Suspended between sky and sea, the Path of the Gods with kids is an unforgettable experience. The famous “Sentiero degli Dei“, stretching from Agerola to Positano, is often described as breathtaking—and dangerous. Actually, this famous Amalfi Coast trail is fine for families—as long as you’re careful and use your head.
The Path of the Gods Positano route runs along the ridge of the Lattari Mountains and seems to dive into the deep blue sea toward Capri.. Yes, over the years there have been accidents. But let’s be clear from the start: you can absolutely hike the Path of the Gods with kids.
The trail is easy, well maintained, and not too long. There are a few exposed sections where you need to be cautious and hold the hand of children under six. Like any mountain trail, if you follow the rules and pay attention, it becomes a wonderful walk.
The real issue is its popularity. The trail is often crowded with large groups or inexperienced hikers chasing the perfect photo instead of enjoying the walk. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about hiking the Path of the Gods with children safely and confidently.
What age is appropriate? When is the best time to go? What can you see and where can you eat along the way?
Why Is It Called the Path of the Gods?
Let’s start with the name. There are several theories about where it comes from. The only real truth, in our opinion, is that it’s so stunning that, while walking, you truly feel like a god—one of the few lucky enough to witness so much beauty.
But beyond our personal take, these are the three most widely accepted theories:
The name comes from a legend saying this was the route Greek deities took to save Ulysses from the Sirens living on the Li Galli islands.
The trail was named for its extraordinary beauty by Grand Tour travelers who crossed Italy in the 19th century.
In this area, many hermits retreated to pray, sometimes forming small religious communities. Locals called them followers of God… and so the road became the “road of the gods.”
Where Is the Path of the Gods Italy Trail?
The Path of the Gods Italy trail is located on the Amalfi Coast, in Campania. The classic route starts in Agerola, a small town in the hills, and ends in Nocelle, a hamlet of Positano on the slopes of Monte Pertuso.
We recommend hiking it from Agerola to Nocelle. You’ll be walking on a gentle downhill, and you’ll have the Amalfi Coast and Capri in front of you the whole time.
The walk is spectacular: sea views, Mediterranean scrub, vineyards, and goats and donkeys along the trail.
The Two CAI 327 Routes (High vs Low)
The Path of the Gods is marked as CAI trail 327 (CAI stands for Club Alpino Italiano, Italy’s national alpine club, which maintains hiking trails across the country) and has two variations:
“High” Path of the Gods: starts in Bomerano (Agerola) and ends in Santa Maria del Castello. It’s more demanding because it includes several uphill stretches.
“Low” Path of the Gods: the most panoramic option. It passes through Nocelle and is the most recommended for families, with gentler elevation changes.
When people talk about the Path of the Gods with children, they usually mean the low route from Bomerano (Agerola) to Nocelle (Positano).
How Long Does the Path of the Gods Take?
The nature trail of the “low” Path of the Gods is about 7.8 km long. From Agerola to Nocelle, it takes an average of about 3 hours of walking. Out-and-back on the same trail takes about 6 hours, including short stops.
With kids who are used to walking, this distance is doable—as long as you start in the morning, take frequent breaks, and don’t rush.
A One-of-a-Kind Trail Suspended Between Sky and Earth
Why is the Path of the Gods so spectacular? Because along the route you’ll find panoramic terraces where you can admire the Faraglioni of Capri, Punta Penna, the Li Galli islands, the Lattari Mountains, the tiny Balena islet, and the Eduardo islet.
Along the walk you’ll also find wooden benches and tables (a bit worn-down when we passed by) that are perfect for a sea-view picnic. There are also several springs with fresh, drinkable water where you can refill your bottles.
How Much Does the Path of the Gods Cost?
The Path of the Gods is always open and free. There are no tickets and no entry gates. However, Civil Protection authorities may decide to close it temporarily in case of fires, landslides, or bad weather.
Path of the Gods with Children: What to Know Before You Go
Yes, you can do the Path of the Gods with kids, but you need a few precautions. Some sections are exposed and have no barriers, so it’s recommended for children aged 6 and up who are used to hiking.
For very young children, you can use a hiking backpack or baby carrier. It’s impossible to do this trail with a stroller.
We don’t recommend it for parents with children between 2 and 4 years old. Kids at this age often want to walk on their own and may suddenly wander off. In any case, the most challenging and uneven sections do have wooden railings and protective structures.
For everyone—adults and children alike—hiking shoes are recommended (not smooth-soled sneakers), along with a sun hat and plenty of water, especially in the hottest months.
Our Walk on the Path of the Gods
After leaving the car in Piazza Paolo Capasso (Bomerano, Agerola), the first part of the route is paved. Once you pass the rock sign that says “Welcome to the Path of the Gods,” the real trail begins.
The route is marked by red-and-white signs with “Trail 327.” You’ll also find numbered tiles with an emergency number. If needed, they help you communicate your location to rescue services.
Along the way there are other ceramic tiles featuring articles from the Italian Constitution. Some people have nicknamed this route the “Constitution Walk.”
From Colle Serra, you hike a first downhill stretch until you reach a fountain. On the left you’ll find the mule track that climbs up from Praiano, while on the right you continue on the Path of the Gods.
We did it on a winter weekday and met many donkeys. Below, you can spot the Convent of San Domenico, which sits on the route if you’re coming up from Praiano.
With two eight-year-olds who are used to walking, we took the low route on the way out and the high route on the way back, creating a loop. We also stopped to explore old abandoned houses.
Along the path we saw a small bar (closed the day we went) with a Ulysses doll and a boat—an extra touristy touch that kids may enjoy. For us, though, the true charm of the Path of the Gods is that it still feels very natural. Humans haven’t changed it much… and they shouldn’t change it too much.
