WALKING THE AMALFI COAST - THE ASTONISHING "PATH OF THE GODS"
A COMPLETE 2024 GUIDE TO ADMIRE THE DUTCH WINDMILLS IN THE COUNTRYSIDEFamous for its outstanding landscape, the Amalfi Coast unquestionably deserves a place in the World’s most memorable destinations. The stunning picturesque villages and the breathtaking blue of the crystalline waters constitute the Mediterranean treasure which you can’t help but admire during your holiday. Walking the Amalfi Coast is a marvellous experience that will leave you wordless. If you love adventure and nature, Gods’ Pathway in the Amalfi Coast will be one of your most loved experiences of the holiday! The naturalistic path is 9km long and it takes around 7 hours, starting from Agerola and ending in Positano. If you are going to visit Naples and want to know more about this hike, keep reading to find all the info you need!
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The Path
This hike owes its fame to the astonishing landscapes, considered one of the most suggestive in the world. The green of the Monti Lattari and the incredibly blue sea contribute to the amazing colours of the view.
The path is completely natural and unspoilt, and this surely contributes to its unique beauty. Its singularity is also given by the legend linked to the place. It is believed that this was the path walked by the Gods to save Ulysses from the Sirens (thus “The Path of the Gods”).
The path usually lasts for 7 hours (to go and come back), even though this time can change depending on how long you stop during the hike and how fast you go. However, many people decide to only walk one way and then go back by car or public transport.
However, the naturalistic astonishing views make it worth the effort. Along the route, you can find panoramic viewpoints and benches where you can stop for a while. The path is full of accurate signs so don’t worry, you will not get lost! Moreover, you can find several water sources from where you can have a fresh sip, especially if you are visiting in the hottest months.
I would suggest starting the hike early in the morning, especially if you are doing it in summer when the very hot weather could be a problem.
How To Reach The Path From Naples
Unfortunately, the path is not easily reachable for those of you who do not have a car, but I’ll try my best to explain the different options.
To get from Naples to Agerola, you have to reach Sorrento first. To do so, you have two options: take the Circumvesuviana from Piazza Garibaldi to Sorrento for a few euros (it takes about 1 hour and a half), or take the ferry from Naples Molo Beverello to Sorrento for 13-15€ (about 40 minutes of travel). From Sorrento, take the Sita bus to Amalfi, and from Amalfi take the bus to Agerola Bomerano (ask the driver to let you off at Bomerano). Unfortunately, this can take up to 5 hours as the buses are not always on time and are often very crowded.
The best way to get to the Path of the Gods’ starting point from Naples and go back would be renting a car or take a taxi from Sorrento, but this could cost you a lot.
If you decide to not do your hike on the way back, you have to know that it’s quite difficult to get back. From Positano, you can take the bus which will bring you back to Amalfi and from there take the bus back to Sorrento, and then take the Circumvesuviana back to Naples… As you can see, it’s really difficult to reach the path by public transports. Moreover, bear in mind that it can take more than 4 hours to return back to Naples from Positano, and there is not always space in tiny buses!
The best way to get back would be the ferry from Positano to Sorrento, and then another ferry from Sorrento to Naples. This will obviously be a bit more expensive than the bus, but it will save you so many hours.
Another option to walk the Amalfi Coast and hike the amazing Path of the Gods would be to book a tour including transportation from and to Sorrento. This 5 hours guided tour is way cheaper than renting a car or taking a taxi to Agerola, and it will prevent you from wasting hours on buses and trains.
Tips To Walk The Amalfi Coast
Take into consideration the time and the weather. Avoid walking the path in the dark hours or in the hottest times of the day. Plan your hike to get back in time!
Even though the hike is not particularly difficult, trekking shoes would be ideal. Wear comfortable clothes and remember to wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Hiking sticks are recommended as the path can be challenging in some parts.
Don’t forget to take a backpack with you to bring all you need (food, water, camera!).
Mind the weather! Do this hike only if the sky is crystal clear. If it’s rainy the walk can be dangerous, and if it’s cloudy you will not be able to admire the view, so what’s the point?!
If you think this hiking experience is not for you, check out my articles where I suggest different day trips options to visit the Amalfi Coast!
Kikka
EDITOR IN CHIEF