5 Best Routes for Hiking on the Amalfi Coast (+ Path of the Gods)

The Amalfi Coast of South Italy is a place of unparalleled beauty, with its rugged coastline, turquoise waters, and charming villages perched on cliffs. While many visitors come to the region to soak up the Mediterranean sunshine and enjoy the beach life, there is another way to experience the natural splendor of the Amalfi Coast: hiking. But where should you go hiking on the Amalfi Coast? And what time of year is ideal for a hiking adventure?

Discover sights and scenes you wouldn’t have otherwise experienced while hiking on the Amalfi Coast. Photo credit: Jakob Owens

The best time to hike in the Amalfi Coast is spring and autumn. The sun is strong in the summer and it can get very hot. No matter the season, be sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen. We also recommend bringing a bathing suit and beach towel — these hikes are along the Mediterranean sea, after all.

Insider’s tip: See our top travel essentials for a trip to Italy, along with a few items you can leave at home.

All of the trails below are accessible by car or motorcycle, but there are also transport options listed for each. For more information about getting around the Amalfi coast, check out our useful guide. Now, lace up your boots and get ready to discover the natural beauty of the region while hiking on the Amalfi Coast.

Sentiero degli Dei, or “The Path of the Gods,” on the Amalfi coast. The name says it all!

5 Best Paths for Hiking on the Amalfi Coast

Sentiero degli Dei — The Path of the Gods

The Path of the Gods is a popular trail that runs from the village of Bomerano to the village of Nocelle, above Positano. From Nocelle you can choose to take the bus or the long staircase (with amazing views) down to Positano. The path along the Bomerano – Nocelle section is well-maintained, and hikers will enjoy spectacular views of the rocky Sorrentine peninsula over the bright blue sea.

Along the way, you will see a wide and colorful assortment of wildflowers. Keep an eye out for the rare uomo nudo (naked man) orchid during the springtime—it gets its name from its unique petals that resemble, well, small naked men! Expect a relatively crowded path on beautiful weekend days. We promise it doesn’t spoil the view, though.

Getting there

Take the 5080 bus from Naples (90 minutes) or Amalfi (40 minutes), or take a Travelmar shuttle from Amalfi.

Trail difficulty

Moderate, rocky trail. Lots of downhill steps from Nocelle to Positano.

Hiking time

Bomerano to Nocelle about 2-3 hours. Bomerano all the way to Positano about 4-5 hours.

Hiking the Path of the Gods is an incredible way to explore the Amalfi Coast. Photo credit: Ken Mayer

Sentiero dei Limoni — The Path of the Lemons

If you want a trail that’s short and sweet, then the Path of the Lemons is an ideal option for hiking on the Amalfi Coast. This trail winds through the terraced lemon groves between Minori and Maiori. It’s a relatively easy trail, making it perfect for families. There are about 400 steps to conquer at the beginning and end, but the hilltop views are worth it. You can start the trail in either Minori or Maiori.

Various houses and farm stands along the path open their doors for travelers, giving you a chance to sample some of their limoncello or fresh lemonade. If you end up in Minori, don’t miss the chance to go to the pastry shop Sal de Riso. It’s one of the best pastry shops in the region, serving not only luxurious pastries, but refreshing and delicious gelato, too.

Getting there

Arrive in Minori or Maiori by ferry

Trail difficulty

Easy, paved path, with 400 stairs at the beginning and end.

Hiking time

1-2 hours

The charming town of Minori is a great place to begin this Amalfi Coast hike. Photo credit: Alessandro

Valle dei Mulini — Valley of the Mills

The Valle delle Ferriere is a nature reserve located above Amalfi. If you want to go into the natural reserve area with rare plants, you can get tickets from an infopoint in the town of Pontone. You can also explore part of the reserve for free by taking the Valle dei Mulini trail.

The trail takes you through a lush forest filled with waterfalls and streams. It’s the most shady and sheltered option on this list, great for those hot summer months. The trail starts in Pontone and takes you down through the valley towards Amalfi. You’ll encounter the ruins of old flour mills from the Republic of Amalfi, dating all the way back to the 13th century!

Getting there

Take the SITA bus either directly to Pontone from Amalfi or bus to Ravello and walk from there (about 45 minutes from Ravello).

Trail difficulty

This is an easy trail along a dirt path.

Hiking time

2-3 hours

Stairs from Minori to Ravello

Ravello is one of the most popular towns on the coast, and is another great option for hiking on the Amalfi Coast. Villas, gardens, and panoramic views of the coast…what more could you want? Most people take the bus to Ravello, but active travelers can take the scenic stairs from the town of Minori. The path climbs its way through terraced vineyards, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged coastline. The path has over 1000 stairs — it was like the gym before gyms existed!

If you want to just go downhill, you can do that too by taking the bus up to Ravello and then following the signs back down to Torello/Minori.

Getting there

Take the bus to Ravello or ferry to Minori.

Difficulty

Moderate if you do a round trip; easy if you just do Ravello to Minori.

Hiking time

Ascent 2-3 hours, descent 1-2 hours

The views from Ravello’s coastline are unparalleled.

Baia di Ieranto

The Baia di Ieranto is a secluded cove surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush vegetation, and can only be reached on foot. The hike to the cove starts from the village of Nerano, near the very tip of the Amalfi coast. The town is the namesake of the well-known pasta dish spaghetti alla Nerano with succulent fried zucchini. Try it if you stay in Nerano for lunch or dinner.

The route to the bay from Nerano takes you through charming olive groves and offers stunning views of the coastline and the sea. Once you arrive at the Baia di Ieranto, you will be rewarded with crystal clear water, so don’t forget your beach towel and bathing suit.

Because it’s near the furthest tip of the Amalfi coast, it’s easier to get there from the Sorrento side. That said, we couldn’t resist including it in this article because it’s such an amazing hike!

Getting there

Take the SITA bus from Sorrento or Massa Lubrense to Nerano.

Trail difficulty

Easy-moderate dirt path, uphill on the way back from the bay.

Hiking time

2-3 hours round trip

Soaking in the view of Baia di Ieranto is a fantastic way to cap off your hike. Photo credit: Thomas Möllmann

From scenic coastal walks to forest trails, the Amalfi Coast offers a wide range of hiking opportunities. Instead of sticking to the usual town sightseeing and beach visits, add some adventure to your itinerary with a hike up the hills. You won’t be disappointed.