Castellanese

Hi,

I'm spending 4 nights on the Amalfi Coast at the beginning of July and I have a few doubts about possible hikes.

I'm basing in Amalfi and I'm mostly interested in doing two of them: the Valley of the Mills hike and the Path of the Gods hike.

While I don't have any problems concerning the Valley of the Mills, I still can't figure out from where to start the Path of the Gods hike.

I was planning on visiting Positano as a day trip and, from there, hiking all the way up to Nocelle, where the Path of the Gods really starts, and continue all the way to Bomerano, where the hike ends.

However, even though it's possible to walk all the way up from Positano to Nocelle, all I've read are recommendations about taking a cab instead because, apparently, it's very difficult.

I can't find information on the Internet regarding how far or how difficult the hikes from Positano to Nocelle and from Nocelle to Bomerano are, so I was wondering if you guys can help me figure this out or can advise me about it.

I'm used to hiking since I was a teenager (I'm 30 years old now), so I'd like to know how "difficult" and how long these hikes really are, because I usually read recommendations about taking a taxi for almost every single place you visit and, once I'm there, I realize that distances aren't really that long or exhausting.

Thanks.

Zerlina

I'm not a hiker, but I think you might find the information you are looking for here:
http://www.giovis.com/Egiovis.htm

ekscrunchy

What a great site. Thanks for posting, Zerlina.

Pardon me if I sound silly, but are there usually any snarling, barking dogs along these walking routes?

JoyC

My husband, son and myself hiked/walked up from Positano to Nocelle. We first did Positano to Montepertuso, lots and lots of steps, and then Montepertuso to Nocelle which becomes easier. It is true that the hike up to Montepertuso is described as strenuous because of the number of stairs you have to deal with but the return is a magnificent view of the village of Positano and the Coast.We are very fit but I was bathe in sweat by the time we reached Montepertuso. We hiked early in the morning, about 7:30am and it took us about 01h15 up to Montepertuso, and another hour to Nocelle. We didn't continue onto Bomerano, though. Go for it.... we were the only ones hiking up at that time and the peace and quiet coupled with the views are just unforgettable!!

Steve_James

Hi Castellanese - You might find this link useful too:

http://www.amalfihome.com/member/hikes.html

I haven't done the hike yet - but personally I'd rather start from Nocelle and avoid that climb up from Positano (- especially in summer).
[A local told me there are about 2,000 steps ...]

There's an hourly bus up to Nocelle (- via Montepertuso) from Positano (- about 20 mins) - no need to take a taxi.

The views from Nocelle are just awesome.
http://tinyurl.com/3coedn

Steve

P.S. In case you're interested - there's a restaurant in Nocelle with fabulous views.

SavTrav

bookmarking

Castellanese

Hi everybody,

Thanks Zerlina for the wonderful link. It was just what I was looking for in terms of distances.

Thanks Joy for sharing your experience and how long it took you from Positano to Montepertuso and then to Nocelle. It was just what I wanted to know in terms on time.

Thanks Steve for the restaurant and the bus recommendation. I was going through some pictures on flickr.com and I saw one of a sign that said that there are 1700 steps from Nocelle to Positano.

I think I'll just do the Positano-Montepertuso-Nocelle hike since I have to go back to Amalfi at the end of the day.

Are there any buses connecting Nocelle and Amalfi or should I take one down to Positano and then another one to Amalfi on my way back?

Thanks again.

jjkbrook

The sunflower guide by Julian Tippett really lays all these walks out - or you can get the maps at the local tourist offices. Its easiest to take a bus up to the top and walk downward - these hills are steep.

We didnt actually take the Sentiero degli Dei walk,but from Amalfi, what Tippett recommends is to take the Agerola bus from Amalfi up through the Furore gorge , which is supposed to be a spectacular ride, to Bomerola - you then walk downhill (1 hr) to Colle la Serra where the Sentiero degli Dei segment to Nocelle starts. Tippett estimates 2 hrs for this segment. Its an easy 30 min walk on to Monte Pertuso where there are some good restaurants to collapse in,

SeaUrchin

The restaurant in Nocelle is trattoria Santa Croce and it is one of my favorites on the coast. Family owned and run, fresh and delicious dishes and views that will make you gasp. Have fun.

Steve_James

Hey Sea Urchin - And I thought the Santa Croce was my little secret

Castellanese - There's no direct bus to Amalfi from Nocelle. Just take the local bus back down to Positano and change to the SITA bus there.

You can connect at the Chiesa Nuova/ Bar Internazionale stop in Positano.

Steve

ekscrunchy

Just looked for the Tippet book on Amazon..prices begin at about $50US!!

SeaUrchin

SteveJames, I know I was hesitant about posting my fav little restaurant and risk having it spoiled by too many tourists!

It was my secret too.....

Castellanese

Thanks SeaUrchin, Brook and Steve for the bookguide, the bus and the restaurant recommendation!