Hiking The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) on The Amalfi Coast
When I was staying in Sant’Agnello, near Sorrento, I decided to take the bus to Praiano to hike The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei). Most of the research I had done suggested three hours, but it took me more like four (though that might have had something to do with taking a longish break for a cold drink at the San Domenico Convent, and then another at the lovely lemonade stand in Nocelle :)
Hear the complete guide to The Path of the Gods below (huge thanks to Craghoppers for sponsoring this episode. You can also listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
If you’re travelling to the hike from Sorrento, you will end up coming back on yourself a bit (Praiano is the furthest stop unless you do the hike the other way round, but I loved the cold beer in Positano at the end!)
I went in late April and the weather was just perfect. Sunny but not too hot, plus parts of the walk are shaded by trees too which makes it even more pleasant.
By the way I am not anything close to being an experienced hiker. I live in the city and have a pair of walking boots that only get an airing about twice a year (shame on me!).
How to hike The Path of the Gods
There were quite a lot of steps (up hill at first then downhill towards the end), the walk itself takes about half a day, but you can amble at your own pace. Some parts are looking out over a steep drop (although the path is wide enough for it not to feel scary). I would say that most people could manage this hike if they don’t mind climbing quite a few steps.
The bus ride to Praiano hugged the cliffside roads from Sorrento, and a lot of people got off at this tiny village to start the most famous walk on The Amalfi Coast. Tip: there’s a small store right next to the start of the hike, which sells bread, fresh meat and cheese, water and snacks, which you will need to keep you going. Then just behind the store, to the right hand side, there’s a small sign pointing the way to the Sentiero degli Dei.
I’ve also recorded a podcast version of this, you can listen to the history of the trail, and of course the hike in action! The comforting sounds of the bells of the mountain goats that ran right past me in a flock, to the peaceful pitstop at San Domenico Convent.
Stock up at Alimentari Rispoli for snacks and water before your hike
The hike ends in Positano, the poster boy of the Amalfi Coast. There are plenty of cold drinks available on the beach. Well earned after your hike!
What to pack for The Path of the Gods
Water (take a 2 litre bottle)
Sandwiches, fruit and maybe a couple of biscuits
Sunscreen (there are some exposed parts of the walk without shade)
Comfy walking boots
Swimsuit (to cool off on the beach in Positano at the end)
A small travel towel
A change of clothes if you want to go out in Positano for dinner afterwards
A small amount of cash (to buy lovely cold drinks at the convent, or at the lemonade stand in Nocelle)
A decent camera (or a phone with a good camera) to capture those amazing panoramas
A waterproof packable jacket (just in case)
A warm layer if you’re hiking in the cooler months
This is a first of these virtual travel style podcasts so please let me know what you think in the comments - shall I do more? Thanks for tuning in.
