Sentiero degli Dei (Praiano section)
The trail begins, from Praiano's side, with a climb of roughly 1,300 stone stairs cut into the cliff — a fact worth knowing before you lace up. Once you've earned the altitude, the path levels into something older and quieter: a muletrack that for centuries was the only route connecting these coastal villages, worn smooth by the hooves of animals carrying fior di latte cheese down from Agerola toward Positano and Praiano.
Along the way you pass through holm-oak and arbutus, past springs of drinkable water, and across terraces where lemon groves cling to near-vertical limestone. Sheep and goats graze on the margins. Raptors circle the cliffs above Monte Pertuso, the peak whose rock bears a hole locals say the Madonna made with her own fingers.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who've walked it more than once tend to flag the same things: start from Bomerano rather than climbing from Praiano unless you want the full leg-burn, carry cash for Il Chiosco del Sentiero degli Dei at the far end — the lemon-orange granita and the toasted sandwiches are the real finish line — and check local authority alerts the morning you go, since wildfires or landslides can close it without much notice.
The story behind Sentiero degli Dei (Praiano section)
Before the Bourbon kingdom built the coastal road that now stitches the Amalfi towns together, this muletrack was the connection — the only one. Generations of farmers and traders walked it loaded with cheese and produce, navigating the same stone staircases and rock-cut passages that hikers use today.
The name came later. Giustino Fortunato, a 19th-century politician and mountaineer, walked the route and was struck by the elevation and the scale of the views. He called it the Sentiero degli Dei — the Path of the Gods — and the name held. The Convent of San Domenico, visible from the Praiano approach, stands as one of the few built landmarks along a route that is otherwise defined by the landscape itself.
Good to know
Take the SITA Sud bus to the Bomerano stop in Agerola (about 40 minutes from Amalfi) and walk west toward Praiano, finishing in Nocelle. The Mobility Amalfi Coast local bus runs Nocelle down to Positano roughly once an hour in high season (€1.30). No entrance fee. Allow three to five hours.
April, May, September, and October are the most reliable months — warm enough for short sleeves once you're moving, cool enough that the midday sun doesn't punish you. Summer heat on the exposed sections is serious; winter brings mud and occasional landslide risk after heavy rain. Early spring mornings can shift fast, so a light layer at the start makes sense.
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What travellers say about Sentiero degli Dei (Praiano section)
🌄 Review: Perth of Gods Hiking Trail – A Slice of Heaven on Earth If you’re anywhere near this part of town, do yourself a favor and stop by the Perth of Gods hiking trail. It’s nothing short of breathtaking. The trail winds through nature’s finest work, offering panoramic views that feel almost divine—hence the name! Every step reveals a new vantage point more stunning than the last. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful escape, this trail delivers serenity, beauty, and a touch of magic. The air is crisp, the path well-marked, and the scenery? Absolutely unforgettable. Perfect for sunrise treks, photo ops, or simply soaking in the grandeur of the landscape. Perth of Gods is a must-visit gem that will leave you in awe.
Amazing views and an awesome experience! Very challenging hike - plan on using your hands occasionally!
The stairs are no joke. This is not a hike for kids or anyone with any physical limitations. At parts the stairs can be uneven, rocky, steep without hand rails. However, if you’re in decent shape and want a slight challenge, this is a BEAUTIFUL hike. There is a water station at the top of the climb before you start going across the ridge line. From Praiano to the top, we passed maybe 3 people. The ridge line was more crowded because there are multiple entrances and tour guides take people up in a shuttle, hop off at the ridge line and do a short hike to see the views. Stop in Nocelle at Lemon Point for a lemon granita - so refreshing after a hike. From there it’s all downhill (stairs) to Positano. Also go in the morning, the cliffs provide shade from the sun for most of the climb.
JFDI. What a beautiful walk and such a perfect way of seeing the gorgeous coastline. Praiano up to the monastery was easy, beyond to the trail was interesting, but once we worked out the paint marks on the stones it was obvious!! The main path to Nocelle was nice and flat. You have to do this.
Incredibly beautiful trail we’ve enjoyed a number of times over the years. We recommend the upper loop. Bring plenty of water, and a picnic.
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