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Walking the Amalfi Coast
The walk from Bomerano to Nocelle
High above the Amalfi Coast, the Path of the Gods follows the mountainside through cultivated terraces, limestone cliffs and pockets of woodland. Walking west from Bomerano towards Nocelle, the coast opens ahead towards Positano, the Sorrento Peninsula and, on clear days, Capri.
The Path of the Gods can be a rewarding day out from Naples, Sorrento or Positano. You can use public transport, or ExpertoItaly can arrange private transfers to the start and collection after the walk as part of your holiday. Staying in Agerola is another option, with the trail close by and time for other walks, local food and quieter evenings above the coast.
The route at a glance
Start: Piazza Paolo Capasso in Bomerano, one of Agerola’s hamlets.
Trail finish: Nocelle, above Positano.
Walking: roughly 6–8 km and three to four hours, depending on the variant and pauses.
Whole outing: allow a full day including travel; continuing from Nocelle to Positano adds a separate descent or bus journey.
The Bomerano start avoids the substantial uphill approach from the coast. The route still undulates and crosses rough ground; it is not a continuous downhill walk. From the square, follow signs for the Sentiero degli Dei along Via Pennino. Carry a current route map, especially where paths branch towards Praiano.
Cliffs, terraces and rural life
The views are only part of the interest. Dry-stone walls hold small fields against the slopes, while old buildings stand close to rock overhangs. These details explain the effort involved in farming a coast with very little level ground.
The pale rock faces belong to the limestone and dolomite landscape of the Monti Lattari. Around Grotta del Biscotto, cemented fragments of older rock create a different texture. Erosion and the steep relief have left the ledges, gullies and pinnacles that give the walk its changing outlook.
Goats can sometimes be seen on the rock faces, and the route alternates between open scrub and greener, shaded stretches. Take your time to enjoy these details as well as the coastal views.
Terrain, timing and preparation
The walk suits people who are comfortable spending several hours on uneven paths. Expect rocky steps, loose ground, short climbs and exposed sections with steep drops. Walking shoes with good grip are essential; significant difficulty with heights is a reason to choose another outing. For children, previous walking experience and sure-footedness matter more than a simple age threshold.
Spring and autumn generally offer more comfortable walking temperatures. In summer, set off early where possible and carry enough water, sun protection and a light layer. Take an offline map and a charged phone. Check local route notices and the forecast before departure; postpone in storms, strong winds, poor visibility or heavy rain.
A local walking guide can explain the landscape and help set a suitable pace. When arranging a guided day, specify Bomerano to Nocelle, whether the onward descent is included, and the pick-up and return arrangements.
From Nocelle down to Positano
Nocelle is above Positano, not at its waterfront. Pause here before deciding how to continue. The local bus offers an alternative to the long descent on foot; allow for the wait and the walk from its Positano stop to the harbour.
If ExpertoItaly is arranging your day, we can also organise collection at an agreed road-accessible meeting point in Nocelle. This lets you finish after the main trail without adding the long descent towards Positano.
The staircase towards Arienzo has around 1,700 steps. It reaches the coastal road, with a further approach into Positano, including a road section with traffic. It adds effort and time, particularly for tired knees. Allow roughly another hour to an hour and a half for the descent and onward approach, according to your pace and chosen route.
For a ferry home, plan to reach the pier at Spiaggia Grande comfortably before the operator’s boarding deadline. A pause for lunch or a swim is enjoyable when the connections leave enough time; it should not depend on hurrying the last section of the walk.
A day trip from Naples, Sorrento or Positano
The classic walk starts in Bomerano and finishes in Nocelle, above Positano. Plan the outward and return journeys together, allowing time for your walking pace and any onward journey into Positano. You can organise the day independently, use private transfers, or combine the two.
Private transfers arranged by ExpertoItaly
ExpertoItaly can arrange private transfers to Bomerano from Naples, Sorrento, Positano or your base elsewhere on the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula. We can also arrange collection after the walk, with the meeting point and timing agreed around your route and plans for the afternoon.
A direct transfer gives you more control over your starting time and avoids changing between ferries and buses on the way to the trail. It is particularly useful in summer for an early start, or when public transport would leave little time for the walk.
Your return can take several forms:
- Collection at Nocelle: finish the main walk and meet your driver at an agreed point accessible by road. This avoids the long staircase towards Arienzo and the onward approach to Positano. Allow for the walk from the trail finish to the meeting point.
- Collection in Positano: continue into town, spend time over lunch or by the sea, then meet your driver for the return to your accommodation.
- Transfer out, ferry back: travel directly to Bomerano, walk to Nocelle and continue down to Positano for a ferry to Sorrento or Naples, when the seasonal timetable and weather allow.
We can arrange transport for either or both journeys, and a local walking guide if you would like one. Collection points depend on road access; the driver cannot meet you on the trail or on Positano’s pedestrian waterfront. We confirm these details in advance. A private transfer simplifies the travel, but the walk itself still requires suitable fitness and confidence on uneven, exposed ground.
Discuss the walk as part of your holiday with Antonio.
