Hello,
We will be in Positano next week and are really looking forward to hiking the Path of the Gods. There is a 60% chance of rain on both days that we can do this. How difficult will conditions be if we get rain during the hike and should we just ditch it and do something else?
Thanks,
Joan
So, unpopular opinion here, but I’d tell you to skip it raining or no. If you’re going from Bomerano to Nochelle as most do, it’s at least half your day. It’s not as easy hiking as it sounds. A good stretch of it is uneven, rocky ground. If it is raining, then a definite no. About the last third is on forested switchbacks and will be muddy. Long story short: I felt prepared, was sort of underwhelmed, and was generally exhausted by the end of it. My only regret in 10 days in Italy. I could name ten things I would have done with that day instead.
“Path of the Gods” sounds amazing. Whoever named it was brilliant because I would not have gone through the effort to hike “Trail #5” while on vacation. Sure the views are amazing, but the views are amazing EVERYWHERE there. I had just as satisfying views while having lunch in Ravello and on the ferry. Unless you’re avid hikers with time on your hands, it’s not worth it.
Last Oct we spent 5 days in Positano. We were traveling with my daughter and her husband---early 30's. I am in my early 60's and we are all very active. We wanted to hike and found a guide to take us. FYI---My husband is in his early 70's and we left him in town to do his own thing.
The Path of Gods was spectacular! It was my 3rd trip to Italy and I have to say the views were fantastic. By far the best 5 hours spent. We actually stayed in Ravello years ago and yes, it's beautiful but in my opinion nothing compared to this.
As far as rain---no, I would not hike it in the rain. We were a group of 10. Two people slipped and fell on our hike---including my daughter. No injuries but even if wearing hiking shoes and being proactive there was still the chance to slip on the loose gravel. I would not want to hike it alone just in case of something happening. But I am more cautious.
Enjoy your trip!
I will cast my vote for it being an awesome hike with wonderful views. Like caugustine above, my friend and I did it with a guide, which increased our enjoyment because she taught us about the plants and the history of the path/area as we hiked it. I would avoid it in the rain because there are a few places that are fairly rocky and other places where I'm sure it would be quite muddy. Cloud cover may also obscure the view if it's raining..
Thanks for all the input -- we will be there in July and the hike looks amazing! You start in Bomerano and end up in Positano? Those that said it was a bit tough - would you compare it to hiking the Cinque Terre?
I have not been to Cinque Terre so can't compare. However, in my previous reply I said you just really need to be extra careful of your footing. The loose gravel is so easy to slip on if your not watching where you step. But, I would definitely not call the hike tough.
Enjoy! It's spectacular! Our guide ended the hike with a lovely lunch of Italian meats, cheeses, bread and wine. Can't wait to go back!
You can take a bus down to positano. You can buy tickets in the little store to your left as you come off the trail.
Personally, I didn’t think the hike was that hard but then I would have had a different opinion had I walked down all the stairs to positano.
However, it would not be worth the effort if it was raining.
Thank you caugustine54 and BethFL. :-)
