Amalfi Coast : The Hike of The Path of Gods
Some people like to spend their holidays relaxing, sunbathing, enjoying food and culture. Some other prefer to play sports or have more adventurous activities.
The best thing of an holiday to the Amalfi Coast is that you are not forced to choose between relax and adventure, because this area gives you the chance to enjoy both.
For those who are looking for some adventure in the wild (but not too far from a nice restaurant or a lovely fishermen’s village), the Path of Gods is a must.
The Path of Gods (Sentiero degli Dei, in Italian) is a trekking trail which is not simply a tourist attraction but a real path still used by shepherds and farmers. Its really evocative name gives immediately a hint about how much beauty you will see during this walk.
The most famous itinerary is about 7 km long. It goes from Bomerano, fraction of the hilltop town of Agerola, to Nocelle, fraction of Positano. An alternative start is from Praiano.
Most of the marvel of the path is due to the wide views of the sea. You walk surrounded by the typical Mediterranean flora, but the scenario is in continuing changing all along the way. Your eyes are caught by the striking landscape of the coastline, with the Sorrento Peninsula, the Isle of Capri standing out from the blue, and lower, near the sea, enchanting hamlets like Furore.
The colors of nature, the smells of flowers and bushes and the silence broken only by the sounds of birds are the backdrop.
Despite the mesmerizing beauty of the Amalfi Coast, one of the biggest worries of people planning to walk the Path is its difficulty. I wouldn’t say that Sentiero degli Dei is hard, but it can last hours and in some parts you have to face ups and downs, gorges, cliffs, precipices, caves (and even a long long steep staircase in the rock, if you want to reach the beach of Arienzo for a fresh swim in the sea). Fascinating, of course, unless you suffer from vertigo or you are a little out of shape!
And what about children? Is the path safe for them? Yes it is, just keep an eye on them during the hardest passages.
On this basis, the best thing you can do to enjoy the walk in a deeper way is hiring a guide. The guide will help you to avoid problems and overcome physical obstacles, but he/she will also give you a lot of information about the stories connected to the trail and its surroundings.
Another common worry is about when to do the hike. Consider that the Path of Gods is one of those activities that is growing more and more popular among tourist coming to the Amalfi Coast, that’s why in summer the hike could be a little crowded. Anyway it is something that can be done all year long: every season has its pros and cons and its special unforgettable atmosphere.
One last important thing: how can you get to the Path of Gods?
By car. If you come from South, you can follow the road SS163 until you reach Vettica Minore. From Vettica you take the road to Agerola/Bomerano (about 11 km).
If you come from North, you have to reach Castellammare di Stabia and then follow the road signs to Gragnano/Agerola (about 15 km).
By public transport. There are recurring SITA buses to Agerola/Bomerano from Amalfi, Castellammare di Stabia and Naples.