Independent travel: the options at a glance
| Your base | Getting to Bomerano | Returning after the walk |
|---|---|---|
| Naples | A direct SITA service to Bomerano, when running on your date | Continue from Nocelle to Positano for a seasonal ferry to Naples Beverello |
| Sorrento | An early ferry to Amalfi, then a SITA bus uphill to Bomerano; alternatively, travel to Amalfi by bus | Continue to Positano for a ferry or bus to Sorrento |
| Positano | Ferry or coastal bus to Amalfi, then a bus to Bomerano; Travelmar also offers a combined ferry and shuttle option | From Nocelle, take the local bus or descend on foot towards Positano |
These are route options, not guaranteed connections. Check every stage for your travel date before setting out.
From Naples
SITA route 5080 includes direct services from Naples to Agerola. Choose a departure that specifically calls at Bomerano: some buses shown in the same timetable finish elsewhere, and the operating days vary. Confirm both your Naples boarding point and the arrival time at Bomerano.
After the walk, allow time to reach Positano’s waterfront before taking a seasonal ferry to Molo Beverello. This can make an enjoyable circuit, but it needs to fit the return sailing comfortably. If the bus and ferry timings do not work for your date, consider an arranged transfer for one or both journeys.
SITA Campania timetables · NLG Naples–Positano sailings
From Sorrento
An early ferry from Sorrento to Amalfi, followed by a SITA bus to Bomerano, combines the sea journey with the walk. The scheduled uphill bus journey from Amalfi is approximately 40 minutes, plus waiting time. Check the connection before choosing your ferry.
Travelling to Amalfi by coastal bus is another possibility, with a change for Bomerano. Allow for traffic and waiting at both stages. After the walk, continue to Positano for a ferry or bus back to Sorrento.
If you would like an earlier start, ExpertoItaly can arrange a transfer directly from your accommodation to Bomerano. You can still return by sea when a suitable sailing is available.
Sorrento–Amalfi ferries · Positano–Sorrento ferries
From Positano
Travel east to Amalfi by ferry or coastal bus, then take the bus uphill to Bomerano. You will walk west towards Nocelle and your starting town.
Travelmar’s combined ferry and shuttle provides another way to connect Positano with Bomerano via Amalfi. Check when you would actually reach the trail: a convenient connection can still mean starting late in the morning.
For greater control over your departure time, we can arrange a private transfer from Positano directly to Bomerano. At the end, choose between the local bus from Nocelle, an arranged collection or the descent on foot. The long staircase is an optional addition to the main walk.
Check the whole day before setting out
Bus timetables distinguish weekdays, Sundays, public holidays and, in some cases, school days. Ferry services vary by season and can be disrupted by sea conditions. Use the operators’ current timetables and leave a generous margin between finishing the walk and any fixed return departure.
If you plan to return by ferry, decide on a practical road alternative in advance. From Positano, Sorrento can be reached by bus; continuing to Naples adds an onward rail journey. An arranged private return is another option. Avoid relying on finding transport at short notice after the last boat has gone.
Stay above the coast
Stay for Agerola’s villages and mountain paths
Agerola is a group of upland hamlets in the Monti Lattari, with farms, dairies, village shops and walking routes. Bomerano is the familiar trailhead, while San Lazzaro occupies another part of the district. Check the exact location of your accommodation: “Agerola” does not mean that everything is within a few minutes’ walk.
For travellers who enjoy walking and quieter evenings, this is a good place to settle for several nights. You can start the Path of the Gods without travelling up from the coast, then use other days for the villages and landscape around you. Expect cooler evenings than at sea level and allow time for the winding bus journey when visiting Amalfi.
Food and another day in the mountains
Agerola’s dairy traditions are a useful introduction to its farming identity. Try the local fiordilatte, the cow’s-milk cheese used widely in Campanian cooking. Ask about a pre-booked dairy visit or cheese-making experience, such as the Milk Experience at La Fattoria del Castello; confirm availability and arrangements before building the day around it.
For another substantial walk, the Tre Calli route climbs above Bomerano to broad mountain and sea views. It involves a steeper ascent than the classic Path of the Gods and deserves its own time and preparation.
Balance a walking day with Amalfi and neighbouring Atrani, or continue from Amalfi up to Ravello. For the Path of the Gods day itself, return from Positano by ferry to Amalfi and then bus to Agerola. This makes a satisfying circuit when the ferry timetable, sea conditions and bus connection suit your day.
Villa Paradiso Resort: a quieter Amalfi Coast stay
Villa Paradiso Resort in Agerola suits travellers who want open sea views, walking days and evenings away from the busiest coastal centres. It is a small B&B with a panoramic setting, rather than a large resort with an extensive programme of facilities.
A sea-view room with its own balcony or terrace makes the most of the location. Breakfast, time on the terrace and dinner locally can be as much part of the stay as the excursions. Ask the property to confirm the best way to reach Bomerano and the correct bus stop for each outing.
Four or five nights gives room for the Path of the Gods, a local food experience, a coastal visit and some unplanned time. It also pairs well with a few nights in Naples, or with Ischia for a subsequent stay by the water. We can arrange the accommodation, private transfers and a walking guide within a tailor-made Amalfi Coast holiday.
Route background: Pro Agerola’s Path of the Gods guide. Its approximately 9 km / 4½-hour description includes continuing to Positano; this article distinguishes the Nocelle trail finish from the onward descent.
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The hardest part is actually taking the steps from Positano to Nocelle! Excellent write-up and we used this to know what to expect on the hike. Thank you!