I Hiked the Path of the Gods. Here's My Experience and Tips.

Article Summary:

I did a guided tour of the 5-mile Path of the Gods hike in the Amalfi Coast.
It was one of my favorite travel experiences ever, and it’s a unique activity to do in Italy.
The Path of the Gods hike is great for outdoorsy travelers. It will show you unbeatable Amalfi Coast views, give you a chance to experience local culture and meet other travelers, and it’s awesome for photos.
Thinking of going? I share some practical tips, like why I recommend booking an organized tour vs. hiking it alone.

All it takes is one especially intriguing attraction to lure me into a country. In Italy, that thing was the Path of the Gods hike.

I always knew I wanted to visit Italy at some point, but I felt a particular pull to complete this 5-mile hike ASAP. The Path of the Gods just looked so ethereal. It seemed like the perfect way to take in the raw beauty of the Amalfi Coast from above.

After completing the trek with a friendly tour, I can now officially say that the Path of the Gods was a major highlight of my solo trip to Italy. Here’s why I think it was worth it, as well as some important things you should know before attempting this beautiful Italian hike.

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Visiting Information

Group of people looking at the Ocean views on Path of the Gods Hike — *A group appreciating the ocean views at a stop on the hike*

🥾 Length – 5.8 miles
⛰️ Elevation Gain – 1,204 feet
⌚ Time To Complete – Approximately four hours
👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 The Tour I Did – Path of the Gods Day Guided Tour

Why I Think the Path of the Gods Hike is Worth It

Unbeatable Amalfi Coast views

View of ocean and mountains from cliff overlooking town on Amalfi Coast hike — *Views over a town on the Amalfi Coast on the hike*

Down at sea level, it’s tough to find places where you can fully take in the magnificence of the Amalfi Coast. That’s why the Path of the Gods is such an excellent opportunity to experience a different perspective of the famous Italian destination.

Intermediate hike that’s perfect for outdoorsy travelers

People trekking on a mountain side — *People walking along the trail in the distance*

I love an outdoor travel activity that gets my heart pumping. This intermediate trek through the landscapes of Italy was ideal for that. It wasn’t so intense that I couldn’t handle it, but it was difficult enough to be a fun challenge.

Chance to experience local Italian culture

Inside a small homestead, a kitchen setup with a table and chairs — *The interior of a little homestead where a local family made our tour group lunch*

One of the big reasons I’ll never forget this hike is because it gave me a true taste of the local culture. During my tour, we learned a lot about the region and even got to try a traditional snack handmade at this homestead along the trail.

Amazing photo location

Coastline views along Path of the Gods hike — *Glimpses of the coastline along the Path of the Gods hike*

As a photographer, I’m always on the hunt for activities that will give me access to memorable shots. The Path of the Gods exceeded my high expectations in this regard.

These aren’t just your average photographs of mountains that look like everywhere else. There are some incredibly interesting shots hidden along this hike.

Opportunity to meet people

A group of people sitting at a table, taking a break during a tour — *People in my tour group stopping for a snack along the trail*

The Path of the Gods hike is a very popular thing to do in Italy during the warmer months of the year and there are lots of friendly hikers to meet along the way. To make it even easier, join a tour group like I did to have automatic buddies for the journey.

Tour group members hiking up a steep hill — *The members of my tour group walking along the trail*

Things to Know

Book with an organized tour group instead of attempting it alone

A group of people hiking up a steep hill — *My tour group walking along the steep trail*

I enjoy doing activities like this alone, so I originally planned on completing the Path of the Gods hike by myself. Although this is possible, it is extremely difficult if you are relying on public transportation from Sorrento like me. Looking back, I’m definitely relieved I did it with a professional tour.

I ended up asking my very helpful accommodation hosts at Villa Angela Luxury House for their recommendation. They did all the work for me by booking me this Path of the Gods Day Guided Tour with transportation conducted by their friend Nino. It cost €59.

The tour bus picked me up bright and early from where I was staying in Sant’Agnello. Then, the guide led our group along the trail and provided lots of interesting insights along the way. Plus, the experience also came with a delicious homemade snack in the middle of the hike.

Avoid going on the hike during Italy’s rainy season from November to February

Hillside with houses, taken on a clear day in early June during the Path of the Gods hike — *The Path of the Gods hike on a clear day in early June*

Bad weather can easily ruin a day out on the Path of the Gods. That’s why you should skip this activity during the region’s rainy season from November to February.

