🌋 Nature & views

Path of the Gods

📍 Agerola, Campania · 85/100

According to legend, Greek deities walked this exact route across the Monti Lattari to save Ulysses from the sirens waiting on the islands of Li Galli. Long before the Bourbon dynasty constructed the modern coastal state road, this rugged mule track served for centuries as the sole overland connection between the isolated villages of the Amalfi and Sorrento coasts. Rediscovered in recent times and actively maintained by volunteers from the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) and local associations, it now ranks among the most celebrated hiking trails in the world.

What to see

The trail network traversing the coastal mountains is divided into two main variations. The classic "low path" (sentiero basso) is the route that traditionally holds the title of the Path of the Gods. It spans approximately 7.8 kilometers, tracing a line from Bomerano, a hamlet of Agerola, to the small settlement of Nocelle in Positano. The alternative "high path" (sentiero alto) presents a much more demanding physical challenge due to its severe elevation changes. This upper route climbs from Bomerano at 636 meters above sea level to the 1,111-meter peak of Monte Tre Calli, before dropping down to 397 meters at Montepertuso. Hikers accessing the trail via the Praiano variant will also pass the Convent of San Domenico during their ascent.

Visiting

The logistics of the hike depend entirely on the chosen starting point. The popular low path from Bomerano to Nocelle is less strenuous as it is almost entirely downhill. Upon arriving in the tiny, characteristic village of Nocelle, walkers can extend the journey by descending a long series of staircases for about half an hour to arrive directly in Positano. Starting from coastal towns like Vettica Maggiore or Praiano requires climbing steep flights of stairs and uphill sections to join the main path, though these alternative ascents provide different scenic perspectives.

Our editors' tip

To experience the traditional route with minimal physical strain, begin in Bomerano and follow the low path to Nocelle, taking advantage of the continuous downhill gradient.

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