Where the Path of the Gods starts and ends

Why Bomerano to Nocelle (and not the other way)?

The reverse route (Nocelle → Bomerano) is mostly uphill and harder work. Starting from Bomerano means the bulk of the walk is net downhill, which saves your knees. It also means you walk toward the views — as the day goes on and you tire, the Positano coast and the sea grow closer and more spectacular. If you have a choice, this direction wins.

The start: Bomerano, Agerola

The trailhead is in Bomerano, a small hamlet at altitude on the edge of Agerola. The path is marked "Sentiero degli Dei" (CAI 327) from Piazza Paolo Capasso, the main square in Bomerano. There is a small bar there, a water fountain, and toilets. If you are driving or taking a SITA bus from Amalfi, you arrive here. Most guided tours also meet here (though some pick up from Sorrento or Positano instead).

The route: the path itself

From Bomerano you walk a contoured path along the cliff edge. For much of the first hour or so the path stays at roughly 600 m elevation, following a slope of lemon groves and terraces. Around the Grotta del Biscotto area the path hugs the cliff more tightly and the views open up. Midway through, there is a small shepherd’s hut or refreshment stop that sells snacks and drinks in season (some guided tours stop here for bread, cheese, tomato, and honey — a simple bite). From there the path descends gradually toward Nocelle, passing above small terraces and ruins.

The end: Nocelle and the steps to Positano

The trail ends at Nocelle, a tiny village clinging to the hillside above Positano. There are a couple of bars and restaurants there (good for a rest and a drink). From Nocelle you have two choices:

• Walk down the steps. There are roughly 1,500 stone steps (some count 1,700) leading steeply down from Nocelle to Positano. They are steep, relentless, and often slippery. Allow 30–45 minutes. Your knees will feel it after three hours of hiking.
• Catch the bus. A small local bus runs Nocelle → Positano throughout the day. It is cheap, takes about 10 minutes, and saves your legs.

In order: what you pass

1. Bomerano square (Piazza Paolo Capasso). Bar, water, toilets. Start of Sentiero degli Dei.
2. Lemon terraces and the cliff path. The path contours along the slope, mostly at 600+ m, with views toward the coast opening up.
3. Grotta del Biscotto area. The path hugs the cliff tighter here; views of Positano and the sea widen.
4. Shepherd’s hut (refreshment stop). A simple hut selling snacks, water, drinks. Some guided tours stop here for bread and cheese.
5. Terraces above Positano. The path descends past old stone terraces and ruins, curving toward Nocelle.
6. Nocelle village. End of the trail. Bars and restaurants. Two options: 1,500 steps down to Positano or the bus.

Getting to the trailhead (Bomerano)

See how to get to the Path of the Gods for detailed bus and transfer options. In short: if you are self-navigating, take a SITA bus from Amalfi up to Bomerano. If you want no stress, book a guided hike with transfer from Sorrento, Positano, or Amalfi.

The walk itself is free; the only cost is getting to Bomerano and back from Positano.

Frequently asked questions