Path of the Gods: the view that silences the sirens' song

When one is captivated by such beauty, sometimes it is difficult to believe that what impacts our gaze so divinely is anything but a dreamlike vision. This is what happens with the Path of the Gods, a place so suggestive that it seems surreal. Here nature seduces its spectators, time stops, and the journey seems never to reach an end. The Sentiero degli Dei on the Amalfi Coast is certainly one of the most sought-after destinations in recent years, succeeding in sublimely blending the ancient atmosphere with a breathtaking view that never seems to age.

The legend that becomes a path The choice of the name is by no means random: it seems that there is an intrinsic connection between the famous Amalfi path and Homer's Odyssey. The legend, therefore, narrates that it was the Gods of Olympus themselves who traced this path to help Ulysses escape the enchanting song of the sirens. It is a pity that this alluring effect, in reality, has never faded. On the contrary, it has only been replaced by the wonder of the site which invariably ends up trapping its visitors in an immediate aesthetic vision. It must be said, however, that even today, walking the path among the rocks suspended in the blue, it is difficult not to feel an inevitable call back to the Greece narrated by epic production.

In the heart of the Sentiero degli Dei route The route starts from Bomerano, a hamlet of Agerola, and does not stop for about 8 km until Nocelle, a small village above Positano. As much as this extraordinary experience is recommended to most, it is good to remember that it is still a trekking route that certainly requires adequate footwear. This does not mean, however, that the path is only reserved for expert hikers. The route, with its well-marked track, is in fact accessible to everyone. Therefore, once the excursion has begun, one must simply take care that their eyes do not risk getting completely lost in the evocative magic of the Mediterranean scrub in which the path is immersed. Breathtaking views will reduce the stress of daily life to oblivion, while from above one can glimpse the most renowned islands such as Li Galli, Punta Campanella, and Capri.

The stops not to be missed The Sentiero degli Dei is not just a place of monumental beauty, which, in the eyes of some, might even seem on the verge of contemplation. Few know that for a long time, even for centuries, the Path of the Gods was the only viable connection between the small mountain villages and the sea. It is no coincidence that continuing for the 8 km one encounters ancient rural houses, vine pergolas, and dry-stone walls, still exuding stories of the immense ingenuity and toil of the farming world. Below are some stops not to be missed:

• La Grotta del Biscotto presents itself as a cove in the rock that once housed the ovens for dry bread, the basic element of the peasant diet.
• Il Pistillo is none other than a particular type of rock formation that stands out like a natural monument.
• Nocelle is finally the final stage of the journey. After so many steps and so much effort, it is inevitable to refresh oneself with a lemon granita right in the middle of one of the most ineffable natural treasures of the Mediterranean.

Tips for the experience The impetuous sun of the summer months is certainly an essential and functional element for those who cannot wait to capture some formidable shots while continuing suspended among the rocks. However, the heat and the exuberant summer temperatures suggest a certain prudence: such as starting at dawn and equipping oneself with plenty of water. A light backpack, trekking shoes, and a hat are the 3 essential elements to enjoy the experience in full comfort. Once the last of the 1,700 steps towards Positano has been taken, one can truly understand the most authentic meaning of the Path of the Gods. The legend tells of a challenge against the sirens' song. Well, the clash is now clearly visible, and there is a winner. And not because Odysseus managed to escape, but because the sirens' song is now silenced by the rocky magnetism of the path: the new enchanter. To find out more, click here.

Photo credit: official website Sentiero degli Dei