Husband and I are doing Path of the Gods in July. Our schedule allows for us to do the hike on a Sunday. We're early risers and want to get started on the hike as early as possible (avoid heat + crowds). I pulled up the SITA schedule ... am I reading this correctly that the first bus from Amalfi going toward Bomerano leaves Amalfi at 11:40AM?!
https://www.ravello.com/sita-bus-schedule/amalfi-agerola-naples/
It may be for a Sunday. Grabbing a taxi might even be a better option than the bus if you want to get there very early. And getting there VERY early sounds like a great idea. I did a morning hike in May (not sure of the time, but arrived in Nocelle for lunch) and there were already plenty of people and it got hot. Don’t underestimate the sun. You’re exposed for the majority of the hike.
I’d check the schedule at the other end too, from Nocelle to Positano. The problem with these infrequent busses can also be that there’s a ton of people trying to get on them. A taxi down from Nocelle might be part of the plan too. You can walk down from Nocelle, but it is a hike on its own.
I’m pretty anti-PotG, but understand if your heart is set on it. If you’re not sure it’s worth the effort, I’ll tell you it’s not really. As an alternative, a day in Ravello offers very similar views. Or in Positano, take a bus or taxi to the top of town and hike down.
Are taxis on an early Sunday morning a common and easy thing to get in Amalfi?
I’ve looked into some options to reserve but it’s well over $100 and that’s difficult to rationalize.
Travelmar offers a shuttle but it must be booked in combination with a ferry ride and as I’ll already be in Amalfi, I do not need the ferry.
I plan on taking the ferry from Positsno back to Amalfi after the hike and some time exploring Positano.
My heart is somewhat set on this hike but open to other hike options. Usually, my vacations are backpacking trips, far from civilization. I’m trying to mentally prepare for crowds. So many things to see in Italy!
We were in Positano and Amalfi last year. In May, it was already stifling and crowded. Positano was a constant flow of humanity up and down the streets. Around Amalfi, from the bus, the trail looked crowded, unprotected and boiling hot. If you're going to get on a bus, have your ticket in hand and get there early at the FIRST stop. Space is limited and everybody will cram on. There's no room for anybody at subsequent stops. The roads are curvy, the stops abrupt and be prepared if you get carsick. Everybody drives with their horn. It is an experience you will never forget!
I did this hike 2 weeks ago on a Sunday. I didn’t take the bus so I can’t comment on that but may have some helpful information. First of all, I thought the hike was worth it. I originally didn’t plan on doing it because it seemed hard to get to and crowded. It was pretty crowded and I learned that on Sundays the crowds are bigger because a lot of locals do the hike in addition to the many tourists. The views were amazing! It was also hot and very humid, at least it was for me coming from the dry heat of the West. Bring plenty of water. I booked a tour guide for the trip simply because we wanted to have transportation there and back and not have to worry about the bus. I’m an avid hiker here in the Rockies and would not normally book a guide but it was worth it to save time.
Amy! Hello, fellow hiker!
I’m an avid backpacker in the Sierra (PCT and JMT) … glad a fellow hiker can speak from experience on this one! May I ask how much a guide was? I’d also never consider hiring a guide for something like this but I’m running into dead ends trying to find transportation from Amalfi to the trailhead and I’d hate to rely on getting a taxi the morning of … I’m far more of a planner than that 🤣 I’m considering just walking the 6 miles from Amalfi to the trailhead and then doing the trail. Would probably leave by 4am to be at the trailhead by 7am. What do you think?
The guide was 60 euros per person which seemed very reasonable to me. We were picked up in Sorrento, though, so I’m not sure if there is an option from Amalfi. If you hiked up to the trail that would be quite a climb especially in July!
Along the way, there was a farmer with a snack of fresh goat cheese, tomatoes, bread and wine that you could partake of for a small donation. It was such a nice surprise and delicious of course. I hope you can work out the details. Those views are worth it!
