The Amalfi Coast: Day 5 – The Path of the Gods

All week our guides have talked about the Path of the Gods and it did not disappoint. The open areas on the trail provided great views of the sea below. We met both local people who still farm along this rugged area as well as hikers of all ages from a number of different countries. We took the route from Agerola to Positano, stopping in Nocelle for lunch. Our shuttle took us to Agerola where we gathered to discuss the trail.

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The sign indicating the start of the trail. 

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In some places we are 650 meters above sea level. The footing is mostly uncivilized but the path is clear and well-marked.

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And we meet all sorts of travelers.

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Besides this steady horse, we met people from Australia, England, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, and the U.S. The couple from Australia were on their honeymoon and she had been a member of their crewing team at the Rio Olympics. We stopped frequently to take in the view. 

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Posing for a photo with Positano over my left shoulder  

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Heading uphill again.

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There are two routes and we took the higher path trying to avoid some of the traffic. This route was also less exposed to some of the cliffs. Looking over at the Li Galli Islands. Also called the Sirenuse, this small archipelago of three islands was reputed to be the home of the Sirens. At one point Russian ballet dancer Rudolph Nureyev owned the islands and stayed in the villa on the largest one. 

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Here we are heading up past an abandoned dwelling. These upper terraces were once populated and cultivated. Not easy to get to though. No electricity or television up here. 

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Looking down at tiny boats moving around. 

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Our hiking poles came in really handy here too, especially in providing some relief to the knees on the downhill sections. 

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Taking a break. 

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Then we see a guy from Slovenia walking up the trail carrying his mountain bike. I hope he found some place to actually ride it. 

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A little more uphill going. 

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Then weaving our way down.  

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After about 7K and 3 or so hours, a wonderful lunch awaited us in Nocelle at the Santa Croce Restaurant along the trail. We especially loved the fresh fruit and vegetable salads.

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We elected to stop at this point and take the shuttle into Positano, our new home for the next two nights. The next section was walking downhill on the paved road with traffic, and the final section to Positano involved navigating a series of steps downhill which those of us with bad knees were advised to forego. That was clearly me. On the way to the shuttle we met another traveler. 

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Checking in to the lovely Le Agavi Hoel in Positano. 

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The lobby area. 

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The view from our room. 

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Looking across the bay at dusk. 

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That evening our guides take us on a walking tour of town. Lots of shops, lots of linen. Vincenzo told us the cool outfit for men included a pink linen shirt. Our walk ended at the beach level where there were several restaurants. 

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We headed back uphill and ate at the outdoor Al Palazzo Restaurant. The end of another great day.

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