The best times to visit Italy to participate in this hike are during early summer from April to June and the beginning of autumn from September to October. In the first week of June, I was blessed with clear skies and the perfect moderate temperature for hiking.

Use the bathroom in the town of Agerola where the hike starts

A sign that says Welcome to Agerola — *‘Welcome to Agerola’ sign at the beginning of the hike*

The main starting point of the hike is in a tiny mountain town called Agerola. It’s about an hour up some fairly steep and skinny rounds.

When you arrive in Agerola, be sure to use the bathroom, purchase water, and get anything else you need. There is nowhere else on the trail where you’ll be able to do these things.

Many tours come with food, so don’t bring too many snacks

Homemade cheese, fried squash blossom, and fresh tomatoes in a plate — *A snack of homemade cheese, fried squash blossom, and fresh tomatoes*

I was pleasantly surprised at the food spread provided to our tour group mid-hike. I’ve been on plenty of guided day trips where the ‘included meal’ was incredibly lackluster, but this one really hit the spot.

We were each given fresh bread, cheese made right on the mountain, fried squash blossom, and some of the juiciest tomatoes I’ve ever eaten. It was the ideal light snack for an energy boost.

Pack lighter than you think

People hiking up a mountain path on the trail of Path of the Gods — *People struggling on the trail, even without big bags of stuff*

The Path of the Gods isn’t an easy hike by any means and there are a few sections where the trail gets especially nerve-wracking. I was glad to only have a small backpack with the bare necessities.

This hike only takes a few hours to complete and it’s well-trafficked, so you probably won’t wind up lost and needing a bunch of life-saving supplies. Just stick to the stuff you know you’ll want to have, like your phone and plenty of water.

Hiking shoes are a must (no sneakers) and you can rent them in Agerola

Travel Lemming author smiling brightly on a hike to Path of the Gods — *Me on the trail in the hiking boots I rented*

Travel Lemming author Sky, overlooking ocean views and town on Amalfi Coast hike

The moment our group hopped off the bus, our guide gathered us around, pointed at each of our shoes one by one, and said bluntly, “Not good.” We were all wearing basic sneakers, one woman was even wearing strappy sandals.

The Path of the Gods is fairly dangerous terrain and all it takes is one slip for something tragic to happen. Luckily, there was a shop in Agerola where we could rent proper hiking boots for around €10.

Be wary if you’re afraid of heights

A group gazing at the ocean from a peak on the trail — *A group of people sitting on a peak of the trail*

I thought I’d overcome my fear of heights as an adult, but this hike sparked that feeling in me all over again. There were moments on this hike when I saw the narrowness of the path and how far down the drops were, and I got a pang of panic.

After the immediate shock of how high up we were wore off, I was able to relax and get used to the altitude. However, this isn’t the best activity for people who are terribly afraid of heights.

Bring a camera, but never take photos while you’re walking

Author Sky, wearing a backpack and holding her camera, enjoying the view from a mountain top — *Me taking photos at a scenic part of the hike*

I loved the hiking aspect of the Path of the Gods, but I was also there for the photos. Early on in the journey, our tour guide warned us to always stop walking to take pictures. It’s easy to step just a little too far and slip when taking a photograph. It’s happened, he warned.

This was already advice I heed whenever I’m shooting at a potentially deadly location, but it was especially important on this hike. As our guide explained, it is too difficult to get help out there if someone does fall and it almost always ends in the worst way possible.

Keep an eye out for wildlife

A farmer’s goats sitting along the Path of the Gods — *A farmer’s goats resting along the Path of the Gods hike*

One thing I didn’t expect along the Path of the Gods is just how much wildlife we’d come across. My personal favorite were the local goats who seemed totally content living on the scariest of tiny ledges.

There were also donkeys up at the little homestead where we ate lunch. It’s possible to see hawks or even mountain lions on occasion. Although, I didn’t manage to spot one of those this time around.

***

Legend says that the Path of the Gods trail was once literally used by Greek gods. When I was walking along it myself that legend became quite believable as this is where I’d want to be if I was all-powerful.

The Path of the Gods is the type of place that etches into your memory forever and I think it’s one of the more unique things to do in Italy. Although it does take a little bit of planning to have the best hike possible, the Path of the Gods hike was one of my favorite travel experiences ever.

I spent time in Naples before I embarked on my hike along the Amalfi Coast, which is a little over an hour away. If you plan on visiting this nearby city, don’t forget to check out my list of the best things to do in Naples.