Footpath of the Gods

Not answering your question directly about the difficulty of this hike, but I will address safety.

1st, you should have good supportive hiking boots, something that supports the ankle with a great sole. Not cheap Merrels..but good hiking boots like Asolo or Lowa --if you want good footing and good support.

2nd, hike with poles. This gives you the support and helps with balance hiking up and down hills. They also take the pressure OFF your knees and hips. Think of trekking poles as 4 wheel drive in your car. I certainly feel more confident when I can place my poles in front of me and support my balance and assist my body weight when hiking down a hill.

3rd, make sure you have the correct clothing for the weather, ALWAYS have rain gear, extra food (even just a few miles from town) and plenty of drinking water with you..a hat or a Buff for the sun and rain, wind, etc.

These 3 points will allow you to hike with more safety anywhere in Italy, or France or Spain for that matter in the summertime.

4th, you are not a wimp, just not experienced enough, but it sounds like it's something you like to do. If you are mindful of your surroundings and are equipped with the correct hiking supplies, you should be able to walk pretty much anywhere you want...

There is nothing like hiking anywhere. you get to slow down, move at your own pace and really stop to smell, see and enjoy your surroundings!

One more bit of advice is if you are going solo, let your hotel know where you are going and when you expect to be back just in case you have an accident during the hike.

Hi Kristen.
We have not managed to hike the Sentiero degli Dei yet, but have hiked in the area. We are in our 60s and fit, so I am sure you can do it physically, but the logistics can be difficult. The "best" starting point us supposed to be Agerola, which takes time to get to, especially from Sorrento. You end in Montepertuso or Nocelle, where you can take a bus down to Positano, although you can walk own too. Lots of steps the last section! We have not done the hike yet because it seems one might need to stay in Amalfi Town -- or have a car -- to make that happen easily. I have a great little book on hiking in the areas called "Walking on the Amalfi Coast," published by Cicerone. (I think I got it on Amazon.com.) There are many hikes in the region to contemplate if you cannot manage the logistics of the SdD.

But also, you may be able to hike with a group! The Free Ramblers accept guests and hike nearly every weekend when the weather permits. Giovanni Visetti is a key member/organizer and you can contact him, in English, by email for more info. I believe he will also act as a guide according to YOUR schedule. Maybe he can even arrange transportation to the start of the hike.

Good luck! Be sure to come back and tell us what you did!

Ellen, thank you for the hiking tips and pep talk! Gail, that is great advice and I will definitely do that. Laurel, I have seen Giovanni mentioned on other websites too so I think I will email him.

also, I found a book- Sorrento, Amalfi, Capri car tours and walks. Someone mentioned it in another post and it is quite helpful. She gives specifics on the difficulty of each walk and good maps. Just thought I would mention it in case anyone else who reads the post is in the same boat as me!

Kristen