Hiking the Sentiero degli Dei: Path of the Gods — Amalfi Coast Trail Guide
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness for repeated climbs and descents; comfortable on uneven trails for several hours
Overview
A half-day on the Sentiero degli Dei delivers razor-edge views of Capri and the Amalfi coastline, ancient terraces and raptors above. This practical guide covers what to expect, how to prepare, and the best times to hike the Path of the Gods.
Hiking the Sentiero degli Dei: Path of the Gods — Amalfi Coast Trail Guide
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At 08:00 a.m. Piazza Tasso hums with the kind of late-morning promise only an Italian square can hold: espresso machines clicking, drivers loading a minivan, the sea already silver on the horizon. You file into the van with a handful of other hikers and, within half an hour, the townscape gives way to the steep terraces and sheer drops of the Amalfi coast. The trail opens with a view that refuses to stay small — Capri’s silhouette to the southwest, the coastline folding east in layered blues. The Path of the Gods earns its name here: narrow footpaths thread between dry-stone walls and wild Mediterranean scrub, the Mallorcan sunlight pushing colors sharp and immediate.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early from Sorrento
Meet at Piazza Tasso at 08:00; morning light is cooler and the minivan transfer avoids midday heat and crowds.
Bring 1.5–2 L water
Summer sun and exposed limestone sections make hydration critical — there are limited refill points on the route.
Wear grippy footwear
Stone steps and loose scree demand sturdy hiking shoes; sandals are not recommended.
Use trekking poles on descents
Poles reduce stress on knees and improve balance on the trail’s frequent ups and downs.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Kestrel (falco tinnunculus)
- Mediterranean lizard and occasional harmless snakes
History
The trail follows ancient mule tracks and links hamlets whose terraces date to medieval and early-modern cultivation of olives and lemons.
Conservation
Terraces and native Mediterranean scrub are fragile; stay on marked paths, avoid trampling orchids in spring and respect private agricultural land.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sorrento
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Needed for traction on limestone steps, scree and uneven paths.
2L hydration system or bottle
Keeps you hydrated through exposed sections; refill in villages if available.
summer specific
Sun hat & sunscreen
The trail has little shade and Mediterranean sun is intense.
summer specific
Light waterproof jacket
Quick showers or wind near coastal belvederes can cool temperatures abruptly.
spring specific