I believed I had skilled a few of the most lovely trails on this planet, however that modified the day I hiked the Path of the Gods on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. At occasions, we wound our means by way of historic farms surrounded by terraced vineyards after which instantly emerged on the sting of a cliff with the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea seen so far as the attention may see. Up and down the coast had been villages of pastel-colored buildings perched on the cliffs.

In line with legend, this was the trail utilized by the gods to rescue Odysseus, who had tied himself to the mast of a ship to guard himself from the lethal tune of the sirens. What we all know for positive is that the Path of the Gods is only one of many trails on the Amalfi Coast used for a whole bunch of years for transportation between villages. Extra not too long ago, it’s grow to be the preferred climbing path within the area.

I had the chance to hike the Path of the Gods — and plenty of different space trails — on a spring journey to Italy with Discover Worldwide. We spent every week exploring the area on foot, very like the locals would have performed, lengthy earlier than motorized autos existed. In every week of great experiences, the Path of the Gods was my favourite. Listed here are my suggestions for anybody planning to hike this path.

My journey was hosted by Discover Worldwide, however all opinions are my very own.

1. Select Your Path

The Path of the Gods is an out-and-back path hugging the coast, passing by way of quite a lot of small villages. It may be personalized in line with your health stage and pursuits, so take a while upfront to think about your choices.

We hiked one of the crucial standard routes that begins in Bomerano and ends in Positano. Should you’re staying in Positano, this may simply be reversed. Whichever path you select, this route is roughly 6.8 miles.

Some folks want to start in Bomerano and finish their hike in Nocelle so as to keep away from the a whole bunch of stone and cement stairs all the way down to Positano. It will shorten your hike by at the least a mile and it’s a pleasant possibility for anybody involved about their knees.

Determine your route upfront after which decide how you’re going to get to the trailhead and return to your lodging. We took a public bus to the trailhead in Bomerano and had a personal bus take us again to our visitor home after having fun with a few hours in Positano. Public buses are each reasonably priced and dependable on this area; simply remember to search for the schedule, which does fluctuate all year long. 

2. Prepare Correctly

The Path of the Gods — or any hike on the Amalfi Coast — will contain steep ascents and descents and a great deal of stairs. You’ll wish to prepare correctly earlier than your journey.

Should you’re an skilled hiker, take into account including precise steps to your coaching routine. Anybody new to climbing will wish to spend a couple of months on native trails which have loads of elevation acquire, along with some step coaching. I do hike recurrently at dwelling however made a concerted effort to seek out steeper trails. Your legs will thanks for taking the time to arrange correctly.

3. Get An Early Begin

You’ll undoubtedly wish to get an early begin to your day to completely benefit from the Path of the Gods. We rose earlier than dawn, ate breakfast at midnight, and had been on the bus to Bomerano on the daybreak. It was all price it. For the primary hour on the path, we noticed no different hikers, solely locals working their farms.

This path can get significantly busy later within the day. That received’t damage the expertise as a result of the views are nonetheless gorgeous, however components of the trail are slender, so crowds may sluggish your progress. In case you are climbing in the summertime, an early begin may also imply cooler temperatures.

4. Hike In Spring Or Fall

Summer time is peak season for the Amalfi Coast, so if in any respect doable, plan your go to for the spring or fall. Temperatures will rise through the summer season that means the Path of the Gods path shall be each scorching and crowded. 

My go to was in late March, usually thought of the beginning of the vacationer season on the Amalfi Coast. Spring brings temperatures starting from the low 60s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. Fall is normally a bit hotter starting from the higher 60s to the low 80s.

Lots of the companies on the Amalfi Coast aren’t open through the winter. Whilst you may go to throughout this time, your choices for lodging, eating, and excursions shall be restricted.

5. Be Ready For Any Climate

With our early begin to the day, temperatures had been chilly, so I used to be completely happy to be carrying three layers — a light-weight long-sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt, and a windbreaker. By the tip of the day, I had eliminated two of these layers. With the various elevations and proximity to the ocean, temperatures fluctuate significantly all through the hike. A month after, I returned from Italy a buddy was climbing the Path of the Gods and skilled a complete day of rain. Come ready for a variety of climate and pack light-weight layers that may simply be shed and added to your backpack. And don’t overlook the sunscreen since lengthy components of the path are uncovered to the Solar.

6. Deliver Climbing Poles

My best shock about climbing on the Amalfi Coast was the limitless quantity of stairs. Anytime I consider climbing I assume a mud path — which definitely existed — however we spent a big period of time strolling up and down staircases. So in hindsight, I want I had introduced climbing poles. As somebody who doesn’t use these a lot at dwelling, I now notice they’d have been useful. Many in my group used poles and had been completely happy to have them.

I’ve learn various accounts of the variety of stairs between Nocelle and Positano — and I definitely wasn’t counting — however suffice it to say it was over a thousand. Climbing poles might need lessened the strain on my knees, which had been significantly sore after the hike.

7. Don’t Rush

Whereas the Path of the Gods is an efficient exercise, that’s not likely the purpose. This can be a hike the place you’ll wish to cease usually and benefit from the views of the ocean beneath and the encompassing villages. Whereas it’s doable to finish the hike in 2 hours, most individuals permit 4. Stops for photographs, water, and snacks are as a lot part of the expertise because the precise climbing.

8. Take pleasure in A Lemon Granita In Nocelle

Our group stopped in Nocelle to interrupt for lunch and provides our legs a relaxation. We gathered within the city sq. and sat on benches close to the village church — a remarkably picturesque place to take pleasure in sandwiches. 

Regardless of the idyllic setting, what was most memorable about Nocelle was Lemon Level, a small stand promoting drinks and snacks. And whereas there was a pleasant assortment of drinks, I extremely advocate the lemon granita — a tart, frozen lemonade good for drained hikers. The proprietor, Antonio, started this stand with a small folding desk and umbrella however finally constructed an enthralling stand embellished with the favourite produce of the area: lemons.

9. Calm down On The Seashore In Positano

Should you’re ending your hike in Positano, don’t rush to the bus. As an alternative, permit time to discover the city. Some folks complain that it’s a really touristy place, and it’s, however I loved it nonetheless.

We had 2 hours to take pleasure in Positano, so I started with a go to to the seashore. My scorching and drained ft appreciated the chilly ocean water for a couple of minutes. Then, I explored the streets and outlets. In case you are in want of something embellished with a lemon, you’ll discover it right here.

Lastly, I discovered my solution to a café to take pleasure in an area pastry known as delizia al limone. Sponge cake is stuffed with lemon cream, brushed with limoncello, and lined in a lemon and whipped cream glaze. I’ll lengthy keep in mind this wonderful desert.

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