalfi arrive, it is easy to find the path leading to the beginning of the trail. In fact, just look at the church and take the path to its left, which begins with steps. The Path of the Gods proper begins after about a kilometer of walking. There is a sign welcoming trekkers and some poems explaining the myth of the trail (which I will tell later).
The first part of the trail is quite wide and generally downhill. There are also pictures in this section that remind us of the importance of the Italian Constitution. In fact, the Trail of the Gods is also known as the Constitution Trail.
After about a kilometer from the beginning of the trail there is a fork. To the left, the trail follows the low variant of the Trail of the Gods, to the right, the high variant.
Path of the Gods: the low variant
The low variant of the Trail of the Gods is easier than the high variant. In case of vertigo, it is generally advisable to follow the low variant. About 200 meters after the fork there is one of the most beautiful views on the entire Trail of the Gods. This viewpoint, which is actually a junction (on the left is the path leading to Praiano, while on the right you follow the Path of the Gods towards Nocelle), allows you to admire the island of Galli, the Amalfi coast and, at the bottom, Capri. The view is truly crazy.
Although it is easier than the high variant, the low variant should not be underestimated. In some sections, in fact, the trail is narrow, and those who suffer from vertigo might get a little difficult. The views, however, are always magnificent! Just before meeting the high trail, the view becomes sensational as you can admire Positano.
Path of the Gods: the high variant
The high variant of the Trail of the Gods is slightly shorter than the low variant. This variant, however, involves more ascent and, more importantly, more risk of vertigo.
In fact, in this section the trail is quite narrow and there is no protection. Especially, the descent leading to the reunion with the low variant of the Trail of the Gods is quite steep. It is nothing particularly difficult, but for those not used to walking this variant is more complicated. From the high variant it is possible to see higher views of the Amalfi Coast.
Personally, however, the views of the lower variant of the Trail of the Gods are more beautiful. Here is a video of the upper part of the trail!
Path of the Gods: arrival at Nocelle
When the two variants rejoin, the more technical part of the Trail of the Gods begins. The exposed part is practically over, but there are continuous ups and downs that can be tiring. In particular, the trail is very narrow: it is almost impossible to pass and queues may form.
This part of the trail goes through a forested part. There is no shortage, however, of views! This section, which connects the variant reunion to Nocelle, is about two and a half kilometers long. Between ascents, descents, queues and uneven trail, it could take more than 60 minutes.
Once in Nocelle you can find the cloister of the Path of the Gods. I recommend this place for refreshments and drinks, with a beautiful view! Continuing along the path there is a fork in the road. Going straight ahead you reach Positano, while going right you can find, in less than ten minutes, the bus stop to Positano.
Path of the Gods: from Nocelle to Positano
Also at the fork just mentioned it is possible to reach Positano by going right, and I highly recommend this option! In fact, by going right you reach Positano passing through the beautiful village of Montepertuso. I really enjoyed the path that connects Nocelle to Montepertuso: the views are spectacular, although there is no shortage of ups and downs!
Once you leave the town of Montepertuso a long flight of steps (300 meters in height difference) leads to Positano. From here it is possible to return to Amalfi by panoramic boat (cost 10 euros, no reservation required) or by Sita Sud bus.
In total, the stretch from Nocelle to Positano is a little over four kilometers long: for me, it is worth the trip! Here is a video of the final part!
Why is it called the path of the gods?
Before I give you all the information about the Path of the Gods, I must give you the answer to the question: why is it called the Path of the Gods? This name originates from the legend of Odysseus. The mythological character, in fact, passed one of the trials of the Odyssey in these places! Ulysses, however, did not know how to overcome the obstacle of the Sirens and waited for divine help. The gods, Odysseus’ friends, descended from the sky to the Earth: they mistook, however, the location of the landing. In fact, they had to run from present-day Bomerano to the island of the Gauls, where Odysseus was. They sped down the path and managed to tell Odysseus to use wax in his ears so that he would not fall into the trap of the Sirens.
Odysseus, however, decided to listen to the sirens’ song: he was tied to the ship and thus, despite the desperate screams, he was not untied…as all his fellow sailors had wax in their ears!
Now it is time to give you various information and the trail of the Path of the Gods!
IN ADDITION TO THE PATH OF THE GODS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ….
Guided tour of the Veiled Christ!
USEFUL INFORMATION ON THE PATH OF THE GODS
- To reach Bomerano without a car, one must take a Sita Sud bus. From Amalfi, the first bus leaves at 7:10 a.m. and takes about 40 minutes. This is the website of Sita Sud: you have to put Amalfi departure and Agerola arrival, and download the corresponding pdf. The cost is about 2 euros, payable directly to the driver.
- From Nocelle to Positano there are buses every hour. Departure time is at :50 each hour: I recommend showing up at least ten minutes earlier, as the bus tends to fill up. The cost, as of April 2024, is 1.80 euros.
- The Trail of the Gods can be tackled year-round. I strongly advise against tackling it on rainy days, as there are several rocks that could prove extremely slippery.
- I would also recommend tackling the Trail of the Gods on weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, in fact, the trail may be too crowded.
- I leave you with the two routes. This is the one that goes through the high variant and goes all the way to the Nocelle bus stop, while this is the one that goes through the low variant and comes all the way to Positano.
- As you can see, the length of the Path of the Gods is not impossible to overcome. In fact, from Bomerano to Nocelle is less than six kilometers of walking. However, I advise you not to underestimate the trail: accidents on this path are very numerous! Take at least a liter and a half of water with you: in the first section you are totally exposed to the sun!
- In Bomerano, before you start the trek, you can find a couple of bars where you can have a coffee. After that, there is nothing until Nocelle: the first bar is the cloister of the Path of the Gods. Also in Bomerano, you can find a nice store dedicated to trekking, called Magici Sentieri.
- I recommend two places to sleep near Bomerano. The first is an agritourism, called Sant’Alfonso, while the second is a bed and breakfast, called Le Marelle. They are both excellent places, and in Sant’Alfonso you can eat divinely! From Sant’Alfonso and Le Marelle you can reach the starting point of the trek via the Santa Barbara quarries, by following this route!
- If you don’t feel confident, you can contract an escort here on the Civitatis platform!
