The Path of the Gods is a hiking trail that goes from Bomerano, Praiano to Nocelle, Positano. It has entranced generations of poets and artists, including Italo Calvino and DH Lawrence. But there’s more to the Path of the Gods than feeling poetic: this odyssey, which can anywhere take from 3 to 5 hours, boasts three different starting points and various loops. It’s a medium-intensity trek, so you’ll need to be reasonably fit to tackle the sometimes-uneven terrain, steep inclines and – of course – all the stairs.

The Agerola (Bomerano) to Nocelle or Positano route is undoubtedly the most popular, as it’s less physically taxing and encompasses the most majestic views. The full trail is about 6 km (3.72 miles) and will take roughly 3.5 hours — though the slight differences in available routes (and steps) can mean things can take longer. Here come those stairs.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Agerola (Bomerano) > Nocelle/Positano

Drive or take the 5080 bus from Amalfi to Agerola (Bomerano) – famed for its delicious Provolone del Monaco cheese. The trail starts past the piazza, where you’ll find a hiking-supply store and bars where you can stock up on water, snacks and supplies. Inhale the perfume of wild rosemary and lemon groves; gaze down at the sea. Eventually, you’ll hit the fork at Colle Serra. Here, you have a few options. 

Turn back to Agerola. The “half-loop.”A great option when you’re short on time and energy (and your transport is parked back at Agerola). This makes the journey 7km (4.34 miles) and will take about 4 hours depending on your speed. 

Take the high road (327A). Higher inclines – 150m (492ft) higher than the low road – mean higher difficulty. After a while, the high road rejoins the low road and you’re headed toward Nocelle, near Positano.

Take the low road (327). This easier-on-the-knees path takes you past a lovely fountain as you head towards Nocelle. There, you’ll find bathrooms and the “Lemon Point” stand selling refreshing lemon slushies. Then it’s time to tackle the 1700 (yes!) stone steps all the way down to Positano, where you will arrive in triumph like Ulysses escaping the sirens. Celebrate with an aperitivo.

Positano/Nocelle > Agerola (Bomerano)

Or you can turn the route around and start with an uphill climb – from Positano up the 1700 steps to Nocelle. Come to the fork to choose the high or low paths; when they reconverge at Colle Serra, choose your endpoint of Praiano or Agerola, then get the 5070 or 5080 bus back to Amalfi. Note that the most thrilling coastal scenery will be behind you. This route can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours. 

Praiano > Nocelle/Positano

Feeling rebellious? The path less taken starts from the town of Praiano, roughly 4km (2.5 miles) west of Agerola, where you can merge with the “low” route. Seems like a time saver? Maybe…but you’ll have to climb up nearly 2000 steps to meet those gods.