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How to Walk ‘The Path of the Gods’ In Amalfi

‘The Path of the Gods’ – how could a simple walk deserve such an elaborate and romantic title, even by Italian standards, wouldn’t that be just a little exaggerated? Well, after just completing this particular walk, which is one of the many stunning paths of the Amalfi coast,  I must admit I totally agree.  The scenery from this walk, which starts in Bomerano and finishes in Positano, is nothing short of spectacular and awe-inspiring, photographs really don’t match the beauty of the coastline.

Our guide Giovanni met us in Bomerano which is a 40 minute drive from our hotel in Positano.  Do you really need a guide for this walk, you might ask?  Well, even though I have done other walks around the coastline, some with and without a guide, I haven’t participated in this particular walk.  Listening to others’ stories of how a short 3-4 hour walk ended up being a 10 hour trek, and also not being familiar with this particular part of the coastline, I felt it was prudent to engage a guide.  Giovanni is a wealth of knowledge of the area and its history and pointed out many fascinating tales of life living on the mountains.  Farmers, shepherds and woodsmen were so isolated many very rarely ventured into the towns which as the crow flies are relatively close. The trek took us past caves and vineyards with sheer drops to the sea below and on this particular day a mist was rolling in which really did give the scene an almost eerie feeling. Falcons were circling above focused on some unfortunate prey in the scrub and you could faintly hear the whoosh of their wings…it really was a magical experience.

Giovanni loves to do this walk starting from Bomerano, not from Positano as the views from this angle are wonderful and I must say walking from Positano up to Nocelle where the track begins is not for everyone, and is very strenuously uphill. The other enticement is that when you reach Nocelle, a very small town serviced by the Positano town bus,  you can decide whether you would like to continue the walk down to Positano, or sit in a great little family restaurant, Santa Croce, and feast on the delights of a home cooked lunch with yet more spectacular views of the coast all washed down with some delightful local vino.  Guess which option I prefer?

Santa Croce restaurant, Nocelle

The paths are relatively well maintained but good walking shoes are essential as are sunscreen, hat and water.  How fit should you be?  Well, I won’t kid you, these walks aren’t a ‘walk in the park’ but if you are relatively fit and have plenty of time to stroll and gaze at magnificent coastlines, you shouldn’t miss this walk.

So to summarise:

• Although this walk is included in our Italian Indulgence Ciao Bella Tour it certainly isn’t a requirement.  If finding the perfect spot for coffee or an aperitivo sitting on the beach in Positano is more to your liking – that’s fine. Or maybe some shopping would do?

• The Walk of the Gods (Sentiero Degli Dei in Italian) starts in Bomerano and finishes in Positano but you can cut the walk short and stop for lunch in Nocelle and catch the local bus down to Positano (my preferred option).  The whole walk will take you around 4 1/2 hours but if you stop in Nocelle it should take around 3 hours.
• You will need good walking shoes, water, hat and camera, of course.

• Do you need a guide?  Well, we love to have experienced guides who really know their stuff, but if you have a very good map of the area, you might be ok.  I have heard horror stories of those who missed signs  turning a  3 hour walk into a 10 hour nightmare.

Great spot for a photo – Ciao Bella Tour

Nocelle to Positano bus making a 9 point turn

Spectacular cliff faces

The mist rolls in

Note: someone climbed this to leave the sign

We met some locals

About the Author

Annette loves everything Italian and has travelled from north to south and everywhere in between.   As a Tour Director for Italian Indulgence she is eager to share her knowledge with others who want to experience the ‘dolce vita’.

www.italianindulgence.com.au

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