Visiting Amalfi Coast/Path of Gods this summer

Hello, I am looking for help organizing a visit to the Amalfi Coast and Path of Gods at the end of July. We are a family of 4 (with 2 teens), and this is our first time in Italy. We are planning on going from Naples to stay for 3 days in Vico Equence to visit the Coast, and then going to Rome. We thought of Vico Equence as a base because it seemed more convenient to get to and from, without being as touristy or expensive as Sorrento. Could anyone suggest how to proceed for such a visit or possible itineraries? Are there different paths? Is it possible to get to the starting point of the Path by taxi and come back to Sorrento by ferry for example? Thanks in advance for any advice!

I suggest you do a search of the forum. There are numerous posts about this region, regarding just about every possible issue, and about the viability of the Pathway of the Gods (currently closed), including:

• https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/permalink/post/22828891
• https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/permalink/post/22841703

See also:

• http://theamalficoast.online/amalfi_coast_hiking_trekking_guide.html

Amalfi coast bus routes:

• http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/orari

The Path of the Gods is open. We hiked it from the trail head in Bomerano (we stayed in Pianillo a five to seven minute walk to the trail head & a bus stop for those coming up from Amalfi to make the walk downhill) to Nocelle on 10 May 2018. We elected to catch the bus from Nocelle into Positano -- its a lot of steps from Nocelle to Positano and another 1.5 hours. We had lunch in Positano and took the ferry to Amalfi. We had ice cream in Amalfi and caught the bus back to Pianillo. It is a beautiful walk and therefore you won't be making it by yourselves, there will be many others on the Path.

There are more than one other trail head located in Bomerano. At least one heads uphill into the mountains above Bomerano. The information office in Borerano -- across the street from the square and bus stop -- can provide information and a map. You can also catch a bus from Bomerano to Naples, about 1.5 hrs in time.

It is actually both 'open' and 'closed'.

Officially it is closed.Bomerano to Nocelle is deemed 'unsafe' and official groups and guides are not supposed to take people on that path.

Unofficially individuals (and some 'cowboy' guides) are still using it.Official guides will not use it,as if anything happened they would be liable.

Just to add to what Lucapal has written, if you do have an accident on the path your insurance is also invalid. The sign saying the path is closed is quite small and not very obvious.

Sounds perfect for teens!

Thanks for the replies. How unsafe is it? What kind of risks are we atlking about? When I read the message saying it was open, I thought I just had to figure out if there is a bus that goes from Vico Equense or Sorrento to Bomerano (since I could take the ferry on our way back from Positano at the end of the Path), but now, I am not sure if we should still try that Path?

My wife is 70 & I am 67 and we were not the oldest on the trail that day. There were a group of about 30 English with a younger tour leader who appeared to be in our age group and a group of 20 Germans in their early 60's. There was one spot maybe 10' across that had been washed out by rain that caused everyone to pause and cross carefully. This Path was much safer than the sidewalks in India.

I am not disputing the safety of it, just saying it is officially closed. So walk it at your own risk.

So it looks like many people are using it. I undersatnd that we would just need to be careful then. Would anyone know what the best (and fastest) way to get to Bomerano from Vico Equense or Sorrento is? Thanks again for the help!

The trail for the most part is wide enough for 2 to 4 people to walk side by side. The steps cut into the rock are good steps but of varying height as one would expect on any trail. There were several places where the steps were deep/long and both my wife and I were careful -- teenage boys with good hips and knees will have no trouble with these steps nor most likely their parents. Every morning for over a week I watched people walk by our balcony window from the bus stop to the trailhead. All types of ages and physical conditions.

You need to get to Amalfi first (bus from Sorrento)and then take another bus from there.

Its a slow trip,especially in summer when the road will be very busy.

Thanks! I just watched some videos and the Path looks pretty steep in some places... Is it still doable for people with Vertigo? What's the difference between the high hill Path and the low hill one? I also read that a possible alternative for a nice hike is to walk from Ravello to Monori. Is it comparable?

There was one spot maybe 10' across that had been washed out by rain...

Do you suppose all that traffic will make it more or less easy to repair (could that be why it's closed)?
Or even to navigate in 6 weeks?

...that caused everyone to pause and cross carefully

What's the terrain like if you do slip off in this section?
Do you roll onto a grassy or wooded area and get muddy?
Or do you fall off a cliff?

So it looks like many people are using it

Doesn't your Inner Parent kick in when you hear yourself saying that?

I undersatnd that we would just need to be careful then

That is, after all, what teenagers are known for: extreme caution.
Be a good tourist (and role model). Obey the rules.

The Minori to Ravello path was quite pleasant, but I have not done Path of the Gods to compare it to.
I may be overly cautious in general, but I have utmost respect for the people who have to rescue anyone who gets into trouble on these paths, and if it is closed, I would respect that it is for a reason. In Liguria, we once missed a turnoff, and before we knew it, we were on a steep vertical cliff-side, which we quickly backtracked from--this terrain is no joke!
There are numerous other paths as well (see a tourist office for maps). The ones from Amalfi were nice because they are partially shaded.

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