The “Il Sentiero degli Dei” hiking trail links the tiny hilltop town of Agerola with Nocelle, a village of Positano nestled on the slopes of Monte Peruso on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

The name “Path of the Gods” comes from an ancient legend: the Greek deities once walked this trail to rescue Ulysses from the sirens of the Li Galli islets. The trail winds through fragrant Mediterranean scrub and terraced vineyards overlooking Capri and its Faraglioni rocks — a bucket-list experience that blends hiking, history, and awe-inspiring views.

There are two main routes: the “lower path,” easier and more panoramic, leading to Nocelle, and the “upper path,” more challenging and reaching Santa Maria del Castello. Both offer breathtaking views of Capri and the Lattari Mountains. In this guide, we are talking about the "lower path".

We suggest Agerola as starting point and then get to the end of the trail at Nocelle, and not vice-versa. By taking the Path of the Gods trail in this route, hikers can travel gently downhill with amazing views of the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri.

Things you should know before beginning the hike:

Departure point: Agerola or Praiano
Arrival point: Nocelle, a hamlet above Positano
Duration: about 3 hrs
Length: 7.8 km
Difficulty: easy, but the path is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo
Best time to visit: from April to October
Safety: Always check the weather forecast before starting your hike and make sure you have proper footwear and a fully charged phone. Even though the Path of the Gods is considered easy, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Pay attention to footing, stay on marked paths, and avoid hiking in bad weather.

Top hiking trails in Amalfi Coast

Review Summary

Traveler reviews confirm that the Path of the Gods is one of the most thrilling experiences on the Amalfi Coast.
Hikers describe breathtaking views, the scent of wild rosemary and Mediterranean scrub, and the unique feeling of walking “between the sky and the sea.”
Many recommend starting from Agerola early in the morning to enjoy the downhill trail to Nocelle, when the air is cool and the light is crystal clear. Favorite stops include the Grotta del Biscotto, the Chiosco degli Dei for a refreshing lemonade, and La Tagliata Restaurant, where lunch comes with an unforgettable view of Capri.
On the downside, several reviewers mention that in summer the sun can be intense, and the 1,500 steps down to Positano can be tough on the legs for less experienced hikers. Others note that on spring weekends, the trail can get crowded, slightly diminishing the mystical atmosphere that makes it so special.

Starting point for the "Sentiero degli Dei" hiking trail

The Path of the Gods starts in Bomerano, a small hamlet of Agerola, and the lower path ends in Nocelle, above Positano. GPS: 40.626604, 14.544990

The trail can also be accessed from Praiano, but involves a steep staircase of about 580 meters in elevation gain up to Colle Serra — a challenging yet rewarding route with spectacular coastal views.

Walking the "Path of Gods"

The route is marked by white and red signs with 02 written on them. Though classified as “easy / hikeable,” the trail includes some stone steps and rolling terrain.

From Colle Serra, hikers make their way downhill until reaching a fountain; to the left of the fountain there is a former mule path that begins in Praiano. The Sentiero degli Dei hiking trail continues along the road to the right. Below, along the road used by hikers who start off the trail from Praiano, you’ll be able to see the Convent of San Domenico.

At this point the scenery changes: from hills dotted with just a few shrubs, where walkers frequently come across grazing sheep and goats, to a typically Mediterranean landscape filled with holm-oaks, arbutus, heather, and rosemary.

The path becomes more difficult as it passes through the Vallone Grarelle via a series of ascents and descents and breathtaking panoramas until reaching Nocelle, a village near Positano.

Key stops & scenic points

Along the route you’ll encounter:

• Grotta del Biscotto — a striking rock cavity along the trail.

• Rupestrian villages and cliff-edge ruins built into the rock slopes.

• Suspended viewpoints overlooking Capri’s Faraglioni, Li Galli islets, and Punta Penna.

• Dry stone walls and terraced agriculture that echo centuries of human labor

In ancient times staircases were the only way to reach Nocelle, with a steep flight of steps beginning in Positano. Today, hikers can decide whether to make their way downhill by bus or on foot via the 1,500 steps which lead to the district of Arienzo.

In the summer, it is well worth descending a further 300 steps to Arienzo beach, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea. Remember to bring your sunscreen!
From Arienzo, by walking along state road SS163 for about 1 kilometer, walkers soon reach the center of Positano.

“Lower” vs “Upper” route

• The lower route — the most popular — starts in Bomerano and ends in Nocelle. It’s mostly downhill with a few flat stretches and stunning coastal views.
  Perfect for those looking for a scenic, relaxing hike without too much effort — a great choice even for beginners or casual walkers.

• The upper route is more challenging, climbing toward Montepertuso or Santa Maria del Castello, with steeper ascents and greater elevation gain.
  It offers wilder, more sweeping views but requires good fitness, sure footing, and focus on uneven terrain.
  Keep in mind that returning from Santa Maria del Castello can be logistically tricky: you’ll end up in a hillside hamlet of Vico Equense, where public transport is infrequent.

Pratical tips

• Start early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds.

• Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person.

• Wear hiking shoes, not sandals.

• Postpone your hike if it has recently rained or the ground is wet.

• Plan your timing carefully — the return by bus or ferry can take several hours.

• Don’t underestimate the final descent to Positano (1,500 steps).

• Bring a hat and sunscreen.