Sentiero degli Dei trailhead (Scala section)
The red-and-white markers reading '02' are your first clue that this is a serious trail, not a scenic stroll. The Scala section of the Sentiero degli Dei begins above a coast that only became reachable by road in 1815 — before then, rock-hewn staircases and mule tracks were the only way between villages, and this path was one of them.
Along the way, springs of fresh drinkable water appear at intervals, wooden benches face out over the Tyrrhenian, and the Grotta del Biscotto opens in the rock face where rupestrian settlements once clung to the cliff. The trail connects Scala through Minuta toward Amalfi — roughly 1.8 miles, an hour or so of walking through Mediterranean scrubland on ancient stone.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who return tend to start early, before the sun clears the ridge. The Fontana Vecchia di Monte Pertuso is the water stop worth pausing at — views reach the Faraglioni of Capri on a clear morning. The short Scala–Minuta–Amalfi section suits those who want the path without committing to the full Bomerano–Nocelle traverse.
The story behind Sentiero degli Dei trailhead (Scala section)
Before the Nastro Azzurro coastal road was begun in 1815, the villages of the Amalfi Coast existed in near-isolation, connected only by steep stone staircases cut into the limestone. This trail was a lifeline — used for trade, for communication, and, during the era of Saracen raids, as an escape route into the interior hills.
Archaeological finds along the route — amphorae, coins, graves, and tunnel sections dating to the early Roman emperors — suggest the path is far older than its medieval reputation. It was the 19th-century politician and mountaineer Giustino Fortunato who gave it the name it carries now, after walking it himself. D.H. Lawrence and Italo Calvino were among those who followed.
Good to know
The trail is free and always open unless closed for wildfires or landslides. SITA buses connect Amalfi to Scala in around 30–40 minutes. Go in spring or early autumn; summer midday heat on exposed rock is punishing. Start as early as you can manage.
April through early June and September through October are the practical windows — the path is exposed, the stone holds heat, and July and August make midday hiking genuinely difficult. Winter brings rain and occasional small landslides that can temporarily close sections.
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What travellers say about Sentiero degli Dei trailhead (Scala section)
Absolutely stunning views!!! Went there at around noon, started at Bomerano, and ended in Nocelle, which is where the hike officially ends, then I walked to Positano. It was mostly downhill, and took me about 2h 40 mins at a leisurely pace and stopping to take lots of photos. I am quite an inexperienced hiker, and not very athletic, but if I tried harder, I could easily get it under 2 hours. However, it can very for everybody, with most people taking 3-6 hours to complete based on which direction they’re going. I felt that the most challenging part of the hike was not even the official hike itself, but it was the steps from Nocelle down to Positano, which are thousands of steps. It started off fine, but really got more difficult as it progressed. My soles were a bit sore after. From Nocelle to Positano it took an hour.”, bringing the total to around 4 hours. Definitely bring a good pair of shoes, bring some food, and at least 1-2 litres of water. Also research well on how to get there. It was so worth it!!!
Such beautiful scenery. Quicker than we thought. Started at Bomerano, walked to Nocelle and then down the steps to Positano. However we needed to walk the road the rest of the way so thinking maybe we took a wrong turn as it did appear there was a higher route from Nocelle to Positano.
The hike is very easy but extremely scenic! You will walk the whole track accompanied by breathtaking views of the coast. It starts in Bomerano village from the town's square. There are plenty of signs and you won't get lost. The square is also a good spot to prepare for the hike. You can have take sway panini made at a local shop and have breakfast at one of the many caffes there. Let you need any additional gear, there's a specialized shop as well with shoes, hiking poles, hats, bags, etc. The entire hike is about 4 to 5 hours long. You will cross the Nocelle village where you can stop for a refreshment before the 1400+ steps descent beack to the sea level. Ah, about that. I strongly recommend doing this track on the Bomerano -> Positano direction. The opposite way is nothing but suffering.
Planned to take the train from Bomerano to Nocelle, however we made a last minute decision to take the stairs down to Positano and skip Nocelle. The walk down to the Positano level from the official trail took about 25 min - shorter than expected. It was another 35 min to get to the main Positano area after getting down to the bottom. Did the trail on an overcast day which prevented us from taking in the views fully.
Great hike! Wonderful views! A bit crowded though. Definitely a more touristy hike but still wonderful! It took me and my spouse 2hr to complete the hike down to Positano.
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