Today, we tackled one of the most famous hikes in Italy — the Path of the Gods (Il Sentiero degli Dei), stretching from Bomerano to Positano. If you’re planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast and looking for a scenic, challenging adventure, this iconic coastal hike offers stunning views, rock formations, and a true sense of accomplishment.
The Start: Bomerano to the Trailhead
Our driver picked us up at 8:30 a.m., and after a scenic (and winding!) 90-minute drive, we arrived at the trailhead in Bomerano around 10 a.m. I’m not a big breakfast eater, but I knew this would be a long and demanding day, so I had peanut butter toast and fruit — and packed a few protein bars just in case. Tip: bring water. You can purchase water at the small café at the start of the trail (as well as use the bathroom for a small fee), it’s essential to stay hydrated on this steep path.
Bomerano has a charming square. As we were preparing to start our journey, we realized both locals and tourists were gathered in this square. Many people. It then dawned on us that Sunday was perhaps not an ideal time to do the trail, as there are larger crowds due to it being the weekend.
The beginning of the trail felt very manageable. It’s fairly wide and gently sloping, allowing you to ease into the experience. Soon, we came to a scenic overlook marked by a wooden fence with “Welcome to the Path of the Gods” written in both English and Italian. It’s the perfect spot for your first photo.
The Middle: Rocky Terrain and Epic Coastal Views
As we continued, the terrain shifted. The path became narrower and significantly more rocky, with no railings in many sections. You’ll want good balance, strong legs, and solid footwear. At certain points, the trail hugs steep cliffs with sheer drop-offs, making it exhilarating — and a little nerve-wracking.
Despite the technical challenges, the coastal views are absolutely breathtaking. Every twist and turn opens up a new panoramic views of the sea and surrounding hillsides. Along the way, we passed a rustic stone barn with donkeys that still transport goods up and down the trail — an unexpected highlight.
We also passed through a serene rock garden, where travelers have stacked stones among the forested area. It felt like a moment of calm in an otherwise rugged landscape.
We took the lower trail, which guidebooks recommend as wider and better maintained. That meant fewer scary cliffside moments — and even a few spots with railings. A definite bonus.
The Descent: Steep Stairs and Sore Muscles
Eventually, we reached the famed 1,700 steep stairs leading down to Positano. Near the top, you can stop for fresh lemonade and orange juice from a vendor. You can opt to take a bus from this point down the rest of the way — and if you have bad knees, you may want to.
We decided to go for it — but let me tell you, the steep stairs were intense. My quads and calves were screaming by the end. It’s no joke; this part of the hike requires a lot of lower body strength and stamina.
The Finish: Positano in Sight
At the base of the stairs, you’ll find yourself on a quiet road. We had to walk about another mile to reach the upper area of Positano, where we found a beautiful hotel restaurant called Franco’s, perched above the Mediterranean. It was the perfect place to unwind with a well-earned Aperol Spritz, and yes — plenty of Instagram influencers were already there capturing the moment.
Final Thoughts
The Path of the Gods hike is absolutely worth doing — at least once. It took us about 3 hours and 20 minutes, and while it was physically demanding, the coastal views and sense of connection with nature were unforgettable. I probably can’t convince my husband to do it again (those steep stairs were rough on his knees), but we’re both glad we did it.
If you’re planning this hike, my advice is simple: wear good shoes, bring water, start early, and don’t underestimate the terrain. You’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful trails in all of Italy — where sky meets sea and stone meets soul. If you missed my other posts, go to my travel section and see all the highlights from the Amalfi Coast! And don’t forget to subscribe below so you don’t miss anything on the upcoming Sicily adventures!