A Picnic with a Sea View
As we said, the route isn’t difficult, but it is long. Halfway through—especially during the hottest hours—we recommend a picnic break. Agerola is famous for its fiordilatte, a unique fresh mozzarella.
Our suggestion is to stop at a deli before starting the trail and buy fresh bread or focaccia and fiordilatte. Having a picnic between sea and sky, surrounded by silence and absolute beauty, is one of the best experiences on the Path of the Gods.
Best Time to Hike the Path of the Gods
The trail is exposed and sunny, so the best time to hike is between March, April, and May, and then again between September and October. You can do it year-round, but in summer temperatures can get very high and the trail can feel scorching.
Also pay attention to the forecast. It’s not recommended to hike the Path of the Gods one or two days after heavy downpours, because the ground may be slippery.
We recommend starting early in the morning, around 9 a.m., and returning in the early afternoon (around 4 p.m.), especially when hiking the Path of the Gods with family.
Can You Hike the Path of the Gods Solo?
Yes. The Path of the Gods is well marked and it’s hard to get lost, so you can absolutely hike it on your own. In fact, enjoying the landscape in silence is one of the greatest privileges of this trek.
If you’d rather go with a guide, you can choose a full guided tour that also includes transportation to the starting point. It’s a great solution for those who don’t want to worry about buses, parking, and schedules.
Ettore Paduano and the Rediscovered Trail
Ettore Paduano, a member of the Naples section of the Italian Alpine Club (Club Alpino Italiano), founded by Giustino Fortunato, rediscovered and promoted the trail connecting Agerola and Positano as an official CAI route. Over the years, it had essentially become just a mule track for trade between Agerola shepherds and Positano fishermen.
The Naples CAI placed a memorial plaque on a pinnacle along the route. It reads: “On this Path of the Gods, Ettore Paduano introduced many young members of the Naples section of the Italian Alpine Club to the mountains.”
How to Reach the Path of the Gods from Naples, Sorrento, and Positano
The trail starts in Bomerano, a hamlet of Agerola.
From Amalfi: To reach Agerola, take the SITA buses from Amalfi. Ask the driver to point out the Bomerano stop. From there, follow the road signs to the trailhead.
From Positano: Bus to Amalfi + Amalfi–Agerola bus (about 2 hours, traffic permitting).
From Sorrento: Bus to Amalfi via Positano + Amalfi–Agerola bus (about 3 hours). It’s one of the reasons many hikers choose Agerola as a base.
The trail ends in Nocelle, in the upper part of Positano. From here you can reach the town center via a long staircase of about 1,500 steps plus another 500 meters on foot, or by local bus. From Positano, there are buses and ferries to return to Sorrento and Amalfi.
If you’re traveling by private car, you’ll need to leave it in Agerola and then go back to pick it up—either by hiking the trail in reverse or using the buses.
You can also reach the Path of the Gods from Praiano, but you must tackle a long staircase that climbs from sea level up to about 580 meters, reaching Colle Serra pass. It’s a more strenuous option and not recommended with small children.
We hiked it as a loop, but once you reach the end of the trail you can return from Positano to Agerola by public or private buses, or take the ferry to Amalfi and then the bus to Agerola. Plan at least three hours for the return, considering traffic along the Amalfi Coast on holidays.
Where to Park Your Car
Once you arrive in Bomerano, 50–100 meters after Piazza Paolo Capasso, on the right there are two parking areas—one larger and one smaller—both free (always check for updated parking rules).
Technical Info: Path of the Gods from Agerola to Positano
- Starting location: Agerola (Bomerano) or Praiano
- Arrival location: Nocelle, a hamlet of Positano
- Hiking time: about 3 hours one way, 6 hours round trip (not including any travel by bus or ferry)
- Distance: about 7.8 km
- Difficulty level: easy, but not recommended for those with vertigo
Water: there are a few fountains along the route, but it’s always recommended to bring extra water
FAQ: Path of the Gods with Kids
Here are the most useful questions to help you plan this family experience.
Can you do the Path of the Gods with kids?
Yes, the Path of the Gods is suitable for kids as long as they’re at least 6 and used to walking. The trail is easy and well maintained, but it includes exposed sections with no barriers, so it’s important to hold younger kids’ hands. It’s not stroller-friendly, but for very small children you can use a hiking backpack or baby carrier.
How long is the Path of the Gods?
The “low” Path of the Gods, the most panoramic and the most family-friendly option, is about 7.8 km long. From Agerola to Nocelle it takes about 3 hours; out-and-back takes about 6 hours, including short breaks.
What’s the best time to hike the Path of the Gods?
The best months are March, April, May, September, and October, when the weather is mild and the trail is less crowded. In summer it can be very hot and sunny. After heavy rain it’s not recommended because the ground can be slippery.
Is the Path of the Gods dangerous?
The trail isn’t dangerous if you approach it carefully and wear proper shoes. Some sections are exposed and have no barriers, so those with a fear of heights may feel uncomfortable. For families, it’s important to supervise children at all times.
Where does the Path of the Gods start?
The most well-known route starts in Bomerano, a hamlet of Agerola. The trail ends in Nocelle above Positano. You can reach Agerola by SITA bus from Amalfi; from Nocelle you can get down to Positano by bus or via a long staircase of about 1,500 steps.
How much does the Path of the Gods cost?
The Path of the Gods is free and always open. Civil Protection authorities may temporarily close it in case of fires, landslides, or severe weather conditions.
Can you hike the Path of the Gods without a guide?
Yes, the trail is well marked and you can hike it independently. If you prefer company, you can choose guided hikes that also include transportation to the starting point.
