Who can deal with the Path of the Gods?
How old are you? seriously, 16? 36? 70? it doesn’t matter! if you are in good health, do not hesitate… Do it!
Why should you do it & What is the Path of the Gods?
Because whether keen on hiking or not, the Path of the Gods, set in stunning natural beauty, is a must to see, at least for who wants to deeply dig into the marvels of the Amalfi Coast. From the Path of the Gods it is possible to admire one of the most striking panoramas on Earth: halfway up the hill the path crosses, from Bomerano to Nocelle (Nocella), through the most fascinating gorges, cliffs and precipices of the Amalfi Coast. An incomparable overview of the coast from Punta Licosa, in the Cilento (part of the province of Salerno that lies on the south of the Amalfi Coast) to the Island of Capri, an ancient natural extension of Punta Campanella (watershed between the gulfs of Naples and Salerno) where the Athena loop trail, another wonderful hike, lays. The name, a little exaggerated, is due to some aerial exposed part of the path, the magnificent wide views of the sea and splendid hamlets of Vettica Maggiore (Praiano) and Furore located just below the path. From above you can admire, impending over the sea, the extremely steep and wild noses of “Sant’Angelo a Tre Pizzi”, the highest summit of the Sorrento Peninsula. The Path of the Gods, despite of the name, is an extraordinary monument to the boundless obstinacy and exertion of the humankind that, throughout the ages, has been able to colonize even the most impracticable places on the Amalfi Coast. Today, shepherds, woodsmen and farmers still use the path as it lays through hundreds of dry stonewalls, vegetable gardens, woods, lemon groves and old vineyards stolen to the mountain. Beside the path, you find caves and terraces dropping from the cliffs to the sea and deep valleys. The caves host pens, folds, depots and other constructions. Of the vertical faces, with a dolomitic look overlooking the path, you’ll admire their elegant glides, gulls, crows, peregrine and kestrel falcons, coming out their aeries.
Where to start the Path of the Gods & How can I reach the starting point?
You have been reading a lot of information about the Path of the Gods but still don’t know which is the best starting point or how to get there, if you should take a bus along the coastal road and then walk or if there is any direct bus to reach the starting point… annoying! The Path of the Gods runs from east to west between the hamlet of Nocelle, the highest neighborhood of Positano, and Bomerano, the Agerola’s district which lies just behind the Path of the Gods. Deciding where and how to start the hike depends on where along the Amalfi Coast you’re staying and/or where are you going to stay. So which direction will you take? How will you reach the start point (and maybe coming back)? We thought that dedicated pages, fullfilled of information, would be appreciated and helpful. Give a look to those pages, east to west or west to east and if you still need help don’t be silly, don’t hesitate, contact us.
When is the best time to do the path?
The Path of the Gods is doable all year long. There are not any hidden dangers in doing it, neither during a cold winter or a really hot summer.
Winter
Pros: crystal clear view, only few people along the path. So go on, indulge yourself at midday (a sunny one). That’s right, kick off your shoes, put your feet up. Lean back and just enjoy the show. Cons: rain and cold wind could ruin a wonderful day or the whole week!
Spring
Pros: damn spectacular blooming wild orchids included. Smells, colours, sounds (the awakening of the animals fill the air with sounds) will surround you. Cons: weather can change quickly, a raincoat could help a lot.
Summer
Pros: the blooming period will last during the whole summer, specially annual flowers (they must be sexy before the end of love season 😉 ). Cons: first afternoon really hot, the path and buses are crowded in some days, specially weekends. Don’t forget water!
Autumn/Fall
Pros: The blend of brilliant autumn foliage, coupled with cooler temperatures and an occasional gentle breeze, gives an unforgettable experience. Cons: in late fall wind could be quite annoying. Buses are not so frequent.
Would you like an help against cons? contact a local guide. A local guide could help you to find the right way to do the path, forgetting the cons. Maps, trailbooks and tons of tips and tricks in the east to west or west to east pages 😉